Turkey's outdoor landscape spans Aegean coast, Anatolian plateau, Black Sea forest, and Eastern Anatolian mountain in a geography that would constitute half a dozen countries elsewhere. The Lycian Way on the southern coast is a 540-kilometre signed trail from Fethiye to Antalya — clifftop, ancient ruin, and fishing village path above the turquoise coast, consistently listed among the world's great long-distance routes. Cappadocia's tuff valley of rock chimneys (fairy chimneys) and underground cities is hikeable from Göreme into canyon routes and rose valley trails where ballooning tourist traffic doesn't reach; the early morning light in the valleys before 8am is a different experience from the midday crowds. Mount Ararat (5,137 metres) in the east is a challenging four-day glacier ascent. The Kaçkar Mountains above the Black Sea carry cloud-forest trekking and highland yayla (summer pasture) culture. The best part is often the hidden gems you were not even looking for. Take it all in.