Part of Turkey
Most Dutch people are familiar with all-inclusive resorts and long beaches in Antalya. But if you look beyond the hotel strip, you will find one of the most versatile cycling destinations around the Mediterranean. Behind the coast rise the Taurus Mountains steeply, up to over 2,300 meters. Along the Lycian coast lie bays with turquoise waters, ancient cities and villages where you can ride along the shore. In winter it is mild enough for a training camp, and professional teams have known that for years: the Tour of Antalya opens the Turkish cycling season in February.
Why cycle in Antalya?
- From the sea to the mountain in one climb. From Kemer, you climb 25 kilometers from sea level to the Ovacık plateau at 1,300 meters.
- Winter sunshine. The coast is mild in winter, while it rains in the Netherlands. In spring and autumn it is ideal.
- A large selection. GoTürkiye, the Turkish tourism agency, describes dozens of routes for road, gravel and mountain biking around Antalya. See the routes for Antalya.
- History and nature. Aspendos, Perge, Termessos, Phaselis and Olympos, the burning gases of the Chimaera and the waterfalls of Düden: you can never have a boring day off.
- Everything is arranged. Many hotels are designed for athletes, and there are bike rental services and guided training camps.
The most beautiful race bike routes
GoTürkiye collects it too cycling routes from all over Turkey, And around Kemer, 40 kilometers southwest of Antalya, are the most beautiful:
- Kemer – Ovacık. Only for those who are trained: 25 kilometers from sea level to the Ovacık plateau at 1,300 meters, and then back to Kemer. The long climb of the region.
- Kemer – Olympos (cable car). Short but steep: 700 meters in seven kilometers, an average of 10 percent, up to the valley station of the cable car. That takes you from 726 to 2,365 meters in ten minutes, to the top of Tahtalı Dağı, the Olympus of Lycia.
- The Lycian coast to Çıralı. A route that is also suitable for less experienced cyclists. In Çıralı, ice-cold spring water awaits at the ancient Olympos and there is a peaceful beach.
- Çıralı – Beycik – Kemer. The first half of the climb goes up; after 20 kilometers you reach the mountain village of Beycik at about 840 meters, overlooking the sea.
- Kemer – Beldibi – Kemer. A shallower training round along the coast, halfway through the Beldibi cave, 25 meters above the sea, where people already lived in the ancient Stone Age.
Gravel and mountain biking in the Taurus
For those looking for off-road terrain, the hinterland is a paradise. From the Ovacık plateau, at 1,100 meters and filled with fresh mountain air, you drive through cedar forests to the top of Sarıçınar at 1,793 meters, or you descend ‘with your hands on the brakes’ to Gedelme, where a ninth-century Byzantine castle stands. The route to Maden Bay along the Lycian path counts 1,115 meters of elevation gain and ends at an unspoiled bay where you can camp. For experienced mountain bikers, there are tough routes: starting from Beycik at 12 kilometers at an average of 12 percent, and the route from Kemer via Çukuryayla (1,770 meters) to Beycik is one of the toughest in Antalya, with a descent of 1,450 meters in 22 kilometers.
The Babadağ: the toughest climb in Turkey
Those seeking the ultimate challenge drive to Babadağ near Ölüdeniz, a long day trip westwards along the coast. The climb is 18.2 kilometers with 1,866 meters of elevation gain, averaging 10.4 percent. In the Tour of Türkiye even the pros take over an hour and a half. Above, the paragliders jump into the deep, and those who don’t want to cycle back take the cable car. Read more in our story about cycling in Turkey.
Rest day: culture and nature
Antalya is one of the richest regions in Turkey when it comes to history. Here are a few examples:
- Kaleici. The old city of Antalya, with its narrow streets, Ottoman houses, the Hadrian's Gate and the old harbor.
- Aspendos. The best-preserved Roman theater in the world, where performances are still taking place.
- Perge and Termessos. Ancient cities: Perge in the plain, Termessos high in the mountains. You can combine the latter with a ride.
- Olympos and the Chimaera. Ruins among the trees at Çıralı, and at night the eternal flames of Yanartaş, where gas from the mountain burns.
- Phaselis. An ancient harbor town with three bays, perfect for a swim after the ride.
- Düden and Köprülü. The Düden waterfalls plunge into the sea near the city; in the Köprülü gorge you can go rafting.
- Kaş and Kalkan. Further along the Lycian coast: white villages, bougainvillea and hidden coves.
Food and drink
Turkish cuisine is a reason in itself: mezze, fresh fish, gözleme from the oven, köfte and, at the end of the meal, piyaz, the bean salad for which Antalya is famous. The region is also Turkey’s fruit bowl. In spring, the city smells of orange blossom, and there are stalls everywhere selling fresh orange juice.
Your Cycling base
- Kemer. At the foot of the Taurus and the Olympos, with the most beautiful mountain bike and mountain-trekking trails right outside the door.
- Antalya (Konyaaltı or Lara). The city, the airport and Kaleiçi are just around the corner; flat kilometers along the coast and the mountains are an hour away by car.
- Belek. Resorts with golf courses and many sports hotels, close to Aspendos and Perge. Popular with professional teams for training camps.
- Çıralı is the most Olympos. For rest and relaxation: small pensions, a long beach and the Chimaera just around the corner.
When are you leaving?
October to May. Mild at the coast in winter (snow can fall in the mountains); very hot in July and August.
From October to May. In the winter it is mild and often sunny along the coast, ideal for a training camp; in the mountains there can be snow, because there are ski resorts above Antalya. March to May and October and November are the best months. In July and August the coast is very hot; those who go do so early or seek higher ground.
How do you get there?
- Aircraft: Direct flights to Antalya depart from Schiphol, Eindhoven and Rotterdam all year round, in about four hours. The airport is located east of the city, about 40 minutes from Belek and an hour from Kemer.
- On the spot: Many hotels arrange transfers with space for your bike. A rental car is useful for the Babadağ and the ancient cities.
This is how we calculate: We calculate distances and travel times starting from Utrecht. Our flights always depart from Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague Airport or Eindhoven Airport. Want to know how to travel from your place of residence the best way? Let us know, We are happy to help you. After all, we built this site together.
Are you flying? Read our guide Flying with your bike: Which airline, what the cost is and how to pack your bike.
