Walking Holidays in Turkey
Posted May 15, 2009 by:
Comments(0)The attractions of Turkey for anyone who enjoys walking or trekking holidays are huge. This is a country enjoying a Mediterranean climate and possessing historic sites and archaeological heritage that are easily the equal of the Greek destinations. Tourism in Turkey is relatively young, and you can still find traditional hospitality in family-run hotels and pensions (Pansiyons).
The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have sadly fallen victim in many parts to uncontrolled hotel development, but walking holidays in Turkey pass through some beautiful beachside villages, such as Adrasan and Çirali, that remain unaffected by package holiday hordes. Cirali and Adrasan are close to the Roman ruins at Olympos, about two hours’ drive west of Antalya. They are also close to the Lycian Way, the famously stunning long distance coastal footpath that is gaining in popularity with walkers and trekkers following the publication of the ‘Lycian Way Guide’ by Kate Clow.
It is unusual to find a really good walking route close to the coast and I have been checking out the tour operators offering vacations to explore the Lycian Way. Because the route is well marked there are plenty of self guided walking holidays in Turkey on offer. This is a good idea if you prefer not to be in a group of fellow walkers for the entire vacation! The arrangements for a self guided walking holiday usually include transport to the first night’s hotel or pension, luggage transfers and all meals. Some itineraries take you to a different location every night, others stay at certain hotels for two nights during the week.
The route snakes along a dramatic coastline to the limestone peaks of Mount Olympos, now known as Mt Tahtali. For more energetic trekkers the highlight of the trip is the chance to climb Mount Tahtali (2388m), with superb views along the coast from the summit ridge. After your success in conquering the mountain The descent is through shady, wooded valleys, with the opportunity to visit the ruins of Olympos. At Cirali you will find one of the most beautiful sandy beaches on this coast. Cirali beach consists of two miles of soft sand where the azure ocean water laps at your feet. This is definitely worth taking time to rest and sunbathe.
The next day the Lycian Way route takes you to Adrasan, followed by the culmination of the trip – the walk from the coastal resort and farming village of Adrasan along the cliffs and coves to Cape Gelidonia. There are small pensions and hotels along the route that are benefiting from the increase in visitors. For the moment a self guided walking holiday on the Lycian way meets almost all the requirements of an eco holiday, as you are a part of the local landscape supporting the local economy. The upside is that you should be able to spend a week on the Lycian Way without seeing any huge package tour hotels.
Walksworldwide (01524 242000, walksworldwide.com) offer walking holidays covering the best of the Lycian Way from Camyuva to Cape Gelidonia. From £425 FB excluding flights
On Foot Holidays (01722 322652, onfootholidays.co.uk ) A fairly challenging seven-night itinerary along the Lycian Way.From £620 HB excluding flights
World Walks (01242 254353, worldwalks.com ) Walks in the Lycian Way. From £378 HB excluding flights
If you like a reasonable level of home comforts on your walking holiday, the companies above offer luggage transfers so you only need to carry your lunch, drinks and camera during the walks. You stay in Hotels or Guest Houses with ensuite facilities. NOT ALL companies offer this! Many trekking holidays to the Lycian Way involve use of sleeping bags (!), carrying all your luggage with you, and extra payments for transport. I travelled on a Ramblers Walking Holiday once, and they charged for “local transport costs” – an extra £45 per week. The hotel was dismal and cold! Ramblers do not charge any less than the other operators reviewed here so if you do not want to rough it on your walking holiday, start with the companies reviewed here.
If you are a single person a walking holiday is one of your best vacation options. The best singles holiday operators charge no single room supplement, which could otherwise cost you more than £20 a night. I have been on two walking holidays with Solos (solosholidays.co.uk) and their itineraries are excellent for single travellers. Solos do not offer a walking trip to the Lycian Way, but they do have a Turkey multi activity holiday. Solitair (solitairhols.co.uk) have a programme featuring the Lycian Way. Prices start from £699 Full Board – flights included.
And of course, make sure you are insured before you leave: Blue Cross NC is a good provider.
Welcome back!
Tags: adventure holidays, singles holidays, Turkey holidays, walking holidays
