Türkiye is spread over a huge territory, which in area exceeds that of Italy by two and a half times. Its position as a middle ground has made it a necessary crossing point for peoples and trades over the millennia, and the least one can expect is to find even very long routes laden with history, nature, culture, and excitement to be tackled by bicycle.
From the thousands available, we have selected for you here 5 different itineraries covering a large part of the country and different landscapes that are a first taste of the Anatolian Peninsula, to be taken on short excursions or actual trips.
The routes for a cycling holiday in Türkiye
In the selection, more emphasis was placed on the attractiveness of the route and its relative length, rather than the presence or absence of bike lanes. So, be prepared to ride on low-traffic back roads. The ground is generally paved, but where possible dirt sections have been included for enthusiasts in the genre. We recommend gravel or trekking bikes with sturdy treads to avoid mistakes. They can also be tackled on road bikes if necessary, but slick clinchers and tubulars risk not always being the happiest choice.
EuroVelo 8 – Unesco Route, From Pergamum to Ephesus
Distance: 500 km | click here for the track
How can one begin a journey in 282 B.C. and end it in 6000 B.C. while passing through modernity? Just travel the 500 km of EuroVelo 8, Mediterranean Route. It starts from the ancient city of Pergamum, passes through Izmir and finally arrives in Ephesus after passing through countless small archaeological centers, country villages and seaside resorts.
The route is as varied as ever as it flows downhill from the modern city of Pergamum (in Turkish, Bergama) to a lush countryside that quickly turns into inviting beaches and from a sea that one never tires of looking at: the Aegean.
Crossing the wetlands leading into Izmir Bay at the mouth of the Gediz River means encountering pelicans, flamingos, herons, storks and ospreys in a maze of unpaved but well-trodden paths.
The city of Izmir is presented with a bicycle path that runs along the entire coast from Karşıyaka to the urban forest of Inciralti via the old town where it is recommended to stop for a souvenir photo under the city’s iconic clock tower.
We then pass through the fishing villages of the Çeşme Peninsula to arrive at Ephesus, one of the nerve centers of the Roman Empire, a gateway between East and West, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Thracian Way, from Edirne to Istanbul
Distance 350 km | click here for GPX track
Thrace is that strip of land in Türkiye that is still geographically part of Europe, and the starting point of the itinerary is Edirne, the second capital of the Ottoman Empire. The city is a laboratory of history, and it is impossible to leave without appreciating the Selimiye Mosque, which architect Sinan built at the age of 90, calling it “my masterpiece.”
Immediately after visiting Edirne the road winds through the lush nature of Thrace, made up of lush forests in summer, green forests in spring and falling leaves in autumn, leading all the way to Kırklareli. You pass through Igneada National Forest Park and expanses of vineyards, which are sure to be one of the must-see shots in your travel archive.
The last stop on the itinerary is Istanbul, Turkey’s bustling metropolis, a city full of charm, where the past goes hand in hand with the present.
The Anatolian Way, from Istanbul to Kayseri
Distance 900km | click here for GPX track
Istanbul is a city that needs no introduction as it is divided by the sea and suspended between two continents, Europe to Asia. This itinerary takes you from the heart of Istanbul to the heart of Anatolia. To leave the city, it is recommended to use the ferry where you can easily load your bicycles and cross the Sea of Marmara.
While you travel along the coast, the gates of Anatolia slowly open in a succession of fascinating cities. Have you ever heard of Kocaeli, Sakarya, and Eskişehir?
From Eskişehir the ascent to the plateau begins. A stop you can not miss? Odunpazarı, one of the best-preserved architectural structures in Eskişehir that stands out for its cultural richness and houses dozens of museums. In fact, thanks to this feature, it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2012.
Continuing along the banks of the Porsuk River, the route takes us to our next stop, Nevşehir. Soon you arrive in Cappadocia where you can spoil yourself by indulging in a sunrise hot air balloon ride to discover the immeasurable spectacle offered by the geological conformations known as “fairy chimneys.”
If you have time, take note of the Göreme Open Air Museum and indulge in the last leg of our itinerary. The itinerary ends in Kayseri, whose cuisine is legendary, mainly because of the meat dishes and mantı (tortellini in broth with yogurt and mint).
Way of Eurasia – The Way of Empire
Distance 900km | click here for track
Certainly Türkiye is a gigantic country, and offers many opportunities for cycling in almost all seasons. The central plateau is surrounded by mountain ranges that descend to the Black Sea in the north and the Mediterranean in the south and west. These coastlines are often rugged and forested, with hidden beaches and fishing villages. Ancient civilizations have left their mark on the landscape, such as the remains of Greek and Roman cities that rival those of Italy in terms of wealth and monumental buildings.
The Via Eurasia International Route enters Türkiye at Edirne, continues to Istanbul, and passes through Bursa to the southern coast. The journey then begins on the delightful streets of Beykoz, a region of Istanbul famous for its groves of lush trees on both sides. Leaving behind Poyrazköy and Anadolu Feneri you pedal through the northernmost tip of Istanbul.
From Istanbul, capital of the Ottoman Empire, we set course for Bursa, one of Turkey’s most beautiful cities. Greeted Bilecik, another capital of the empire, on the coast of Izmit, the last conquered land in Anatolia before the siege of Istanbul. The route continues through Kütahya, famous for its porcelain, where many Ottoman princes grew up, and leads to the next stop, Afyonkarahisar.
The city, popularly called Afyon, welcomes visitors with its landmark building: the majestic castle. It combines geographical beauty such as Iscehisar’s fairy chimneys and natural blessings such as hot springs. It also attracts attention with its delicious cuisine that combine millennia-old traditions.
Spotted Eğirdir, a freshwater lake formed by tectonic and karst effects with a huge surface area, means that the city of Isparta, Turkey’s rose garden, is just around the corner.
Finally, crossing the Taurus Mountains and enjoying the descent with the unique view of the peak, we soon arrive in Antalya. The last stop on the tour is Konyaaltı, one of Antalya’s most vibrant localities. And the Mediterranean Sea is there, ready to be fully enjoyed.
The Mediterranean route from Antalya to Mersin
Distance 470km | click here for map
An itinerary of spectacular natural beauty, rich in history and with exceptional climatic conditions. Here you are greeted by bright sunshine and turquoise waters almost year-round. This long-distance route starts at the marina in Kaleiçi, with its mesmerizing view, and follows the road to the ancient city of Side, the most important port city in Pamphylia.
From here, you keep the waters of the Mediterranean Sea on your right and travel a long way along the coast. The road leads to Alanya, which has been home to Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman civilizations. The route covers a distance of 500 km through a mix of quiet roads and bicycle paths.
Here the coast continues with the beautiful blue sea and natural sandy beaches to Mersin, with fantastic views, enjoying the rich and delicious cuisine, from tantuna to cezery, from bulgur dishes to desserts.
