Taking the cycling experience to a new level, 'bike-packing' is among the unique passions of adventurous travellers searching for discovery. In this type of exploration, you can carry all the materials and equipment you need while travelling long distances with your bicycle; It is also possible for you to travel freely in nature. Türkiye, with its natural parks, canyons, impressive ancient cities, crowded bazaars, historical villages and towns, welcomes adventure enthusiasts with very different geography and opportunities for a bike-packing experience. However, Turkey also has hotels and hostels of different scales, camping and glamping areas with national and international eco-labels; It also offers many opportunities that increase the quality of the bike-packing experience, with services such as secure parking, bicycle cleaning and repair provided to those staying in bicycle-friendly hotels. Let's take a look at Turkey's most beautiful bike-packing routes together...
From the Bosphorus to Gallipoli: Istanbul-Canakkale Route
This route, stretching from Istanbul to Çanakkale, is most preferred by long-distance cyclists. The route, which starts from Sultanahmet, the Historical Peninsula, which fascinates with Istanbul's architectural heritage, extends to Çatalca after breathtaking views. By visiting the province of Tekirdağ via Çerkezköy, you can reach Lüleburgaz, the charming town of Kırklareli. Lüleburgaz Yıldızları Cycling Academy is located in Lüleburgaz and offers free accommodation and maintenance services to cyclists worldwide. Proceeding towards the fascinating inner parts of Tekirdağ, the route again descends to the shores of the Marmara Sea in Şarköy. Don't forget to taste the famous Tekirdağ meatballs and local wines produced in the region's vineyards. When you see the Gallipoli sign on the continuation of the route, you will enter the borders of Çanakkale and reach the last point of the route. The Gallipoli Peninsula is significant in Turkish and world history, as it witnessed the Battle of Çanakkale during the First World War. The route ends in the centre of Çanakkale via Eceabat, another destination famous for its meatballs. For detailed information about the route: Komoot
Heaven Where Blue and Green Meet: Gökova Route
When you head towards the south of Turkey, you can discover the wonderful Gökova Route, located between the Bodrum Peninsula and the Datça Peninsula. Located on the shores of Bodrum-Akyaka-Datça, which is approximately 260 km long, the route is among the most impressive routes in Turkey with its magnificent nature, impressive landscapes passing through pine forests, small ports, clear waters and ancient ruins. Various peaks such as Mazı, Alatepe, Karacasöğüt and Balıkaşiran await you along the way from Bodrum to Datça. Moreover, since these peaks do not exceed 450 meters, they also offer an ideal exploration experience for cycling enthusiasts. During your journey on the Gökova Route, you can swim in the vast blue, experience water sports such as kite surfing, canoeing, sailing and snorkelling, or taste the local delicacies of Aegean and Mediterranean cuisines and seafood.
For detailed information about the route: Komoot
In the Depths of Central Anatolia: The Phrygian Way
the Phrygian Road, which follows the footsteps of the Phrygians, greets you between the provinces of Ankara, Afyonkarahisar, Eskişehir and Kütahya. The route starts in Yazılıkaya, one of the most important settlements of the Phrygians in Eskişehir. In Eskişehir, you can visit the Odunpazarı neighbourhood, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 2012. The Phrygian Way Route, which lasts more than 500 km, stretches along the Phrygian Valleys in Ankara (Gordion), Afyonkarahisar (Seydiler), Ayazini Village and Kütahya (Yenice). Along the route, which was created so that almost all Phrygian artefacts can be seen and marked by international standards, impressive structures, including important churches, burial chambers, rock settlements and Avdalaz Castle, will accompany your journey. For detailed information about the route: Komoot
Exploring History: Hittite Road
Another excellent route for history-savvy cyclists is the Hittite Road. The main centre of the route, which proceeds on the old caravan and migration routes, is one of Turkey's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Hattusha, covering an area of 236 kilometres. Cycling on the Hittite Road also offers the opportunity to make a unique cultural and historical journey between the past and the present. With this route, you can explore the cultural heritage of the Hittite civilisation in Anatolia, which was considered the "superpower" of its time, and see its unique works such as Yazılıkaya and Alacahöyük. For detailed information about the route: Komoot