Rock climbing in Turkey is a great opportunity to combine an active climbing trip with exploring a country that offers an incredibly diverse landscape.
For climbers, Turkey can be a real find: there are climbing areas suitable for virtually every skill level and a wide variety of climbing styles. From towering limestone walls in the heart of the country to sun-drenched sport-climbing sectors along the Mediterranean coast, Turkey’s climbing scene is vast and diverse.
11 best climbing areas in Turkey
1. Aladağlar National Park
Aladağlar is considered the birthplace of Turkish mountaineering and rock climbing. This vast mountain area has more than 60 peaks exceeding 3,000 metres in elevation and offers a wide variety of climbing styles. Particularly noteworthy is the picturesque Kazıklı Ali Vadisi, which features more than 350 sport routes on conglomerate limestone, ranging from 5.9/5c to extremely difficult projects at 5.14a/8b+.
Climbing type: alpine, multi-pitch and sport climbing
Best season: March–December for sport climbing; May–November for multi-pitch climbing
Number of routes: about 450 sport routes and 65 multi-pitch routes (trad, mixed and alpine sport routes)
Recommended routes: Ali Baba (5.10d/6b), Suskunlar (5.12c/7b+), Parmakkaya Classic (5.9), Uc Muz (5.13b/8a)
2. Kapıkaya
Located between Antalya and Isparta, Kapıkaya offers peaceful climbing in an unusual historical setting. The cliffs are surrounded by pine forests and ancient ruins. The area consists mainly of bolted limestone routes, with some challenging lines on the eastern wall of the pass.
Climbing type: sport climbing; single-pitch and multi-pitch routes
Best season: April–October
Number of routes: more than 100
Recommended routes: Kistepsi (6c+), Kapıkaya multi-pitch routes
3. Kaynaklar
Just a short bus ride from Izmir, Kaynaklar is a popular climbing area known for its friendly atmosphere. Every spring, a climbing festival organised by Dokuz Eylül University attracts thousands of participants. The wide range of grades makes the area suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers.
Climbing type: single-pitch sport climbing
Best season: March–June; September–November
Number of routes: about 230
Recommended routes: Caylak (5.10b/6a), Cin Mahallesi (5.11a/6b+), Karsiyaka (5.11d/7a)
4. Geyikbayırı
Geyikbayırı is one of Turkey’s premier climbing destinations, located near Antalya. It offers more than a thousand routes on Mediterranean limestone across virtually every grade. Well-developed climbing infrastructure, a vibrant international community and a wide range of accommodation make Geyikbayırı one of the country’s most attractive climbing areas.
Climbing type: sport climbing
Best season: September–April
Number of routes: more than 1,300
Recommended routes: Saxophone (5.10d/6b+), Jaja City (5.12a/7a+), Power Slave (5.12b/7b)
5. Çitdibi
One of the rapidly developing climbing areas around Antalya, Çitdibi is known for long, endurance-testing routes and impressive limestone tufas. The area continues to develop, with many difficult lines exceeding 35 metres in length. Climbers can stay at the nearby Masal Refuge, which offers cabins and camping facilities.
Climbing type: sport climbing
Best season: late August–December; April–June
Number of routes: about 87
Recommended routes: Woman in Paradise (5.11c/6c+), James Caro Wedding Present (5.13c/8a+)
6. Bafa Gölü (Lake Bafa)
Bafa Gölü is one of Turkey’s premier bouldering destinations. Huge granite boulders are scattered around the picturesque lake, providing numerous problems across a wide range of grades. The difficulty ranges from V0/3 to V14/8b+, offering plenty of options for both beginners and very strong boulderers.
Climbing type: bouldering
Best season: October–April
Number of boulder problems: about 1,000
Recommended problems: By the Way (V3/6a+), Raki Hangover (V5/6c), Human Robot (V10/7c+)
7. Sarıkaya
Located near Izmir, Sarıkaya is a relatively new climbing area that is still being developed. It offers long routes on high-quality limestone. The rock is still largely unpolished, and the range of grades provides options from beginner routes to highly challenging climbs.
Climbing type: sport and trad climbing
Best season: April–October
Number of routes: 125
Recommended routes: Mercimami (5.9/5b), Yaz (5.10/6a), Dharma (5.13b/8a)
8. Göreme National Park
Climbing routes in Göreme range approximately from 5.8/5a to 5.12c/7b+. But climbing here is about more than technical difficulty — it is closely connected to Cappadocia’s unique history. Imagine climbing a rock face and unexpectedly discovering ancient frescoes painted by early Christians inside a cave.
Climbing type: sport and trad climbing
Best season: April–October
Guidebook: local guidebooks are available in Göreme
Number of routes: more than 150
Recommended routes: The Monk (5.9/5c), Chimney Crack (5.11a/6b), Fairy Tale (5.12c/7b+)
9. Uçhisar
The climbing routes in Uçhisar offer plenty of variety and spectacular views. Whether you are tackling a boulder problem or a sport route, the sight of hot-air balloons drifting above Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys at sunrise can make the climb unforgettable.
Climbing type: sport climbing and bouldering
Best season: March–November
Guidebook: information is available from local guides
Number of routes: more than 80
Recommended routes: Eagle’s Nest (5.10b/6a), Skyline (5.11b/6c), Castle Crack (5.12a/7a+)
10. Çavuşin
Climbing in Çavuşin feels like stepping back in time. The routes can be quite challenging, but the surroundings are just as impressive: climbers move among structures carved directly into the rock centuries ago.
Climbing type: sport and trad climbing
Best season: April–October
Guidebook: available locally
Number of routes: more than 50
Recommended routes: Saint George (5.10a/6a), Monastery Wall (5.11c/6c+), Hidden Chapel (5.12b/7b)
11. Ortahisar
Ortahisar’s routes are scattered across rugged rocky terrain and offer a mixture of relatively easy and more challenging climbing. The peaceful atmosphere and traditional character of the village make the area particularly appealing to climbers who want to combine climbing with nature and local culture.
Climbing type: sport climbing
Best season: May–October
Number of routes: more than 40
Recommended routes: Quiet Valley (5.9/5b), Hidden Treasure (5.10c/6b), Castle Wall (5.11b/6c+)
Turkey offers an enormous variety of climbing areas and styles. Here you can find challenging multi-pitch routes, scenic bouldering and sport-climbing sectors on limestone beneath the Mediterranean sun. Combined with the country’s rich cultural heritage, local cuisine and hospitality, Turkey is a destination that definitely deserves a place on every climber’s travel list.
Source: alp.org.ua