Rock Climbing

Geyikbayırı is an all-year-round climbing area.

The best times are from mid-February to June, and from September to December. In Antalya there are far fewer rainy days than in Northern and Central Europe, and the climate is milder. For these reasons climbing is also possible in winter.

In summer many of the overhanging south-facing crags are sheltered from the sun during midday, and there are many other routes that are shadowed such as on the North Walls or the Canyon Sector, whilst in Akyarlar you often have a cool sea breeze in the summer afternoons. With the various heights and climatic differences of the region, there is always the possibility to climb in comfortable temperatures at any time of the year.

As of autumn 2005, the sectors in the noth-face that stay the whole day in the shade, have been open.

Antalya:

35 km west of the city of Antalya (the capital city of the province Antalya, having a population of 775,000 – see Wikipedia.) lies the largest natural climbing area in Turkey around the village of Geyikbayırı. There are further smaller climbing areas along the sea-front, such as at Akyarlar. Bouldering (a style of rock climbing without any rope – see Wikipedia) is possible at the sea spots or in the bouldering area 8 km away at Feslekan Yayla (see below). These untouched mountainous regions with ocean views, the nice Turkish climbing scene, combined with the Turkish culture and their friendly openness creates an incredibly unique atmosphere.

Main Climbing Area of Geyikbayırı:

Our special guests will be staying just 1000m from their climb, which is at the entrance of the village of Geyikbayırı (pron. “Geyikbaiyuru”, the small village in which our Guest House is – see menu for details). Geyikbayırı is a very special fresh climbing area, discovered just in 2000. At this moment, there are 450 routes in a variety of grades of difficulty (the more difficult grades are dominated by overhanging colonettes, while the routes up to 6c grades are dominated by straight rock with pockets and edges). Climbing is available all year round in Geyikbayırı; when you are looking to escape the cold winter at home, this is the perfect place for adventure in a more friendly climate.

Detailed, well thought-out guides are available from good climbing shops, and can also be obtained at our Guest House. In the guide written by Öztürk Kayikci and Dogan Palut, all of Turkey’s climbing areas are laid out.

If you would like to open new routes, please get in touch with the local Mountain Sports Organisation TODOSK, as “Wild drilling” is strictly prohibited. Further information is available at our Guest House.Akyarlar

Akyarlar:

is 25 minutes from the Guest House, directly on the sea front. It has around 20 routes, and is a high standard climbing area situated in a beautiful bay. The rather steep rocky footpath down to the bay frightens most casual tourists away, so you will normally have the whole bay to yourself. In summer it’s the perfect place to climb, boulder, bathe and connect with one another. With the opening steps you are faced with boulder challenges, rock forms washed smooth and rounded by the sea, after which you are confronted with amazing climbing walls. You can also swim and climb Mesafededir. Nearby the fishermen keep fish grilling which you can eat with an appetite.

Fesleken Plateau:

Feslekan Yayla (“alp”) lies 2000 m above sea level. The bouldering area is surrounded by mountain pastures and, even in summer, snow covered summits; the air is fresh and clear. Thousands of blocks, some knobby mountain pines and small cosy alp huts make this area a unique experience with a magnificent view of the region. The rock is compact and not too sharp, the gneiss-limestone mix resembles granite rock in its edges, cracks and clear forms. There are boulders of all difficulties and variations, and can be reached from the Guest House either by car (30 min), or by mountain bike.