5 Reasons why you should book a trip to Turkey this summer

We’re not ones for boasting, but our Sports and Sundowners in Turkey trip is the perfect adventure for those who want to see a different side of Turkey. It’s got a bit of everything, like canyoning down turquoise rapids in Kibris Canyon, jeep safaris, epic sundowners and kayaking excursions to mysterious sunken cities. Intrigued? We are too. Read on to find out 5 top reasons to book our action-packed trip in Turkey.

Kibris Canyon, Taurus Mountain Range, Southern Turkey

For the epic water sports

If you’re wondering where’s the best place to go in Turkey for a holiday, most head to the jam-packed bazaars in Istanbul or the fairy tale chimney landscapes in Cappadocia, but seasoned travellers will find that the Southern part of Turkey holds its own allure, with plenty of treasures to discover just off the tourist trail.

On our action-packed Sports and Sundowners in Turkey trip, be prepared to try every water sport there is going. The towering Kibris Canyon in the Taurus Mountain range of southern Turkey is the ultimate adventure playground for thrill-seekers. And with temperatures hovering around the mid-30s in summer, the ice-cold, milky-blue waters in Kibris Canyon offer the perfect refresher, post-hike. Canyoning, swimming, or simply plunging yourself into the fast-flowing streams is a must. But what about kayaking? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered there too. Grab your ores at the fishing harbour in Ucagiz and find your sea legs as you make your way towards the turquoise blue coves of Kekova Island. But this isn’t your average kayaking excursion, uh-uh. Lurking beneath the turquoise waters, you’ll find the mysterious sunken city ruins of Dolchiste – but more on that later.

Raki - Turkey's national spirit of choice

For the sundowners

When it comes to traditional Turkish drinks, you’ll find locals drinking Turkish coffee, Turkish tea, Ayran (buttermilk) and Şalgam Suyu (pickled turnip juice), but if these haven’t sufficiently quenched your thirst, there’s always Rakı.

Served in most Turkish taverns, this national spirit packs a punch. Made from suma (white grapes pomace) and anise seeds, it’s a whopping 40-50% pure alcohol, so is usually mixed with water and ice to take the edge off. With its fiery potency and milky, translucent colouring when water is added, it’s no wonder why the locals refer to the drink as “Aslan Sütü” “lion’s milk”. So, be sure to grab a glass or two for the perfect sundowner while you get to know your group on your first evening in the bougainvillaea-blushed streets of Kas.

Kaputas Beach, Turkey

For the weather

Let’s face it – with the weather failing to get into full swing this spring, everybody’s itching to get away for some much-needed vitamin D with balmy temperatures – and we don’t blame them. Luckily for us, Southern Turkey dishes out seemingly endless sunny days and deliciously hot temps come summer, in June, July and August, ranging from 25 degrees to a steaming 35 degrees. So, isn’t it time you switched out your spring trench for shades and a fedora?

If you can’t stick the sizzling heat – don’t worry, the autumn months of September and October offer glorious Indian summer vibes, with average temps sitting comfortably around 20-24 degrees in the day.

For the action-packed jeep safari

Exploring Southern Turkey’s mountainous trails on foot is great – but nothing beats resting those weary legs with a jeep safari. Feel the breeze as you’re driven to the turquoise shores on Kaputas Beach, before heading towards traditional Greek villages dotted along the coast for brekky. Afterwards, get ready to hop back in your jeep and embrace canyon country – we’re talking towering waterfalls in Gizlikent Gorge and turquoise river rapids in Saklikent National Park, you know, absolute Instagram fodder. Top that off with a sunset swim in Patara Beach and you’re pretty much set.

Kekova Island, Sunken city ruins of Dolchiste

For the mysterious sunken cities

We touched on this earlier – but the sunken city on Kekova Island deserved to stand on its own as a big reason to visit southern Turkey, because where else in the world can you kayak towards ancient underwater ruins?

Visible thanks to the crystal-clear waters around Kekova, visitors can enjoy a perfect birds-eye view of this ancient Lycian settlement. Records showed that the island became half-submerged by a huge earthquake back in the 2nd century and was quickly rebuilt. But the island’s bad fortune resurfaced once again with a threat of an Arab invasion, which caused all the locals to flee, leaving the settlement abandoned for centuries. With chapels, watchtowers and harbours easily spotted under the sea, you can even catch glimpses of amphora (ceramic pottery) still sitting on the seafloor on clear days!

If this has inspired you to book an adventure in Turkey this summer, run don’t walk to check out our epic Sports and Sundowners in Turkey.