Index:
Extreme sports you can do in Türkiye at a glance
- The center of paragliding is Fethiye Ölüdeniz; you can glide over the Mediterranean from Babadağ’s 1,700- and 1,965-meter takeoff tracks.
- For kitesurfing, the most consistent winds are in Gökova and Akyaka. For wing foil, one of the rising sports in recent years, Çeşme, Urla, and Datça stand out.
- For scuba diving, Kaş, Bodrum, Fethiye, Ayvalık, and Saros stand out for their shipwrecks and rich underwater life.
- For rafting, Köprülü Canyon in Antalya is Türkiye’s most popular course; for those seeking an advanced level, the Çoruh River in Artvin is the destination.
We carry your sports equipment to every destination we fly to; you can check our sports equipment page for details.
Paragliding
Developed by air sports enthusiasts in the 1980s, paragliding – unlike skydiving– does not require aircraft or runways, although paragliders are equipped with parachutes, as a safety measure. Türkiye has a number of scenic paragliding spots.
If you are curious about all the sports and adventure options in Türkiye, take a look at our article Action sports in Türkiye: Adventures in nature.
Where can I paraglide in Türkiye?
Ölüdeniz, in southern Türkiye, is a world-renowned paragliding spot; the area has paragliding facilities as well as training courses. Other spots for this extreme sport are Antalya Kaş, the Dynamite Hill base (Dinamit Tepe) in Pamukkale, Trabzon’s Uzungöl, and Sakarya’s Serdivan. If your casual paragliding inspires you to loftier heights, you can enroll in the Turkish Aeronautical Association’s certified training course. Summer is still a few months away, but you might want to look into flights to Dalaman now!
Kitesurfing
While kitesurfing and windsurfing are similar in principle, kitesurfers ride a board with foot bindings while harnessed to a kite – rather than a sail.
Where can I kitesurf in Türkiye?
In Türkiye, Gökova is the ultimate kitesurfing locale. When the season starts, many kitesurfers also head to Muğla’s Akyaka region, along with Datça, Patara, Gökçeada, and Alaçatı. To get to Gökova, you can fly to Muğla Dalaman Airport.
Wing foil
Wing foil, the fastest-growing water sport in recent years, can be seen as a combination of windsurfing, kitesurfing, and surfing. Thanks to an inflatable wing you hold in your hands and the hydrofoil under the water, the board lifts out of the water. Because friction decreases, you are almost flying over the surface, even in low wind. Requiring less space and less wind than kitesurfing does makes the sport appealing to both beginners and experienced surfers. Türkiye has not stayed on the sidelines of this sport’s rise either; Türkiye has been one of the host countries for the Wingfoil Racing World Cup Series since 2024.
Where can you do wing foil in Türkiye?
Almost every spot where windsurfing or kitesurfing is possible is also suitable for wing foiling. Çeşme and Bodrum are the most popular destinations. Urla, which hosts the World Cup Series, is rapidly becoming a wing-foil center. While surf schools in Akyaka offer wingfoil training, Datça also stands out for this sport thanks to its wind conditions. With its shallow, calm waters, Akyaka is especially suitable for a first foil experience. For the Çeşme and Urla route, you can book a flight to İzmir; for Bodrum and Datça, you can book a flight to Bodrum or Dalaman.
Scuba diving
Türkiye has some of the best diving in the world – scuba diving and snorkeling are enormously popular with both foreign and domestic tourists, and the country offers divers an abundance of well-equipped dive centers and knowledgeable instructors.
Where can I scuba dive in Türkiye?
Kaş, Bodrum, Fethiye, Ayvalık and Saros offer outstanding dive spots. Click here to find out more about the top diving centers in Türkiye, along with the level of difficulty, the water depth, and what you’re likely to see underwater!
Rafting
Rafting, Türkiye’s established summer classic, is a team sport that involves navigating rivers in inflatable rafts. Guided tours with a helmet and life vest appeal to both families and adrenaline lovers, depending on the course’s difficulty. The season begins in spring on rivers fed by melting snow and continues through the summer. Joining the cool river waters on hot days is one of the most enjoyable parts of rafting.
Where can you go rafting in Türkiye?
When rafting in Türkiye comes to mind, the first destination is Köprülü Canyon in Antalya. This course on Köprüçay is the country’s most popular rafting destination, with a route that passes beneath ancient Roman bridges and a difficulty level suitable for beginners. For those seeking a more advanced experience, the Çoruh River in Artvin is the route of choice. Considered one of the world’s leading rafting courses, the Çoruh is a well-established route that has also hosted international competitions. Fırtına Stream in Rize, Melen Stream in Düzce, and Dalaman Stream in Muğla are among the other popular courses. You can book a flight to Antalya for a Köprülü Canyon adventure.
Canoeing
Originally designed as a light and simple mode of transportation, the canoe has become a vessel for sport. Equipped with protective gear, groups of three to five people can canoe in one vessel together.
Where can I canoe in Türkiye?
There are numerous canoeing spots in Türkiye, including Antalya, Muğla, Rize, Trabzon, Sakarya, Erzincan, and Van. We recommend the Antalya Kekova region if you prefer warm weather canoeing – and it’s easy to get there via Antalya Airport or Muğla Dalaman Airport.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place for paragliding in Türkiye?
The center of paragliding in Türkiye is Fethiye Ölüdeniz. Tandem flights from Babadağ’s 1,700 and 1,965-meter takeoff tracks last an average of 25-40 minutes, accompanied by views of the Ölüdeniz lagoon. Tekirdağ Uçmakdere, Denizli Pamukkale and Antalya Kaş are other popular flight spots.
Do you need experience for paragliding?
No. Since tandem flights are conducted with licensed pilots, no prior experience is required. The brief pre-takeoff briefing is sufficient. However, those who want to fly solo need to complete training approved by the Turkish Aeronautical Association.
When does the kitesurfing season start in Türkiye?
The kitesurfing season generally runs from May through October. The most consistent winds occur in July and August. With its shallow waters and steady thermal winds, Gökova and Akyaka are the most suitable regions for both beginners and professionals.
How many days does it take to learn kitesurfing?
To kitesurf independently at a basic level, you usually need 9-12 hours of training, typically spread over 3-4 days. It is recommended to take training from licensed instructors. Schools in Gökova and Akyaka offer regular courses.
What is wing foil and where can you do it in Türkiye?
Wing foil is a water sport that uses a handheld inflatable wing and an underwater hydrofoil, allowing the board to rise above the water as it moves. Most spots suitable for windsurfing and kitesurfing are also suitable for wing foil; in Türkiye, Çeşme, Urla, Akyaka, Bodrum, and Datça stand out.
Do you need a certificate to dive in Türkiye?
You need an internationally recognized diving certificate to dive independently. If you do not have one, you can join discovery dives with an instructor at diving centers, or obtain a certificate through a few-day course. Diving centers in Kaş, Bodrum, and Fethiye offer programs for every level.
What is the best season for diving in Türkiye?
The diving season runs from April to November. The best visibility and richest marine life occur between July and October. In regions such as Kaş and Fethiye, underwater visibility can reach 30-40 meters.
Do you need to know how to swim for rafting?
Knowing how to swim is not required. Life jackets and helmets are provided throughout the tours, and an experienced guide is on board. Beginner-level courses, such as those at Köprülü Canyon, are suitable for non-swimmers and families. However, advanced courses, such as those on the Çoruh River, require experience.
Is Köprülü Canyon rafting suitable for children, and is there a minimum age limit?
For beginner-level courses in Köprülü Canyon, there is usually a minimum age requirement of 7-8 years and a weight requirement of 25-30 kilograms. Since family tours are organized on this course, it is suitable for families with children. Advanced and longer courses are organized for adult and experienced participants.
Can I carry my sports equipment on Turkish Airlines flights?
Yes. You can carry your sports equipment, including paragliding, surfing, and diving gear, on our flights. For information on carrying rules and fees that vary by equipment type, visit the sports equipment page on our website.
