Best Rock Climbing in Turkey

Location

Located just 25 km (15 miles)  outside of Antalya’s city center, Geyikbayırı is Turkey’s largest sport climbing destination. A gold mine for any climber, Geyikbayırı is known for its hundreds of routes which vary in complexity, ranging from 5a to 8c+. The limestone rock which holds these routes stretches 1.5 km (1 mile)  into Antalya’s breathtaking mountains. Each route has quality hardware and bolting; this travel destination will give you a glimpse into Turkey’s quickly expanding outdoorsy culture.

Transportation

Traveling from the city of Antalya to Gekikbayırı via public transport is simple and straightforward. The city bus 521 goes to the base of the mountain, and city bus 650 takes climbers back to Antalya. Note that bus 521A does not go to Geyikbayırı. Before your trip, be sure to check out A Rock Climbing Guide to Antalya  (Antalya Kaya Tırmanış Rehberi) for more information on climbing all throughout Turkey. For a more convenient journey, you may consider renting a car or hiring a tourist travel agency to help you.

History of Climbing in Turkey

Climbing is a popular outdoor activity in Turkey. Its rapid development began in 1993, when Rıfat Başar led a team to blaze the trail for future climbers. He first pioneered this sport in Turkey by bolting 6 routes at Ballıkayalar, including 5 mixed routes and 1 sport route. During that time, D. Condevaux and P. Duverney set up alpine sport routes in the Aladağlar Mountains. By 1996, Öztürk Kayıkcı had bolted sport routes throughout Turkey’s mountains. As interest in the hobby grew, Öztürk trained climbers to set routes, which spread like wildfire throughout the region.

Today, whether you live locally or are visiting, climbing is a wonderful way to exercise, spend time with friends, and experience Turkey. A day spent rock climbing  in Antalya’s mountains will reward you with memories of breathtaking views, most thoroughly enjoyed from the top of a difficult route.

— by Abigail Goosen; photos by Caleb Bowman