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Cycling in Turkey can be an adventurous experience. The country has a well-developed cycling infrastructure that spans the whole country including the Asian side, which is not very common among other developing countries.
Turkey is home to many cycling competitions and hosts many international events, making it a popular destination for cyclists.
About Cycling in Turkey
Cycling in Turkey is a cultural experience that is not too difficult to undertake.
The best way to explore the country is by doing so on a bicycle. Turkey is home to many cycling competitions and hosts many international events, making it a popular destination for cyclists.
The bicycle is converted into a “time machine” in Turkey, a legendary country. Riding across this incredible terrain that links the East and West is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Every pedal stroke here is a promise, a promise of seeing and experiencing unique landscapes and amazing civilizations, of receiving the warmest hospitality, and of being welcomed with open arms, just like family.
Cycling is the only way to properly appreciate this mesmerising dance of history’s grandeur and Turkey’s awe-inspiring beauty. Prepare to be transported back in time and bike in the footsteps of Neolithic man all the way up to the present day.
There are countless options for bikers, explorers, and visitors alike in this location where East and West meet.
Since the Neolithic period, Turkey has been a popular tourist destination because of its long and rich history. With its natural splendor and friendly inhabitants, this is a place that will leave you speechless.
Cycling routes in Turkey
There are 4 main Cycling routes in Turkey:
Antalya
The Taurus Mountains, a mountain range near Antalya, Turkey, along the Mediterranean coast, are a mountain biker’s dream, with climbs of up to 1,800 meters. Attractions in this region include vast cedar and pine forests, as well as past civilizations hidden inside them.
There are 5 cycling routes in Antalya:
- Antalya – Beldibi – Kemer
- Lycian Coastline – Çıralı
- Kemer – Mount OIympos Peak
- Çıralı – Beycik – Kemer
- Kemer – Ovacık – Kemer
Marmaris
There are a lot of amazing cycling routes through Marmaris region:
- Marmaris – Asparan – İçmeler – Marmaris
- Marmaris – Nimara Cave – Marmaris
- Marmaris – Turunç – Kumlubük – Palamut – Marmaris
- Marmaris – İçmeler – Bayır – Söğüt – Bozburun – Hisarönü – Marmaris
- Turunç – Bayır – Kumlubük – Turunç
- Bozburun – Selimiye – Söğüt – Bozburun
- Söğüt – Serçe – Bayır – Selimiye – Bozburun – Söğüt
- Bencik – Bördübet – Değirmenyanı – Hisarönü – Bencik
- Marmaris – Hisarönü – Bayır – İçmeler – Marmaris
Izmir
The west coast of Turkey is a must-see if you’re planning a vacation there. This bike trip between Izmir and Mugla will allow you to visit two very distinct parts of Turkey at the same time.
The route will cover more than a dozen ancient Ionian towns and gorgeous beaches, as well as historic villages and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
There are a lot of different
- Çeşme – Urla
- Urla – Ürkmez
- Ürkmez – Selçuk
- Ildırı – Balıklıova – Gülbahçe
- Ildırı – Karaburun – Junction – Balıklıova
- Küçükbahçe – Karaburun
- Seferihisar – Orhanlı – Gödence – Seferihisar
Istanbul
Istanbul, being a city spanning two continents, is a kaleidoscope of cultures and faiths. Cycling is a wonderful means of transportation in Istanbul, from a picturesque ride around imperial landmarks to a one-day trip to the Princes’ Islands.
Even if you’re only in town for a few days, riding is the best way to see the city’s stunning surroundings. Istanbul is a treasure mine of historical and natural delights for two-wheeled travellers.
Those who cross the Bosphorus, which links the Mediterranean and Black Seas, will view a range of gorgeous wooden beach houses, as well as many dolphins.
There are 3 main cycling routes in Istanbul:
Cappadocia
Cappadocia’s magical chimneys are beautiful, and who can resist winding around them UNESCO has declared the lunar-like environment as a World Heritage Site because of the geological phenomena.
Aside from mountain biking, Cappadocia is also a great site for gravel and road biking. There are cave dwellings and early Christian churches tucked away in the network of passageways.
There are a lot of different routes and cycling pathes in Cappadocia such as:
- Ürgüp – Ortahisar – Ürgüp
- Ürgüp – Avanos – Uçhisar
- Uçhisar – Göreme – Çavuşin – Uçhisar
- Ürgüp – Ortahisar – Çavuşin – Ürgüp
- Pigeon Valley – Göreme Open Air Museum – Pigeon Valley
- Güzelyurt – Ihlara Canyon – Underground City Of Derinkuyu
- Ürgüp – Damsa Dam – Ürgüp
Cycling friendly accommodation
When you are riding in Turkey, you may take benefits of Bicycle Friendly Accommodation Facilities application.
As long as these lodging establishments meet the following criteria, they are eligible for this document:
- Employment of individuals with knowledge about bike routes.
- Educating visitors about the region’s cultural, historical, and natural treasures via print or digital media.
- Providing continuous information regarding current weather forecast and road status at broad places in view.
- Having indoor bicycle shelter with equipment for storing and securing bicycles and monitoring this shelter.
- Having a designated space with washing and repair equipment for bicycles.
- Having access to a quick-drying washer and dryer.
- For facilities featuring restaurant or breakfast hall, developing specific food for cyclists and advising about nutritional benefits.
- Offering energy drinks/bars to be eaten on ride, liquids incorporating electrolyte and/or carbs for cyclists.
