Rock climbing in Antalya, Turkey, is a special experience. It mixes beautiful nature with exciting adventure. This place is known for its beautiful rock walls made of limestone and has climbing paths for everyone, no matter if you're just starting or very experienced. It's located by the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, so climbers can enjoy amazing views as they go up. The Geyikbayırı area, in particular, has the most climbing paths in Antalya. It offers over 1,000 paths that are both fun and challenging, all surrounded by beautiful nature.
Types of Climbing
In Antalya, there are different kinds of climbing that people can try. Each kind has its own experience and level of how hard it is. Here are the types:
- Sport Climbing: In this climbing, you go up routes that are already set and have bolts fixed into the rock for safety. It's good for new climbers and those who want to get better.
- Multi-Pitch Climbing: This kind involves climbing routes that are longer than the length of one rope. It needs more skills and experience but gives great views and a big feeling of achievement.
- Deep-Water Soloing (DWS): This exciting type of climbing is done on cliffs by the sea, without using ropes or harnesses. If climbers fall, they land in the water. It's for climbers who have a lot of experience and should always be done safely.
- Bouldering: This is about climbing short routes, usually not taller than 20 feet, without ropes or harnesses. Mats are used on the ground for safety. In Antalya, bouldering lets climbers enjoy beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea while climbing.
- Traditional Climbing (Trad): In this style, climbers use gear that they can remove, like nuts and cams, to stay safe from falls. It needs a lot of skill and is for those who have a lot of climbing experience.
Best Time to Rock Climb in Antalya
Climbing in Antalya is good any time of the year, but the best time is from September to May. In these months, it's cooler, making it better for climbing. The temperature is usually between 15-25 degrees Celsius. The summer is too hot and wet for climbing outside, but you can still climb inside at gyms.
Equipment Needed
For climbing in Antalya, you need specific gear based on the climb's style and difficulty. Here are basic must-haves for climbers:.
- Climbing shoes: Special shoes that help your feet grip better while climbing.
- Harness: Worn around your waist and legs, it connects you to a rope for safety.
- Chalk and a chalk bag: Chalk helps keep your hands dry for a better grip on rocks.
- Belay device: Helps control the rope to prevent falls.
- Helmet: Protects your head from falling rocks or objects.
- Quickdraws: Connects the rope to the wall for safety.
- Rope: Needed for climbing, comes in various lengths and thicknesses.
- Gear like nuts and cams: For traditional climbing, to secure yourself.
Always check your gear before climbing to make sure it's in good shape. Staying safe is very important.
Sport Climbing at Geyikbayiri
Geyikbayiri is the biggest sport climbing spot in Turkey. It's located 25 km away from Antalya, a city full of tourists, but here you'll mainly find rock climbers. The main climbing area stretches for 1.5 km and there are other smaller areas too, offering more than 1,000 climbing routes for all skill levels. And there's room to create even more routes! The climbing takes place on excellent quality limestone. The rock features include flat surfaces and vertical ones with tiny holds, as well as big, overhanging rocks and roofs. Most of the climbing routes are short, but there are a few longer ones that span two lengths. The area has been set up for climbing since 2001, so the metal safety bolts in the rock are of good quality.
Citdibi is called "mini Ceuse" by those who live nearby. This is because it has many difficult routes (rated F6c to F9a) and is known for its long, hanging rock formations and mainly overhanging routes. Right now, there are over 120 routes, but there's a huge potential for more. People see Citdibi as the next big thing in climbing around Antalya.
Further away from Geyikbayiri and up in the mountains (2000m high) is a place called Feslekan Yayla. It's a great spot for climbing on boulders made of limestone. Although it's not fully developed for bouldering yet, this means climbers have the chance to try routes no one has done before. It's also a cool place to be during the hot summer months away from Geyikbayiri.
Sport Climbing at Olympos
Further south, there is a great place for sport climbing called Olympos, and another one close by called Cirali. These two spots have nearly 400 climbing routes on very good limestone rock for all skill levels. The climbing involves smooth rocks with tiny holes that need careful and balanced moves, as well as big overhangs and roofs. Some climbing spots are also very close to the beach, just a few hundred meters away.
Even further south is a place for deep water soloing (climbing over water without ropes) called Yarasali. The climbing routes here are 8 to 20 meters long on rocks that stick out and have holes. The only problem is you need to rent a boat from Olympos to get there, which takes about an hour each way.
Other Climbing Areas Near Antalya
Akyarlar is a small climbing area made of limestone. It's special because you can climb right next to the beach! There are 15 short climbing paths that have safety bolts in them. They are not too hard or too easy, suitable for many climbers. There's also a lot of simpler climbing without ropes.
Beycik is higher up, at 450 meters above sea level, and it faces towards the north/northeast. This means it stays cool as it's mostly in the shade. There are 58 climbing paths on limestone, and they're mostly not too difficult, good for climbers who are not looking for something very challenging.
At Karataslar, there are 10 big rock formations made of a mix of different stones stuck together. There are 70 paths to climb, ranging from very short to very long.
Antalya is a top place for people who love rock climbing. It has many different types of climbing. You can try climbing big rocks without ropes, called bouldering, or climb over water where falling means landing in the sea, called deep water soloing. There are many places to climb, like Olympos and Cirali, which have lots of routes fixed with bolts for safety, and there are also new, unclimbed rocks waiting to be discovered. Places like Akyarlar and Karataslar are easy to get to and offer climbs for everyone, no matter if you're new or very skilled. The area is beautiful, with special kinds of rock and amazing views of Turkey. Antalya is a great place to visit if you enjoy climbing.
FAQ
Do I need to bring my own climbing gear?
It is a good idea to use your own climbing equipment because it fits better and feels more comfortable. However, many shops and climbing schools in Antalya have equipment you can borrow. This means you can rent climbing shoes, belts to keep you safe, helmets for head protection, and ropes.
Are there climbing options for beginners?
Yes, in Antalya, there are many places where you can go climbing if you are just starting. Places like Akyarlar and Beycik have many paths you can try. Some of these paths are easy, which is great for beginners.
Can I find climbing instructors or guides in Antalya?
Yes. In Antalya, there are many good climbing schools and guides who work on their own. They have classes and climbing trips with a guide for everyone, whether you are just starting or very good at climbing.
Is it necessary to have climbing experience to enjoy the climbing spots in Antalya?
If you have climbed before, you might enjoy climbing more and try harder paths. But, there are also many places good for people who are new to climbing. Also, there are teachers nearby who are good at teaching beginners how to climb.