Top-10 Outdoor Activities

February 20, 2025
12
Minute Reading

Must-Do Outdoor Activities

No matter the season, the perfect time to get outdoors in Antalya is all the time.

Tourists posing with the Taurus Mountains after hiking to 1250 meters at the Selge Ancient Theatre.
@kesifyolculari_


Table of Contents:


1.Lycian Way Trekking
2.Gelidonya Lighthouse
3.Gökbüvet Waterfall / Geyikbayiri Climbing
4.Antalya Rafting / Canyoning
5.Tahtalı Mountain Trekking
6.Olympos Cable Car
7.Island Boat Tour and Diving
8.Paragliding
9.Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota Diving
10.Selge Ancient Theatre / Hiking

Lycian Way Trekking

A tourist rappelling with a rope in the natural surroundings of the Lycian Way trekking route.
@farzanenaturelover

The Lycian Way is a 540 km way-marked footpath around the coast of Lycia in southern Turkey, from Fethiye to Antalya.  It was researched, designed and implemented by Kate Clow with Terry Richardson. The Lycian Way is a coastal walk and mild temperatures mean it can be walked throughout the winter months. According to the Sunday Times the Lycian Way is one of the ten most beautiful long distance hikes of the world.


Watch on YouTube: The Lycian Way Documentary


Download Lycian Way Maps from Ministry of Culture and Tourism Website


Gelidonya Lighthouse

A local woman posing with her sweet dog, enjoying the stunning sea view at Gelidonya Lighthouse.
@sila.maltese

Gelidonya Lighthouse, which takes its name from the word “kaledonia” meaning swallow in the Lycian language, is the highest lighthouse in Turkey.

In underwater research conducted by expert teams from Akdeniz University, it was determined that ships frequently sank in the Fener region in ancient times.

There are two ways to get to the lighthouse;

1) If you wish, you can go from Karaöz by car. The distance of the lighthouse to Karaöz is 8 km, you can complete 6 km of this road by car and the remaining 2 km on foot.

2) Another way to get to the lighthouse is to follow the Lycian road starting from Adrasan. This part is a 15 km track. This road hosts one of the most beautiful routes of the Lycian road, but every beauty has a price. If you are not a professional in this regard, this walking route will be quite difficult for you.

It is also possible to camp at Gelidonya Lighthouse. Travelers walking the Lycian Way set up their tents to rest on the wooden rise with benches on the left side of the road as you climb to the lighthouse. There is no water, toilet, market or any other facility around the lighthouse. There is no water in the lighthouse and its surroundings, and there is also the problem of no phone signal. You should set off knowing this and inform your loved ones beforehand. We recommend that you stop by Korsan Koyu from here.


Geyikbayiri Climbing and Waterfall

A female tourist climbing a rope-assisted mountain at Geyikbayiri Climbing.
@mashkovichi

Geyikbayiri has been a popular climbing area since the 1990s. The area has seen a significant amount of development in recent years, with new routes being added regularly. It is located approximately 26 km from the center of Antalya. The region, which is famous for geographical structure, natural beauties and rich number of trails, is a favorite of nature and sports enthusiasts as well as holiday makers.

Reading: Geyikbayırı Campground

The special area for climbers, is known for its diverse range of routes, from easy to difficult, and its stunning scenery. The area is also known for its community of climbers, who are passionate about the sport and welcoming to newcomers. There are a number of accommodation options available in Geyikbayiri, including campsites, guesthouses, and hotels. The area is also home to a number of climbing-specific accommodations, which offer amenities such as climbing walls and gear rental.

Find more details on "the Crag"


Antalya Rafting / Canyoning

A happy couple rafting in Antalya.
@maviraft

There are ideal places for Rafting and Canyoning lovers in Antalya for all four seasons of the year. We have compiled the most frequently encountered places in social media searches for you without giving any details. If you want to experience adrenaline at its peak and collect unforgettable memories in the heart of nature, you are in the right place! Start reading now to discover the adventures waiting for you in the hidden paradises of Antalya!

The most visited places:


Koprulu Canyon (Read more..)

Saklıkent Canyon (Read more..)


Alara River (Read more..)


Düden River (Read more..)

Manavgat River (Read more..)


Tahtalı Mountain Trekking

A female tourist trekking on Tahtalı Mountain, enjoying the view of the Taurus Mountains.
@zgierka.pl

The most picturesque and unique part of the Lycian Way is the high-mountain section, near the summit of Tahtali Dag, also known as Olympos near Kemer. While "high-mountain" might be an exaggeration, the area is undeniably stunning.

At a certain altitude on Tahtali Dag (Mountain), you'll encounter forests of Lebanese cedar, which eventually give way to a small alpine meadow. These forests are truly magical, with unusually shaped trees adorned with bearded lichen. Walking through them feels like stepping into a fairytale or a hobbit movie. Despite the altitude, the climate remains pleasantly warm. Daytime temperatures can reach +30°C, but the nights are cool, and the dry heat is easily bearable in the shade of the ancient forest.

Along the way, you'll find numerous ice-cold springs. This is a precious resource, especially in the Mediterranean subtropics where water sources can be scarce during the summer. We once decided to spend two nights on the slope under a large cedar tree, right next to a spring. It was the perfect opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings at our own pace.


Olympos Cable Car

A cable car journey in Olympos, offering stunning views of the lush greenery and the vibrant blue landscapes below.
@365antalya

The cable car starts from 726 meters and can go up to 2365 meters high, with a length of 4350 meters. With this length, it is one of the few cable cars in the world. There are ancient ruins in Beycik Village on the slopes of Tahtalı Mountain. There are other Hellenistic Period ruins on the southern skirts of the mountain, 3 km NE of Beycik.

In ancient times, along with many other mountains, it was called Olympos/Olympus Mountain, meaning the mountain of the gods. Since the peak of the mountain is cool, we recommend that you bring warm clothes.


Island Boat Trip & Diving in Antalya

Tourists on an island boat trip and diving in Antalya.
@enginkaptannn

Do the beaches of Antalya no longer seem as attractive to you as they used to?

So instead of sunbathing on the beach and watching the sea, how about sunbathing on a boat and exploring the underwater world? If your answer is yes, find the best diving spots in Antalya !

Paragliding

A female tourist paragliding in the skies of Antalya.
@goantalya

You can parasail on many beaches in Antalya. If you do not have special equipment, there are many companies that provide parasail services, especially in touristic areas such as Konyaaltı, Lara, Kas and Belek.

As 365 antalya team, we would recommend Yassı Tepe (Alanya), Tahtali Mountain (Olympos ), Cukurbag Peninsula and Meis Island (Kaş).


The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota Diving

The underwater view of The Douglas C-47 Skytrain at Dakota Diving in Antalya.
@kas.diving

According to Rico Besserdich, who was the first to photograph the shipwreck;

"Not as famous as the “Andrea Doria” and surely not as frequently penetrated by divers as the “Thistlegorm” but definitely worth a dive, is the “Dakota”, an airplane wreck located near a place called Kas, Mediterranean Sea, on the south coast of Turkey.

The correct name of this aircraft is DOUGLAS C47/DC III “Skytrain”. In civil aviation, it is known as “DC3”; In military usage, it was named “C47”. Originally this plane was designed as a “DOUGLAS Sleeper Transport”, providing flight passengers the possibility of a proper nap during travel. This concept was canceled later on and the beds were replaced with seats"


Selge Ancient Theatre / Hiking

Tourists posing with the Taurus Mountains after hiking to 1250 meters at the Selge Ancient Theatre.
@kesifyolculari_

Founded in the 5th century BC and one of the most important cities in the Pisidia region, the ancient city of Selge is located in a naturally protected location at an altitude of 1250 meters, hard to reach, on the southern skirts of the Taurus Mountains.

While climbing to Selge, you can see the recreational values ​​of the region such as historical Roman bridges, waterways, and the winding Köprüçay River, while as you ascend, breathtaking canyons, valleys covered with forests, and the Taurus Mountains offer unique views to hikers.

The hiking trail, which starts in the village of Zerk and passes by the theater, agora, and cisterns of the ancient city, then continues among the interesting rock formations called Adam Kayalar by the locals. This hiking trail, where history, nature, and adventure are intertwined, will satisfy hikers both physically and spiritually.

365 days of Antalya! 

@365antalya

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