Straddling both Europe and Asia, Turkey (also known as Türkiye) is a country that boasts a variety of beautiful landscapes, ancient cities, quaint villages, and everything else in between. Whether your ideal vacation involves soaking up the Mediterranean sun, undertaking a culinary tour, or uncovering historical sites, Turkey has options to entice every kind of traveler.
From horseback riding in Turkey, traversing the unique geography of Cappadocia, marveling at larger-than-life mosques of Istanbul, and navigating the ancient Lycian ways, you’ll never cover everything on just one vacation. Luckily, here are our top picks for hosts and tours to help get you started!
Akhal Teke Horse Center, Mustafapaşa
Immerse yourself on horseback in this spectacular, untouched region, with Akhal Teke Horse Center. Located in the historic town of Mustafapaşa, this family ranch has been offering riding tours since 1988, and was founded (and is still run) by an award winning horseman, Ercihan Dilari. A passionate and accomplished equestrian who has led many bold expeditions in both Turkey and abroad. With high-spirited Arab and Anatolian-Arab breeds, to more gentle natured ones, there is a horse for every level of rider. Their philosophy of treating horses like trusted companions for life speaks for itself; you can even find profiles on each of their absolutely endearing horses!
Cappadocia Highlights
Cappadocia; a magical realm of fairy chimneys, with bizarre moon-like landscapes and their iconic hot air balloon rides. Traverse the renowned world heritage site on horseback, which is the best way to explore the city. There’s many views to marvel at here, starting with the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Göreme National Park, the Rock Sites of Cappadocia, Keşlik Monastery (dating back to the 6th century).
The tour guides do recommend this tour for the more advanced riders, who are comfortable with hard gallops, trail riding, mounting and dismounting on their own, and riding clear through rivers. Feast on delicious authentic central Turkish cuisine, with plentiful breakfast spreads, delightful picnics and lunches on site, and hearty dinners. Comfortable accommodations are also included in this 7 day tour!
Kemer Country Club, Istanbul
Be a hotel guest at Kemer Country Club and enjoy the best of both worlds: luxury and adventure. KCC offers a world class Equestrian Club that is supported by the Turkish Equestrian Federation, as well as the International Federation for Equestrian Sports. It offers both indoor and outdoor riding arenas, lessons in dressage, its own Pony Club, and rides into the wilderness of the Belgrad forest. It’s not just a place to ride, but a luxury hotel too, with beautifully furnished rooms and mouth watering breakfast buffets.
Other amenities include golfing, cycling and a spa and wellness center. It’s also perfect for those who would like to travel with their own horse, as the hotel offers private care services and stablesmen too! A perfect getaway for those looking to do some horseriding in Turkey, but with relaxation and style.
Don’t know how to ride, but still want to have a grand equestrian holiday? Fear not, as Kemer Country Club offers a variety of packages, for groups and individuals alike. The best part about Kemer is that it offers luxury at very reasonable prices, and that includes their riding packages. Each package consists of eight 30 minute lessons. The instructors are accomplished, and their students have gone on to win the Balkan championships. And did we mention, free access to their Pony Club for your children?
Cakirbey at Ciftligi, Istanbul
Çakırbey Horse Farm is the perfect destination for all horse lovers. Based in a farm that is located in Istanbul, this host offers various services and tours to ensure you have an unforgettable experience with their horses. Their team of professionals offers equestrian training, horse pension services, and much, much more.
You can enjoy their horseback riding tours, through the crisp, clean air of the Beykoz forests, and its scenic excursion trails, or take a group safari tour for a more adventurous experience. You also have the option to sign up for camping tours, which you can plan with them.
See for yourself on their stunning page that’s full of cinematic golden hour snaps and reels.
Get A Beach Photoshoot!
Be whisked away for a couple of hours to the beautiful Riva Beykoz beach.
Ride along golden sands and azure waters, white capturing breathtaking moments during an incredible photoshoot.
Go on a horse riding excursion that would be perfect for a blissful day at the beach.
With a total of 30 minutes of riding time (not including the time it takes to get to and from the beach), and a spectacular photoshoot for creating unforgettable memories.
Lycian Way and Patara Beach Tour, Antalya
Located in the Likya Garden Life Karadere, Pınarcık. If you are looking for horse-riding and other sports in a unique way then Ride4far is the perfect place to explore. Tours from Ride4Far come with their own professional videographers and photographers, so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience, while someone else takes on the responsibility of capturing your memories! They offer many adventurous excursions, including their Ride4Cappadocia program, where you can even ride the majestic hot air balloons or partake in a swim inside the Salt Lake in Ankara, one of the oldest and largest salt lakes in the world.
Challenge Yourself!
The Lycian Way, named after the ancient civilization that ruled the area, a civilization so old that it was mentioned in Homer’s Illiad. This is a 500 km long route, and is renowned for its picturesque beauty and historical significance. It stretches from Hisarönü to Antalya.
This tour offers experienced riders the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes on horseback for 4-5 hours daily for 3 days and 2 nights (accommodation and meals included). As you ride, you will encounter diverse flora, including pines, strawberry trees, carob, juniper, and cedar. Immerse yourself in the local culture, engage with friendly locals, witness herds of sheep and goats, and pass by centuries-old olive trees along the way. This route ends with one of the most magnificent sea views at Patara, a beautiful Mediterranean beach where you can enjoy the waves of the ocean with a breathtaking sunset.
Conclusion
In the heart of Turkey, where East meets West and ancient meets modern, these horse riding tours are not just about riding; they provide a gateway to a world of adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories. They're an opportunity to slow down and savor life, to appreciate the beauty of simplicity, and to let the gentle spirit of the horse guide you through this timeless land. So, saddle up and start off on a horse riding tour in Turkey – an adventure that promises to leave hoofprints on your soul.
As we've explored the diverse regions and experiences Turkey has to offer, it's evident that horse riding is not merely a means of transport, but a profound connection to nature, history, and the vibrant spirit of this magnificent country.
From the rugged trails of Cappadocia, where you can gallop through ancient landscapes frozen in time, to the serene beaches of the Turkish Riviera, where horseback rides along the shorelines redefine tranquility, Turkey's horse riding tours are a celebration of diversity.
So, whether you're an experienced equestrian seeking new horizons or a novice rider looking to embark on your very first adventure on horseback, Turkey's horse riding tours beckon you.
