Climbing in Geyikbayiri
Geyikbayiri History
Located at the foot of the southern face of Geyik Dağı, approximately twenty-five kilometers from Antalya, Geyikbayiri has evolved over the last two decades into Turkey’s premier climbing destination. This limestone massif, nestled within the Taurus Mountains, provides a wild setting where cliffs rise amidst olive groves and pine forests.
The development of the crags began around 2000. The limestone is exceptional, offering vertical technical walls, slabs, roofs, overhangs, and, most notably, the tufas and stalactites that have earned the site its international reputation. The bolting is modern and consistent, adhering to high sport climbing safety standards.
Today, the area features over 1,300 routes spread across several kilometers of cliffs. While the majority of the lines fall within the 6th and 7th grade range, there are numerous sectors offering routes in the 8th grade. Wall heights typically vary between 20 and 50 meters.
The sectors are diverse, allowing for climbing throughout the day by following the sun or shade. The high concentration of crags makes it easy to switch environments quickly.
Climbing Trip
Geyikbayiri stands as one of the premier climbing destinations for November and December. During this period, while weather conditions across much of Europe deteriorate with frequent rainfall, southern Turkey continues to offer favorable climbing conditions.
The massif, situated at a moderate altitude in the Antalya hinterland, benefits from significant sunshine throughout autumn and early winter. We explored a wide range of sectors; however, the extent of the cliffs and the sheer volume of routes suggest that further visits will be required to fully experience the site’s potential.
For accommodation, we chose to stay in Antalya, taking advantage of the city’s amenities, restaurants, and seaside. However, this required a 35 to 45-minute drive to reach the crags, depending on traffic conditions.
Here is our Selection of Routes
Based on our logbook entries and observations, here is a selection of the most noteworthy routes in Geyikbayiri, organized by sector:
Alabalik Sector
- Stalaktosaurus (6b+): A pleasant line, though demanding for the grade.
- Yarasa Ol P1 (7b): A high-quality route, noted for its beauty and variety.
- Kabil’in… (7a+): An interesting route, requiring careful reading.
- River Dance (7b+): A high-quality line, very physical with bouldery sections.
Anatolia Sector
- Ange de l’Oubli (7c): A notable line within this sector.
Left Cave Sector
- Hadi Git (6b): A very beautiful and diverse line.
- Rocket Man (6c+): A challenging but rewarding climb.
- Black Moon (7b+): A major route, highly regarded for its quality.
- Junimond (7c+): A superb route.
- Perseus (7c+): Also noted as a superb line within this sector.
Mağara Sector
- Mum Işığında Yemek (Left) (7b): A recommended route in this sector.
Mevlana Sector
- Rock Republic (7b): A fine endurance climb on good holds.
Poseidon Sector
- Demirkazık (7b): A route noted for being relatively soft for the grade.
- Poseidon (7b): An aesthetic line with a distinct crux located at the very end.
- Dyonisos (7c+): A very high-quality route, bouldery with a crux on pockets.
Sarkit Sector
- Viagra Çocuğu (7b): A notable line in this iconic sector.
- Inner Smile (7b+):
Information
Getting There: Traveling from Europe
Geyikbayiri is located approximately 25 kilometers from Antalya International Airport (AYT). The airport serves as the primary gateway for European travelers, with frequent connections through Istanbul or direct seasonal flights from major European cities.
Access from the airport to the climbing areas takes approximately 45 minutes by road. While the infrastructure allows for various transport methods, a vehicle provides the necessary mobility to navigate between the different sectors spread throughout the valley and the surrounding hinterland.
The road network is paved and well-maintained up to the main parking areas in the valley. The route transitions from the Mediterranean coast into the foothills of the Taurus Mountains. From the established parking points, most sectors are reached via marked trails, with approach times varying from a few minutes to more sustained walks for the higher tiers.
Weather and Seasons
The climbing season in Geyikbayiri is primarily dictated by its Mediterranean climate and its position in the Taurus Mountains. The late autumn and winter months, specifically November and December, are considered optimal. During this period, southern Turkey maintains stable conditions while most European climbing areas experience significant rainfall and decreasing temperatures.
Winter temperatures are generally mild, with daytime averages ranging between 12°C and 18°C. The humidity levels are lower than in the height of winter, and the sun provides sufficient warmth for climbing in south-facing sectors. However, the valley’s topography can create microclimates; shaded sectors or those deep within the canyon remain considerably cooler, making them suitable for higher-intensity efforts even on sunny days.
Precipitation is a factor from January through March, though the overhanging nature of many sectors, such as Mağara or Sarkit, allows for climbing during light rain. Summer months (June to September) are typically too hot for climbing, as temperatures frequently exceed 30°C.
Accommodation and Supplies
There are two primary logistical options for staying in the Geyikbayiri area, depending on the desired proximity to the cliffs and the level of amenities required.
Option 1: Staying near the crags
Several climber-specific campsites and guesthouses are located directly in the Geyikbayiri valley, such as JoSiTo, Flying Goat, and Camp Geyik. These establishments offer various types of accommodation, including tent pitches, dormitories, and bungalows. Staying in the valley minimizes travel time, as most sectors are accessible within a 5 to 20-minute walk from these camps. Basic supplies and climbing guidebooks can be purchased at local shops like Sun Climbing or within the camps themselves.
Option 2: Staying in Antalya
Antalya offers a wider range of hotels and apartments, which can be particularly cost-effective during the off-season (November to March). This option provides full access to city infrastructure, including large supermarkets, diverse restaurants, and medical facilities. However, choosing to stay in the city requires a daily commute of approximately 35 to 45 minutes to reach the climbing areas, depending on traffic density. A rental car is essential for this setup to navigate between the city and the mountain roads.
Provisions and Gear
- Groceries: While small local markets exist in Geyikbayiri for fresh produce, major shopping is best handled in Antalya’s larger supermarkets.
- Climbing Gear: Specialized equipment, rentals, and chalk are available at the Sun Climbing shop located near the Mevlana sector.
- Guidebooks: The Antalya Guidebook by Öztürk Kayıkçı is the standard reference for the region and is available at most local climbing hubs.
Formalities and Currency
Entering Turkey for a climbing trip requires adherence to specific administrative regulations, which vary depending on the traveler’s nationality. Most European citizens can enter Turkey for tourism purposes without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, it is necessary to verify current requirements through official consulate channels, as a valid passport or national ID card (for certain EU citizens) with sufficient remaining validity is mandatory.
The local currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). While larger establishments in Antalya and some climbing camps may accept credit cards or Euros, carrying local currency is essential for smaller shops, local markets, and services within the Geyikbayiri village. Exchange offices (Döviz) are widely available in Antalya and at the airport, offering competitive rates compared to hotel exchanges.
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are numerous in Antalya and near the coastal areas. It is important to note that there are no ATMs directly in the Geyikbayiri climbing valley; therefore, withdrawing sufficient cash in the city or at the airport before heading to the crags is a necessary logistical step. Travelers should also be aware of potential dynamic currency conversion fees and check with their respective banks regarding international transaction costs.
