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22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
Ümraniye-Polonezköy-Riva-Kavacık (66 km) - This parkour lacks traffic and is surrounded by nature, a challenging find these days. The parkour starts at Polonezköy and leads to Riva on the shore of the Black Sea. The bikers are able to select the finish line. You can opt to start at either Ümraniye or Kavacık. Be warned that if you start in Ümraniye, you will need to bike more uphill compared to Kavacık. A little part of the track is muddy, but the rest is asphalt. This route is perfect for Istanbulites who are seek a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul and long for peaceful nature.
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
The Islands (28 km) - The Islands route is split into 4 parts: four km in Kınalı Island, four and a half km in Burgaz, seven km in Heybeli and twelve km in Büyükada. In order to be able to complete this route, you need to find out the times of steamships and powerboats, and leave early if possible. The main attraction of the island route is the fact that there are no cars on the islands; the islands thus provide a certain level of peace that no place around the city can. The peacefulness makes the islands a significant destination for bikers, so it is also possible to rent bikes on the islands.
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
Kadıköy-Pendik (27 km) - The state has devoted this route to the bikers and has marked it for all to see. The width of the parkour was designed so that two people can ride side by side. The route starts in Kadıköy and ends in Pendik going along the shore. The route was once home to little beaches, as it is along the shore of the Bosphorus on Istanbul’s Anatolian side and therefore, adorned with a view of the Bosphorus at sea level. One side of the route is adorned with little fishing boats and the other side is decorated with landscape.
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
Belgrad Forest (20 km) - Belgrad forest has been called the lungs of Istanbul by some. It is one of the incredibly rare green areas of Istanbul. Especially on the weekends, Istanbulites use the forest to have picnics, walk among the trees and merely enjoy nature in its simplicity. Different routes are offered to walkers, joggers and bikers at different lengths, making the Belgrad Forest one of the most popular destinations for sports adventures.
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
Pedalling out of Istanbul…
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
İznik Lake (84 km) - The route starts in İznik and goes around the lake, passing through Çakırca, Örnekköy, Gölkaya, Dutluca, Çınaraltı and finally returning to İznik. There are small fish restaurants and authentic wooden houses around the lake. İznik is also well-known for its china. İznik Lake, which is a freshwater lake, is surrounded by numerous birds. The city itself is rich with history and culture, therefore visiting the historical sites and museums is highly recommended.
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
Kapıdağ Peninsula (95 km) - With its natural beaches and untouched surroundings, Kapıdağ peninsula offers a peaceful biking environment. The route starts in Erdek, goes around the peninsula’s shore and returns to Erdek. Along the route we suggest you take a small break in Çakılköy to see the Atatürk Monument. You can also visit one of the many beaches of the peninsula to cool off after the bike ride. The parkour is more challenging than others, as there is a lot of inclines along the route.
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
İzmir Gulf (68 km) - The İzmir gulf parkour is an effortless route, because it lacks the difficulties of the other routes, like mud and inclines. The route starts in Kuş Cenneti, and goes through Karşıyaka, Alsancak, Göztepe, ending at İnciraltı. It is possible to see pelicans and flamingos along the shore because Kuş Cenneti (“Bird Heaven”) attracts various bird species with its marshy nature. Even though this can be a day trip, you can also choose to stay and visit one of the restaurants with beautiful İzmir views, watching pelicans while eating food after your bike ride.
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
Fethiye Peninsula (18 km) - Fethiye is considered to be a sports-friendly city and it offers activities such as trekking, parasailing, diving, safari and, of course, biking. Because of the elevation differences of the area, there are a lot of mountain biking paths where people can take advantage of nature. You can start at Fethiye’s town center, go through Kayaköy, and finally return to Fethiye. It is also possible to complete this route without wheels and walk the 18 km around Fethiye.
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
Bodrum Peninsula (80 km) - The suggested route starts and ends in the city’s center, going along the shore of the peninsula. Starting in Bodrum, you can go through Torba, Gölköy, Gündoğan, Yalıkavak, Gümüşlük, Turgutreis, Bitez and return to Bodrum. Because of its Aegean geological provisions, it lacks incline so many people can enjoy the parkour; however, this same incline-less situation also presents bikers with a heavy wind. All in all, this route is a great way to work out while enjoying the Aegean Sea.
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
Bozburun Peninsula, Marmaris (106 km) - This route is solely made up of asphalt, which may be more convenient for some bikers. The route starts in Marmaris, located in the Aegean region of Turkey, and goes around the peninsula through Armutalan, Hisarönü, Orhaniye, Turgut, Selimiye, Bozburun, Bayır, İçmeler and returns to Marmaris. While going from Marmaris to Datça, you will distance yourself from the sea, but the rest of the trip is spent on the shore, which will present you with the opportunity to take advantage of the natural beauty and small little spots Marmaris has to offer.
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
Turquoise Coast of Antalya (21 km) - There are more than 80 daily routes in Antalya between the shore and mountains. Antalya is a tourism hub and has many green spaces where people do sports. The route proposed crosses the city center from west to east along the shore. The lack of hills makes it easy for bikers of all levels. The route starts in Konyaaltı district, goes through Kaleiçi district, Dedeman, Düden Waterfall and ends in Lara district. You can visit the Antalya Museum near the town’s center if you need a rest after your workout.
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
Hittite Path, Çorum (39 km) - Çorum is a city that reflects the rich history of Anatolia through archaeological treasures and its ancient cities. The Hittite path is in Çorum, starting in Alacahöyük (or Alaca) district, following the path through Tahirabat, Kalecikkaya, Emirler, ending in Hattuşa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This route presents various historical sites along its path.
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
Cappadocia Route, Nevşehir (43 km) - Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most visited historical tourism hubs. Cappadocia was home to an underground civilization that needed shelter. As many other tourism agencies, we recommend starting the route at Avanos, traversing Göreme and Ortahisar, leading all the way to Mustafa Paşa.
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
İkizdere-Çamlıhemşin, Rize (102 km) - This is one for the thrill seekers. This parkour in Rize near the Black Sea is the hardest one on this list. You will need to ride uphill for around 3,000 meters and be prepared for the Black Sea weather, which is characterized as cold and often rainy. The route starts in İkizdere district, passes through Eğvane Waterfall, Yediçukur Field, Şemkavut Field, Ortayayla district and ends in Çamlıhemşin district. This main attraction of this route is its exceptional amount of nature.
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
İstiklal Road, Kastamonu (95 km) - The İstiklal (Independence) road is in the İnebolu district in Karadeniz and goes through symbolic stops marking Turkey's Independence War. The route starts in İnebolu’s center at sea level and passes through Uğlak, Çuhadoruğu, the Alacık Yusuf neighborhood, Küre, the Uzunöz Ambarlı neighborhood, İmranlar, Halkacılar, Halife and Kuzeykent regions, before finally reaching the Kastamonu district center. The hardest part of the route is between İnebolu and Çuhadoru, where you will need to ride uphill for 13 km, unadvised for inexperienced bikers.
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
Düzce-Yedigöller-Bolu (76 km) - Nature lovers cherish Yedigöller National Park in Bolu because of its breath taking natural setting. The park is known for its heavy vegetation and seven lakes. The proposed parkour is completely inside the forest. Our route starts in the Yığlıca district, going in the direction Yedigöller National Park and then to the Kapankaya Seyir Terrace. The route ends after 76 km of biking in Bolu. You could also break this route into two days and camp out in the forest.
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
Long trips…
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
Şile-Black Sea (206 km) - Endless peace and quiet is offered with this route. The route starts in Şile, Istanbul, and goes through Ağva, Karasu, Kocaeli and Kalkın to finally reach the Black Sea, Ereğli. The first part between Şile and Ağva is challenging with many curves and therefore we recommend powering through the route’s first 40 km and resting afterwards. There are numerous hotels and motels in Kocaeli, a convenient place for a stop.
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
Marmara Sea (569 km) - This route travels around big cities such as Istanbul, Balıkesir, Çanakkale and Bursa and avoids the city noise and dirt. Our route starts in Tekirdağ, passes through Uçmakdere, Kızılcaterzi, Gelibolu, Çınardere, Erdek, Bandırma, Ekinli, Mudanya, Esenköy, Çınarcık, respectively, and ends in Yalova. The majority of the trip will be spent on the shore, overlooking the beautiful Marmara Sea. The only problem our bikers might experience is the lack of noise and scarcity of people, so make sure your bike is in great condition and you have plenty of water to drink.
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
Western Taurus Mountains (209 km) - This parkour has a high level of difficulty, so amateur bikers might want to skip to this one. The route, starting in Fethiye district in the Muğla district, travels through Karabel, Ceylan, Girdev Field, Yeşilbarak, Sütleğen, Palamut, Çamlıköy, Yakaköy, Alaçatı, the Dip neighborhood, Ovacık and returns to Fethiye. With this route, there might be a bit traffic at first but the rest is completely in nature. Around Karabel, bikers will have to ascend one of the hardest ramps.
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
Beyşehir Lake Area (160 km) - Beyşehir Lake is the third biggest lake in the country. This route encircles the lake and goes through two national parks and many other small villages. The start and endpoint of this route are of small significance. The route in general is flat; however, there is some incline at times. The lake is rich with bird life and other animals. Even though there will be places to stay in the area, camping is also a viable option.
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
Amasra-Sinop Route (331 km) - This route is famous for its many slopes and its view of the Black Sea. The route goes from Bartın to Sinop, crossing through Amasra, Gideros, Kumluca, Cide, Denizkonak, Taşlıpınar, Özlüce, Gemiciler, Türkeli, Maden, İncirpınar, respectively. This route gives you one-on-one time with Mother Nature and provides complete serenity. We call this a must-conquer challenge for sports and nature lovers.
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
Geyve-Ayaş Silk Road Passageway (308 km) - The Silk Road was a 7,000 km historical trade route, linking Asia and Europe’s commerce. Nowadays, people use the road for various reasons and therefore, it is one of our suggestions. We suggest cycling the part between the city of Sakarya and the city of Ankara, passing through the city of Bolu. The Silk Road is very well structured so directions will be easy to find. With this route, you can bike through historical streets people have been using since 150 BC. (Compiled by Melis Özer)
22 best bicycle routes in Turkey
Metropolization has transformed Istanbul into a dynamic, vibrant city; however it took a toll on its nature, such as sports areas where people could let out steam. But all hope is not lost; there are still places that haven’t been infested by the traffic the metropolitan crowd brings and the accompanying smell of exhaust. Here are some daily trip routes for cyclists in Istanbul:
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