We recently spent three incredible months in Türkiye, from March to June this year, and we loved it so much that we wanted to share our experience. Türkiye has always been on our radar and somewhere we have wanted to visit, but for some reason, we have never made it happen, until now.
We've always been fascinated by Türkiye, the history, the culture, and the food. The 90-day visa and endless rock climbing options made it a perfect fit for our next adventure!
Navigating Sim Cards in Türkiye
When we arrived in Istanbul, we decided to get SIM cards at the airport. We used to travel with Wi-Fi only but with a toddler the ability to use our phones wherever we are in the world is now a non-negotiable. The whole experience was time-consuming and expensive and not what you want to be doing when you've just landed but nevertheless, we got it done.
There were three providers available at the airport with stalls, we opted for Turk Telecom because the line was the shortest. For two SIM cards, we ended up paying over $150 AUD. We checked the prices on the other stores while waiting and it was all much the same.
If you’re planning a trip to Türkiye, be prepared for the high costs of airport SIM cards. You’ll need your passport to purchase one. Recharging the SIM cards was also a bit of a hassle. Initially, we tried to recharge at a local Turk Telecom store, but we were directed to a larger store in the city. Eventually, we discovered that if you only need data, you can recharge at the smaller stores, but for SMS and call capabilities, a trip to the larger store is necessary.
Recharging wasn’t as expensive as the initial purchase but still not cheap. The coverage and internet speed with Turk Telecom were fine. We had solid connectivity throughout Antalya and during our road trips. However, as expected, coverage became spotty as we drove higher into the mountains, like during our day trip to Citdibi. We recommend downloading offline maps to avoid any issues when exploring remote areas.
Next time, we’d definitely recommend getting an eSIM (if your phone is compatible). Mine was, but Jacob's wasn't, which limited our options. We’ve since used Airalo, an eSIM provider, which is simple and easy to use. It’s also much cheaper than the traditional SIM cards. If you haven't used it before you can use code RENEE7796 for a discount! Since leaving, we’ve used an eSIM in Bulgaria, and it’s been a much smoother and more cost-effective experience.
Airalo is also compatible with ShopBack and if you purchase your sim through the ShopBack extension you can get up to an additional 12% off! If you haven't used ShopBack before, use code HRKE7g when signing up for a cash bonus. This doesn't cost you anything and all of these little things really do add up!
The Turkish People
One of the first things we noticed when arriving in Türkiye was how incredibly nice the people are. The locals are welcoming, friendly, and always ready to lend a hand, even if they don't speak English. I don't know why I thought this wouldn't be the case, I had heard from others that they were very loud and obnoxious but this was not our experience.
In the little neighborhood where we stayed in Antalya, English was practically non-existent, which was quite surprising. However, we found that learning some basic Turkish during our time was relatively easy, fun, and appreciated by the locals. I spent some time on the Duolingo app learning about phrases and names for items while Jacob went straight to learning about numbers and money to help us at the local market. We could not have gotten by without Google Translate! From translating menus to having the option to speak into the app and translate immediately was a lifesaver.
Antalya: The Perfect Blend of Mountains and Coast
Weather and Scenery
Antalya was our base, and we absolutely fell in love with it. From March to June, the weather is simply beautiful—perfect for exploring the mountains and enjoying the long coastline with its pebble stone beaches. The fresh produce markets in Antalya are a highlight, offering incredible fruits and vegetables at affordable prices. Let's not forget the cheese, olives and Turkish sausage too. Honestly our diet while there was the best! We particularly enjoyed the local Friday market, which is unlike anything we've seen around the world. You can read more on the Friday Market here.
Rock Climbing in Türkiye: A Climber's Paradise
One of the main highlights and priorities of our trip to Türkiye was rock climbing. The country offers endless crags, a variety of climbing options, and an incredible landscape that is a dream for all.
Discovering Geyikbayiri
We initially heard about Geyikbayiri through online resources and TheCrag.com, a popular platform for finding climbing destinations worldwide. Geyikbayiri drew us in with its extensive routes and the stunning natural surroundings.
The Climbing Scene
The climbing scene in Geyikbayiri is impressive. There are local campgrounds and accommodations right at the foot of some of the best crags. While these were not suitable for us with a toddler and actually cost more than our long-term accommodation in Antalya city, they looked inviting and had a strong climbing community vibe. We frequently drove past these spots and admired the community spirit.
A Memorable Climb: Judas (7b)
One of the standout moments of our climbing adventures was when Jacob sent a 7b route called Judas in the Trebenna West Extension Sector. This route was definitely the highlight of our trip and a testament to the quality and variety of climbs available in Geyikbayiri. It nearly didn't happen! As we were running out of time trying to balance having a toddler in tow at the same time but on our final climbing day it went and we were all absolutely stoked.
The Climbing Community
In terms of community, we found climbers in Geyikbayiri to be more self-focused compared to other places we've climbed, such as Thailand. In Thailand, we experienced a friendlier atmosphere with more interaction among climbers. Here, many climbers were tourists focused on their own climbing goals.
Challenges and Considerations
Climbing in Geyikbayiri did present some challenges, especially with a toddler. Some of the approaches were tricky, but we found several suitable spots that worked for us. Additionally, the orientation of the cliffs—north and south-facing—required careful planning to avoid climbing in direct sunlight during the warmer months.
Some crags do require access through private property which can also be challenging, there are many goats and other farm animals that we encountered as well as a scary experience with a Kangal Shepherd. As always, access with caution and be aware of your surroundings. We also had to cross a few river crossings which weren't too bad in the summer but could be more challenging in the winter.
Climbing Shops
There was one climbing shop we found, called Sun Climbing, which offered some gear. However, the selection was limited and quite expensive. An unexpected challenge we faced was when Jacob's climbing shoes developed holes from all the climbing. We were unable to get a replacement pair sent to Türkiye, as no stores would ship there, and the local shop did not carry the brand he preferred. This is definitely something worth mentioning for fellow climbers planning a trip. Bring additional gear if you think you'll need it.
Ideal Weather
The weather during our stay from March to June was perfect for climbing. It was just starting to get a bit warm when we left in June. We enjoyed predominantly sunny days, with only one instance of being rained off.
Day Trips to Akyarlar and Citdibi
One of our most memorable climbing days was a day trip to Akyarlar in the Orta Middle Sector. This was honestly one of the most incredible places I've ever seen in my life. Climbing right on the beach, it was the highlight of our trip for sure. Akyarlar is only accessible by boat (or the crazy hike in that we did!), making it a real hidden gem.
We also visited Citdibi, another fantastic climbing location with a challenging steep hike in. Each of these spots offered unique challenges and breathtaking scenery, making every climbing day special. We loved every one of our climbing days, and even three months wasn't enough time to see everything.
Final Thoughts on Climbing in Türkiye
Rock climbing in Türkiye, particularly in Geyikbayiri, was an incredible experience. The beautiful landscape, extensive routes, and perfect weather made it a climber's paradise. Despite some challenges we thoroughly enjoyed our time and would highly recommend it to fellow climbers.
Turkish Cuisine
Turkish cuisine is a feast for the senses. We couldn't get enough of the super affordable fresh baked olive breads from the bakery in the morning, the lasagna-like cheese pastries, and, of course, the baklava and Turkish delight. The local self-service Turkish restaurants were a hit, offering delicious and affordable meals. However, eating in restaurants can be quite expensive, especially in tourist areas, so we often cooked at home.
The Fresh Produce Market
The fresh produce in Türkiye is second to none. We've never experienced such incredible quality at such affordable prices. The markets are a highlight of any visit, and we loved the variety of cheeses, olives, and Turkish sausages available. Meat, however, was surprisingly expensive, particularly red meat, so we mostly stuck to chicken and a Mediterranean diet.
Living and Traveling in Türkiye
Accommodation
Finding accommodation in Türkiye was an adventure in itself. We initially booked a short stay via Booking.com to scout for long-term options. Surprisingly, Airbnb turned out to be cheaper than renting locally through agents who expected commissions and upfront utility payments. We finally found a lovely apartment in a quiet neighborhood for 14,000 TL per month (about $662 AUD). For more details, check out our blog on finding long-term accommodation in Türkiye.
Transport
We hired a car for most of our stay, which Jacob bravely drove. Driving in Türkiye was stressful compared to other parts of the world we have driven. While the roads are well maintained the drivers are unpredictable and we had many close calls. Where we hired our car from even told us we would surely have an accident in three months but thankfully we didn't. Public transport is well-connected and affordable, and e-scooters operating under multiple brands are everywhere. For more details, check out our blog on hiring a car in Turkiye.
Cultural Insights
Embracing the Muslim Culture
Adjusting to the Muslim culture was seamless. The call to prayer, heard five times a day, became a comforting part of our routine. While some local restaurants don't serve alcohol, we had no trouble finding it at the ubiquitous blue market shops. Respect for local customs is key for us, and we are always considerate of the local community when we slot into new places. Jacob for example went for a run every second day and always wore a shirt, this is not expected but it is polite.
Economic Realities
The Turkish economy is quite unstable, with significant inflation and a devalued local currency (lira). It's fascinating to observe but challenging for locals. For travelers, it's crucial to always pay in lira to avoid losing money on currency exchanges. Despite the economic woes, we found ways to live affordably, especially by shopping at local markets and avoiding tourist traps.
Memorable Experiences
Goats and Kangals
Our road trips often featured amusing encounters with goats, much like the elephants in Thailand or horses in Bulgaria. One particularly scary moment was nearly being attacked by a Kangal shepherd dog while rock climbing. These dogs are bred to guard livestock and are incredibly strong, but luckily, we escaped unharmed.
Hammam Experience
No trip to Türkiye is complete without a traditional Turkish bath, or Hammam. We wrote an entire blog about this unique and rejuvenating experience. Be sure to check it out for all the details and tips on how to make the most of your Hammam visit.
Final Thoughts
Living in Türkiye was a fantastic adventure, and we wholeheartedly recommend it to fellow Australians and travelers alike. The country is beautiful, the people are warm, and there's so much to explore. From the mountains to the coastline, the markets to the mosques, Türkiye has something for everyone. We're already planning our next visit and might even consider living there one day.
For more information on us, our travel to Turkiye and our lives head over to our Instagram! @the.froth.family.
Til next time,
R
Til next time,
R
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