Active recreation in Turkey

The desire to try various entertainment and sports activities is replacing the popular "all-inclusive" and beach lounging. No wonder! Explosions of emotions, an adrenaline rush, and vivid memories are guaranteed for a long-lasting impression.

The best resorts in Turkey for outdoor activities

Each person, based on their preferences and age, has their own understanding of active recreation. Some want to ride the waves on a surfboard, others want to dive into the depths with scuba diving, and for some, even playing golf or river rafting is a real adventure.

Turkey has all the conditions for organizing leisure activities of any complexity and for every taste. It is only necessary to choose a suitable resort as your place of stay. Hotels in the country cater to specific categories of vacationers (for young people, for quiet relaxation, for families with children), so pay attention to all the details.

So, the most popular resorts for those who prefer to actively spend their leisure time.

Belek

This is a city for respectable vacationers who don't skimp on quality service and comfort. The nightlife here is not as active, but Belek is home to the most elite equestrian centers and golf clubs in the country.

Alanya

The city offers many affordable hotels and entertainment options at moderate prices. Nightlife is concentrated in the center of Alanya and the Obagel district. Families with children are recommended to stay in the Avsallar area, where there are many water parks and family attractions.

Kemer

The resort is known for a variety of entertainment for all tastes. Kemer is ideal for relaxing in a friendly company, and for relaxing with children. It is worth paying attention to the areas of Beldibi and Tekirova.

Antalya

Considered a paradise for young people, as the city is buzzing with parties and a vibrant atmosphere 24/7. In the city center, there is an aquapark equipped with thrilling water slides.

Marmaris

The city attracts tourists as a diving center: there are many unique places with amazing fauna and flora.

Active pastime in Turkey: things to do

Skiing

While Turkey is often associated with warmth and heat, it can give tough competition to even the most popular ski resorts in Europe. The most visited ski resort in Turkey is Uludağ.

It is located relatively close to Istanbul, only 150 km. Ski slopes are located at an altitude of 1700 m above sea level. You can ride them from December to March. They are suitable not only for professionals but also for beginners, and amateurs.

The resort has a funicular that helps tourists get from one part of the city to another. A ski pass for 5 days will cost 352 USD.

Cost for a day ticket for the slopes will cost 35 USD, for 6 days you need to pay 100 USD.

Snowboard rental from 121 USD, a set of skis for adults - 110 USD, for children 93 USD for 6 days of skiing.

The natural beauty of Turkish ski resorts is stunning, with beech, chestnut, and coniferous forests. In addition to skiing, visitors can also engage in biathlon and slalom. Apart from Uludağ, other ski resorts worth exploring include Güneykaya, Kartalkaya, and Kartep.

Skydiving and paragliding

You can experience these extreme sports at the resort of Fethiye in Turkey, specifically at Babadağ Mountain. Not only will you enjoy breathtaking views of the city from a bird's-eye perspective, but you can also engage in the thrill of parachuting. The main feature of this location is the strong opposing wind currents that facilitate the flight.

The price for a parachute jump will cost 200 USD.

Flight for paragliding costs 110 USD.

You can also conquer the air peaks in Duman, Ankara, and Ephesus.

Ride on a yacht and go fishing

Since Turkey is a maritime country, leisure and entertainment are largely associated with the sea. Almost every hotel offers yacht excursions.

The average cost of an excursion on a yacht for an adult will cost 15 USD, for a child of 7-12 years old you need to pay 10 USD.

If you prefer a more extreme experience, you can engage in yacht tourism. Major yacht club centers are located in Bodrum, Marmaris, and Alanya.

Another popular activity for active leisure is fishing. You can arrange with yacht owners in advance for fishing opportunities and discuss the financial aspects. Alternatively, you can search for fishing spots on your own, not from the shore but, for example, from a pier. You can prepare the fish you catch with your own hands for dinner.

Important: If fishing from a yacht or engaging in underwater fishing, the weight of the catch should not exceed 8 kg.

Rafting down the river

Rafting is a modern form of active leisure that involves a river descent on a mountainous river. The main rafting locations in Turkey are on the following rivers:

Dalaman;

Managwat;

Zammante;

Kepru;

Baruth;

Alara;

Kezylyrmak;

Firat.

Important: Please bring a towel, sunblock and flip flops. By the way, turbulent streams of water can easily take your shoes off, so tie your shoes to your feet with a rope.

The price for rafting depends on the chosen location and season. When purchasing rafting from a hotel guide, you will pay around $45 per person. The cost in street kiosks is approximately $20-25.

The cost of photographs is not included and needs to be paid separately. Also, be prepared for the fact that the river water can be quite invigorating.

Riding quad bikes and jeeps

This type of active leisure in Turkey is perfect for enthusiasts seeking exotic experiences. If you have a valid driver's license, you can drive a jeep yourself through the picturesque Turkish mountains, villages, and ancient landmarks. If you don't have a license, you'll have to settle for being a passenger or rent an ATV.

The cost of a safari in a hotel guide ranges from 50-100 USD. On the street, you can bargain for 20 USD per person.

Additionally, it's recommended to bring a face scarf and goggles to protect your eyes from dust and sand.

As you can see, Turkey has evolved from being a country where beach vacations were the only option, limited to swimming in the sea and sunbathing. It offers an adrenaline rush and ensures that your active leisure in Turkey will be memorable for years to come.