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The five most beautiful cycling routes in Turkey

Loved for its mild climate, beautiful nature and special cultural heritage, Turkey now also surprises cycling enthusiasts with beautiful cycling routes. These are the 5 most varied cycling routes in Turkey which also stand out for their bicycle-friendly facilities.

About Turkey

Located in the Mediterranean and with the famous Bosphorus connecting the Asian and European continent, Turkey is a unique destination with countless cycling routes and a hub for cultural interaction. Add to this the different climates, nature and gastronomy that has been influenced by the diversity of many civilizations over the centuries. Located at the crossroads of cultures, Turkey has a distinctive art and fashion culture, a synthesis between traditions and modernism. The highly dynamic shopping and entertainment venues attract visitors from all over the world.

Open air museum route | Route Güvercinlik Valley – Göreme

One of Turkey's most exceptional destinations is without a doubt Cappadocia. The region is also an excellent cycling destination with seven routes specially designed for mountain bikes. The route from Güvercinlik (pigeon) valley to Göreme starts at Üçhisar Castle, known for its panoramic views of Cappadocia. The route continues through the Güvercinlik Valley to Göreme. With its many churches and rock dwellings, this fairytale city is one large open-air museum. This cycle route also leads through the Meskendir Valley and the village of Çavuşin.

Open air museum cycle route | Route Güvercinlik Valley – Göreme | Photo: Guvercinlik Valley
Open air museum cycle route | Route Güvercinlik Valley – Göreme | Photo: Guvercinlik Valley

Beach route | Lycian Way-Maden

The Lycian Way cycling route offers more than twenty natural wonders and ancient cities such as Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, Kabak Bay, Kalkan, Kaş, Kekova, Demre, Patara, Olympos Mountain, Çıralı and Göynük Canyon. The route is known as a hiking trail but can also be explored by bicycle. Made especially for mountain biking, the Lycian Way-Maden Beach route in the Kemer district of Antalya is a beautiful 18-kilometer stretch, 1.115 meters above sea level. The trail ends at Maden Bay, a Mediterranean paradise that offers a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, diving, and cave excursions.

Ephesus (history route) | House of the Virgin Mary

Dating back to 6000 BC, Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the seven wonders of the world. Discovering the area by bike is a special experience. This impressive region, which is also home to the largest temple dedicated to Artemis, boasts some of the most popular cycling routes in Turkey. There is both a mountain bike and an electric bike route that starts at the House of the Virgin Mary – nine kilometers from Selçuk – and ends in the ancient city of Ephesus. Starting from a height of 414 meters and descending to 350 meters within five kilometres, the route takes cyclists on a memorable journey through history.

Cycling routes in Turkey | Ephesus route
Cycling routes in Turkey | Ephesus route

Cycling and relaxing | Routes Köyceğiz – Ortaca – Dalaman

In Muğla, a tourist paradise of Turkey, the Köyceğiz-Ortaca-Dalaman routes for electric bicycles and mountain bikes offer a relaxed cycling experience amidst beautiful nature. In 2018, 22 routes were created as part of Eco Trails; 15 are for mountain bikes and seven for e-bikes. The climate in the area makes it possible to cycle all year round. The route, which starts in the center of the Ortaca district, runs along the Dalaman Stream, İztuzu Beach and the Blue Flag Sarıgerme Beach, important spawning grounds for the Caretta Caretta turtles.

Cycling routes in Turkey | Köyceğiz - Ortaca - Dalaman
Cycling routes in Turkey | Köyceğiz – Ortaca – Dalaman

Cycling in Istanbul – European side forest route

Istanbul has enchanted its visitors for centuries thanks to its unique location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the beautiful view over the Bosphorus and the vast nature, both in and around the city. From now on, this exciting city will exert a similar attraction for cyclists thanks to special routes for electric bicycles and racing bicycles. The cycle paths through the forests on the European side give a view of the glistening waters of the Bosphorus and offer the cyclist a whole new perspective on Istanbul.

Also read: City trip | Visit the metropolis of Istanbul this summer
Also read: Istanbul | Tips for public transport | Download the metro map

Cycling routes in Turkey | Istanbul - European Side Forest Route | Photo: Istanbul - Bosphorus
Cycling routes in Turkey | Istanbul – European side forest route | Photo: Istanbul – Bosphorus

Turkey's cycling tourism business consists of more than cycling routes: the country has accelerated its sustainable tourism efforts and last year it certificate for bicycle-friendly accommodation facilities implemented. Visitors wishing to cycle around the country can get information about bike-friendly facilities before coming to Turkey at www.GoTurkiye.com. There are currently 17 facilities in Turkey that meet the criteria of the Bicycle Friendly Accommodation Facility Certificate.

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