The 8 most incredible road trips in Türkiye

13.07.2024 - 00:59 / lonelyplanet.com

Jul 9, 2024 • 8 min read

With an expansive landscape that encompasses a rich heritage, the beauty of Türkiye is perfectly poised to explore on a road trip. From towering mountains to perfect beaches scattered along nearly 8000km (5000 miles) of coastline, you're spoilt for choice.

The country is latticed with well-maintained roads and highways but it's worth making some detours off the beaten track to discover the wealth of archaeological sites on offer. Not to mention the delightful local restaurants serving up delicious fare and a warm welcome every time.

Türkiye has many small regional airports, so most road trips can be driven point-to-point by rental car, connecting back to Istanbul by air when you're ready for your flight home. These are the eight best road trips that will guarantee the journey of a lifetime.

Best road trip for wining and dining
Istanbul-İzmir; 880km (547 miles)

You could barrel through this drive in a few days to hit the historic highlights – the battlefields of Gallipoli, the ruins of Troy and its impressive museum, the ancient acropolis of Bergama (Pergamum), and the grand classical city of Ephesus. But it’s better to take your time, savoring relaxed seaside towns, Aegean cuisine and local wineries along the way.

Break the long drive out of Istanbul with an overnight stop at the Barbare winery near Tekirdağ, which offers boutique accommodations amidst sprawling vineyards. Continuing west, most of the Gallipoli Peninsula is a national park, with lush forests and secluded beaches to explore, while Çanakkale across the water is a pleasantly vibrant city and the gateway to Troy.

South of Troy, board the car ferry to the idyllic island of Bozcaada, with its old Greek houses, gourmet restaurants, beaches and wineries. Heading on to Bergama, stop in the pretty towns of Foça or Ayvalık, then make for İzmir. As well as being the closest hub to Ephesus, Türkiye's third-largest city is a worthy destination in its own right, with a layered, Greek-influenced culture and cuisine.

Best road trip for stunning sea views
Dalaman-Antalya; 337km (209 miles)

Despite the short distances, this Mediterranean journey is meant to be taken slowly, and the winding coastal road between Patara and Antalya will see to it that you don't rush past the sights. If the pretty beaches and coves along the route don’t tempt you into frequent stops and detours, the area’s many fascinating archeological ruins certainly will. 

Leaving Dalaman, take a lunch stop by the harbor in Göcek, then it’s onward to Fethiye, where you can book a day cruise on the sparkling bay, visit the ancient rock tombs towering above the city or hike to the abandoned Greek village of Kayaköy. Moving southeast, the drive to the long sandy beach at