Tour of southern Turkey - suggestions?

[toontra]

We are flying out to Antalya in May and I'm trying to put together a route based around 60-mile days (or longer depending on terrain). Can anyone suggest good places or roads within a couple of hundred mile radius worth a visit. Particularly interested in high passes (over 2000m if possible) and spectacular climbs/descents.

Any other general advice about Turkey or cycling there also gratefully received. Cheers.

 

[smith4188]

We are flying out to Antalya in May and I'm trying to put together a route based around 60-mile days (or longer depending on terrain). Can anyone suggest good places or roads within a couple of hundred mile radius worth a visit. Particularly interested in high passes (over 2000m if possible) and spectacular climbs/descents.

Any other general advice about Turkey or cycling there also gratefully received. Cheers.

Not sure if the route from Silifke to Mut is just outside your radius but that was a decent climb from sea level to around 1,600 m (from memory) and the temperature in May should be more comfortable than when I did it (July). My sole bit of advice about Turkey would be to avoid Ramadan. It turns the friendliest nation into a land of miserable sods.

 

[toontra]

A quick check shows Ramadan to be in June this year, luckily.

Yes, Silifke looks like it might be a bit far west for us, and we're trying to keep as far away from the Syrian border as possible!

How did you find the roads, traffic, accommodation, etc for cycling?

 

[smith4188]

A quick check shows Ramadan to be in June this year, luckily.

Yes, Silifke looks like it might be a bit far west for us, and we're trying to keep as far away from the Syrian border as possible!

How did you find the roads, traffic, accommodation, etc for cycling?

Roads were variable, both in quality and traffic. Often though there was a massive shoulder, sometimes wider than the road itself. Trucks and other vehicles often toot as they go past, which I think is friendly but liable to make you jump. The worst traffic was near roadworks, of which there were lots when I was there (2012). Accommodation was very affordable. I don't remember any dirty places although some seemed close to falling apart. Have a look at my Turkey page for more info about prices and stuff. Enjoy!

http://www.unicycle50.com/new/Cycling_in_Turkey.php

 

[toontra]

Roads were variable, both in quality and traffic. Often though there was a massive shoulder, sometimes wider than the road itself. Trucks and other vehicles often toot as they go past, which I think is friendly but liable to make you jump. The worst traffic was near roadworks, of which there were lots when I was there (2012). Accommodation was very affordable. I don't remember any dirty places although some seemed close to falling apart. Have a look at my Turkey page for more info about prices and stuff. Enjoy!

http://www.unicycle50.com/new/Cycling_in_Turkey.php

Cheers! Will read with interest.

 

[ankaradan]

North of Antalya is beautiful mountainous country, then you come to the Turkish Lake District around Isparta. You could head up to Burdur, via Termessos Milli Park, then across to Egirdir, then back south to Antalya.

 

[toontra]

Thanks! Is it possible to cycle through Termessos Milli Park? Can't see any tracks or roads on Google maps.

 

[ankaradan]

There's a main road running round the east/north, which didn't carry much traffic when I was there a few years ago. From this there two or three roads lead up into the park. There's also a very hilly route along the south/west side, but I've no idea as to the state of the surface (tarmac or otherwise). There looks to be a few tracks traversing the park, whether you would want to use these or not depends on the bike you're using.

 

[toontra]

Thanks. We'll be on rigid MTB's with wide tyres so some rough stuff is certainly possible (and usually happens anyway if planning routes in advance using Google maps!).

 

[the snail]

I'd recommend going the other way, towards Fethiye great scenery lots of ruins if that's your thing, and no shortage of mountains to ride up
http://cultureroutesinturkey.com/the-lycian-way/