MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE IN TURKEY – TOP 10 PLACES IN EASTERN AND CENTRAL TURKEY
Turkey is a country that impresses with a variety of landscapes, rich history and unforgettable routes for motorcyclists. Travelling on two wheels, we can experience not only extraordinary views, but also get to know the culture and history of this fascinating country. Here is a list of places in eastern and central Turkey that we think are worth visiting.
When to go? Climate in Turkey
Turkey is a country with a very diverse climate. The best time to travel by motorcycle is spring (April – June) and autumn (September – October). In summer, temperatures in the central and southern part of the country can be very high (even above 40°C), which makes it difficult to ride comfortably. In winter, snow and low temperatures can be expected in the mountains of eastern Turkey and in Cappadocia, which can be challenging for motorcyclists.
Highway tolls and HGS
In Turkey, most motorways and the Eurasia tunnel are paid, and tolls are collected electronically in the HGS (Hızlı Geçiş Sistemi) system. Motorcycles also need to use the HGS system, but their fees are usually lower than for passenger cars.
To use motorways, it is necessary to purchase an HGS sticker, which can be purchased at the post office (PTT), petrol stations or at certain motorway service points. The sticker must be affixed to the motorcycle, and the HGS account can be top-up online or at points of sale.
If you pass through motorway gates without a valid HGS sticker, you may receive a ticket, which is charged automatically and can be several times higher than the standard fee. You will pay the ticket at the border when you leave the country.
Places worth visiting
Istanbul
A city located at the junction of Europe and Asia, full of monuments and an unusual atmosphere. It is one of the most fascinating places in the world, where modernity intertwines with a rich history. It is worth visiting Hagia Sophia, an impressive temple converted into a mosque, and previously a museum. The Blue Mosque delights with blue mosaics and a huge dome, and the Topkapi Palace (ticketed) allows you to travel to the times of the Ottoman sultans. A walk through the Grand Bazaar is a real feast for the senses – the scents of spices, colourful fabrics and handicrafts encourage shopping and discovering Turkish culture.
Istanbul is also a great place for a motorcycle ride – the picturesque bridges over the Bosphorus offer unforgettable views of the two parts of the city.
Tunnel Eurasia
It is one of Turkey’s most modern engineering achievements, which makes travelling between the European and Asian parts of Istanbul much easier. The tunnel runs under the Bosphorus Strait, connecting the neighbourhoods of Kazlıçeşme and Göztepe. It is 5.4 km long and was designed to reduce the travel time between continents. Motorcycles can use the tunnel, but there is a toll, which is charged in the HGS system. Driving through the tunnel is an extraordinary experience, especially for people who want to avoid traffic jams on the bridges of the Bosphorus.
Polonezköy (Adampol)
A picturesque Polish village located near Istanbul, which is a unique place on the map of Turkey. The settlement was founded in the 19th century by Polish emigrants and for years was an important centre of Polish culture in Turkey.
Today, there are few Poles left there, but you can still feel the Polish atmosphere by visiting local guesthouses run by descendants of former settlers. Polonezköy is the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, walk among the green forests and taste traditional Polish dishes, such as dumplings or bigos, served in local restaurants. This is a great destination for motorcyclists who want to stop for a moment of relaxation and discover the Polish accent in the Turkish reality.
Burj Al Babas
An abandoned city of luxurious castles, which was supposed to be an exclusive residential complex. The investment was never completed due to financial problems, which resulted in a surreal landscape of empty, fairytale residences.
The complex is currently closed and guarded, so it cannot be visited from the inside, but its extraordinary architecture can be admired from the street. The sight of hundreds of identical castles, left in a raw state, creates an almost cinematic atmosphere and attracts many photographers and urbex lovers.
Kaymakli Underground City
One of the largest underground cities in Cappadocia, carved into the rock by ancient inhabitants. It offers narrow corridors, mysterious chambers and a unique atmosphere (ticketed attraction).
Sultanhanı
It is the largest and best-preserved caravanserai in Turkey, located on the historic Silk Road. It was built in the 13th century by the Seljuks and served as a shelter for travelling merchants, their caravans and animals. It is a monumental building with a richly decorated, majestic entrance gate, whose ornaments and reliefs show the artistry of ancient architects. Inside you will find huge courtyards, accommodation halls and storage spaces. The caravanseraj served not only as a hotel, but also as a shopping and Defence centre on the trade route.
Visiting this impressive place is a ticketed place, and its interiors make a huge impression on visitors, allowing them to be transported back in time to the era of great travellers and traders.
Manavgat Waterfall
A picturesque waterfall located near Side, which is one of the most popular natural attractions in the region. The water falls in a wide cascade from a low altitude, creating a spectacular, extensive riverbed. The surroundings of the waterfall are surrounded by lush vegetation, which makes it an ideal place to rest and relax in the shade of the trees. Nearby there are restaurants and cafes where you can try local delicacies to the sound of rustling water.
The waterfall is a ticketed attraction, but a small fee is worth the unforgettable views and the ability to capture beautiful frames.
Aspendos
One of the best-preserved ancient amphitheatres in the world, which can accommodate 15,000 spectators (ticketed attraction). Built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, it is a masterpiece of Roman architecture. His acoustics are still admirable today – even a quiet whisper on stage is heard in the highest rows. The amphitheatre was a place for theatrical performances, musical performances and public gatherings. Nowadays, performances and concerts are still held here, which makes it a unique place combining history with culture.
In addition to the amphitheatre, it is also worth seeing the remains of the aqueduct. Aspendos is a must-see for any antiquity lover travelling through Turkey.
Road D400
A spectacular route along the Turkish coast, offering amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the most beautiful roads in Turkey, about 2000 km long and running from the border with Syria in Hatay to Marmaris. The D400 road is every motorcyclist’s dream – curves, tunnels and narrow isthmuses make driving this route a lot of emotions.
Along the way, you can visit picturesque towns such as Kaş, Kalkan or Antalya, where you can stop for a rest, try local specialties and enjoy the extraordinary atmosphere of the Turkish coast.
Ephesus
The ruins of the ancient city, which was one of the most important centres of culture and commerce in the ancient world (ticketed attraction). The most famous landmark of Ephesus is the Library of Celsus, an impressive building from the 2nd century AD, which in its splendour could hold about 12,000 scrolls. Its facade with columns and statues is one of the most recognisable symbols of ancient Turkey.
There is also the Grand Theatre in Ephesus, which could accommodate up to 25,000 spectators and was the site of numerous public appearances and performances. The Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, cannot be missed. Although only a few columns have survived to this day, this place still attracts lovers of history and archeology. Walking through the streets of Ephesus, you can admire ancient mosaics, Roman baths, temples and the houses of the city’s wealthy residents. Ephesus is an extremely atmospheric place that transports visitors to ancient times and allows you to feel the spirit of the past.
Troy
A legendary city that was considered only mythological for centuries before its ruins were discovered in the 19th century. It was here, according to Homer’s “Iliad”, that the famous Trojan War took place, culminating in the insidious introduction of a wooden horse by the Greeks. Today, at the excavation site, you can see the remains of defensive walls, the foundations of buildings and the system of fortifications, which testify to the power of this ancient city. A tourist attraction is also a replica of the Trojan Horse, which refers to the legend. Troy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and tours of the ruins are ticketed. It is an ideal place for lovers of history and ancient myths that come to life against the backdrop of the picturesque landscape of northwestern Turkey.
Çanakkale
A city of strategic historical importance, located on the Dardanelles Strait. It was here that key battles during World War I took place, and today the city is an important tourist and cultural centre. One of the most interesting points is the famous Trojan Horse – a huge wooden structure that was used in the Hollywood film “Troy” and is now a tourist attraction.
Another remarkable attraction is the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge – the longest suspension bridge in the world with a length of 4,608 metres, which connects Europe to Asia and is an impressive engineering achievement. Driving over the bridge is an unforgettable experience, and the view stretching out from it takes your breath away.
Turkey is a country full of unusual places that are worth exploring on a motorcycle. If you are interested in other fascinating corners of this country, be sure to check out our previous articles about Cappadocia, Lake Salda and Pamukkale. There you will find information, photos and tips useful in planning your trip.
> Cappadocia
> Pamukkale and Lake Salda
We wish you a successful trip and unforgettable impressions on Turkish routes!
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