The Paris 2024 Olympic Games have been truly captivating, sparking the world with a shared excitement. If the games have left you feeling full of adventure, you can find your new playground along Türkiye’s breathtaking Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.
These regions offer more than just beautiful beaches and vibrant cuisine; they are prime destinations for outdoor activities and aquatic sports where you can experience Olympic-style thrills in stunning locations.
Dive into Adventure with Türkiye’s Thrilling Aquatic Sports
Aquatic sports have long thrilled global audiences at the Olympics with their intensity and skill. Now, imagine bringing that excitement to life along Türkiye’s beautiful coasts. Your adventure begins with diving into some of the top spots.
Explore the historic waters of Çanakkale, then plunge into the vibrant underwater scenes of Ayvalık, Bodrum, and Kaş. Here, you’ll discover ancient ruins, shipwrecks, and colourful marine life.
Next, ride the waves with windsurfing in İzmir’s charming Alaçatı or on the Datça Peninsula in Muğla, where conditions are perfect for catching the wind. For kitesurfing enthusiasts, Akyaka, a tranquil town between Alaçatı and Datça, offers an ideal spot.
Continue your journey in Antalya, where the excitement continues with rafting in the Köprülü Canyon and canoeing over the Sunken City of Ancient Lycia in Kekova, where ancient ruins lie just beneath the crystal-clear surface.
Step into Olympic Spirit on Türkiye’s Best Trekking Trails
Inspired by Olympic race walking? Discover Türkiye’s stunning trekking routes along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. From leisurely strolls to challenging hikes, these trails showcase breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and historical sites.
Explore the Ida Mountains in the North Aegean, follow the ancient Phrygian Way from Afyonkarahisar, or trace the Carian Trail and Pisidia Cultural Heritage Trail. Walk in St. Paul’s footsteps on the St. Paul Traill, or experience the Lycian Way – Türkiye’s premier long-distance route. Starting in Fethiye Ölüdeniz, this trail winds through forests and ancient ruins like UNESCO-listed Xanthos-Letoon, ending in Geyikbayırı, where you can also enjoy some thrilling climbing.
Experience the Joy of Cycling on Diverse Bike Routes
This year’s Olympic cycling events showcased intense competition across road, track, mountain biking, BMX racing, and BMX freestyle. For cycling enthusiasts seeking their next adventure, Türkiye’s Aegean and Turkish Riviera regions offer exceptional routes to explore.
In the Aegean, the EuroVelo 8 Mediterranean Route starts at İzmir’s Dikili Port, winding through picturesque villages like Seferihisar, Sığacık, Urla, and Alaçatı. You’ll pass the İzmir Bird Sanctuary, visit UNESCO sites Pergamum and Ephesus, and enjoy stunning Aegean vistas.
For more challenging rides, Antalya’s Kemer district boasts thrilling mountain biking trails across the Gedelme, Çalıştepe, Çukuryayla, and Beycik regions.
During your cycling journey, you can stay in bike-friendly hotels, which offer amenities such as special menus, route information, secure parking, and maintenance tools.
Discover World-Class Golfing in Türkiye
Golf made an exciting return to the Olympics in 2016, and this year’s Games featured one of the best competitive tournaments on the global stage.
To continue riding this wave of excitement and dive back into the game, consider a holiday to Belek, Antalya’s premier golf destination.
Belek boasts world-class golf courses with stunning Mediterranean views. Home to 11 golf clubs and 17 18-hole championship courses, it offers year-round play with 24-hour access.
