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If you are looking for a chill and sweet breeze in the scorching heat of the summer months, a trekking adventure in nature might be the right activity for you! You can plan this exciting and fun activity with different difficulty levels with your family and friends or on your own. We have compiled some of the hiking and trekking routes for you, from Cappadocia to Rize, from Balıkesir to Sapanca, where you can witness the natural beauties of our country to your heart's content. If you are ready, let's take a look at these destinations where you can discover both cultural richness and nature!

The Unique Valleys of Cappadocia

Cappadocia, one of the fairytale regions of Turkey, is generally known for its Fairy Chimneys and balloon tours. However, it also has many hiking routes accompanied by rock formations that are thousands of years old, historical churches and fascinating landscapes. For example, while walking in the Love Valley, where vineyards and fruit trees are lined, you can both examine the Fairy Chimneys more closely and witness a magnificent sunset. In addition, you can explore among the famous tunnels of Cappadocia with a route that you can plan in the 4400-meter-long Meskendir Valley.

If you are looking for more challenging trails, you can choose Zemi Valley. Here, you can observe different bird species such as red falcons, kestrels and black storks and have a pleasant and adrenaline-filled hiking experience.

The Astonishing Nature of the Black Sea

With its lush green vegetation, deep valleys, lakes and rivers, the Kaçkar Mountains are one of the most popular routes for nature walkers. The long trails that start from the Ovit Mountain in the west and continue to the Karçal Mountains in the east are generally trekking routes that are suitable for medium or high difficulty levels. It can take between 3 and 6 days to complete the trails in this region. Therefore, if you are going to experience the Kaçkar Mountains for the first time, you can choose to organize your tour with a guide.

A Paradise in the North of Edremit Gulf 

Known as Mount Ida in ancient times, Kaz Mountains is the highest region of the Biga Peninsula. With its rich vegetation, endemic tree species, waterfalls and fresh air, Kaz Mountains offers a wonderful feeling to nature enthusiasts. The 21-thousand-hectare Kaz Mountains National Park has various trails that can appeal to hiking enthusiasts of all levels. If you would like to just enjoy nature without getting exhausted too much, you can choose the 9-kilometer trail between Yayla - Ayı Deresi, or if you have a little more experience in trekking, you can choose the trail between Tozlu - Çeyizdere. If you are looking for a more challenging trail, you can follow the Tahtakuşlar, Kapaklı, Dumanlı, Tavşanoynağı and Sarıkız Hill routes and have an unforgettable experience in touch with nature.

Nature Getaways in Istanbul

There are routes that can take you away from the stress of city life in Istanbul and bring you together with nature. Here are some of the prominent routes:

• Belgrade Forest: Located on the European side of Istanbul, Belgrade Forest has an easy 6 km long track full of oak and chestnut trees. You can go with your family and children in this area, where you can both walk and catch your breath on the benches at the end of the track and listen to the sounds of birds chirping.
• Kemerburgaz City Forest: Kemerburgaz City Forest, the largest forest in Istanbul, is home to more than 8,000 trees. It also offers you the opportunity to spend an enjoyable time in nature with its various facilities such as sports fields, clubs for children, organic markets and camping areas.
• Polonezköy Nature Park: You can satisfy your longing for nature and greenery in city life while walking on the 5 km long track of Polonezköy Nature Park, one of the greenest areas on the Anatolian Side.
• Atatürk City Forest: This area, which was opened to the public in 2020, has 2 natural ponds. Atatürk City Forest, which has routes with different difficulty levels for walking and running activities, is an ideal option for Istanbulites who would like to unite with nature.

These parks and forests have various advantages due to their locations. You can add more movement to your life thanks to these areas where you can go after work without wasting any time or escape to relax on the weekends.

The Seven-Colored Lake of Sapanca

If you are looking for tranquility and serenity, Sapanca Lake, which has a different beauty in every season, can be a great alternative for you. Sapanca Lake, which can be seen from almost every part of Sapanca, is a touristic area with its fascinating natural beauties, walking paths, tea gardens and water sports activities. Sapanca Lake, which can suddenly turn from blue to navy blue depending on the direction of the light, is also called the "Seven Colored Lake" by locals because it can sometimes take on green, brown, purple, orange and yellow colors. The 16 km easy walking track around the lake starts from Eşme and continues to the entrance of Maşukiye. You can plan trekking activities in this unique nature, which is at its most beautiful, especially in the autumn season.

A Nice Break from Long Trekking Routes: Elite World Grand Sapanca

If you would like to take a short and comfortable break from your trekking route on the shores of Lake Sapanca, Elite World Grand Sapanca is waiting for you! Elite World Grand Sapanca aims to take you away from the noise and chaos of city life, even if it's only for a while with its comfortable rooms and guest satisfaction-oriented service approach. Located just a 10-minute drive from Sakarya Gölpark, Elite World Grand Sapanca offers you the pleasure of a quiet and relaxing holiday where you can get rid of the tiredness of the day at Fit Life SPA & Wellness.