Turkiye is famous for its breathtaking hiking trails, but many of these routes offer much more than natural beauty. They offer a journey through the ancient paths of Anatolia’s most powerful civilizations, including the Lycian, Carian, Hittite and Phrygian kingdoms. As you walk these trails, you can trace thousands of years of history while immersed in the stunning wilderness that stretches from the Aegean coast to the heart of Central Anatolia.

Lycian Way – Turkey’s first long-distance route

The Lycian Way, stretching 540 kilometers from Fethiye to Antalya, is Turkey’s first marked long-distance walking route. It passes through ancient Lycian cities such as Xanthos, Myra and Olympos, showcasing the rich history and culture of the region. Along the way, hikers can also enjoy spectacular landscapes such as Oludeniz, Butterfly Valley and Mount Olympus. A unique experience is to visit Patara at night, where Türkiye’s Night Museology project illuminates the ancient capital under the stars.

Carrion Way – Turkey’s longest walking route

Spanning 800 kilometres, the Carian Way is Turkey’s longest walking route, following the tracks of the ancient Carian civilization through Aydın and Mugla provinces. The route offers a variety of landscapes, including the Bozburun Peninsula and the pristine beaches of Datka, as well as the historic ruins of Knidos. Along the Gulf of Gokova and Lake Bafa, hikers can enjoy wildlife viewing, and the Dalian Canal provides access to the 2,400-year-old rock tombs of the ancient city of Kaunos.

Pisidia Trail – where nature and archeology merge

Located in the mountains south of Antalya, the Pisidia Trail combines breathtaking natural scenery with archaeological wonders. The route passes through ancient cities such as Sagalassos, Termesos and Pisidia Antioch, as well as views of natural wonders such as Koprulu Canyon, Egirdir Lake and Kovada Lake National Park. Apart from historical exploration, travelers can also indulge in outdoor activities like rafting and rock climbing, making this route a must-see for adventure seekers.

The Hittite Route – Exploring the Ancient Empire of Anatolia

The Hittite Trail stretches for 380 kilometers and takes you deep into the history of the Hittite Empire, which ruled Anatolia for over 450 years. Starting at Alakahöyük, the trail passes through the ancient Hittite capital Hattusa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before ending at Shapinuwa. Hikers can explore important archaeological sites including the Great Temple and the Lion’s Gate, as well as enjoy the surrounding natural beauty of the Alaka Stream Valley and Insesu Canyon.

The Frisian Way – a route with UNESCO heritage sites

Covering more than 500 kilometres, the Frisian Way is Türkiye’s third longest walking route, tracing the history of the Frisian civilization in the provinces of Ankara, Afyonkarahisar, Eskisehir and Kütahya. The route includes rock-carved monuments, ancient temples and towns such as Gordian, Turkey’s 20th UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hikers will also encounter impressive rock formations at Yazılıkaya and the Lion Temple, which provide a window into the Phrygian lifestyle and spiritual practices.

Also read: Greek archaeologists discover mysterious 4,000-year-old structure in Crete

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