Geyikbayırı & Antalya, Turkey

We visited Antalya for the climbing in a mountainous area northwest of Antalya called Geyikbayırı. This post encompasses both climbing and our limited time transiting through Antalya. We were in the area for nearly two weeks and were able to climb 6 days total, flew to Cappadocia over the weekend (“rest days”) and only had one rainy day where we drove out to the Phaselis ruins and checked out some of the town, including our newfound love of the Çorbaçi — restaurants that specialize in çorba — Turkish soup.

Climbing (in Geyikbayırı)

We climbed in the areas called Sarkit, Megara, Turkish Standard, Barbaraossa, Çesme, Dragon. There’s so much climbing in Geyikbayırı and a good number of moderate routes. We climbed a lot of 5c-6b routes and Jess even hopped on a 6c that looked fun with a challenging roof move midway through the route.

Climbing Gear

The routes are up to 40 meters long in some sectors so be sure you bring an 80m or double check route lengths to ensure that your 70m is sufficient. And of course, always tie a knot at the end of your rope. We’re helmet people, there’s no sense in not wearing one, especially if you’re in a part of the world (or anywhere climbing) where medical rescue is a complicated affair (read our post on Chiang Mai and the rescue we took part in). Climbing is obviously already a dangerous sport, so let’s take out as many variables as possible to keep ourselves and our fellow climbers as safe as possible. Especially when you’re in a foreign country and don’t speak the language.

Weather

The weather was varied — it was very cold and chilly in the shade and after the sun goes down but in the sun while climbing on the north band of rock you need sunscreen or sun cover — layers are a good idea to stay comfortable throughout the day as you’ll get hot on the approach (especially if you’re going uphill to the north rock bands), chilly if belaying or hanging out in the shade, and hot while climbing on the rock in the sun.

Accomodations

We stayed in Geyikbayırı at a beautiful luxury camp called The Land. There are many similar camps in Geyikbayırı such as Jo.Si.To, Flying Goat, Camp Geyik, etc. and they all cater to climbers and hikers with different levels of accommodation ranging from simple campsites to tents to bungalows on the more luxurious end. We opted for The Land based on having our own cozy couples accommodations with our own bathroom. The kitchen and common areas are in a separate building with a stunning view out over the mountains. The wifi was good enough for being fairly remote as three of us worked remotely in the evening, but it definitely choked with video or screen sharing.

Food in Antalya

Topçu Kebap – Amazing local Turkish meal as we explored a bit of Antalya on our way to the airport (en route to Cappadocia). The roasted pumpkin with creamy tahini and walnuts is just spectacular as we had it multiple times throughout our desserts and it was always good.

Sultan Çorbaçi – it was late when we arrived back in town from Cappadocia and the Alamo/Enterprise customer service rep recommended this soup restaurant, it was delicious! The special something was when they came around with a pot of hot oil and ladled it into your soup — creating a boiling sizzling effect that made the soup even better… is this a popular Turkish thing?

Dönerci Hamdi Usta – This place seems like a local institution — I’d describe it as an upscale kebap restaurant with really good food and desserts!

Dağkapı Ciğer Kebap – Liver Kebap. We were really impressed with the many little side dishes they brought out for appetizers — the Liver kepab was really good (and we aren’t liver fans).

Food in Geyikbayırı

Pinar Alabalik – Really good food cooked to order — loved the simplicity of three choices: meatballs, trout, or chicken. All were delicious, served in a stoneware platter with roasted onion and tomato and fresh cut fries.

Garden Kitchen Caravan – Located along the road to The Land and Rido Camp, these are some truly delicious burgers — huge, with cheese and fries, and the most delicious part is the buttered and toasted bun. The falafel is equally delicious — crispy and flavorful.

Alpstar – A quick walk up the main road from The Land and Camp Geyik is Alpstar which has a lovely restaurant with good breakfast and friendly staff. Huge portions — the hot fried bread with thick honey and jam is a special treat.

Sights

Phaselis Ancient City

Transportation

We used taxis, public transportation (bus and tram), and rented a car to get around. Car rental was relatively inexpensive and recommended for exploring the region and offered us more freedom to get around while staying in Geyikbayiri as there aren’t a lot of restaurants or markets near the crag and camps. Car rental and driving are definitely more difficult (exciting?) in Antalya — the traffic and driving style is definitely different and seems more chaotic than we’re used to!