In Turkey, a country blessed with magnificent landscapes, incredible cycling routes are waiting to be explored. These routes offer rich natural colors, endless sea views, and historical sites for cyclists to enjoy. If your love for cycling has been ignited, it’s time to discover these remarkable routes.
Discover Turkey bicycle routes:
Table of Contents
1. Izmir Bicycle Route
Let’s start with the beginners. Our first suggestion is for those who are new to cycling. In Izmir, some cycling routes are perfect for beginners. One of the most popular ones is along Izmir Bay. You can start at the Bird Sanctuary, where you can see flamingos, and then follow the bike path to Inciraltı. The breathtaking views of the bay as you ride along the coastline will make you want to stop and take it all in. Even if you’re not tired, you’ll find yourself taking pleasant breaks along the 60 km route that you won’t forget.
If you’d rather not circle the Gulf of Izmir, you can take a break from pedaling and catch a ferry. You can make your journey shorter by taking your bike on a car ferry from Üçkuyular or Bostanlı, depending on the direction you want to go.
2. Artvin-Trabzon Bicycle Route
If you’re someone who loves being in nature, the cycling routes in the Black Sea region are just right for you! But let’s be clear from the start, these routes can be a bit challenging. The cycling path starts from Artvin and goes all the way to Trabzon, covering a total of 230 kilometers. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by stunning nature with various shades of green.
This route features some massive hills that will make you feel small in comparison, picturesque tea gardens, and camping spots nestled in the heart of nature. It’s an adventure on your bike that you won’t forget. To make your Black Sea journey even more exciting, consider joining bicycle tours to natural wonders like Karagöl and plateaus that you’ll come across along the route.
3. Yenice Forests
If you’re up for a forest adventure, grab your mountain bike because we’re heading down rugged dirt roads, kicking up some dust. Our destination? The Yenice Forests in Karabük! These forests are like a natural open-air museum, with towering trees reaching up to 30 meters high.
Here, you’ll find seven different bicycle tracks waiting for you. As you glide through the forest on your bike, surrounded by maple and oak trees, you can leave behind all the stress of daily life and breathe in the earthy scent of nature. Whether you prefer shorter trails within the forest or longer ones leading to the Küre Mountains, you’ll always discover natural beauty that’s well worth the effort you put in.
4. Goreme National Park Bicycle Route
Cappadocia is like stepping into a fairy tale with its incredible landscape, and it’s one of the most magical places to explore by bicycle. Begin your journey from Paşadağ and let your handlebars guide you along the Meskedir Stream. Keep pedaling through the seemingly endless paths of Güllüdere Valley, Çavuşin, and Aşıklar Valley until you reach your final destination, Kızılçukur Valley.
As you cycle through this delightful route, the mystical and mysterious aura of the fairy chimneys will accompany you, making it a truly enchanting experience.
5. Phrygian Valley Bicycle Route
The breaks you take during a cycling journey can be just as enjoyable as the ride itself. Choosing the right cycling route can enhance your breaks even more. When cycling in nature, stopping under a tree’s shade or by the edge of an endless sea view adds extra charm to your rest stops. But how about combining your love for history with your cycling adventure?
If you have a keen interest in history along with cycling, then the Phrygian Valley should be on your list. This valley, located on the borders of Kütahya, Ankara, Eskişehir, and Afyon provinces, offers a mix of asphalt, dirt, and sand roads, so be sure to prepare your equipment accordingly.
Along the way, you’ll come across numerous historical landmarks, including churches, caves, mausoleums, Memeç Rocks, the ancient city of Aizanoi, and the Aslankaya Monument, making it a fascinating ancient adventure that combines history with the joy of cycling.
6. Lycian Way Bicycle Route
Imagine cycling across the world-famous hiking trail while taking in breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Finding your motivation in this stunning scenery, you’ll tackle a challenging route, visit charming villages and plateaus, and create unforgettable memories. If this sounds exciting to you, point your handlebars towards the Lycian Way.
This epic 535-kilometer route is one of the longest cycling trails in Turkey. Starting from Fethiye and winding its way to Antalya, it offers a rich blend of blue and green landscapes. Along the way, you can delve into history by exploring ancient cities like Olympos, Phellos, and Simena. For this adventure, we strongly recommend using a mountain bike to handle the terrain.
7. Sapanca Bicycle Route
If you’re eager to pedal through a place where nature unfolds its vibrant colors and the soothing lake view accompanies you at every turn, head to Sapanca. You absolutely must explore the route that begins in Kazımpaşa, winds through Akmeşe, and circles around Lake Sapanca.
On this route, you’ll need to work those leg muscles as you occasionally tackle some hills, but the serene sight of the lake makes it all worthwhile. To bring your heart rate down after a good pedal, take breaks by the lake, where you can enjoy some peaceful moments.
8. Gökova Bay Bicycle Route
If you’re looking to combine seaside enjoyment and camping memories with your cycling adventure, consider crossing Gökova Bay with your bike. This route, starting from Muğla center and extending to Akyaka, typically takes around 3 days to complete.
As you pedal along, take the opportunity to stop at famous beaches and cool off in the sparkling Aegean waters, washing away the sweat from your bike ride. Be prepared, because nature will be your home on this journey. You can fully appreciate the region’s beauty by staying at campsites along parts of the coastline.
This route, featuring a mix of asphalt and dirt roads, is also suitable for beginners, making it as enjoyable as a summer vacation with its camping spots, beaches, and natural wonders.
9. Van Lake Bicycle Route
For those seeking a bit more adventure, consider exploring the picturesque shores of Lake Van on your bicycle. The 400-kilometer route around Lake Van will lead you to must-visit destinations like Van Castle, Akdamar Island, Balık Bendi, and Aygır Lake. If you wish, you can also explore districts such as Ahlat, Adilcevaz, Erciş, and Muradiye along the way.
The greatest reward this route has to offer isn’t just the breathtaking view of Lake Van; it’s also the opportunity to kickstart your day with the famous Van breakfast, making it an unforgettable experience.
10. Hittite Road Bicycle Route
For those seeking a historical journey on two wheels and ready to conquer challenging paths, the Hittite Road awaits! This 385-kilometer road offers numerous bicycle routes, including some demanding sections suitable for mountain biking. You’ll encounter rugged terrain that may shake you up at times, but the thrilling downhill rides will make up for the challenging climbs.
As you pedal along, you’ll feel the mystical ambiance of history in the wind against your face. The region is dotted with historical ruins like Alacahöyük and Hattusa, preserving the traces of Hittite civilization. During your breaks, you can immerse yourself in the rich history of this great civilization.
Turkey is brimming with cycling routes waiting to be explored. If you’re looking to recharge in a comfortable hotel during your journey, consider coming to ETS and discovering the accommodations conveniently located near your chosen cycling routes.
