Our professionals know well the main (and not so main) routes of the country, so in this post we have decided to compile the most beautiful roads in Turkey, with stretches that will invite you to set foot on land and immortalize the panoramic views that open before your eyes. This doesn’t mean that in our circuits we often resort to domestic flights to speed up travel, but a good part of the journeys are made by road, in fully comfortable vehicles.
Bolu Mountains
The road route between Istanbul and Ankara is mainly done by highway. But halfway through, it gains in beauty, as it must cross the Bolu Mountains, in permanent ascent. Just by looking at the surroundings, you’ll see that the environment of the E-89 becomes a increasingly dense and green forest cover, where snow often remains for several months. In fact, it is in this area where one of Turkey’s most popular ski resorts is located: Kartalkaya.
The Gates of Cilicia
Cilicia is a historical Turkish region, currently distributed among the provinces of Mersin, Adana, Osmaniye and Hatay. To the south, the Gulf of Alexandretta gives it access to the Mediterranean Sea. And to the north, an arc of mountains protects the plain. These are the Taurus Mountains, whose natural passes are not numerous. Therefore, the most used and famous pass is known as the Gates of Cilicia. Today it houses the E-90 (O-21) highway. It’s no coincidence that castles and watchtowers were built in this narrow valley, such as Gülek Kalesi, which provides breathtaking views of the surroundings.
Cappadocia, Among Fairy Chimneys
In this article about the most beautiful roads in Turkey, a section on Cappadocia couldn’t be missing. While nothing can compare to the bird’s eye view from a hot air balloon, a vehicle route through the region’s valleys is also worthwhile. Thus, the famous fairy chimneys appear almost at every turn, as do the troglodyte villages embedded in the mountains, often watched over by a rock castle.
Driving Along the Turquoise Coast
On the Turquoise Coast, traditional gulets stand as the preferred means of transport to admire the beauty of the coastline. But motorcycles or cars are also ideal for driving along its coastal roads (D-400), which for many stretches runs close to the coast. The picturesque town of Kas is the epicenter of this route, so traveling to it from Fethiye is a guarantee of kilometers of beauty. On the other hand, from Kas towards Kekova, the road ascends and offers views where green hills take center stage.
Across the Bosphorus Bridges
One of the charms of Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, is its location on both shores of the Bosphorus Strait. Therefore, a cruise on its waters is a most fascinating experience. But this waterway, which in some sections is barely 750 meters wide, can also be viewed from both shores. And a car route will make this possible, also crossing its three large bridges and, why not, peering out at the immensity of the Black Sea, for example in the town of Riva. Ancient fortresses such as Rumeli or Yoros will take over from Istanbul’s great modern constructions, and the luxurious summer residences called yali, with direct access piers, will make an appearance from time to time.
Of course, in a country as large as Turkey, these are only five small samples of the beauty hidden in its roads, whether rural or authentic multi-lane highways. So we invite you to configure your route to discover it more thoroughly.
