The 8 most breathtaking road trips in Türkiye

With its vast landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Türkiye is ideal for exploration by road. From majestic mountains to stunning beaches along nearly 8000 km (5000 miles) of coastline, the options are endless.

The country is crisscrossed by well-maintained roads and highways, but taking some detours off the main routes is worthwhile to uncover a wealth of archaeological treasures. Don’t forget to stop at charming local restaurants that offer delicious dishes and a warm welcome at every turn.

Türkiye boasts numerous small regional airports, allowing most road trips to be taken point-to-point with a rental car, connecting back to Istanbul by air when it’s time to fly home. Here are the eight best road trips that promise an unforgettable journey.

1. Thrace and the North Aegean

Top road trip for culinary exploration Istanbul-İzmir; 880km (547 miles)

You could rush through this journey in just a few days to hit the historic highlights – the battlefields of Gallipoli, the ancient ruins of Troy along with its remarkable museum, the ancient acropolis of Bergama (Pergamum), and the grand classical site of Ephesus. However, it's far more enjoyable to take your time, relishing the charming seaside towns, Aegean cuisine, and local wineries along the way.

Break up the long drive from Istanbul with an overnight stay at the Barbare winery near Tekirdağ, which features boutique accommodations set amidst sprawling vineyards. Continuing west, much of the Gallipoli Peninsula is designated as a national park, showcasing lush forests and secluded beaches to discover. The vibrant city of Çanakkale, located just across the water, serves as the gateway to Troy.

South of Troy, hop on the car ferry to the beautiful island of Bozcaada, known for its charming Greek houses, gourmet dining, stunning beaches, and local wineries. As you proceed to Bergama, consider stopping in the quaint towns of Foça or Ayvalık, then head toward İzmir. Not only is it the closest hub to Ephesus, but Türkiye's third-largest city also offers a rich, Greek-influenced culture and cuisine worth exploring.

2. The Lycian Coast

Top road trip for breathtaking ocean views Dalaman-Antalya; 337km (209 miles)

Though the distances are short, this Mediterranean drive invites you to take your time. The winding coastal route between Patara and Antalya encourages leisurely exploration. Whether it's the charming beaches and hidden coves or the captivating archaeological sites along the way, you'll find plenty of reasons to stop and savor the journey.

As you depart from Dalaman, enjoy lunch by the harbor in Göcek, then head to Fethiye, where you can embark on a day cruise through the shimmering bay, visit the ancient rock tombs overlooking the city, or trek to the ghostly Greek village of Kayaköy. Continuing southeast, the route to the expansive sandy shores of Patara is filled with historic sites, including the hilltop remains of Tlos, the ancient Lycian capital of Xanthos, the temples of Letoon, and the mountain tombs of Pinara.

As you head east, the charming town of Kaş offers stunning sea views and trendy cafes, restaurants, and cocktail bars that make it hard to leave. The rock tombs at Myra, the striking ruins and beach at Olympos, and the enchanting site of Phaselis are just a few highlights to entice you as you make your way to vibrant Antalya.

3. Historic Anatolia

Ultimate road trip for ancient history Ankara-Konya; 692km (430 miles)

Start your historical adventure at the captivating Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara, which sets the tone for your journey through time. After visiting the city's ancient citadel and the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the beloved founder of modern Turkey, set out toward Hattuşa, the heart of the ancient Hittite kingdom.

Consider spending several days or even a week in the Cappadocia region to the south, renowned for its fairy chimney rock formations, cave churches, and underground cities, along with the vibrant hot-air balloons that provide breathtaking aerial views. The towns of Göreme and Ürgüp serve as excellent bases, offering a wide range of hotels and dining options.

Before arriving in Konya, renowned for its Seljuk-era artifacts and Sufi traditions, make sure to visit Çatalhöyük. The excavations at this important Neolithic site are shedding light on Türkiye's earliest civilizations.

4. Southeastern Anatolia

Top road trip for exploring bazaars and museums Gaziantep-Gaziantep; 832km (517 miles)

The historic southeastern region of Anatolia offers a distinct experience compared to other parts of Türkiye, with its culture and cuisine shaped by Kurdish and Arab influences. Begin your journey in the renowned Gaziantep, famous for its kebabs, baklava, and the stunning collection of Roman mosaics housed in the Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum.

Traveling eastward, Şanlıurfa boasts its own impressive archaeology museum, exquisite mosaics, a vibrant bazaar, and the nearby ancient site of Göbeklitepe, one of the world’s most significant Neolithic locations. Further along the route, picturesque Mardin, near the Syrian border, features a museum-like old town, a lively bazaar, ancient Roman ruins, and a Syrian Orthodox monastery.

Heading north, the intriguing and sometimes tumultuous city of Diyarbakır stands as the most prominent Kurdish city in Türkiye. From here, opt for a more northern route back to Gaziantep, allowing for an overnight stay in one of the simple pansiyons (guesthouses) near the summit of Nemrut Dağı, adorned with colossal statues of ancient deities and heroes.

5. The Eastern Mountains

Ultimate road trip for experiencing wild nature Trabzon-Kars; 640km (398 miles)

This challenging journey demands proficient mountain-driving skills and is best avoided in winter. However, it rewards the intrepid traveler with stunning landscapes, remote villages, and some truly exceptional sights. Beginning in the lively coastal city of Trabzon, venture into the mountains to discover the 4th-century Sumela Monastery, a testament to the region’s rich Greek Orthodox heritage.

Old Armenian churches dot the landscape around Gümüşhane, and further along in Bayburt lies the unique Baksi Museum, dedicated to both contemporary and traditional arts. From the often-overlooked Erzurum, you can drive to Kars, a former Russian outpost known for its distinctive architecture. Nearby, the ruins of Ani, an ancient Armenian capital, are set in one of Türkiye's most picturesque locations.

As an intriguing alternative to driving this last segment, consider returning your rental car in Erzurum and taking a train journey on the famous Doğu Ekspresi (Eastern Express) to Kars, recognized as one of Türkiye's most rewarding rail experiences.

6. Three Peninsulas

Best road trip for relaxed coastal exploration Bodrum-Dalaman; 655km (407 miles)

The meandering roads, breathtaking vistas, and laid-back atmosphere of the three peninsulas—Bodrum, Datça, and Bozburun—where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean invite you to take your time. The Bodrum peninsula is the most sought-after, featuring a range of resort towns from chic to artistic.

While Datça and Bozburun (close to Marmaris) offer a more tranquil experience, they are increasingly attracting weary city dwellers from Istanbul. You might find yourself so enchanted by one peninsula that you prefer to spend all your time exploring its hidden coves and charming villages rather than touring all three. Don't miss Riverfront Dalyan, home to one of Türkiye's finest beaches, which is an excellent stop before reaching Dalaman airport.

7. Phrygia and the Lake District

Best road trip for hidden gems Eskişehir-Antalya; 556km (345 miles)

While you could begin this journey from Istanbul, taking the fast train to Eskişehir offers a more enjoyable start. This lush, riverside city is filled with exciting attractions—don't miss the city's renowned modern art museum before hitting the road.

The ancient Phrygian civilization once flourished here, spreading southwest through rock-carved valleys you can explore today via the Phrygian Way trekking route. Continue on through Kütahya, famous for its Ottoman ceramics, and visit the striking hilltop castle that gives Afyonkarahisar its name.

Just south of Afyon lies Türkiye's verdant Lake District, perfect for enjoying a fish meal by the water in Eğirdir or hiking around Lake Kovada National Park. After marveling at the impressive ruins of ancient Sagalassos, check out the artifacts from the site at the Burdur museum, and wrap up your journey with some relaxation on the beaches of Antalya.

8. Western Black Sea

Best road trip for charming Ottoman villages Istanbul-Samsun; 1516km (942 miles)

This extensive journey offers a glimpse into the rugged western Black Sea coastline as well as the lush rural landscapes inland. Begin by taking a stroll around Lake Sapanca, then explore the delightful villages of Taraklı, Göynük, and Mudurnu. Each village features historic Ottoman homes in various conditions, with Mudurnu providing the best options for an overnight stay.

On your way, don't miss Lake Abant and the serene Yenice Forest, leading to the scenic coastal resort of Amasra and its ancient citadel. The beautifully restored Ottoman mansions of Safranbolu are another highlight in this region, while the impressive rock fortress of Kastamonu is worth a stop before heading to the port town of Sinop. From Sinop, journey back inland to the mosque-filled towns of Amasya and Tokat, concluding your adventure in the coastal city of Samsun.