Features ... |
|
 |
Regulars ... |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
Pure Adrenaline |
|
 If
it's extreme adventure you're looking for, then Turkey is the right place!
Geof Byrne gives us the low down on the various adventure activities on
offer.
The popular image of Turkey is of the Mediterranean coastline, classic
ancient ruins, moustaches, carpets and apple tea. These are all fantastic
aspects of this huge and varied country, but undoubtedly, the jewel in the
crown must be the region of Lycia. Stretching from around Dalyan, all the
way to Antalya, the Lycians ruled this wild region of Turkey from as early
as the time of the battle of Troy and continued through until their heyday
under the Romans in the early centuries AD. The most obvious reminders of
ancient Lycia are the monumental sarcophagi and rock cut tombs that litter
the Mediterranean coast, and the stunning remains of the 23 main cities of
the Lycian Federation.
"If canyoning sounds too slow for you, then how about a 1500m descent on a
mountain bike down a narrow unsealed road?"
As time has moved on, this rugged region has become the adventure capital of
Turkey, as high adrenaline seekers have discovered new ways of exciting
themselves in this beautiful and wild area. You can go white water rafting
down the Dalaman river, paragliding off Baba Dag over Oludeniz, trekking on
part of the 506 km Lycian Way - base yourself in Kas and try a variety of
adventure sports, you are bound to scare yourself and work off the Efes
beers you have enjoyed during your holidays.
 Adventure
sports are slowly catching on amongst the Turkish people and Kas has gained
a reputation over the last decade as the best diving area in the Med. Kas is
not a British or German resort town, it is a local village, which because of
its location, attracts all types of people who want to experience the real
Turkey. Within easy travelling distance, you can find dramatic ruins on the
mountains and under the water.
The mountain ranges top 3000m with incredible trekking in summer and snow
shoeing or skiing in the winter. Apart from the usual water activities, Kas
is now establishing itself as one of the best places to take a boat trip
from as well as one of the top places in the world to experience sea
kayaking, whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced nutter. In
recent times, Canyoning, which is Europe’s fastest growing adventure sport,
has taken off around here and the area has attracted world-class guides.
There are 3 different canyons and you have a choice of four different action
packed and scary days, which involve abseiling, jumping and clambering down
amazing river paths. If canyoning sounds too slow for you, then how about a
1500m descent on a mountain bike down a narrow unsealed road? Can you stay
on and beat your guide down?
The local guides are always exploring this region and whatever your
adventure drug, they will know the best place to take you.
If you want a more sedate time but still love the outdoors, then the
trekking is unsurpassed and since not many tourists visit these areas, it is
quite likely that you will end up visiting a local village house in the
hills for a cup of tea and an interesting chat completely in Turkish. Or of
course, you could lie in the sun and do nothing - when you are bored there
are plenty of cafes, bars and shops to entertain and tempt you. The choice
is yours and the challenge is for you to try it.
Geof Byrne currently lives in Kas. For the complete run down on adventure in
Turkey contact Geoff at info@bougainville-turkey.com
|
 |
