Turkey

Perched between East and West, Turkey is a land of epic contrasts where ancient ruins rise beside turquoise coastlines, wild mountains give way to lunar landscapes, and adventure lives around every corner. It’s a country that refuses to fit into a box: part Mediterranean, part Middle Eastern, part European and entirely unforgettable.

For the outdoor explorer, Turkey is a dream in widescreen. Hike through the otherworldly rock valleys of Cappadocia, where “fairy chimneys” glow pink at sunrise and hot-air balloons drift silently overhead. Trek the Lycian Way, a coastal trail that traces cliffs and ancient ruins above the turquoise waters of the Turquoise Coast, with nightly swims and seaside sunsets as your reward. Or take it vertical paragliding off Babadağ Mountain over Ölüdeniz, one of the most iconic flights on Earth.

Head east and the adventure turns wilder. The Kaçkar Mountains rise like a green spine above the Black Sea, offering remote trekking and glacier-fed rivers. In winter, head to Erzurum or Mount Erciyes for backcountry skiing without the crowds. Or journey to Mount Ararat, a volcanic giant steeped in legend and one of the great climbs of the region.

And when the adrenaline fades, Turkey keeps giving. Paddle the Dalyan River past ancient tombs carved into cliffs, dive in crystal-clear coves off Kaş, or unwind in a traditional hammam after a day of exploration. Adventure here always ends with comfort; strong tea, fresh bread, and a warmth that defines Turkish hospitality.

Turkey is adventure with soul, a place where ancient stories meet modern thrill-seeking, and where every trail, coast, and canyon feels alive with history. It’s the kind of destination that makes you want to linger longer, because around here, the journey is always the point.