Extreme Sports in Turkey for the Adrenaline Junkie
While commonly known for its bazaars, spices, Ottoman culture, and historical monuments, Turkey is also associated with various adventure sports. However, you’ll need to apply for a Tourism eVisa for Turkey to be able to experience them in person.
That’s because the country has a robust infrastructure for adrenaline seekers due to its vision to become a leading holiday destination. But before we explore more about that, let’s learn a little more about the Turkish tourist visa.
What is the Tourism eVisa for Turkey?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issues this travel document digitally, after being authorized by the Government of the Republic of Turkey. You can only use this visa if you wish to explore Turkey for purposes of commerce or tourism.
To apply for this visa, fill in a simple application form, and pay the fee.
You’ll receive your visa after 1-2 days. For more information, you can contact us. Now, let’s explore what makes Turkey a great place for adventure sports.
Why Turkey is a Hotspot for Adrenaline Junkies
The country’s varied climate and topography have contributed to the growth in the number of people visiting the country for adventure sports. For instance, it has beautiful canyons like the Köprülü Canyon, gorgeous rock formations like Geyikbayır, and impressive mountains like Uludağ, etc.
This is why sports like paragliding, whitewater rafting, skiing, rock climbing and caving (exploring caves) etc. have become quite popular there. So you can choose your desired activities as per your wish at any given time throughout the year.
Let’s take a more intensive look at the same below.
Top Extreme Sports Activities in Turkey
Turkey has something for every adventure seeker, depending on individual preferences. So, you can ski, explore caves, go rafting or rock climbing after you apply for a tourism eVisa for Turkey.
Let’s take a deeper look below.
Paragliding Over Oludeniz: Fly Like A Bird
One of the reasons that make Oludeniz a paradise for paragliding is the presence of the Father Mountain, known as Babadag locally. The topography of the mountain leads to the presence of thermals (hot air currents) which allow people to fly as they wish.
Depending on your skill levels, you can choose either tandem or solo paragliding. For those of you who don’t know, tandem paragliding refers to paragliding with the help of a harness, where you can just enjoy the view while a trained pilot controls the flight of the glider.
When you’re in the air, you can see beautiful landmarks like the Oludeniz Lagoon, a stunning island with white sand and calm water along with the view of the greenery and small towns below, and the Oludeniz Beach.
Before you attempt this sport, you should ensure to wear comfortable clothes, along with outdoor or sturdy boots, and carry a water bottle if you wish to.
So, you should try this experience when you visit the country with your tourism eVisa for Turkey between April and October, which is when you’ll have the best experience.
Rafting in the Köprülü Canyon: An Adventure of a Lifetime
The canyon is located in the Köprülü Canyon National Park in Antalya. This place is known for its ancient ruined structures of the city of Selge, the Oluk Bridge, and old castles.
You can also enjoy its breathtaking scenery, along with the dishes served in restaurants located in the “rest area”.
Now, before you go rafting, you should carry a few essentials like a pair of extra T-shirts and shorts, a waterproof cover for your phones, some hydrating drinks and snacks like nuts, dry fruits, etc.
This will ensure that you can change into dry clothes after the experience. The entire journey is about 13-14 kilometers, during which all of you will have to ensure that you paddle at the same time, in rhythm, to avoid capsizing the boat.
During the journey, you’ll see cypress trees, black and red pine trees, and cedar, red pine and black pine trees in addition to the historical landmarks. You might also spot a photographer who will take pictures of your journey and offer to sell you the pictures, which you can choose to decline.
Furthermore, you can also choose to take a swim if you wish to, when you go rafting after obtaining your Tourism eVisa for Turkey.However, you can only do so if your guide allows it.
You can go for this experience between July and August.
Skiing and Snowboarding in Uludağ: A Snowy Adventure
Uludağ has an interesting history. The place was initially considered to be a holy spot where gods and goddesses were believed to rule.
This is why you can find temples built by the Roman and Greek people to honour these deities when you visit this place with your Tourism eVisa for Turkey.
Later on, it was used as a military outpost during the Byzantine period and also a place that was popular with traders, due to its wide availability of timber and minerals present in the mountains.
In modern times, people know it as a place for skiing and snowboarding. This is due to the numerous ski resorts and facilities that have come up in the area.
You can also spot many beautiful flowers like the Edelweiss flower, and daisies, along with wildlife like the Anatolian leopard, Eurasian lynx, and birds like European robins and golden eagles when you’re skiing there.
There are over 13 different types of snow runs (pistes) available on this 2.54 km high mountain. So you can choose your piste, depending on your skill level.
After you’re done skiing, you can unwind in the various saunas, swimming pools or bars and restaurants in the area. You should consider visiting from December to April for an optimum experience.
Additionally, this place has over 27 hotels, so ensure to book your stay in advance.
Rock Climbing in Geyikbayırı: Challenge Your Limits
People who’re looking for more of a strenuous adrenaline-centric challenge can consider going for rock climbing in the valley of Geyikbayırı. This place has a variety of routes for people across all skill levels.
One of the first things you’ll notice when you visit this place with your Tourism eVisa for Turkey is the different types of rocks, formed from orange, grey and red limestone, which have other natural structures like tufas, etc.
If you’re a beginner, you can consider routes like Barbarossa and Alaadin, which offer easy routes that are over 30 metres.
Climbers who are more skilled can attempt routes like Trebana, Dragon, Ottoman, Poseidon and Anatolia, which are trickier due to the presence of various ledges, overhanging structures, holes, etc.
We would recommend visiting this place between the months of October to April. Furthermore, do remember to book a hotel and carry appropriate clothing like a comfortable pair of shorts, etc. to ensure an optimum experience.
Mountain Bikes in the Taurus Mountain Range: Push Your Limits
Lastly, you should consider riding mountain bikes in the Taurus Mountains. That’s because it will prove to be an adrenaline-fueled adventure which will leave you with many memories. The place has rugged terrain with a varied landscape.
So, adventure seekers can expect to see green forests, wandering dirt tracks, and beautiful views when they cycle their way through this landscape. You can also see lakes, orchards, and local villages throughout your journey.
What will challenge you is the undulating terrain; so you will have to be very mindful throughout your journey.
You can also consider camping in this landscape, though you should be wary of animals like bears coming upon you at night.
Remember to carry essentials like a water bottle and some dry fruits, etc. on hand to ensure that you stay hydrated and full during the journey.
We would recommend visiting between March to May, and September to November for the best experience
Planning Your Extreme Sports Adventure in Turkey
As we mentioned previously, you must book your trip after considering the best times to visit Turkey for these sports, such as between March to May, September to November for mountain biking, or between December to April for skiing, etc.
Furthermore, you should remember to purchase the appropriate clothes and gear, such as lightweight clothes, walking or trekking shoes, exercise gloves (for rock climbing), cycling gloves, a powerful flashlight etc.
Additionally, we would recommend that you listen to the advice of your guide to avoid unnecessary mishaps.
Lastly, do remember to carry all your important documents like a scanned copy of your Tourism eVisa for Turkey, passport, etc. to ensure a stress-free experience. Happy travels!
Check your eligibility for Turkey Visa and apply for Turkey e-Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. Bahamas citizens, Vietnamese citizens, Libyan citizens and Sri Lankan citizens can apply online for Electronic Turkey Visa.