Hike, Kayak and Sail Turkey's Turquoise Coast
Paddle to crystalline coves and wander ancient trails to mystical sites, cooling off in the glittering sea as you go
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guidesAll accommodation
1 night in a hotel, 2 nights in cabins, 2 nights in locally run guesthousesMeals
All breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenEquipment
All your SUP and kayaking gearSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
Pick up a paddle and SUP your way through the lush surroundings and towering rock faces of Kapuz Canyon
Tread the ancient paths of the Lycian Way, and head out on a twilight hike to marvel at the flaming rocks of Chimera
Sail on a traditional gulet boat and kayak the turquoise waters of Kekova Island, exploring sunken ruins
Master the art of Antalyan cooking, whipping up some delicious dishes with local chefs who call this region home
Key Information
Day 1
Touch down in Antalya
Welcome to the enchanting city of Antalya! Meet your host at the airport for your transfer to your hotel in the city. Famous for its charming narrow streets, picturesque Ottoman-era houses, and historic architecture, you can explore at your leisure until 18:00, when you'll meet your local guide. Settle in and enjoy a local welcome dinner, getting to to know your fellow travellers and discussing the epic adventure ahead.
Day 2
SUP wild canyons and hike ancient routes at Chimera
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Hiking
This morning, pick up a paddle to SUP your way through the beauty of the Kapuz Canyons, admiring the lush surroundings of fruit and olive trees, birdlife, and fish in this picturesque gorge. Later, head to Çıralı and settle into your bungalows before a sunset hike to Chimera. Here, natural gas seeps from the earth, creating the phenomenon of eternal flames. As night falls, you'll witness the magic of 20 to 30 flames burning brightly as you hike back. Enjoy a leisurely evening in Çıralı, where you'll find many meyhane (Turkish taverns) along the beachfront.
Day 3
Hike and swim along the Lycian Way
Hiking
Lace up your boots then take a short drive to the village of Ulupinar this morning, where you'll find the trailhead for today's hike. Follow the trails of the ancient Lycian Way, through forests down to Maden Bay. Take the opportunity to cool off here, diving into the crystal waters of this Mediterranean cove. Tuck into a picnic lunch before hiking back to Çıralı, where you can enjoy some free time on the beach or chill out in your cosy bungalow.
Day 4
Sail the clear waters of the Mediterranean
Sailing
Hiking
After a tranquil morning in Çıralı, take a the scenic journey to Üçağız village where you'll hit the water. Board a traditional gulet-style boat and head to the ancient city of Aperlai. Amongst its ancient walls, you'll discover the echoes of history – a Christian church and chapel, Lycian sarcophagi, and a monumental tomb carved into the rocky landscape. After heading back to Üçağız, settle into your room before joining a vibrant cooking class led by local women, who not only share their culinary secrets but also double as skilled chefs on the gulet boats.
Day 5
Sea kayak above the sunken city of Dolikhiste
Kayaking
Wake up in the paradise of Üçağız this morning and get ready for one of the best ways to explore this region – by sea kayak! Paddle your way 3km south to Tersane Bay where you'll discover the sunken city of Dolikhiste, a UNESCO World Heritage Site partially submerged on the shores of Kekova Island. Cross to the mainland to wander through picturesque streets adorned with flowers, where you could try the famous homemade ice creams with unique flavours like cactus fruit or tahini. After lunch, get back into your kayak to paddle to your final swim-stop, making the most of the perfect turquoise waters. Take a break at your hotel before enjoying a traditional farewell dinner this evening, next to the Mediterranean.
Day 6
Güle güle
After a glorious adventure discovering the spectacular scenery of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, it’s time to head back home. After a final breakfast with your travel companions and a chance to swap photos, transfer back to Antalya Airport for your flight home.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4 – Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
The food in Turkey is more than just your classic kebab, with traditional and local meals as varied as its history. Many dishes make good use of seasonal vegetables, with fresh bread always in easy reach. A classic Turkish breakfast (kahvalti) is a mezze-type affair with bread, butter, olives, white cheese, cucumber, tomatoes, jam and honey, with strong coffee or freshly brewed Turkish tea. For lunch or dinner you could be served dolma (stuffed vegetables packed with a rice, spices, pine nuts, and maybe small dried fruits). Many types of kebap or köfte are popular, along with sweet or savoury börek (filo-based pastries) or lahmacun (flatbread topped with minced meat and seasoning), followed by sweet specialities.
Dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for, but please note that in some areas it may be difficult to cater for all special diets – please request these on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Antalya
In Antalya you’ll stay at the Argos Hotel, located in the heart of the old town and a short walk from the marina. You’ll stay in twin-share rooms with private bathrooms. Relax by the pool or head out to explore the historic centre.
Çirali
Your night in Çıralı will be spent at the Kibala Hotel and Cabins. The wooden cabins sit among a large garden, with hammocks strung amongst orange, lime and avocado trees. You’ll stay in twin-share rooms with private bathrooms and air conditioning. The valley and coast of Çıralı is a low-key haven with a relaxed vibe and a protected loggerhead turtle beach.
Üçağiz
In Üçağiz village you’ll stay at Onur Pension in the region of Kekova. Overlooking the turquoise sea and boats bobbing at anchor, this guesthouse is a great place to sit back and watch the world go by. You will have twin-share rooms with private bathrooms. In the case of larger groups, your host may arrange accommodations across several guesthouses, such as Kekova Theimussa or Ekin Pansiyon, which offer a similar level of comfort.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Easy
Whilst no prior experience is needed, a reasonable level of general fitness is required – you'll be paddling, hiking and kayaking at different points across the itinerary between two and five hours in duration and using different muscle groups.
The hiking within the itinerary will be through forested hills and on rocky trails, although not at high altitude. The potential of changeable weather will mean you need to be prepared and hot weather may make activities more strenuous than expected. Sea kayaking around the coast of Kekova will be a leisurely paddle on reasonably calm water, although it's possible that higher waters and currents could make the paddling a little more challenging.
What will I need to carry?
You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you, and then a small daypack to carry personal items and a water bottle each day.
The weather in spring, late summer and early autumn in southern Turkey will be warm and pleasant, with ideal temperatures for the included activities. Although the likelihood of rain is low, the weather could be changeable in the Mediterranean at either end of the trip dates scheduled, with the occasional storm a possibility.
In the southwestern region of Turkey, the daytime temperatures will be generally in the region of 19ºC/66ºF to 30ºC/86ºF, and down to between 10°C/50°F to 19°C/66°F at night.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Antalya Airport
Any time on Day 1
Ends
Antalya Airport
12:00 on Day 6
Transfers
Upon your arrival at Antalya Airport, your local host's driver will meet you and transfer you to the hotel in the city's old town. The 30 minute transfer will be scheduled to work with the time your flight lands on Day 1. Ideally aim to arrive by 5pm so you can be at the hotel in time for the 6pm welcome briefing with your host. On Day 6, you will be transferred to Antalya Airport, with drop-off scheduled around 12:00. We recommend booking a return flight that departs no earlier than 14:00. If you plan to stay in Antalya, a drop-off service can be arranged to take you into the city, at no additional cost.
Airport transfers are included in the main price if you arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 6. For those arriving early or wanting to stay on longer, extra nights at the hotel can be arranged with your host at an additional cost. Please see Optional Extras for more information.
Travel options
There are direct international flights to Antalya from the UK and various major hubs in Europe, as well as indirect flights which transit via Istanbul.
From the US, there are indirect flights from various major hubs to Antalya which transit via Istanbul.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
All equipment and safety gear for SUP, kayaking and sailing
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or luggage
- Daypack (25-30 litres)
- Waterproof daypack liner
CLOTHES
- Waterproof jacket
- Light fleece jacket or similar
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Lightweight top for kayaking in the sun
- Underwear and socks
- Something to sleep in
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Hiking shoes/boots (worn-in)
- Sandals
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Head torch for sunset hiking to Chimera
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Cash and debit/credit card
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle x 1.5 litre
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Additional Night in Antalya Single Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Antalya Single Room
… Per Night
Additional Night in Antalya Twin/Double Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Antalya Twin/Double Room
… Per Night
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
…
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