Turkey cycling tours: tips, routes + things to consider

Part 1: Is a cycling holiday in Turkey right for you?

What’s special about cycling in Turkey?

Cycling in Turkey is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the beautiful Turkish countryside; it offers the opportunity for some incredibly rewarding encounters with locals and the chance to see and feel things you might not be used to at home.

In the part of Turkey our cycle tours visit, the cultivation of cotton, oranges, pomegranates and bulgur is commonplace. It’s also interesting to experience Turkish teahouse culture, picturesque village squares with their mosques, as well as the vibrant markets and the everyday life of the people in general.

Natural beauty

If you love idyllic, natural landscapes, Turkey will not disappoint.

It’s all about finding the quiet backroads through rural areas that are well suited to cycling as they have little traffic. On these remote roads, you get a good impression of rural Turkey.

For those exploring the coastline, the gorgeous Turkish Riviera is home to some of the Mediterranean’s finest scenery. This stretch of coastline is also known as the Turquoise Coast thanks to its crystal clear, blue waters.

Soaking up these magnificent coastal views from the saddle is only the start! How about spending the night in a peaceful bay under the stars? Or enjoying a dip in the blue waters before breakfast?

Ancient history

Turkey’s ancient archaeological sites will engross history enthusiasts; even for the more casual visitor, they are an incredible sight to see.

Some of the noteworthy historical wonders include

• the ruins of the ancient city of Knidos – this has an impressive amphitheatre with a knockout coastal view. You can see this on all of Islandhoppings’ Turkey cycling tours
• the Lycian tombs – these are carved into the rock cliffs and can be seen on our Lycian Coast bike and boat tour
• a visit to the ancient city of Tlos in the heart of Lycia is a journey through time and still a bit of a lesser visited gem. Tlos can be seen on our Lycian Coast bike and boat tour.

More on these below.

Turkish culture

Open-minded travellers will appreciate the chance to immerse themselves in the rich Turkish culture. This includes sampling authentic local food, from freshly baked flatbread cooked over an open fire to Turkish tea.

Relaxing on cushions and ornate carpets in traditional cafés is all part of the experience. You might even find yourself trying a narghilè, a Turkish water pipe!

Sponsor Message

Sponsored

Looking for a bike and boat tour in Turkey?

We’ve been running Turkey cycling tours since 2000 and would love you to join us.

Our bike and boat tours explore the beautiful Turkish Riviera and include accommodation aboard a luxury boat.

Head over to our website and get in touch to discuss!

 

Why do a boat bike tour in Turkey?

Secret bays

The big advantage of joining a bike and boat tour is that as well as seeing the spectacular sights on land, you can experience the beautiful Turkish coastline and access hidden bays on the Turkish Riviera that cannot be easily reached by car or bike. More on this below.

• Ekincik Bay: A very beautiful beach surrounded by forested hills. There are a few small hotels and guesthouses. But none are visible from the beach. It is usually always empty in the off-season and mainly visited by Turkish vacationers during peak season.
• Sarasala: A spectacular bay with a magnificent view of offshore islands. There are no hotels, but small cafés and beach chair rentals are available.
• Gemiler Bay: A beautiful beach surrounded by forest and nature. There are small kiosks on-site.
• Camel Beach: A small beach in a fjord-like bay. Accessible only on foot or by boat.
• Lina Koyu: One of the last paradises on the Turkish Riviera. A very beautiful beach in a scenic landscape that is only accessible by boat or after a several-hour hike. There is a small campsite for outdoor enthusiasts on-site. As boats are not allowed to anchor overnight, the bay remains very peaceful.

Top tip! These secret bays often have far fewer visitors than the bays you will find in Croatia or popular areas of Greece.

It’s also pretty fun staying on a boat if you like a dip in the sea – and staying on a boat means you don’t have to transport your luggage each day!

Logistical support

Turkey is not a cycling country and cycling on its high-traffic roads can be particularly dangerous; this includes many coastal roads. There is very limited infrastructure for cyclists and, other than EuroVelo 8 around Izmir, there are no major designated cycle routes. This means you need a good dose of local knowledge in order to know which roads are suitable for cycling.

Booking with an experienced tour operator such as Islandhopping, takes the hassle out of finding the best cycling routes and means you can really relax and experience the best bits of Turkey by bike.

Local knowledge

Cycling along the Turkish coast, you come across many ancient artefacts. There’s rarely an information board to explain what you’re seeing. Without a tour guide, you would likely cycle past them and miss out on a lot of fascinating information about the country’s rich history.

Islandhopping includes a tour guide on all of our Turkey cycling tours and this provides a very helpful bridge to the foreign culture, offering more opportunities to come into contact with the local people.

For example, without a local guide to encourage local encounters, many Islandhopping guests would not dare to visit a traditional teahouse or buy fresh fruit or street food on the roadside.

Who is a bike boat tour in Turkey best suited for?

Nature

If you are expecting vibrant, medieval harbour towns, the truth is that a Turkey cycling tour may disappoint you.

While the popular tourist hotspots of Bodrum and Fethiye have lively squares, alleyways, and restaurants, they do not have the same Mediterranean feel as Croatian, Italian, or Greek harbours.

Most nights on Islandhoppings’ Turkey cycling tours are spent anchored in quiet bays. Or you dock on small jetties near beautiful nature reserves. This is perfect for those looking for peace and quiet. But it’s not ideal if you want to experience the buzz of an urban space each night.

“Rough stuff”

Roads in Turkey can often be rough and bumpy. Smooth asphalt is rare. This means our rental bikes have thick tyres and suspension for comfort. Gravel bikes are also used. You should be prepared for this and comfortable cycling on this kind of terrain!

Coffee

If you cannot do without your daily cappuccino, you should not join a Turkey cycling tour! Tea culture is central to daily life and Turkish tea is served everywhere. Turkish coffee is enjoyed after meals, but it’s very different to Italian-style coffee (it’s much more finely ground and tastes thick and slightly gritty as a result – it doesn’t sound very nice, but it is!). Italian-style coffee is only found in big cities such as Bodrum and Fethiye.

Litter

Waste disposal also differs from Western European standards. Rubbish bins are less common, and roadside litter is noticeable in some places. You might even see some locals burning rubbish. However, cleanliness and hygiene are highly valued in homes and villages, where living spaces are well maintained.

Cycling tours in Turkey vs Greece vs Croatia: how do they compare?

We often find first-time guests struggle to pick between cycling holidays in Turkey, Greece and Croatia. After all, there are many similarities and points of overlap. This is particularly the case on a cultural level and is reflected in the cuisine and music. All countries are also rich in history and offer the opportunity to visit exciting archaeological sites.

History and culture

Turkey: Turkey’s rich history is defined by its influences from the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, with grand mosques, ancient ruins and traditional bazaars offering a unique cultural experience. This makes it feel quite different to Greece and Turkey. Top tip! Some of the archaeological sites in Turkey are less known and less visited than in Greece. But they are no less impressive! Above all, they are often located in very beautiful surroundings. For example, the impressive ancient ruins of Knidos are located in a stunning Turkish bay.

Greece: Greece’s history is shaped by many ancient ruins and mythology, with several impressive and well-known landmarks scattered across its many islands. This includes the Aphaia Temple on the island of Aegina and of ruins of the Asclepion on the island of Kos.

Croatia: By contrast, Croatia has fewer ancient wonders and more beautifully preserved Old Town architecture, narrow cobbled streets, and historic fortresses. The country is also home to many beautiful, medieval towns and villages such as Motovun, Hvar and Korčula.

Cuisine

Each country offers a rich culinary experience that is Mediterranean at its core.

Turkey:  As well as Mediterranean flavours, Turkish food features bold spices, meze platters, kebabs, and sweet treats like baklava.

Greece: Greek cuisine is known for its moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh salads with feta cheese.

Croatia: Croatia has a blend of Mediterranean and Balkan flavours. Croatia’s coastal cuisine has an emphasis on fresh fish, olive oil, wine, and prosciutto. However, it also has strong Balkan influences, making it distinct. Dishes like ajvar (a red pepper spread), grilled meats, and štrukli (filled pastry pockets) are Croatian specialities that you will not find in Greece or Turkey. Istria, in particular, is famous for its truffles, which are a highlight of the region’s gastronomy.

 

Peaceful natural landscapes and vibrant harbours

Turkey: Turkey offers a quieter, more secluded experience, with tours often stopping in small villages and tranquil bays surrounded by untouched nature. There is less in the way of charming harbour towns; for example, all dinners are onboard the boat. You’ll also notice that the Turkish Mediterranean coast is somewhat greener than the Greek islands. There are many more trees and shade. finally, the mountain scenery on the Turkish coast is particularly impressive. There are mountains up to 2,000 metres in height that line the coast. You don’t get those sorts of mountain views on the Greek islands.

Greece: Greece sits somewhere between Croatia and Turkey in this area, providing a mix of both. Some islands, like Santorini and Mykonos, are lively. While other Greek islands others, like Naxos and Paros, offer a slower pace and more traditional charm. You’ll also notice that the small harbour towns on the Greek islands are beautiful and very picturesque. You won’t find many coastal towns and villages like this along the Turkish coast.

Croatia: Croatia is lively and vibrant, especially in summer, when its harbours are filled with boats, markets, and local festivals.

Depending on the itinerary and the harbour, boats may dock in multiple rows, meaning passengers often have to cross through other ships to reach the promenade. This adds to the bustling atmosphere, where visitors can enjoy live music, street performances, and open-air events in picturesque harbour towns.

I hope that helps; any questions, just drop us a line!

An overview of a typical day on a Turkey boat bike tour

On an Islandhopping tour, the cycling each day varies with average distances ranging from 27 to 49 kilometres.

The tour includes visits to archaeological sites and places of interest. There are also swimming stops at beautiful beaches, café and tea house visits, and occasional stops at local craft workshops, such as traditional carpet-weaving factories.

Guests also tell us that they love the fact they can stop whenever they like without worrying about losing the rest of the cycling group. The rear guide will always wait for you if you want to take photos, drink water, or simply catch your breath.

8:00 am

Breakfast is usually served at 8:00 am and is often a highlight of the trip.

A traditional Turkish breakfast on board includes freshly cut fruit, yoghurt, cereals, cheese, ham, eggs, bread, and pancakes. There are also traditional Turkish breakfast classics like olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, various jams, and honey. Everything you need to fuel your cycling for the day!

9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Ride durations vary day-to-day. Some days the rides are three to four hours. While others involve a full-day ride with a long lunch break in between.

Everyone rides together as a group, which is led by two guides. There is one at the front and one at the back. Cyclists can ride at their own pace, with meeting points usually every 10 to 15 kilometres.

1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Time for a lunch break! This usually takes place at a traditional restaurant, at guests’ own expense. Most meals are ordered à la carte, and guides are always happy to offer recommendations.

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Arrival back at the boat varies between early and late afternoon, depending on the day’s cycling distance and activities along the way.

7:30 and 8:30 pm

Dinner is served between 7:30 and 8:30 pm onboard the boat. The chefs prepare a variety of appetisers, salads, and dips, followed by a delicious main course with fresh fish or meat and a tasty dessert.

Top tip! Turkish cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, inventive flavours, and rich spices.

 

Part 2: How to pick a bike tour in Turkey

Best regions of Turkey for cycling tours

The Coast versus other areas of Turkey

Islandhopping believes the Turkish coastline offers some of the country’s most scenic landscapes and is the best place to experience Turkey by bike. This is why we base our bike and boat holidays here.

The coast is home to a wealth of natural beauty, including many secluded bays, forested shores, high mountains rising directly from the sea, deep gorges, rivers and nature reserves. Scattered amongst the region’s natural wonders you will also find many fascinating remnants of past cultures. The people are generally very hospitable and open on the Turkish coastline. As you pass by you are often greeted with a friendly wave.

Be aware! Istanbul and the popular tourist hot spot of Cappadocia cannot be reached on a cycling and sailing trip with Islandhopping. However, we do offer an additional cycling holiday for Istanbul. See more about this (and other extension options) below. 

Below is a map of some of the key destinations mentioned in this article. If you hover over the map pins you can see the place names.

Lycian Coast

Where is it?

The idyllic Lycian Coast stretches along Turkey’s southwestern shoreline and is found in the provinces of Muğla and Antalya.

What are the highlights?

It is one of the most beautiful regions in Turkey for cycling. This area is known for dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and ancient ruins. There are many quiet coastal roads that wind through green pine forests, mountains, and seaside villages.

The region is home to ancient Lycian cities, including Xanthos, Patara, and Myra, where you can explore ruins dating back over 2,000 years. This includes magnificent rock-cut tombs.

Other highlights along the Lycian coast include the Saklıkent Gorge, one of Turkey’s deepest canyons. This provides a unique detour for those who enjoy combining cycling with walking. The Dalyan River Delta is also found here and it’s home to nesting loggerhead sea turtles. As a result, the area has earned itself the name of ‘turtle beach’.

Who would it suit?

This area is ideal for those who love both culture and nature and want to combine cycling Turkey’s coastal landscapes with visits to impressive historical sites.

The Gulf of Gökova

Where is it?

The Gulf of Gökova is also located on Turkey’s southwest coastline, between Bodrum and Marmaris. This scenic peninsula sits a little further north than the Lycian Sea region.

This area is a mix of rolling hills, olive groves, and unspoiled coastal scenery.

What are the highlights?

The coastal roads boast panoramic sea views and cyclists can stop at scenic beaches and fishing villages, perfect for refreshing breaks along the way.

This area is also rich in cultural heritage. The ancient city of Knidos, located at the tip of the Datça Peninsula, is one of the highlights of the region. This beautifully preserved harbour-side ruin offers a glimpse into Turkey’s classical past, with remains of temples, amphitheatres, and city walls overlooking the sea.

More history awaits in Akyaka where you can find impressive ancient rock tombs. Further along the coast, Bodrum is a lively destination home to a castle and marina. A stroll through the Bodum Bazaar in the historic old town is always fascinating and a great place to pick up souvenirs!

Who would it suit?

This area is perfect for nature lovers who want to experience a more off-the-beaten-track side of Turkey.

Sponsor Message

Sponsored

Looking for a bike and boat tour in Turkey?

We’ve been running Turkey cycling tours since 2000 and would love you to join us.

Our bike and boat tours explore the beautiful Turkish Riviera and include accommodation aboard a luxury boat.

Head over to our website and get in touch to discuss!

 

Cycling tours in Turkey

Leisure cycling

Lycian Coast

 

Key statistics

220 kilometres

3,000 metres of elevation gain

Difficulty

Graded 1 out of 3. This cycling tour is suitable for anyone with a good basic level of fitness.

Suitable bikes

E-bikes or gravel bikes

What to expect

Explore Turkey’s Lycian Coast on an eight-day e-bike and boat tour between Bodrum and Fethiye.

This journey combines cycling through the beautiful natural landscapes of southwest Turkey and the region’s rich heritage. There are several guided excursions to some of the regional highlights included in this Turkey cycling tour. See the highlights below for more information.

Accommodation is either aboard a traditional Turkish gullet, or a more luxurious yacht. Each boat comes with private en suite cabins and plenty of communal spaces to relax and take in the coastal scenery.

Evenings are spent in peaceful secluded bays, or exploring lively harbour towns and villages with numerous cafés and bars.

Highlights

• A visit to the ancient Lycian Rock Tombs which have been intricately carved into coastal cliffs.
• Cycling along peaceful mountain roads, through scented pine forests and past fertile Dalaman plains.
• Visiting the impressive ruins of Knidos which overlook one of the most picturesque Turkish bays.
• Cycling to the magnificent Saklikent Canyon. You can enjoy walking this impressive canyon.
• Unwinding on the boat each day. Admiring the coastal views from the top deck, or taking a refreshing dip in the turquoise water.

More information

The cycling tour of Turkey described above is Islandhopping’s Lycian Coast PLUS e-bike and boat tour. It’s available on Islandhopping’s website. Read below to find out about PLUS tours.

Gulf of Gökova

Key statistics

210 kilometres

2,600 metres of elevation gain

Difficulty

Graded 2 out of 3. This bike and boat tour is suitable for people who cycle regularly and are comfortable cycling on longer climbs.

Suitable bikes

E-bikes, gravel bikes

What to expect

Discover Turkey’s unspoiled Gulf of Gökova on an eight-day bike and boat tour starting and ending in Bodrum. This region remains untouched by mass tourism and showcases Turkey’s authentic natural beauty.

Cyclists ride a range of terrain each day, from rolling hills to picturesque coastal paths, with opportunities to explore hidden bays and small villages. Cultural highlights include visits to the ancient city of Knidos and the charming town of Akyaka, known for its unique architecture.

Each day concludes aboard a luxurious Turkish boat where guests enjoy a delicious meal together and can relax on the large outdoor deck.

Highlights

• Cycling through Turkey’s countryside on fun forest paths, rural low-traffic roads and past olive groves.
• Many swimming opportunities in beautiful bays and picturesque beaches, including the lovely English Bay.
• Riding scenic coastal roads on the beautiful Datça Peninsula with views of the Greek islands of Nisyros, Tilos and Rhodes.
• Visiting the ancient ruins of Knidos.
• Exploring the vibrant, historic city of Bodrum and its colourful Bazaar.

More information

The cycling tour of Turkey described above is Islandhopping’s Gulf of Gökova bike and boat tour. It’s available on Islandhopping’s website.

Mountain biking

Gulf of Gökova

Key statistics

220 kilometres

4,950 metres of elevation gain

Difficulty

This MTB tour is graded 2 out of 3. It is suitable for mountain bikers with a good fitness level.

Suitable bikes

Mountain bikes and e-mountain bikes

What to expect

This eight-day mountain bike and boat tour through Turkey’s Gulf of Gökova offers the chance to bike a mix of natural trails and newly constructed singletrack in one of Turkey’s most unspoiled corners.

Riders explore traditional villages untouched by mass tourism, interact with friendly locals, and visit historical sites such as the ancient city of Knidos.

Alongside fun daily bike routes, each night you relax and unwind aboard a luxurious Turkish boat.

Be aware! The MTB tours are completely separate tours on off-road routes with their own guide. But they take place at the same time as the e-bike tours with the same start and end point. The tours mainly take place on unsurfaced forest paths and trails, and you should definitely be an experienced mountain biker to take part in the MTB tours.

Top tip! We offer e-bike and MTB tours at the same time on the same boat so that couples or friends who prefer different types of bikes can take a cycling holiday on the same boat, go on a bike tour during the day that suits their preference, and meet up again in the afternoon to enjoy the rest of the day together.

Highlights

• Enjoying fun, technical trails through scented pine forests.
• Anchoring in picturesque bays each night with opportunities to relax, unwind and have a dip in the sea.
• Biking scenic coastal trails on the beautiful Datça Peninsula with views of the Greek islands of Nisyros, Tilos and Rhodes.
• Visiting the ancient ruins at Knidos, home to an impressive amphitheatre and beautiful coastal views.
• Exploring the vibrant, historic city of Bodrum and its bustling Bazaar.

More information

The tour described above is Islandhopping’s Gulf of Gökova MTB and boat tour. It’s available on Islandhopping’s website.

How to choose the best boat bike tour in Turkey

Choosing the right boat and bike tour in Turkey depends on what you are looking for, including nature, culture, challenge, and level of luxury.

Be aware! Islandhopping is the only provider of combined bike and boat tours in Turkey. Other providers typically either offer:

• “blue voyages” with the same type of ship (gulet) that are focussed on bathing and sightseeing trips
• or the typical hotel and bike tours, where you either stay in the same accommodation the whole time and go on bike tours in different directions from there, or you have to accept the inconvenience of frequently changing accommodation and packing your bags.

In contrast, a tour with Islandhopping allows you to experience Turkey by land and sea. You experience a different place every day without having to pack your bags and benefit from highly trained, multilingual guides.

All Islandhoppings’ cycling tours in Turkey also offer a truly authentic experience, allowing cyclists to immerse themselves in Turkey’s landscapes, traditions, local life and rich history.

Be aware! Each Islandhopping tour is also fully guided and we do not offer self-guided tours in Turkey. This is because the routes are not well signposted. Our guides ensure that cyclists stay on track while also providing local insights, cultural context, and safety support throughout the trip.

However, there are key differences between our tours, from the type of terrain to the level of difficulty and bike options available. For more information about the different geographical regions see above. For other differences, see below.

Difficulty level

The Gökova Gulf tour is moderately difficult, featuring rolling hills and mixed terrain, making it suitable for cyclists with some experience.

The Lycian Coast tour is more challenging, with longer distances and greater elevation gain. Due to the demanding climbs, an e-bike is strongly recommended unless you are a very fit and experienced cyclist.

Types of bikes

Each tour offers a choice of bikes, allowing riders to select what suits them best:

• E-bike or gravel bike: available on all tours.
• Mountain bike (MTB): available only on the Gökova Gulf tour. This tour also offers separate guided mountain bike routes, making it ideal for MTB enthusiasts.

Luxury boats

All of Islandhopping’s Turkey cycling tours operate on deluxe ships, providing a high level of comfort, space, and high-end furnishings.

These elegant motor yachts offer large sundecks, easy water access for swimming, and exceptional onboard service.

The crew ensures a relaxing and enjoyable experience, with onboard chefs preparing delicious local Turkish specialities every day.

• Gökova Gulf tour: operated by the Boreas boat.
• Lycian Coast tour: operated by the Milo M boat and Admiral boat.

PLUS tours

PLUS tours are premium E-Bike and Boat experiences and offer a higher level of luxury, comfort, and exclusivity.

These tours include additional special experiences, including private picnics, cultural visits, and unique excursions planned by the guides. This additional service means a PLUS tour costs more than our standard cycling tours.

Take a look at Islandhoppings’ e-bike and boat PLUS tour to find out more.

Price

The cost of each tour depends on several factors:

• Season: prices fluctuate depending on demand and time of the year.
• Boat capacity: the size and luxury level of the boat influence pricing.
• Organisation and services: tours that require more logistical effort or include special services may be priced higher.

Extensions

You can extend your stay in Turkey and do a back-to-back cycling tour with us. The options include:

• A second cycling tour in Greece: you can start a Greek Aegean cycling adventure directly after your Turkey tour, this includes our Southern Greek Aegean tour or our Central Greek Aegean tour.
• A four-day extension in Istanbul: this enables you to experience the cultural richness of Istanbul. You explore its vibrant streets, historical sites, and famous landmarks on our Istanbul Extension Program.
• Customised extensions: the Turkey team can arrange personalised travel extensions, such as a trip to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia or other regions of Turkey.

Sponsor Message

Sponsored

Looking for a bike and boat tour in Turkey?

We’ve been running Turkey cycling tours since 2000 and would love you to join us.

Our bike and boat tours explore the beautiful Turkish Riviera and include accommodation aboard a luxury boat.

Head over to our website and get in touch to discuss!

 

Part 3: Things to know before booking a bike tour in Turkey

Practicalities of a Turkey cycling trip

How challenging is the cycling?

Turkey’s landscape varies enormously throughout the country and so of course the difficulty varies too. Other factors are relevant too, including weather conditions (temperatures), fitness level, and personal experience.

As far as Islandhopping’s Turkey cyling tours are concerned, these vary in distance and elevation gain, and full details are provided on our website. If you are unsure which tour suits you best, our booking team is happy to offer personalised information to help you choose the right trip. Some points to note:

• Our bike and boat tours are not suitable for beginners or families with young children under the age of 12.
• To take part in a boat and bike tour in Turkey, you should be an experienced cyclist who can confidently handle an e-bike, road bike, gravel bike, or mountain bike.
• Whilst e-bikes provide additional support, they do not replace the need for cycling experience and guests should have a good level of fitness and bike handling skills.
• Some training is highly recommended, particularly for those riding a gravel bike or mountain bike without electric support. Preparing in advance will ensure you enjoy the trip and manage the demands of Turkey’s varied landscapes.

Best time of year for cycling

The ideal seasons for cycling in Turkey are spring and early summer (April–June) and autumn (September–October). These months offer the best cycling conditions, including comfortable temperatures and clearer skies.

• The hot summer months of July and August bring extremely high temperatures which make cycling uncomfortable.
• Winter (November–March) brings wet and unpredictable weather.

Top tip! If you love vibrant Mediterranean landscapes, spring is the best time to visit, with blooming flowers and lush greenery. Or, if swimming is a priority, autumn is better for warmer post-ride dips!

Due to these weather considerations, Islandhoppings’ bike and boat tours are available in April, May, June, September and October.

What’s the best bike for a bike tour in Turkey?

The best bike for a cycling tour in Turkey depends on the terrain and your fitness level. Since Turkey is quite mountainous, an e-bike is usually the best choice for most leisure cyclists.

However, if you are a fit and experienced rider, a gravel bike or mountain bike is also a great option, allowing you to tackle the varied terrain with confidence.

If you are looking to cycle independently in Turkey, local bike rental services are available, such as Cycle Turkey.

Top tip! If you are planning on cycling on an e-bike, it is important to note that there are no official charging stations along the routes. Fortunately, local hospitality is excellent, and many cafés and restaurants will allow you to charge your battery if you stop for a break and order something.

For those who want to rent a bike, all Islandhopping tours offer high-quality rental bikes, including gravel bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, and road bikes. Rentals must be arranged before arrival. Privately owned e-bikes are not allowed on board our ships due to insurance regulations. So if you want to ride an e-bike, you will need to rent one from us. You are welcome to bring your own gravel bike or mountain bike, just make sure you have a full set of working gears and that your bike is in top condition before arriving.

Mechanical issues

The main towns and cities of Turkey will have bike repair shops, but the rural areas almost certainly won’t. If you’re cycling in Turkey on a self-supported trip, make sure your bike mechanic skills are strong and carry essential repairs!

On an Islandhopping tour:

• Our guides can do all basic bike maintenance required throughout the trip.
• During the daily rides, they have a repair kit with them and all basic spare parts are on board the ships.
• In case of a serious problem that cannot be repaired during the tour, we provide a spare bike so you can continue to cycle each day.

What to pack

Cycling in Turkey often means cycling in warm weather, so pack lightweight, breathing clothing that will keep you comfortable in these conditions. The layering method, or “onion principle,” works best for the Mediterranean climate, allowing you to adjust layers as temperatures change throughout the day.

A rain or wind jacket is always a good idea, even in warm seasons, as conditions can change quickly. It is also worth packing some warmer layers for the evenings on board, as temperatures can drop after sunset, especially when out at sea.

For those who want to make the most of the incredible swimming opportunities, a swimsuit and beach towel are also essential.

On an Islandhopping tour, be aware of the following:

• Wearing a bike helmet is mandatory on all Islandhopping tours. We suggest you bring your own, well-fitted bike helmet for comfort and familiarity. But if you do not have one, rental helmets are available free of charge and should be reserved in advance.
• If you prefer to ride on your own bike seat or pedals, you are also welcome to bring them along. Our guides will be happy to assist in attaching them to your rental bike before the tour begins.

For more information about what to pack on a cycling holiday, take a look at this article.

Tips for getting the most from your Turkey cycling tour

Cash

You should have a small amount of Turkish Lira with you as this can be useful in case local restaurants can’t accept bank cards.

Top tip! You can exchange money in your embarkation port, or use an ATM there.

Staying hydrated

Hydration is really important in a hot country like Turkey; make sure you replenish your water bottle when you get the opportunity.

Each morning you receive water from the boat crew for the daily cycling. On all daily cycling routes, there are supermarkets and shops or restaurants where you can buy additional water if needed.

Language

It is not necessary to speak Turkish whilst cycling in Turkey; many people speak English, though less in the rural areas.

On our tours, our local guides can assist with any potential language barriers and help you communicate with any locals who don’t speak English.

Safety

A frequent question guests ask is whether Turkey is safe to travel to. From our experience, a boat and bike trip in Turkey is safe – but as with any trip abroad, it’s a good idea to check current travel information before you book and travel. For UK visitors, the UK government travel information pages for Turkey are here.

You should also read and follow Turkey’s highway code.

Toilets

Be aware! If you need to use the toilet whilst out on a ride, this may not always be a Western-style lavatory. For example, in some Mosques and tea houses in villages, you may find it is a squat toilet.

Stray dogs

Another question guests sometimes ask is about dogs. We’ve never had any issues with stray dogs on our bike and boat tours in Turkey. You will likely encounter many dogs whilst out cycling. But they are generally well looked after and peaceful.

 

Part 4: What does Islandhopping offer?

Islandhopping has been running bike and boat tours in Turkey since 2000.

Our Turkey cycling tours enable you to explore a country from two perspectives: by land and by sea. A new place every day, without the hassle of having to pack up your luggage every day because your hotel just travels with you.

These tours have been specifically designed to provide guests with a great experience of Turkey in a short time; each day you experience some of the country’s most scenic natural landscapes and have time to explore some of its impressive ancient heritage.

What we include

Our cycling holidays include:

• Eight days on a deluxe gullet boat with a crew
• Seven nights in a twin cabin below deck with shower/toilet
• Seven half-board meals (breakfast and dinner)
• Bottled water on board and for all activities ashore
• Guided bike tours and sightseeing as described in the itinerary
• Overview maps for the daily bike tours (on board)
• Entrance fee to museums and archaeological sites (group visit only)
• Bed linen and towels
• English-speaking tour guide

On request, we also offer additional optional services for additional charges. These include:

• Double cabin for single use below deck
• Special dietary requests (lactose-free / gluten-free / vegan)
• Rental bike with Ortlieb panniers
• Limited liability protection for rental bikes (theft and damage)
• Airport transfers
• A four-day additional program in Istanbul (available pre and post our Islandhopping bike and boat trips)
• Additional night (B&B) in Bodrum

Accommodation

Islandhoppings’ bike and boat tours take place on Turkish boats that accommodate between 20 and 30 guests. This creates a friendly and social atmosphere while allowing for a comfortable onboard experience.

Boat facilities

All three boats offer spacious guest cabins with private bathrooms, including a shower cabin, toilet, mirror, and hairdryer. The interiors are tastefully decorated, and each vessel features a cosy saloon with a dining area, as well as a shaded outdoor dining space.

Guests can relax on sun mattresses on deck and enjoy easy access to the sea via a bathing ladder. The professional and well-trained crew ensures a high standard of service, taking great care of all guests throughout the journey.

Be aware! The boats often anchor offshore. Guests, along with their bicycles, are transported to and from land by dinghy. A good sense of balance, sure-footedness and a sense of adventure is recommended for these transfers.

Cabins

Accommodation is provided in double cabins, all located below deck with portholes that can be opened for fresh air.

Each cabin includes a private bathroom with a shower cubicle.

A limited number of single cabins are available for an additional charge, with details listed on our website.

Meals

All Islandhoppings’ Turkish tours include half-board, featuring fresh and locally inspired cuisine.

Guests enjoy a breakfast each morning and a delicious evening meal on board, prepared by talented onboard chefs.

Solo cycling

Islandhopping cycling tours are a fantastic option for solo cyclists.

Bike and boat tours are an excellent way to meet new like-minded friends and offer a memorable social experience. We also have single cabins available onboard all of our boats.

Group cycling

Groups of family and friends are also welcome on our bike and boat tours. You can also book a couple of cabins on a regular departure and enjoy our group discounts.

Top tip! If your group is big enough, can could consider chartering a whole boat to make the experience even more special. Find out more about private charters on our website.

How can you find out more?

Head to our website for full details about what we offer, including our cycling holidays in Turkey, as well as other locations in the Mediterranean including Greece, Croatia and Italy.

We hope to welcme you on an Islandhopping tour very soon!

What’s next?

Thanks to Tobias for sharing these amazingly detailed tips for biking in Turkey!

We think a bike and boat tour in Turkey is a fantastic option for anyone looking to explore this beautiful country and who wants to combine coastal rides with fascinating ancient sites.

Have you been on any cycling holidays in Turkey? Let us know in the comments below!

If you love island hopping, you might enjoy this article on the best cycling islands. As well as Islandhoppings’ other article with us on Croatia bike and boat tours.