Cycling in Turkey

Turkey is the magical land, that has the unique ability to convert the humble bicycle into “a time machine”. The opportunity to ride through this fantastic land that bridges the west and the east is not to be missed, where every stroke of the pedal leads to the fulfillment of the promise, the promise of viewing and experiencing exotic vistas, fantastic civilizations, to receive the warmest of hospitality and be welcomed with open arms as family.

Cycling provides the optimum pace at which to truly appreciate this mesmerizing dance of the magnificence of the history all around and the spellbinding beauty of the land that is Turkey. Be prepared to be transported back in time to pedal in the footsteps of Neolithic man right through till the modern world.

Whether you are a keen rider looking for a pleasant road bike ride along the turquoise coast or an adventurer in search of some physical activity with plenty of sightseeing, or just a traveler who is exploring in comfort and responsibly, route options are endless in a geography where East literary meets West.

Taurus Mountain range along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey is a heaven for mountain bikers with climbs up to almost 1800m (5900 ft) high where you will be dazzled with thick cedar and pine forests and ancient cities hidden among them.

The western coast of Turkey is a wonderland for all cyclists. The Aegean Turkey offers unique and contrasting regions to experience by bicycle. You will find all of the quintessential attractions to explore on two wheels —historic villages, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Citta Slow towns, more than a dozen ancient cities of Ionia, beautiful coastlines, and delicious Aegean food accompanied with local wine.

Who could resist to winding through on two wheels along the fairy chimneys of magical Cappadocia? The geological phenomena create a lunar like landscape fractured by deep valleys that justly earned UNESCO World Heritage status. Cappadocia is not only a great mountain bike destination, it is just as blessed when it comes to gravel and road biking. Amazing network of trails will surprise you with cave dwellings and hidden churches of early Christianity.

Fantastic scenery of coastal vistas and forested mountains along the large stretch of Black Sea coast of Turkey is well worth the effort of going up and down on a bicycle in this evergreen region. You will meet the hospitable people of the Black Sea over a glass of local “çay”, brewed black tea of the region.

Istanbul, a bustling city that spreads over two continents, a melting pot of cultures and religions… Cycling in Istanbul runs the spectrum from a stunning ride through imperial monuments in the historical peninsula to a romantic escape from the city to Princes’ Islands on a day trip. Whether you are visiting the city for a day, or in between business meetings, you will find that cycling is the most pleasant way to discover this beautiful and huge city. Istanbul is full of historical and natural surprises for two-wheeled explorers. The Bosphorus, the natural strait that divides Europe from Asia, will accompany you from the Marmara Sea to the Black Sea in the north with jewel-like wooden shore mansions, purplish Judas trees along the shores, and with some dolphins, if you are lucky.

Turkey is a fascinating land to explore, with its deep and long history with an unbroken line of civilizations from the Neolithic times till the modern world. Filled with nature that humbles one with its beauty and people who welcome all with open hearts and arms.

We welcome you to discover Turkey on your bicycle. Captain your time machine and marvel at the wonderful experiences that await you!

İSTANBUL

Even if you are a local in Istanbul, it will be an endless deed to explore the whole city.

Imperial palaces, unique monuments such as Hagia Sophia, gardens on both sides of the Bosphorus, forests in the north of the city, bridges and bustling bazaars, Prince’s Islands and many more to discover in the city of 8000 years.

Cycling is indeed the best way to discover Istanbul and reveal its layers.
Have you ever cycled on two continents on the same day? Istanbul offers you this unique experience with a pleasant 15 minute ferry ride across the Bosphorus while feding the seagulls following you.

İZMİR

Izmir is the first city in Turkey to be included in European Cycling Route Network. Eurovelo 8 Mediterranean Route connects ancient cities, natural and local values along a 500 km route.

A slow pace city with the most favorable climate, Izmir is an important port city on the western coast of Turkey. The city is well connected through its harbors, modern airport and highways, welcomes visitors with its relaxed Aegean character. Izmir is the third largest metropolis of Turkey with a population of a little over 4 million extended to a larger peninsula including many coastal resorts and inland villages.

Izmir, the pearl of the Aegean…birthplace of the epic poet Homeros, a city with 8500 years of history, latest known as Smyrna. Famous historian Herodot describes Izmir as “a place where the most beautiful sky and climate known on earth”. A coastline of unmatched beauty of over six hundred kilometers is embroidered with magnificent ancient cities, two of which are listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Pergamon and Ephesus

Izmir, as ancient Smyrna, was one of the Seven Churches of Revelation and hosted many important centers of early Christianity. The House of the Virgin Mary is located on the slopes of Bulbuldag, just a few kilometers from Ephesus.

CAPPADOCIA
A fairy land, indeed…How would one describe Cappadocia?

One of the most interesting geological formations of the world…
A place with a stunning scenery of fairy chimneys and rock formations…
Land of beautiful horses…
A mysterious haven of early believers and saints…

A single sentence will be insufficient to describe your experience in Cappadocia.
Immerse yourself in the region’s magical beat and keep cycling!

Mountain and road bike routes passing through valleys offer plenty of options for all kinds of riders. Wake up to a morning full of adventure while hot air balloons are flying over you.

EUROVELO 8 MEDITERRANEAN ROUTE
Cultural heritage…
Smell of the sea…
Natural beauties…
Agriculture route…
Local tastes…
Turkish hospitality…

Eurovelo 8 route, also known as The Mediterranean Route, is a 5,888-kilometer-long that passes through 11 different countries. Turkey is one of the 11 countries and 498 km pass through İzmir, Turkey’s third largest city.

The Port of Dikili in the north of İzmir and Çeşme Port, located in the westernmost of the Izmir Peninsula, are the entering points of the route.

Eurovelo 8 Route has 23 world heritage sites, two of them are in Izmir: Pergamon Ancient City and Ephesus Ancient City.

In addition to these two world heritage sites, 15 more ancient cities are located within 498 kilometers:
Atarneus, Pitane, Elaia, Gryneion, Myrina, Kyme, Larissa, Smyrna, Agora, Limantepe, Erythral, Teos, Lebedos, Colophon, Klaros

MARMARİS

The junction point of the Mediterranean and the Aegean, the forest and the sea, the green and blue…

It is a destination for those who want to relax, explore the natural beauties and the deep history of the region, enjoy turquoise sea and golden sands and make sportive activities in the nature.

Marmaris is a very popular summer resort for both domestic tourists and foreign visitors, and the region has developed enormously over the years. Marmaris is a remarkable place with its past as well as today. One of the oldest residential areas of the Aegean Region. Here, settlements begin in the 1200s BC. The ruins of The Nimara Cave, located on Heaven Island, just south of Marmaris, prove it. The Carians were the first hosts. Then the Rhodesians, Egyptians, Persians, Ionians, Assyrians, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans lived here.

You can see the ruins of many ancient cities in Marmaris: Physkos, Amos, Bybassos, Kastabos, Syrna, Larymna, Thyssanos, Phoenix, Loryma, Kasara, Kedrai, Euthena, Amnistos. The city center of Marmaris is where the castle, port and marina are located. Marmaris Castle is an ancient castle, now a museum, overlooks the area around the harbor and offers a taste of the old town’s character. It’s possible to see that these historical structures are preserved as they are.

The marina is one of the largest and modern marinas in the Southern Aegean. Because Marmaris was at the port of trade between Rhodesians and Egyptians in ancient times. So, the sea transportation here was quite advanced. Today, this large and modern marina is frequented by luxury yachts and boats. These boats are available for visits to the islands and bays around its coast.

KEMER
Kemer is a region founded by ancient Rhodesians, developed by Lycians and Ottomans, and is one of the holiday paradises of Turkey today.

It is a Mediterranean town on the southern slope of the Taurus Mountains which are located in south of Anatolia. This Mediterranean town offers us the sunshine 300 days of the year and the opportunity of swimming in turquoise waters for almost eight months.

The settlement in Kemer begins in the seventh century BC. The first visitors of this earth’s paradise are ancient Rhodesians. Then the Lycians add Kemer to their territory. That’s why a significant part of the 500 kilometers long Lycia Road passes through Kemer. The Lycians call Kemer as “Idryos”.

Discovery of Kemer by Turkish people dates back to early 13rd century. This area is named “the Old Village” because of its history. After a few centuries of Ottoman sovereignty, at the end of the 20th century,it becomes one of the most beautiful touristic regions in the Mediterranean.

Kilometers long beaches which connect Anatolia with the Mediterranean, Tahtalı (Olympus) Mountain where you can reach its peak with one of the longest telpher line in Europe and watch the entire Mediterranean Sea; may be your break point in Kemer. Çıralı, a breeding ground for endangered sea turtles, located along a three-kilometer bay, and it’s not a bad alternative.

The sunshine during 300 of the year and one of the world’s most beautiful blue flag beaches make Kemer a must-see place. But also, the history of the area which is too deep to briefly describe in these pages gives us dozens of reasons to visit Kemer.

The settlement in Phaselis Ancient City, one of the first living areas in Kemer, begins in the 690s B.C. This ancient city is one of the oldest residential areas on the Mediterranean coast of Anatolia, as well as Kemer.