High numbers of migration and intensive urbanization came with industrialization have also multiplied the sources of stress in human life. The increasing pace of work due to urban life and technology, as well as the alienation and intense competition in human relations, increased stress by two to threefold. As a result, not only the city but also life itself has become unbearable and people began to look for escape routes. One of the most prominent ways they found was “trekking”, which led them to the serene and peaceful environment of nature, full of unique beauties. Trekking, which initially started as either a personal activity or a group activity with friends that people who love nature perform to experience natural beauties and be in nature, has gradually gained a financial aspect and grown under the umbrella of alternative tourism.
Today, trekking has become a sport, which is usually performed by those who want to get rid of the stress caused by the city. It is oftentimes performed on the weekend near the city as day trips or in the form of 2-3 week tours in foreign countries, accompanied by a professional guide.
Izmir and its surroundings are full of historical riches and natural beauties, which make for excellent trails suitable for trekking.
To join this adventure throughout İzmir's gorgeous nature - from Karagöl and Balçova Behzat Hill to Bergama Kozak Plateau, from Köseler Village of Yeni Şakran to Aigai Ancient City, from Tire Kaplan Plateau to Ödemiş Beydağ and Bademiye Cevizli Mountain - the only requirement is to become a member of one of the mountaineering and nature sports clubs at a very low cost.
Clubs organize hiking, camping, and mountain biking activities in nearly 100 locations approved by the Ministry of Forestry and the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports in and around İzmir.
Hiking Trails In İzmir
• Balçova Behzat Hill Yeni Şakran Castle
• Balçova Catchment
• Vişneli Nif Mountain (Buca)
• Gürle Village - Karatepe Örnekköy
• Yukarı Kızılca - Mahmut Plain
• Yukarı Kızılca - Mahmut Peak
• Yukarı Kızılca - Karlık Spring Water
• Özdere – Forest Camp
• Seferihisar - Teos
• Ödemiş - Bademiye
• Ödemiş - Bademiye Cevizlidağ
• Menemen Çukurköy - Suuçan (Türkmen) Şelalesi
• Çiçekliköy - Yakaköy
• Ansızca - Topkaya
• Kemalpaşa - Nif
• Bağyurdu Üçpınarlar Stream Bed
• Menderes Perlit Mine - Cumaovası Pond
• Çamlık'tan Şirince
• Örnekköy - Karagöl
Walking Areas in the City Center:
Kordon - 2 km. (tartan)
Kültürpark - 1.7 km. (tartan)
Karşıyaka - 2 km. Coast line
Bostanlı - 2 km. Coast line
Buca - Hasanağa Garden
Güzelyalı - Coast line
Çiğli Evka 2 / Aydınlık evler - 1 km. track
Bornova - Sakarya Park
Altındağ / Çamkule - MTK
İnciraltı, Çakalburnu - Recreation Area
Balçova / Behzat Plain - Dam Road
Bayraklı - Coast line