Antalya is famous for beaches, resort hotels and ancient ruins.
Did you know that the region is also one of the locals' favorite areas for sport activities?
With it's unique nature, Antalya is a very nice place for climbing amongst the coast and in the taurus mountains.
On this page, you will read everything about available climbing options in Antalya, things you have to know and frequently asked questions.
Let's start with the best places for climbing.
1. Geyikbayiri
One of the largest climbing areas in Turkey is located 15 kilometres from Antalya. Geyikbayiri has over 1000 routes, all professionally bolted. The rural mountain area surrounded by olive, pomegranate and orange groves offers routes of all levels.
The limestone is partly sintered and provides varied climbing opportunities. The valley is divided into two main sectors, a long south wall and a long north-west wall. In addition, there are smaller sectors with different orientations.
The rocks facing south get very hot in summer as they are exposed to direct sunlight. The Trebenna sector faces north and is preferred in the hot months because you can climb there in the shade. The routes here are more difficult as they are steep and overhanging. Climbers from grade 7 will prefer this area.
Small wooden bungalows can be rented directly in the climbing area, and various camps are available, including Josito Camp, Peak guesthouse, Climbers Garden, Kezbans Camping, to name a few.
2. Çıralı
Near Olympos, at Çıralı, is another climbing area. Here there are over 250 routes on limestone of all levels of difficulty.
Climbing is done on slabs with small pockets that require technical, balancing moves, to on tufas and huge roofs. Some of the crags have only a few hundred metres from the beach. There are also several walls in this area that are suitable for Deep Water Soloing (DWS), as the sea is deep enough to attempt routes from 8 to 35 metres long. These walls can be approached by boat.
3. Çitdibi
Çitdibi is one of the youngest climbing areas in Turkey. The rock, located at an altitude of about 1,000 metres, is 40 kilometres southeast of Antalya. Directly below the climbing rock and at the southern foot of the 2,649-metre-high Tunç Mountain is the Masal Refuge, from where the climbing tours start. There are currently 56 developed routes of varying difficulty here. The mountain faces east and is only in the sun in the morning hours.
The area is divided into different sectors. In the right sector, there is tuff on 140-metre-high rock with blue and orange stripes. The left sector, on the other hand, is not so colourful; here you climb on ridges and rocks. In spring, this side is often dirty due to the dripping water.
The sector called Mağara - Cave - offers steep, sporty climbing routes with difficulty levels between 7a+ and 8b+. In the red rock sector, the routes are vertical and often slightly overhanging, leading over red and orange rock that looks like red marble.
Even in winter and spring it is always dry here. The difficulty levels are between 6a+ and 8a. The sector called Şelale -Waterfall- has been little developed so far. Only in the lower area are there routes of easy and medium difficulty.
4. Akyarlar
About 15 kilometres southwest of Antalya is the Akyarlar climbing area. Here you climb on limestone rocks, there are about 20 routes with difficulty levels between 5+ and 8+.
All routes are well bolted and secured. At the beginning of the routes, there are mostly very round boulder-like holds, after which the rock becomes increasingly rough and steep.
At the beach of Akyarlar there is a rock with possibilities for bouldering and route climbing. Most of the entrances are very hard and slippery - you have to be careful here!
Climbing Courses in Antalya
Most of the climbing courses are held in the Geyikbayiri area. There are courses for beginners and advanced climbers or guests who simply want to improve their climbing technique.
Bookings for a camp lasting several days usually include excursions to the surrounding area. Climbing equipment must be brought along. Missing parts can usually be purchased on site.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
The prices of climbing courses vary depending on the provider, but on average you can expect to pay 90 euros per person for a one-day course.
Due to the Mediterranean climate, the best season for climbing in Antalya starts at the beginning of September and goes until the end of May. The summer months are too hot and humid.
As a rule, the schools do not provide any equipment. Everyone must bring their own basic equipment. However, missing items can be purchased locally.
Conclusion
There are numerous opportunities for mountain climbing in the Antalya region. The largest climbing area, Geyikbayiri, is only 15 kilometres from Antalya. There are climbing routes of all degrees of difficulty and all levels here.
Due to the Mediterranean climate, the best season for climbing in Antalya starts at the beginning of September and goes until the end of May; in the summer months it is too hot and humid. The numerous canyons in the region offer opportunities for guided canyoning or hiking.
Check more guides for sports in Antalya below:
- Complete guide of Rafting in Antalya
- Complete guide of Canyoning in Antalya
- Complete guide of Hiking in Antalya
- Complete guide of Tandem Paragliding in Antalya