Underwater diving in Turkish waters with amateur equipment is permitted in certain areas for leisure purposes under the guidance of local authorities. Foreign divers should have official documentation of their specifics, training and must be accompanied, when diving, by a licensed Turkish guide.  

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Another of nature's gifts to Turkey are its rivers. Turkey has some excellent rivers for white water rafting, including one that is rated by professional rafters as one of the top ten in the world, the Çoruh River. They provide perfect - conditions canoeing, skiing and rafting. These rivers are: Coruh, Barhal, Berta, Firtina, Cola Koprucay, Manavgat, Dragon, Goksu (Silifke), Zamanti, Goksu (Feke), Kizilirmak, a Dalaman Stream.

Rivers that are commercially rafted in Turkey include:

The Dalaman River

(SW Turkey, near to Marmaris, Fethiye and Dalyan) Grade 3-4, April - October. There is also a grade 5 section which is run April-July. One day, and overnight camping trips

The Köprülü River

near Antalya - grade 3, April - October One day trips

The Oruh River

North-east Turkey - grade 5 and 4, May - July 4 day and 8 day trips, camping

The Zamanti River

near Cappadocia - grade 3, one day trips  

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Turkish seas are a haven for windsurfers. The bays around the Cesme, Bodrum and Datca peninsulas are blessed with ideal winds for this sport (Antalya is also suitable), Enthusiasts will be pleased with the very reasonable cost, international standards, ideal climate, secluded bays, and available services.

Turkey's Aegean shores are among the loveliest landscapes in the country. The magnificent coastline, lapped by the clear water of the Aegean Sea, abounds in vast and pristine beaches surrounded by olive groves, rocky crags and pine woods.

Alacati Windsurfers' Paradise

Alacati(Alaçati,Agrilia), a Mediterranean town on the Western coast of Turkey, which has been famous for its architecture, vineyards and windmills for over 150 years has now made its name in the world of windsurfing, known as The Turkish Windsurf Riviera, with its crystal clear water, consistent and steady wind (for an average of 300 days a year) and well acclaimed Turkish hospitality.

Bodrum

The season runs from late May to Early November with the strongest winds being in June through September. During the morning the wind is gentle making it ideal for the rookies, followed by hard winds for the trained surfer in the afternoon. Temperatures are hot all times, except during the night during the first few weeks at the beginning and end of the season. The sea is warm throughout.

Teos

Located on the west coast south of Izmir, Teos is a great place for beginners or and others that need to get technics like the water start, turns and tricks straightened out. The bay has a shallow area so that you can stand, where's once out of the bay the space is free for speeding or slalom.

The most consistent wind is the Meltemi during the summer months, blowing from the north/northwest reaching 5 to 6 bft in strength. When you're in the bay and something comes up that you can't make it back to shore, the wind will just make you drift to one side of the bay, so you can just take your rigging and walk along the shoreline back to where you launched. Round noon-ish it tends to die down a little, but picks up again in the afternoon.  

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Turkey's historical and- natural beauties include, well-maintained and secluded golf courses. Golfers will be delighted with the 18-hole golf links, which are maintained up to international standards. In addition, there Are open tournaments.

Belek

Belek area golf courses have become very popular, attracting visitors from all over the world. They also host golf tournaments and numerous corporate events throughout the year. 35,-Km drive from Antalya International Airport, there you will find a golfers paradise located at the foot of Taurus Mountains on the Mediterranean coastal line.
Here at Belek Area, four golf clubs are grouped in two pairs separated by a ten minute drive with most of the hotels in between. All ready to serve you not only sunshine and secluded beaches but also the unique and hidden golf treasure of our Country.

Nobilis

Nobilis winds its way through conifers with an assortment of strategically positioned lakes and rivers. If you are playing well and wish to be aggressive off the tee, you are rewarded with good birdie opportunities. Playing with safety in mind places a premium on your second shot. A simple way to describe the course would be the Duchess Course at Woburn with less fir trees and a lot more water!
The course is reasonably flat, well maintained and manicured all year round. It boasts excellent practice facilities adjacent to the Clubhouse. These are ideal for Professionals contemplating Golf tuition weeks. Combine this with competition play over a challenging and rewarding course and you have a successful formula that you would want to repeat year after year

The National

The National is one of David Feherty's gems. It has a wonderful balance of holes, many of which are similar to those at other famous courses, like Quinta de Lago, Valderamma and Wentworth. The second hole will make you think you are playing the 17th at TPC Sawgrass. We think you will love this course with its eucalyptus and pine trees, lining many of the angled fairways.
There are subtle doglegs and huge lakes. The greens are similar to those of Valderrama. You will experience a great, yet fair, golf course.
It has wonderful practice facilities with a turfed area and 40 bay fixed driving range. Gloria Golf Club

This is a truly glorious golf course, winding it's way through avenues of thick trees and 7 lakes. Gloria was host to the 2001 PGA European Turkish Senior Open. Truly challenging course. It provides a memorable venue for a leisurely game.

Tat Golf Club

Tat means "taste" in Turkish and the three loops of 9 make this golf course an interesting destination for all types of golfers. With one loop kissing the Mediterranean, the views are spectacular.

Antalya Golf Club

The latest David Jones creation. The first 18 holes will open at the end of 2002 and second 18 at the beginning of 2003.  

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There are several locations in Turkey that provide perfect conditions for all types of wind and air sports. These sports include: plane gliding, hang gliding, parachuting, and single engine flights. There are services that provide instruction courses in these sports for groups of 10 people or more, providing they speak the same language.  

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Foreigners can only hunt in parties organized by Turkish travel agencies, which have been authorized, by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. These agencies provide all information concerning seasons, authorized zones, permits, weapons, and ammunition.  

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Winter sport resorts in Turkey are generally located in forested mountains of average height.

The following ski and winter sport centers are easily accessible by road or by Turkish Airlines domestic flights:

Agri - Bubi

At a distance of 18 km from the city center, this ski center is situated in a lovely landscape where alpine streams intermingle with flora in the surroundings. The ski season runs from December through April. There is a ski lift and a cafeteria.

Ankara - Elmadag

About 18 kin from Ankara, between 1,500 and 1,850 in, this is a lovely place to relax get fresh air and to dine far away from the clamor and air pollution in the city There is a 10 room (33 bed) hotel, chalets (130 beds), a ski-lift, a pleasantly decorated a la carte restaurant, a snack bar, disco and parking. The ski season runs from January to March.

Antalya - Saklikent

Situated northeast of Bakirli Mountain in the Beydag mountain range, 49 kin. Northwest of Antalya, at a height of 1,850 in. Accommodations are available in guest- houses or chalets.
There are two ski lifts, restaurants, shops and a market. The best season is from January to April. During March and April, ski in the mornings then drive down the Coast and swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean in the afternoons.

Bingol - Kurucadag

This ski center is 25 km from the city center, in flora-covered heath land. The skiing season runs from February through March. There are 50 berths, and ski lifts are available

Bitlis - Sapgor

Located in an austere landscape, with scarce plant covering. The ski season runs fro February through April. There are ski lifts and 40 ski berths.

Bolu - Kartalkaya

This resort, situated on the Istanbul - Ankara highway, 38 kin from Bolu, is surround by pine forests. The ski area ties between 1,850 and 2,200 in. There are three hotels with total capacity of 1228 beds, heated indoor swimming pools, ski lifts, beginners' slopes, and equipment for hire. Ski instructors are available. The season is from December to April.

Bursa - Uludag

This ski center, 30 kin south of Bursa is accessible along a good asphalt road or by car. The best season is from December to May. A wide range of accommodation is available in hotels, family chalets and apres-ski facilities at the resort. There are chairlifts, 11 ski lifts, slalom and giant slalom courses, beginner slopes and a small hospital. Skis, equipment, and instructors are available for hire. Total bed capacity is 2,300.

Erzincan - Bolkar

About 40 kin from Erzincan, there is a ski hut and a chair lift. The ski season runs from December to April.

Erzurum - Palandoken

This center is 4 kin from Erzurum along a good road, at an altitude of 2,150 to 3,100 in with some of the longest courses and best snow in Turkey, making it an ideal location for international ski competitions. Accommodations are available at a 150-bed ski lodge and hotel with restaurant and a chairlift. Ski instructors and equipment are available for hire. Also, there are a number of hotels in Erzurum December to May is the normal season.

Gumushane - Zigana

This center is 40 km from Gumushane, and lies at an altitude of 1,870 in above a pineclad valley. There are ski lifts, a chair lift, ski lodge, cafeteria and a restaurant. The season is from December to the end of April.

Kars - Sarikamis

Situated 55 kin from Kars at 2,634 in, this ski center also has good courses and ideal snow conditions; the area is also noted for its hunting. Accommodations are available in town or at the 2600-bed capacity, centrally heated ski lodge, where ski lifts and ski instructors are available. The best season is from December to April.

Kastamonu - Ilgaz Mountain

Situated between Kastamonu and Cankiri, 40 kin from Kastamonu at the junction of the Istanbul-Kastamonu, Ankara-Kastamonu roads. In the Ilgaz National Park amidst beautiful woodlands, the slopes lie at 1,050 - 2,000 in. There are picnic facilities, a hotel, chalets (107 beds total), two ski lifts, a baby lift and a chair lift; there is also good hunting in the area. The season is from December to April.

Kayseri - Erciyes

This ski center lies at 2,150 in on the eastern face of Erciyes Mountain, on Tekir Yaylasi (plateau), 25 kin from Kayseri. The season is from December to May; there is a 140- bed capacity ski lodge, good courses, a ski lift and chair lift. Ski instructors and equipment are available.

INTERNATIONAL SKI TOURNAMENTS

• International Youth Cup (Alpine Discipline), Uludag - Bursa: March
• International Endurance Cup (Arctic Discipline), Uludag - Bursa: March
• Palandoken Ski Cup, Palandoken - Erzurum: April
• European Cup Meadow Skiing

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Turkey is a country full of mountains. Rising from all four corners mountains surround the peninsula of Anatolia. These magnificent mountain ranges and forests are mostly undeveloped existing as wonderful natural preserves for an extra ordinary variety of wildlife, flora and fauna.

The mountainous nature of this country has influenced its cultural evolution. Nomads and semi-nomadic people have migrated annually to the fresh pastures of the higher elevations in the summer for centuries.

Two of Turkey's most famous peaks are volcanoes, which are inactive. Mt. Erciyes in Kayseri in central Anatolia and Mt. Agri (Mt. Ararat) in the east.

Turkey offers a wealth of exploration. Volcanoes, glaciers and peculiar geological formations are irresistible to researchers and students.

In order to ascend the Buyuk Agri (Greater Ararat) and Cilo-Sat ranges, foreign mountaineering groups must have special permission from the proper authorities.

It is generally advisable to inform the Turkish Mountaineering Club of the region and time of the intended climb before the trip. The Club will then inform the relevant authorities in the region so that they will be prepared to assist, should it be necessary.

Bey Mountains

These mountains are situated west of Antalya and reach a height of 3,069 meters. The best starting points are from Antalya-Kemer and Antalya-Elmali. Climbing is possible year round. The trip to the top of Kizlar Sivrisi (3,070 m) and back can be made in a day by camping in Sedir Forest. Tahtali (2,344 im) can be reached from Kemer. Driving to Soguk Pinar and camping there, the climb is made easily. The view of the Mediterranean from the top attracts many climbers.

Kackar Mountains

Stretching for 30 km parallel to the Black Sea between Rize and Hopa, these ranges have peaks up to 3,932 m in height with numerous glaciers, lakes, forests and hot springs. The mountains are divided into four massifs: Vercenik, Kackar (Kavron), Altiparmak and Hunut. Although all of these massifs have camping, climbing and hiking areas, the most popular of these treks is the Trans-Kackar route starting from Ayder village, known for its beauty and hot springs. You may travel by car to the west to enter the foothills of the Trans-Kackar route all the way up to Asagi Kavron, where you continue on foot from YukariBogazcayiri Kavron to the Bogazcayiri natural camping area. From here, the summit of Kackar is about a 7-9 hour trek at an altitude of 3,932 m. When you come down on the Eastern. side you can also visit the Buyuk Cay Valley going on to Yaylalar Village and from there again by car on to Barhal. This entire area is known for its friendly people and hospitable neighbors.

Ala Mountains

Situated 60 km southeast of Nigde, running in an easterly direction, the Yedi Goller Plateau lies at 3,100 m and is surrounded by high peaks. The ideal season for ascend is June- September and the mountains are accessible via Nigde; Camardi and Cukurbag. The starting point for ascending the Demirkazik at 3,756 m (there and back, 10-12 hours) is Sokullupinar, about 3 hours walk from Cukurbag. Starting from Yedi Goller Vadisi (Valley of the Seven Lakes) one can ascend up to Kizilkaya (3,725 m, there and back,10 hours),and Direktas (3,470 m, 10 hours). For ascending in the Kaldi group, the highest peak of which is 3,734 m, the base camp should be made on the Sinekli Plateau.

Hasan Mountain

Situated south of Aksaray at a height of 3,268 m, Hasan Mountain is accessible from all directions. The ideal starting points are Taspinar on the Ankara - Adana road and the village of Helvadere in the IhIara Valley.
Route plans and mountaineering guides are available from the Tourist Information Offices of the respective regions.

Erciyes Mountain

This extinct volcano, the highest peak (3,916 m) in central Anatolia, lies to the south of Kayseri. The Tekir Plateau is a recreation area in summer and a, good skiing area in winter and it is reached via Hisarcik. The plateau is also the starting point for ascending the peak from the north face. The climb there and back takes about 8-10 hours, and on the plateau is a 100-bed capacity chalet. Another route goes over the glacier called Sutdonduran Plateau (2850 m).

Bolkar Mountains

Bolkar MountainsSituated in the middle of the Toros Mountains, along the Ankara - Adana road. The best starting points for the peaks of Kizilyar (3,654 m) and Turasan (3,499 m), are Maden. Koyu near Ciftehan and Elmapinar near Camalan.

Buyuk Agri Mountain (Mt. Ararat)

This is the highest mountain (5,137 m) in Turkey with its peak totally capped by a glacier. The best season is July-September. Dogubayazit is the starting point for climbing the southern face, via the village of Topcatan.

Suphan Mountain

This is the third highest peak (4,058 m) in Turkey and has a crater lake. Starting from Adilcevaz the trip to the top and back takes about three days.

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One of the best ways to get away from the bustle of big cities and the stress of work is to escape into the wilderness. This desire has led to the rapid development of a tourism known as nature tourism. Hiking requires a certain amount of effort and fitness, but is very economical when compared with other tourist and sports activities. Hiking, Virgin areas can explore mountains, plateaus, villages, cities and ancient ruins in Turkey. Hiking does not harm the environment and it is also inexpensive, so it's the perfect solution for a different vacation.

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In Turkey, there are about 1,000 thermal springs scattered throughout western Anatolia. Thermal spas with facilities for therapeutic treatments are as follows:

Ankara, Kizilcahamam (ph: 6.52-7.6)

It is located 86 kin from Ankara at 975 in above sea level. The waters (37 - 47 C) contain sodium, calcium magnesium, bicarbonate and chlorine. They are good for drinking and bathing benefiting he cures of rheumatism, neuralgia, and gynecologic and digestive disorders.

Afyon , Hudayi (ph: 6.64-6.84)

There is a small treatment center 66 kin from Afyon, 7 kin southwest of Sandikli. Waters contain sulphur, hydrocarbonate, sodium, calcium, carbon dioxide, bromide and fluoride (75 - 80 C, radioactive), and are good for drinking and bathing and benefit rheumatic, skin, gynecologic, and digestive complaints.

Afyon , Orucoglu (ph: 6.4)

Orucoglu Thermal Center is 14 kilometers from Afyon. The temperature of the spring water is 49 C. The water is rich in carbon dioxide, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, bromide and fluoride.
It has beneficial effects on arthritis, sciatica, disc hernia, neuritis, neuralgia, lumbago, osteoathrosis and is also beneficial after orthopedic surgery and various other surgical treatments such as post-operative therapy It can also be used in the rehabilitation of spastic children and polio patients with mental retardation. Patients with skin ailments like psoriasis, feeding problems, stomach, intestine and gall bladder, kidney, urinary tract and gynecologic disorders, and muscle and nerve fatigue also benefit from it. It is good for balancing the iron ratio, and has rehabilitation value in the treatment of hemiplegia. There is a modem complex adjoining with a 428-bed capacity and a high water slide.

Balikesir , Gonen (ph: 7.36)

Situated to the north of Balikesir, it has a treatment center with a 381-bed capacity Thermal waters contain sulphur, chloride, sodium, hydrocarbonate and carbon dioxide (52 C). Suitable for both drinking and bathing cures, the waters are beneficial for dermatologic, liver, rheumatic, urinary and nervous complaints.

Bingol , Kos

The Kos hot springs are located 20 kin from Bingol on the Bingol-Karliova highway The facilities include one hotel, ten motels, ten pensions, one outdoor and two indoor pools, restaurants, tea gardens, and a parking lot. Both locals and foreigners come here for healthy relaxation.

Bolu , Karacasu (ph: 5.82-6.32)

It is located on the Ankara , Istanbul highway, 4 kin south of Bolu with a 250-bed capacity. W(44 C)aters (44 C) contain calcium, magnesium, sulphur, bicarbonate and benefit the cures rheumatism, neuralgia, sciatica and gynecologic, liver and kidney diseases. , Cekirge (ph. 6.44-6.98)

Bursa

Most of the thermal springs, in both modem and historical settings, are in the district of Cekirge. The waters contain bicarbonate, sulphur, sodium, calcium and magnesium, (47 - 78 C), are suitable for both drinking and bathing cures, and are beneficial for rheumatic, gynecologic and dermatologic diseases and for the metabolism. A wide range of accommodation in 1st- to 4th-class hotels is available, as is medical supervision.

Bursa , Oylat (ph: 3.04-7.26)

Approximately 27 km south in Inegol County, the water is very warm; the steam bath is heated to 40 C, and the spring waters are 10 C. The waters contain sulphur, bicarbonate, calcium, hydrogen ions and iron. With diuretic properties, the drinking and bath cures have a relaxing and sedative effect. There are two hotels and four motels.

Canakkale - Kestanbol (ph: 5.92-6.94)

Located 15 km into Ezine County, 2 km from the Sea- of Marmara. The waters of the various springs range between 21 C and 67 C, containing chloride, sodium, iron carbon- dioxide and calcium. At the thermal springs, beneficial bath cures, mud-bath cures, steam and geyser cures are available.

Canakkale - Kestanbol (ph: 5.92-6.94)

Located 15 km into Ezine County, 2 km from the Sea- of Marmara. The waters of the various springs range between 21 C and 67 C, containing chloride, sodium, iron carbon- dioxide and calcium. At the thermal springs, beneficial bath cures, mud-bath cures, steam and geyser cures are available.

Denizli - Pamukkale and Karahayit (ph: 5.98-6.26)

North of Denizli (20 km) with a 500-bed capacity Thermal waters contain hydrocarbonate, sulphur, calcium, carbon dioxide and iron (42 - 56 C, radioactive) and are suitable for drinking and bathing helping heart and circulatory complaints as well as digestive, gall bladder, rheumatic and kidney diseases.

Eskisehir - Hamamyolu

Most of the thermal springs are near Hamamyolu Street in the center of town. The waters (38-45 C) contain bicarbonate, sodium, and calcium and are suitable for both drinking and bathing cures.

Eskisehir - Sakar (ph: 7.6)

33 km. north of Eskisehir near the town of Saricakaya. The waters (35 C) contain sodium, magnesium and bicarbonate, benefiting the skin, complaints of sciatica, rheumatism and kidney stones.

Izmir - Balcova (ph: 6.4)

Located 10 km west of Izmir with a 400-bed capacity and the largest indoor thermal pool in Turkey. Ege University recognizes the value of these hot springs and has built a treatment center nearby The water (62 C) is suitable for drinking and bathing, benefiting sciatica, gynecologic and nervous disorders plus intestinal and urinary problems.

Izmir - Cesme (ph: 6.58)

The Bay of Ilica and Sifne (7 km east of Cesme) have accommodation in every category and class with a total of 2,000 beds. Waters contain chloride, sodium, magnesium, fluoride (42 --55 C), and are suitable for drinking and bathing cures, benefiting dermatologic, gynecologic and urinary complaints as well as metabolic disorders.

Konya -I Ilgin (ph: 7.0),

Situated 88 km northwest of Konya with basic accommodations available and an excellent treatment center. Waters contain hydrocarbonate, calcium, sodium and carbondioxide (42 C, radioactive), and are beneficial for rheumatic, dermatologic, gynecologic, urinary, circulatory and heart diseases, and also for glandular and digestive complaints.

Kutahya - Harlek (Ilicakoy)

Located 27 km from Kutahya. The waters are between 25 C and 43 C, containing bicarbonate, sulphur, calcium and magnesium. The drinking and bath waters are beneficial for sufferers of rheumatism, hepatitis, bladder, skin and metabolic disorders.

Mugla - Sultaniye (ph: 6.68-6.74)

A sunken area in Koycegiz county, with warm waters between 32 C and 42 C, containing chloride, sodium, hydrogen sulfide and bromide. Both the drinking and the bath waters have a relaxing and beneficial effect on sufferers of rheumatism, skin and blood disorders, heart ailments, bronchitis, nervous complaints, kidney and urinary complaints, metabolic disorders, and for elderly patients and convalescents.

Sivas - Balikli (Yilanli) Cermik (ph: 7.3)

This interesting spa is situated 17 kin northeast of Kangal in the province of Sivas. The waters (36 C) contain bicarbonate, calcium and magnesium. In the baths are many small fish (2-10 cm) and these play an important part in the cure of psoriasis. The waters are also beneficial for rheumatism, skin diseases, arterial sclerosis and gynecologicshop for complaints. There are motels, restaurants and camping facilities as well as shop for provisions.

Yalova (ph: 6.88-7.48)

These thermal springs are situated 11 km southwest of Yalova with a capacity of 600- 800 in hotels and guesthouses. The thermal waters contain sulphur, sodium and calcium (57- 60 C) and are suitable for drinking and bathing cures. Beneficial for rheumatic, gynecologic, urinary and nervous complaints and controlling cholesterol and lipid levels.  

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Turkey has been famous for its Spas. As an important part of life in Turkey's Anatolian heartland, Spa centers such as Termal, Bursa and Pamukkale have been popular with Turks long before they became known abroad.

According to government statistics, today there are an estimated 50 Spas and thermal centers and a further 120 more thermal springs that could be utilized in the future. A visit to Turkey would not be complete without a stop at one of the country's better known spas, whether to treat a health -problem or simply to luxuriate in the soothing waters of natural mineral baths.

Following are the famous spas listed by province.

Turkey, situated at the crossroads of three continents, forms a bridge between the reproductive areas of birds in the north and their winter nests in the south. One of the most important stops for birds along this route is lzmir-Cesmealti. This area was declared a natural heritage region in 1985, offering the possibility of natural and cultural activities.
"Kus Cenneti," Bird Paradise National Park, near Bandirma, is another important example where natural and cultural values coexist. This area provides different environments. Bird Paradise is a real heaven both for bird-lovers and ornithologists. Important places where different bird types exist include: Buyuk Menderes Delta, Lake Seyfe (near Kirsehir), Sultan Marshes (near Kayseri) and Goksu Delta (near Silifke).

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Anatolia was one of the first wine drinking countries in the world. Wine was drunk as a ritual around 2,000 B.C. Hittite Emperors offered wine to their gods in order to thank them for what they had. Reliefs portraying these offerings can be seen at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara. The main wine production centers are Ankara, Goreme and Yozgat in rnid-Anatolia; Tekirdag, Murefte, Sarkoy, Marmara Island and Avsa Island in the Marmara Region; and Bozcaada, Izmir, Sirince, Denizli, Guney and Sal in the Aegean Region. In Anatolia, which is known as the land of wine, it is inexpensive and delicious.