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Now is the time to explore Türkiye and discover its hidden gems by bike. Take a closer look at goturkiye.com and gocyclingturkiye.com
Steeped in history
Sculpted by volcanic eruptions, the wildly beautiful Cappadocia area is heaven for mountain bikers
the Aegean coast to the majesty of the Lycian mountains, this is a country just waiting to be explored – and there’s no better way to
do it than on two wheels.
Mountain bike trails criss-cross the countryside while waymarked tracks wind through olive groves, linking atmospheric ancient sites with hidden coves and beaches. Even Türkiye’s vibrant cities can be bike-friendly. Istanbul’s car-free Princes’ Islands, for example, offer
safe cycling and a very different perspective of the metropolis.
The beauty of cycling in Türkiye is that it can be as challenging or relaxing as you want it to be. Many hotels and guesthouses provide bike hire by the day; ideal for those who want to mix pedal time with other activities. If you want to make cycling the focus of your holiday, a week’s escorted touring – under the watchful eye of an experienced guide – is a fantastic way to roam the tranquil backcountry.
Some companies offer packages that split the week between exploring by bike and sailing on a traditional wooden gulet, giving you the chance to experience Türkiye’s stunning coastline on land and sea.
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Map illustration: Janice Chang/Studio PI for News UK
Cycling doesn’t come with
a more memorable backdrop
Confident cyclists in search of adventure should head for Cappadocia
in Central Anatolia, which is the best area for gravel bikers. Single-track terrain doesn’t come with a more memorable backdrop than the extraordinary rock formations that mushroom up out of the ground. Going on a guided tour allows you to freewheel past the ancient “fairy chimneys” of Goreme National Park, with stops to explore the historic cave churches and towers that make this region one of the most remarkable places on Earth. There are trails for all abilities, from afternoon jaunts to week-long expeditions that take in Cappadocia and the Crimson Mountains, a jagged range surrounded by verdant forests and cascading waterfalls.
For those looking to spend a few days exploring independently, the tranquil Bozburun Peninsula offers glorious forest scenery, sleepy seaside villages and fantastic off-road routes through the mountains behind the village of Orhaniye. Many of the guesthouses in the area rent out mountain and road bikes, while the pristine beaches and quiet coves provide a wonderful way to cool off after a day’s exertion.
Türkiye has a Bicycle Friendly Accommodation Facilities (BFAC) programme that certifies cyclist-welcoming places to stay. Those that are approved offer services such as indoor bicycle shelters and parking, bike-wash areas and staff who are knowledgeable about local routes. To see if a hotel or hostel is part of the programme, look for the green circular BFAC logo.
Fans of Türkiye’s rich history should pick up their bikes in the Aegean city of Izmir and follow the EuroVelo 8 cycle route, part of the European Cycle Route Network, which was extended to include Türkiye in 2019. The 500km trail includes a stretch that links two of the country’s most important ancient sites: Pergamon in the north and Ephesus in the south – both on the Unesco World Heritage list. In between, the route takes in the dazzling coast of the Izmir peninsula, with bustling resorts such as Cesme and atmospheric small towns like Foca offering a diverse range of places to stay.
The biggest change in cycling in recent years is the wider availability
of e-bikes, giving greater opportunity to explore with less effort. All of Türkiye’s most popular tourist regions are latticed with e-bike trails.
In Antalya Province, cyclists can glide between the unspoilt beach of Cirali and the atmospheric ruins of Olympus, or coast across a mountain plateau around Ovacik, overlooked by a dramatic Byzantine castle.
The Dalaman area has a wonderful choice of day rides that can take you around the tranquil shores of Koycegiz Lake or to the rock tombs of the ancient city of Kaunos. Further west, in the Marmaris district, there are challenging and beautiful rides that combine mountain and sea views – from the charming small resort of Turunc to the rural town of Bayir. Or you could go on a circular ride that begins and ends in the busy city of Marmaris itself.
Places to be
TO DO Türkiye
on A BIKE
the BEST WAYS
VELO AND BEHOLD
PROMOTED CONTENT
Whether you’re a gentle jaunter or a hardcore trekker, it’s easy and awesome
to pedal power your way around this splendour-filled part of the world
oaring mountains, glittering seas, lush farmland, crystalline rivers… when it comes to spectacular landscapes, few places in the world can rival Türkiye. From the golden beaches of
Wheely cool
Rocks eroded into spectacular pillars are just some of the highlights
Scenic route
Confident cyclists in search of adventure should head for Cappadocia in Central Anatolia, but there are trails for all abilities
Touring by bike allows you to discover Türkiye’s gorgeous countryside
at your own pace, with lots of opportunities to stop and try some of the country’s best food and drink. On the Izmir peninsula you can drop by the vineyards on the Urla Wine Route, while on the Bodrum peninsula, quiet lanes lead to the seaside village of Gumusluk, known for its wonderful fish restaurants.
Whichever direction you take, exploring Türkiye on two wheels makes for an unforgettable adventure – and opens up a new perspective on an intoxicatingly beautiful country.
Many guesthouses
in the area rent
out mountain
and road bikes
In the Marmaris district, rides combine mountain and sea views
Touring by bike allows you to discover
some of the country’s best food and drink
Inside track
Marmaris is the place to go for sea views, while the city of Kaunos is home to ancient cliffside tombs
Change of scenery
A view of Cirali Beach from the ancient Olympus ruins in Antalya
Hungry biker
Whether it’s tucking into a classic Turkish meze or stopping at a vineyard on the Urla Wine Route, there’s plenty to keep you going
Coast along
Sarsala Bay, which is reached by a dirt road, is a great place to cool off
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Bozburun Peninsula
Sig Limani harbor and beach in Selimiye village near Marmaris resort town in Mugla province of Turkey
Now is the time to explore Türkiye and discover its hidden gems by bike. Take a closer look at goturkiye.com and gocyclingturkiye.com