Horse Riding in Turkey: From Cappadocia to the Black Sea Coast

Turkey has a deep and ancient relationship with horses. The Anatolian plateau was one of the earliest regions in the world where horses were domesticated and bred for riding, and the equestrian tradition runs through Turkish history from the Central Asian steppe cultures to the Ottoman cavalry. Today, horse riding in Turkey ranges from short tourist rides through Cappadocia's valleys to multi-day trekking programmes along the Black Sea coast. Here is what is available and where.

Cappadocia — The Most Iconic Setting

Horse riding through Cappadocia's valleys is one of the region's most photographed experiences — and justifiably so. The combination of the extraordinary landscape and the unhurried pace of riding creates a way of seeing the fairy chimneys, cave churches and volcanic formations that neither walking nor vehicle tours quite replicate.

Most Cappadocian horse riding is offered in two formats. Short rides of one to two hours are available for complete beginners — the horses used for tourist rides are experienced, calm and well-suited to riders without previous experience. Longer rides of three to four hours reach more remote sections of the Rose Valley and Sword Valley and are recommended for those with some previous riding experience.

Sunset rides timed to reach a high viewpoint as the light changes are among Cappadocia's most memorable experiences. The sky and rock colours at dusk, seen from horseback, are difficult to replicate by other means.

Avanos, the pottery town north of Göreme, is the primary centre for equestrian tourism in Cappadocia. Several well-established stables operate here with experienced horses and English-speaking guides.

The Black Sea Coast and Highlands

The Black Sea highlands — particularly the Kaçkar Mountains and the Fırtına Valley area — offer multi-day horse trekking programmes through some of the most dramatically beautiful mountain terrain in Turkey. Traditional yayla (highland meadow) villages, glacial lakes and forested ridges provide the backdrop for routes that can last from two to seven days.

This style of riding is for experienced or at least reasonably confident riders. The terrain is genuinely mountainous and the routes involve extended time on horseback. Local guide services in Ayder and the surrounding valley towns arrange horses, guides and accommodation in village guesthouses along the route.

Practical Information

For Cappadocia rides, book through your hotel or directly with stables in Avanos or Göreme. A standard two-hour sunset ride typically costs between €40 and €70 per person. Helmets are provided. Closed shoes are essential — no sandals or open footwear.

For multi-day Black Sea trekking, advance booking through specialist operators is strongly recommended. These programmes require more planning and are best arranged several weeks in advance.

Horse riding is available year-round in Cappadocia, though summer midday heat makes morning and late afternoon departures preferable. The Black Sea highlands are best from June to September.

Explore Cappadocia on our guided Cappadocia Tour.
To see all of our tours: https://www.alatourqo.com/tours