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TURKEY IS PARADISE FOR EXTREME SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS

AN EXCEPTIONAL ADVENTURE AWAITS

Turkey has long captured the imagination of travelers and adventure lovers in search of the extraordinary. From the country’s myriad historical and architectural marvels including the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace in Istanbul to the ancient ruins of and fabled rock formations found along Cappadocia’s legendary Rose Valley, it’s a country teeming with natural wonders just waiting to be explored.

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gliders due to the regions moderate, mountainous terrain and stunning coastlines. The area is perhaps best known for being the home of the Blue Lagoon, a heavenly stretch of piercingly white sand that’s juxtaposed by turquoise and aquamarine water found at Belcekız Beach. A UNE- SCO World Heritage site in the shadow if the Babadag mountain range, paragliders are able to take flight here practically year-round pending weather conditions.

ue in part to the Grab Some Air On The Cesme Peninsula country’s unique geog- A rising star along the peninsula, the village of Alacati raphy—straddling is one of Turkey’s most charming villages to visit due to two continents, four its narrow cobblestone streets, friendly cafés, and story- Dseas and thousands of miles of coastline book-like setting. It’s also consistently hailed as one of ideal for divers and sailors to the series of the best kitesurfing and windsurfing destinations in the mountain ranges with snow-capped peaks world. That is thanks in part to the mild climate, consis- and limestone covered valleys beloved by tent wind and glass-like water that’s in abundance here. mountaineers ready to test their limits, The perfect counterpoint to neighboring Cesme where and their fears at the door. Of course, for both coastal locations boast an average of 300-days windy a glimpse of Turkey’s more glamourous conditions per year, this an ideal place to visit if you’re side, The Turkish Riviera is home to a looking to take your windsurfing skills to new heights.

bevy of beautiful port towns that double Left Page: Views of the Turkish mountains. Another bustling resort town along the Turkish as a playground for well-heeled travelers, (top right); Aladaglar, Nigde (bottom left); Riviera, is known for its abundance of beau- Trekking, Rock Climbing And Spelunking divers and sailing enthusiasts in search of , Antalya (bottom right). Right Page: tiful diving spots, as well as its hidden bays and coves. Across Ancient Antalya the region’s illustrious aqua-marine water Kackar Mountains, Rize (top left); Koprulu Found along the Datca Peninsula, divers relish the For the mountaineers and trekkers out there, Turkey’s Kanyon, , Antalya (bottom left); and abundance of biodiversity and ancient Babadag, , Mugla (bottom right). abundance of rich biodiversity found along the reefs. snow packed peaks offer a variety of challenging trails relics and wrecks found here. Along the way, another standout diving trip includes and climbing opportunities that are sure to satisfy even Wherever your adventures may take a ride to the tiny uninhabited island of and the most demanding hikers and climbers out there. you in Turkey be it the aquamarine coast- the underwater ruins of Dolchiste. An ancient Lycian line or catching the sunrise over the dra- settlement dating back to the 2nd century, catching a matic Taurus mountainside, once you get glimpse the remains of this underwater city is truly enthralling experience that’s been attracting intrepid travelers from all over the world in the hopes of a taste of what this enchanting destination catching a glimpse of this sunken city beneath the sea. has to offer you’ll never look back. A little more than half way between and Antalya to the south lies the ancient seaside city of Diving In The Turkish Riviera Kas. Widely considered to be one of the best diving Spanning more than 600-miles of spots not only in Turkey, with more than 25-under- shoreline that extends from the south- water sites including a tank wreck and a submerged ern reaches of Antalya in the south to WW2 plane along with canyons, caving and under- the windswept peninsula of Cesme in water art exhibitions, Kas is a great place to scuba the north, the Turkish Riviera, otherwise and snorkel. Its proximity to Beach, a popu- known as the turquoise coast due to its lar nesting site for sea turtles is just an added bonus aqua-marine water, has long been consid- much to divers delight. Another huge part of the ered Turkey’s premier diving, sailing and draw here is the fact that its suitable for divers of all leisure destination. experience levels. With a range of diving schools and At the heart of all the action, the bus- world class instructors to choose from, there’s no tling city of Bodrum is often defined by its better place to explore Turkey’s magnificent under- abundance of five-star hotels, upmarket water world than Kas. restaurants, and the place to see and be seen amongst the influential sun-seeking Enjoy The Views In Oludeniz elite. With more than 20-diving spots pep- If you’re looking for a beautiful bird’s eye view and pered across Bodrum’s sprawling penin- you don’t mind taking a bit of risk to do it, paragliding sula and neighboring islands, the area has Once you get a taste of has seen an uptick in popularity amongst adrenaline also been garnering the attention of div- what this enchanting junkies and intrepid travelers over the years. One of ers and sailors from all over the world in the best and most beautiful places to fly is set on the search of the best this nautical utopia has destination has to offer Aegean coast in southern Turkey where the beauti- to offer both on land and off. you’ll never look back. ful resort town of Oludeniz has become a hotspot for SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Left Page: Babadag, Fethiye, Mugla (top left); Alacati, Cesme, Izmir (top A popular resort town for Turks in search of a little summer- right); Tahtali Mountain, time reprieve, set on Turkey’s southwestern coast, the ancient Antalya (bottom right). city of Antalya is where extreme sports enthusiasts go to enjoy Right page: Akyaka, Mugla (top right); Koprulu everything from deep water soloing and rock climbing to white Kanyon, Manavgat, water rafting and spelunking. Antalya (bottom left). When it comes to living out your best the mighty Taurus Mountains (Toros Daglari) are some of the With tens of thousands of caves and caverns spread across the country’s finest. Dating back to antiquity and named after the country, Damlatas Cave and Karain Cave in Antalya are two of adventure, there’s no shortage of exhilarating Spanish word Toros or bull, within this vast mountain range the best places for beginners. If you’re looking for something a experiences at every turn in Turkey. Aladaglar National Park is widely considered Turkey’s version of bit more leisurely, a heavenly boat ride down one of the world’s the Alps and has attracted free climbers, hikers and skiers eager longest cavern lakes in Altınbesik Cave National Park should to rise to the challenge of the regions sheer rick walls, craggy definitely be on your hit list. canyons and cedar covered valleys. One of the most awe-inspiring settings for whitewater raft- In the summertime, the region gives way to unearthly rock ing, Koprulu Canyon National Park in Antalya is considered formations, waterfalls and a plethora of underground rivers and one of Turkey’s most beautiful getaways. At its core, the steep caverns just waiting to be explored. At its highest point of 12,323 limestone cliffs and bouldering canyons found along the Koprulu feet, this is also considered one of the country’s best places for river is a memorable place to enjoy a day of white water rafting, experienced mountaineers and rock climbers to come and face canyoning, camping and horseback riding. Full day rafting tours the craggy peaks and limestone cliffs head on. depart from nearby Antalya as well as the cities of and When it comes to living out your best adventure, there’s no and are a great way to explore the surrounding canyons shortage of exhilarating experiences at every turn in Turkey. by foot before stopping for lunch at one of the many local restau- Ranging from the truly breathtaking to heart pumping adrena- rants in the area. line-fueled fun, no matter what path you choose—this beguiling Along the coast of Antalya to Fethiye, the is the destination, full of wonder and staggering natural beauty, has a stuff legends are made of. One of Turkey’s most famous hik- little something for everybody. From windsurfing and cave div- ing destinations, this nearly 335-mile-long trek takes a record ing to white water rafting amongst ruins and limestone boulders, 29-days to complete and is considered one of the best long dis- world class hiking and a playground of sophisticated islands just tance hikes in the world. As you weave your way past ancient waiting to be explored, Turkey has arrived as one of the world’s ruins, charming small villages and craggily coastlines, the views best places for active travelers and extreme sports enthusiasts to and the experience are well worth the effort. As are the lifelong get out in the elements and have some fun. bragging rights that come with being able to say you completed a nearly month-long hike. It’s estimated that nearly half of Turkey’s landscape is cov- Visit www.goturkey.com to plan your next ered by mountain ranges, and in the southwest plains of Antalya adventure.