Türkiye is a magical land that has the unique ability to convert your bike into a “time machine.” You travel through time, from the early footsteps of Neolithic man right through the modern World. A trip with great views, historic villages and the warmest hospitality.
You can opt for several regions to go road, gravel or mountain biking. The Taurus Mountains, a range in Antalya along the Mediterranean coast, are a heaven for mountain bikers with climbs of up to almost 1.800 meters (5,900 ft). Here you can admire the thick cedar and pine forests, and the ancient cities hidden among them.
The western coast of Türkiye is a land of wonders. İzmir and Muğla offer unique and contrasting regions to experience on a bike. Here you will find historical villages, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Cittaslow towns, more than a dozen ancient Ionian cities, beautiful coastlines, and many places to enjoy the Aegean food and local wines.
And who can resist winding through the fairy chimneys of magical Cappadocia? The geological phenomena create a moon landscape with impressive deep valleys. A region that has rightfully earned its UNESCO World Heritage status. Cappadocia is not only a great mountain bike destination, it is equally blessed when it comes to gravel and road biking. The amazing network of trails will surprise you with cave dwellings and hidden churches of early Christianity.
Gravel biking in Turkey offers diverse landscapes, from volcanic formations and ancient coastal paths to towering mountain ranges. The terrain features labyrinthine gravel roads, valleys, and panoramic ridge trails, particularly in regions like Cappadocia. Cyclists can navigate through olive groves, past unique rock formations, and along historical routes. This varied geography provides a rich network of trails for adventurers seeking challenging dirt, gravel, and stabilized pavement surfaces.
Gravel ride around Cappadocia: Ürgüp – View of Uçhisar loop from Göreme (51.9 km, 870 alt.)
Maplibre | © komoot | Map data © OpenStreetMap Contributors
Starting point at the entrance of Göreme National Park. If you are here early in the morning before sunrise (or have stayed overnight in the cave chapel), a very special kind of spectacle awaits you in good weather: hot balloons. Closeby is the small cave chapel, definitely worth to visit. The fairy chimneys in the park features a rocky, water- and wind-eroded landscape with a network of ancient, interconnecting underground settlements. The old town of Ürgüp is located in Cappadocia which is famous for its unique rock formations. Explore the old stone houses nestled into the Temenni Hill. Since Ürgüp is also known for cultivating wine, you may treat yourself with a good glass (after the exercise). Finally, Uçhisar Castle offers a spectacular view over the valley.
More information & GPX: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/34305167
Türkiye is a fascinating land to explore with its deep and long history forming an unbroken chain of civilizations from the Neolithic times to the modern world. It is filled with nature that humbles one with its beauty and people who welcome all visitors with open hearts and arms.
Come and discover Türkiye on your bike and marvel at the wonderful experiences that await you. More information on cycling in Turkey: https://cycling.goturkiye.com/
Images: GoTurkiye/Komoot