FOR TRUE ADVENTURERS

A predominantly mountainous country, with only two-fifths of its surface lying below 1,500ft, Turkey is a paradise for walkers. Most favour the Aegean and Mediterranean regions, hiking long distance trails such as the Carian Trail, Lycian Way and St Paul Trail (cultureroutesinturkey.com).

For a more alpine experience, the Kackar Mountains – the highest section of the Pontic Alps running parallel to the Black Sea in Turkey’s north-east – are superb. Spend eight days trekking across the range from south to north (including an ascent of 13,000ft up Mt Kackar itself ), enjoying flower-spangled meadows, alpine lakes, Georgian churches and Greek monasteries with World Expeditions (0800 074 4135; worldexpeditions.com).

The trip costs from £1,190 per person, excluding flights, and there is a mix of accommodation for those who like to balance their camping (two nights) with hotels (five nights).

The Aegean Coast is a particularly agreeable place to do some fine road cycling in attractive landscapes and a benign climate. There are gentle climbs through olive groves, winding roads above a turquoise Aegean, and quiet unspoilt coves perfect for a refreshing dip. You can pedal to little-visited ruins and sleep in charming boutique hotels along the way. Biking in Turkey (00 90 38427 12559; bikinginturkey.com) offers guided and self-guided trips from five to 12 days. Their 10-day selfguided Aegean Coast Luxury Cycle Tours costs from £1,211 per person, excluding flights. You can bring your own bike or hire one for £125 per week.

If being by (and in) the water is more your speed, the attractive Turquoise Coast resort of Kalkan is perennially popular with Britons for its attractive marina, whitewashed old houses, plentiful quality restaurants and relaxed ambience. It’s also a great place to dive in some of the Mediterranean’s clearest waters. A three-day Padi Open Water Diver Course at Kalkan Diving (00 90 24284 42361; kalkandiving.com) costs from £230; subsequent dives are £25 each. You can fly to nearby Dalaman Airport with easyJet (easyjet.com; from £109 return) and stay at the Courtyard Hotel Kalkan (00 90 24284 43738; courtyardkalkan.com), a boutique hotel offering double rooms from £109.

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