If you are anything like me, then there are a plethora of exciting adventure activities and experiences from around the world that are on your bucket list! Don’t get me wrong, there is something nice about sitting on an exotic beach, with a fruity cocktail in your hand, as you listen to the ocean. But in all reality, I am an active traveler who loves all kinds of outdoor adventures! That is why the country of Turkey is definitely on my bucket list!

In doing my research for the Bucket List Project, I found unbelievable outdoor adventures in the mountains, on the water, and even in the skies. Many people don’t realize the beauty and rich culture that Turkey has so we hope after reading this, you’ll add it to your bucket list too! Since traveling without your Turkey visa is a big mistake, gather up the proper paperwork because you are going to want to check out the 10 best outdoor adventures in Turkey!

10 Best Outdoor Adventures in Turkey

1) Hot Air Ballooning

There is no doubt that taking a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s amazing landscapes ranks as my top outdoor adventure to do in Turkey! There is just something about hopping in the basket and lifting up above one of the most striking yet bizarre landscapes in the world. Plus, with the 40+ Hot-Air Balloon Rides in Cappadocia offered by Viator, you are bound to have a once in a lifetime experience!

From the amazing waters off the coast to hiking in the mountains, there are some amazing outdoor adventures in #Turkey. See the 10 Best Outdoor Adventures in Turkey for any type of traveler! #OutdoorAdventures #ActiveTraveler
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2) Soaking in a Geothermal Pool

If you followed our adventures through Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, then you know that one of our absolute favorite outdoor activities to do is to soak and swim in any geothermal pool or river. So when I discovered geothermal pools of Pamukkale where you can actually take a soak, I was sold! Whether you just put your feet in or fully submerge yourself, you will love your time amid the white cotton candy looking pools.

HOT TIP: (See what I did there? Hot Tip?!?!) Make sure you take a dip in the antique swimming pool where Cleopatra is rumored to have bathed.

3) Go Hiking

From the country’s highest Peak at Mount Ararat to the 509-kilometer Lycian Way, there is a wide array of areas to hike in Turkey. No matter if you are a total beginner or an experienced climber, you can easily find opportunities to suit whatever level of difficulty you desire. Now, we can’t guarantee you will find Noah’s Ark but there is no shortage of breathtaking views whether you are in the mountains or along the coast.

4) Sailing the High Seas

Surrounded by four different seas and endless coastline, there is no doubt that you will find some amazing outdoor adventures in Turkey on the water. From taking a dinner cruise around the Bosphorus Strait and Black Sea to a full day sailing around the nearby islands of the Mediterranean, you will have some great opportunities to take one of the top Turkey Cruises or Sailing Tours.

5) Paragliding

If the idea soaring heights of 9,000-10,000 feet above sea level are on your bucket list then you are in luck. Turkey is a paraglider’s heaven. This is perhaps due to the light clear air that offers some of the best opportunities for stunning photos. The most popular place to paraglide is over Ölüdeniz. But wherever you decide to paraglide in Turkey, you will be greeted with views overlooking turquoise waters and sandy beaches.

6) Kayaking

If paddling is your idea of fun then, kayaking in Turkey needs to be on your bucket list! If you prefer a more relaxed environment, then head not to far from Kas to a small island known as Kekova along the coastline. Here you can easily kayak over the sunken ruins of an ancient Byzantine town called Dolchiste. For those looking for a bit more activity, then you will want to try sea kayaking along the Lycian Coast. Here in the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean, you can explore the amazing coastlines as you paddle the secluded inlets & secret coves.

7) Canyoneering

If the idea of hiking, climbing, or swimming through canyons all in pursuit of amazing landscapes like gorges or waterfalls is on your bucket list, then Turkey won’t disappoint you. Places like Saklıkent National Park outside of Kas, offer some amazing views and fun outdoor activities as you explore the canyon.

Hot Tip: Make sure you bring a towel and some old shoes for wading across the river in the gorge to protect your feet as it is rocky and the water is known to be ice cold!

8) Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is another popular outdoor activity throughout Turkey. For example, if the idea of soaring through the air in a hot air balloon is not your thing, you can still discover intriguing landscape and hidden troglodyte dwellings in Cappadocia with a horseback riding tour. There are plenty of other horseback riding tours that will allow anyone to explore anything from the beautiful beaches to hidden mountain villages.

9) Snorkeling or Diving

With the warm waters of the Mediterranean, it is no shock that snorkeling and scuba diving are extremely popular outdoor adventures in Turkey. The best part is that since the water is relatively clear and calm that any level of diver can enjoy exploring the waters. Perhaps the two spots that are on most people’s underwater bucket lists are diving the World War 1 wrecks off of Gallipoli and diving the Blue Cave and surrounding underwater rock formations near Kas.

Hot Tip –There are plenty of places around Turkey to learn how to scuba dive & even get PADI Certified. However, we strongly recommend that you consider getting Scuba Diving Travel Insurance from World Nomads! It is simple and flexible insurance to keep you safe on your next dive trip.

10) Whitewater Rafting

If you are looking for some adrenaline pumping outdoor adventures, then white water rafting in Turkey should definitely be on your bucket list! Whether you raft through narrow limestone gorges of the Korpulu Canyon or hit up the thrills and spills of the Dalaman River you are sure to experience some exhilarating white water.

Other Outdoor Adventures in Turkey

Do you say Turkey or Türkiye? 

Well, we personally still say Turkey but either way, there is no doubt that this beautiful country is the ultimate outdoor playground. But we’d like to know your opinion too.

Have you ever wanted to check out the best outdoor adventures in Turkey before? Have you already been? Which of the outdoor adventures in Turkey is your favorite? Have we left out other outdoor adventures that you would recommend? Let us know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your favorite Bucket List Travel or Adventure Board!

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A beach holiday is always a good way to top up your tan, get some relaxation into your schedule and find a place for some delicious ice cream. The coast is beautiful and looking out to the horizon at sunset is one of the most wonderful feelings. But what if the land just isn’t enough adventure for you?

Sailing is one of the most fun active holidays you can imagine. Being on the water gives you the chance to explore more of the coast as well as find more secluded bays for private swimming and snorkelling. Even if you have very little experience or can’t afford to own and moor your own boat, there are all kinds of ways to get the holiday you dream of.

Being on the water gives you the chance to explore more. Whether you want to go swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, or just cruising on a boat, check out our 3 Ways to Get on the Water This Holiday! #getonthewater #boatsharing #TryScuba
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Boat Shares 

Many boat owners don’t use their boats all year round and are willing to offer a share at a reduced rate. This is great because it means that you get access for a certain amount of time each year without having to pay all year round. The downside is that you may not be able to choose which times of year you do get the boat and you may be obliged to pay extra should maintenance costs arise.

A similar idea is joining a Boat Club. This is a website that offers a very similar idea except that instead of paying monthly for a single boat, you get access to the whole portfolio around the USA. You also won’t have to worry about upkeep or maintenance on the boat so you can just relax on your holiday.

Flotilla Holidays 

If you aren’t an experienced sailor but the lure of the sea is too much to bear, a flotilla holiday could be just for you. A flotilla is a group of boats that travel together so even though you will have your own boat and space, you also have a group to support you including professional staff.

Beginners will usually be given a few days of sailing tuition to get them started but if you have a suitable qualification, you will likely be introduced to the boat and then let loose. The idea of the flotilla is that you will all follow roughly the same route around your location. This makes the holiday much more social as you will have people to socialise with too.

Go SCUBA Diving 

Whether you are a huge fan of corals or you want to see shipwrecks, SCUBA diving is one of the most fulfilling activities you can do on holiday. The ocean is largely a mystery to us but given that most sea life lives on the coast (as far as we know!), you can see an incredible amount of what goes on beneath the waves.

When snorkelling isn’t enough, SCUBA diving brings you an immersive experience. This is especially true if you choose a liveaboard boat experience as you will get to travel much further afield than if you were going from a land-based centre.

So what ways are you planning to get on the water this holiday season? Is there a destination that you want to explore or have been to that needs to be on our bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Bucket List Board! 

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