İzmir Peninsula
500km extension of the EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean Route, which follows the picturesque coastline of the İzmir…
Why cycling in Türkiye is a journey through history, nature, and tradition
There is something inherently boundless about cycling – following the open road with instinct as your only guide and no real destination in mind. And in Türkiye, the opportunities for discovery are unending. Whether you’re an amateur, recreational, or professional cyclist, this diverse land has something to satiate everyone’s wanderlust.
A true roadmap of TÜRKİYE
Bordered by turquoise waters, overlooked by legendary mountains, and covered in lush forests, there is no better way to explore Türkiye’s natural and cultural treasures than by bike. Something which cycling duo and founders of the bike bag company Wizard Works, Harry Major and Veronica Lowe, discovered first-hand while on a tour of Dalyan.
To many, Dalyan may seem like a sleepy fishing village in the southwestern province of Muğla. But, beyond this slow-living façade are the trails that lead to the essence of Türkiye and the nuances that have made it the melting pot it is today. As Lowe puts it, “it’s all the in-between places that really give you a rich sense of what a country is actually like.”
Plan your next cycling tour of Türkiye and discover the uncharted territories that can only be truly appreciated on two wheels.
1
ROAD
2
ROAD
İstanbul’s Forests
Based in the Northern region of İstanbul, this road route tempts cyclists with a hilly terrain that winds through…
3
ROAD
Lycian Coastline
Cyclists are treated to the beautiful backdrop of the Lycian coastline on this route from Kemer to Çıralı...
4
ROAD
Marmaris Circle
A 103km round trip of Muğla, cyclists begin by climbing the road to the village of Bayır where the shade of a 2000-…
5
MOUNTAIN
Lycian Trail
Not for the faint-hearted, this route has mountain bikers gaining a 500m altitude in the first 10km with an average slope of 5%…
6
MOUNTAIN
Dalaman Trail
The climbs and descents of this mountain trail lead cyclists from the sun-soaked town of Dalaman to the white sands of Göcek Bay…
7
MOUNTAIN
Cappadocia Valley
Starting in Uçhisar, this network of gravel and dirt roads takes cyclists on an unforgettable tour of Cappadocia. Ancient caves, fairy…
8
MOUNTAIN
Ürgüp Circle
Perfect for amateur cyclists or those wanting to ride purely for leisure, this round trip of Ürgüp passes through Cappadocian valleys…
9
GRAVEL
Güzelyurt-Derinkuyu
At 33km, this cycling route offers a short tour of the beautiful Cappadocia region, but it is in no way short of spectacles. Riders can time…
10
GRAVEL
Ürgüp-Ürgüp
From the Pancarlık Valley to Ortahisar, from the Red Valley to Çavuşin, this route offers cyclists the opportunity to explore the uniqu…
11
GRAVEL
Seferihisar-Seferihisar
In İzmir, cyclists can journey through slow towns and majestic valleys, pass hot springs and azure lakes, and up to the quaint village…
12
GRAVEL
Sakarya-Taraklı
Connecting Sakarya and Taraklı, this southerly route challenges cyclists with a continuous incline from Geyve onwards…
1
İzmir Peninsula
ROAD
500 km
Distance
Distance
A 500km extension of the EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean Route, which follows the picturesque coastline of the İzmir peninsula. Connecting the ancient cities of Pergamon and Ephesus, it offers road cyclists a front-row seat to a selection of untouched beaches, tranquil harbors, and World Heritage sites.
2
İstanbul’s Forests
ROAD
40 km
Distance 710 m
Ascent 710 m
Decent
Distance 710 m
Ascent 710 m
Decent
Based in the Northern region of İstanbul, this road route tempts cyclists with a hilly terrain that winds through the trees of the Belgrad Forest, before opening out onto the coast – where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea.
3
Lycian Coastline
ROAD
47 km
Distance 660 m
Ascent 670 m
Decent
Distance 660 m
Ascent 670 m
Decent
Cyclists are treated to the beautiful backdrop of the Lycian coastline on this route from Kemer to Çıralı. Leaving behind the ancient ruins of Idyros, they are led to a city of equal historic magnitude: Olympos.
4
Marmaris Circle
ROAD
103 km
Distance 2,030 m
Ascent 2,030 m
Decent
Distance 2,030 m
Ascent 2,030 m
Decent
A 103km round trip of Muğla, cyclists begin by climbing the road to the village of Bayır where the shade of a 2000-year-old monumental plane tree awaits. Söğüt marks the halfway mark with unparalleled views of the golden sunset while Marmaris welcomes them back with the buzz of a city that knows how to play host.
5
Lycian Trail
MOUNTAIN
35 km
Distance 920 m
Ascent 920 m
Decent
Distance 920 m
Ascent 920 m
Decent
Not for the faint-hearted, this route has mountain bikers gaining a 500m altitude in the first 10km with an average slope of 5%. The climb is well worth it, however, as they are rewarded at the 18th km with the beauty of Maden Bay – an ideal spot for camping and recuperating.
6
Dalaman Trail
MOUNTAIN
50 km
Distance 900 m
Ascent 900 m
Decent
Distance 900 m
Ascent 900 m
Decent
The climbs and descents of this mountain trail lead cyclists from the sun-soaked town of Dalaman to the white sands of Göcek Bay. On their return, they can immerse themselves in the tranquility of their mountainous and forest surroundings.
7
Cappadocia Valley
MOUNTAIN
29 km
Distance 670 m
Ascent 670 m
Decent
Distance 670 m
Ascent 670 m
Decent
Starting in Uçhisar, this network of gravel and dirt roads takes cyclists on an unforgettable tour of Cappadocia. Ancient caves, fairy chimneys, and Byzantine structures are just some of the treasures to see on two wheels.
8
Ürgüp Circle
MOUNTAIN
23 km
Distance 290 m
Ascent 290 m
Decent
Distance 290 m
Ascent 290 m
Decent
Perfect for amateur cyclists or those wanting to ride purely for leisure, this round trip of Ürgüp passes through Cappadocian valleys and villages – where life runs at a slower pace. Travelers can stop off at one of the various vineyards that line this route, sampling the wines made by local grapes.
9
Güzelyurt-Derinkuyu
GRAVEL
33 km
Distance 300 m
Ascent 620 m
Decent
Distance 300 m
Ascent 620 m
Decent
At 33km, this cycling route offers a short tour of the beautiful Cappadocia region, but it is in no way short of spectacles. Riders can time travel between the ancient Analipsis Church and modern vineyards, through the grand Ihlara Canyon and into the underground city of Derinkuyu.
10
Ürgüp-Ürgüp
GRAVEL
From the Pancarlık Valley to Ortahisar, from the Red Valley to Çavuşin, this route offers cyclists the opportunity to explore the unique geology of Cappadocia. Whether on a road, mountain, or e-bike, they can access one of the earliest inhabited monastic settlements in the region: the Zelve Open-Air Museum.
11
Seferihisar-Seferihisar
GRAVEL
88 km
Distance 1,470 m
Ascent 1,470 m
Decent
Distance 1,470 m
Ascent 1,470 m
Decent
In İzmir, cyclists can journey through slow towns and majestic valleys, pass hot springs and azure lakes, and up to the quaint village of Gödence. At an altitude of 500m, the panoramic views are not to be missed.
12
Sakarya-Taraklı
GRAVEL
64 km
Distance 1,020 m
Ascent 610 m
Decent
Distance 1,020 m
Ascent 610 m
Decent
Connecting Sakarya and Taraklı, this southerly route challenges cyclists with a continuous incline from Geyve onwards. With a height gain of about 1000m, it is the perfect opportunity for professionals to work on their hill training. Their end reward is a town that is home to lush nature, rich history, and artisanal delights.
Cyclists can ferry their bikes across the Dalyan River to reach the ancient city, taking in the breathtaking sight of the temple tombs as they go. Beautifully carved into the rock face, they are the remnants of the old necropolis that once had over 170 rock-cut graves. The tombs are thought to date back to the 4th century BCE.
Back on land, cyclists can climb the gravel road to the upper part of Kaunos where the ruins of the city’s grand ancient theatre lie. The well-preserved auditorium, huge vaulted staircase, and contrasting olive trees are almost enough to distract you from the panoramic views across the whole of Dalyan.
Pedaling back in history
Major and Lowe met 12 years ago and merged their respective passions for bikes and traveling into a cycling venture, which has so far spanned over 16 countries and thousands of miles. To Major, “there’s always a sense of the unexpected when you travel by bike” – and never did they expect their journey to take them to the far reaches of Türkiye, including one of its most impressive archaeological wonders: Kaunos Rock Tombs.
Cyclists can ferry their bikes across the Dalyan River to reach the ancient city, taking in the breathtaking sight of the temple tombs as they go. Beautifully carved into the rock face, they are the remnants of the old necropolis that once had over 170 rock-cut graves. The tombs are thought to date back to the 4th century BCE.
Back on land, cyclists can climb the gravel road to the upper part of Kaunos where the ruins of the city’s grand ancient theatre lie. The well-preserved auditorium, huge vaulted staircase, and contrasting olive trees are almost enough to distract you from the panoramic views across the whole of Dalyan.
Heading south from Dalyan, cyclists can follow the road that runs parallel to the Mediterranean Sea to reach Lake Sülüngür. Used as a fishery, swimming is restricted to the public, but that only means more time to marvel at the lake’s surface as it paints a reflection of the surrounding Gökbel Hills. For those hoping to take a dip, the nearby İztuzu Beach is an ideal setting to swim in the crystal-clear waters and share a stretch of sand with nesting Caretta Carettas (Loggerhead Sea Turtles).
Time it right and you could catch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the region. Stay at sea level or climb from İztuzu Beach Road to the top of Radar Hill for an unforgettable view of golden hues blanketing Dalyan. To Lowe, “there’s something really special about being somewhere different before sunset every day” and, fortunately, Türkiye’s Mediterranean coastline is dotted with countless viewing points.
Nature as navigation
The terrain in Dalyan lends itself perfectly to cycling. Whether it’s a gravel road for an exhilarating descent or an offroad trail to uncover hidden mysteries, each one is as inviting as the last. “The cycle routes here are so accessible; I feel like we don’t even have to think about them,” explains Lowe, which comes as no surprise as, in Türkiye, nature is so often the most reliable signpost.
Heading south from Dalyan, cyclists can follow the road that runs parallel to the Mediterranean Sea to reach Lake Sülüngür. Used as a fishery, swimming is restricted to the public, but that only means more time to marvel at the lake’s surface as it paints a reflection of the surrounding Gökbel Hills. For those hoping to take a dip, the nearby İztuzu Beach is an ideal setting to swim in the crystal-clear waters and share a stretch of sand with nesting Caretta Carettas (Loggerhead Sea Turtles).
Time it right and you could catch one of the most beautiful sunsets in the region. Stay at sea level or climb from İztuzu Beach Road to the top of Radar Hill for an unforgettable view of golden hues blanketing Dalyan. To Lowe, “there’s something really special about being somewhere different before sunset every day” and, fortunately, Türkiye’s Mediterranean coastline is dotted with countless viewing points.
In Dalyan, the locals are on hand to make your cycling trip as comfortable, enjoyable, memorable as possible. For those looking for a home away from home, there’s everything from luxurious spa hotels to smaller boutique guesthouses. And for those stopping over in-between rides, there are campsites to pitch your tent on the riverbanks or bungalows to find solitude under the forest canopy.
This hospitality extends to the region’s food. Taking inspiration from the fertile land of the Mediterranean coastline, local cooks prepare flavorful mezes of homegrown vegetables – their recipes unchanged from the generations that passed them down. While restaurant chefs present an assortment of fresh seafood caught earlier that day – the perfect way to refuel after a long day of exploring Dalyan.
Home comforts abroad
“When you travel by bicycle, you can experience that culture in a far more authentic way,” says Major. And one of the best cultural insights into a country is its people.
In Dalyan, the locals are on hand to make your cycling trip as comfortable, enjoyable, memorable as possible. For those looking for a home away from home, there’s everything from luxurious spa hotels to smaller boutique guesthouses. And for those stopping over in-between rides, there are campsites to pitch your tent on the riverbanks or bungalows to find solitude under the forest canopy.
This hospitality extends to the region’s food. Taking inspiration from the fertile land of the Mediterranean coastline, local cooks prepare flavorful mezes of homegrown vegetables – their recipes unchanged from the generations that passed them down. While restaurant chefs present an assortment of fresh seafood caught earlier that day – the perfect way to refuel after a long day of exploring Dalyan.
Cycling is a unique opportunity to connect to the world around you. In Dalyan, this means immersing yourself in a land rooted in rich history, lush nature, and amazing outdoor activities
Lowe believes “there’s something truly rewarding about traveling by bicycle”; it’s about “making it to somewhere beautiful under your own power,” continues Major. And as Dalyan is only one corner of Türkiye, it’s safe to say there is so much beauty yet to be explored. No matter how experienced you are or what bike you ride, there is a trail waiting to take you on the ultimate adventure.
