{"id":23053,"date":"2025-06-04T20:32:37","date_gmt":"2025-06-04T18:32:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=23053"},"modified":"2025-09-03T10:30:25","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T08:30:25","slug":"fietsen-in-izmir-where-east-meets-west","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/turkije\/fietsen-in-izmir-where-east-meets-west","title":{"rendered":"Cycling in \u0130zmir: Where east meets west"},"content":{"rendered":"

The \u0130zmir region, on the west coast of Turkey<\/a>, is not a classic on your bucket list. Not yet. But you might just change that after reading this story. If you go cycling in Izmir, think: Mediterranean views, deserted roads, a bowl of history and freshly baked bread at every stop. Add a Tour of T\u00fcrkiye arrival as well as a route past ancient Ephesus, and you know: this is no coincidence. \u0130zmir is a cycling destination for good reason. One for both road cyclists, gravel riders and (as the Tour of Turkiye and L'etape Turkey show: you can race there!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Ephesus,
Ephesus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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By: Sander Kolsloot<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From \u00c7e\u015fme to the bunch sprint in Kar\u015f\u0131yaka<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In early May 2025, the Tour of T\u00fcrkiye arrived in \u0130zmir. The final stage, a flat ride from \u00c7e\u015fme to Kar\u015f\u0131yaka (a district in the city itself), was one for the sprinters. Matteo Malucelli won it, Wout Poels crowned himself the overall winner. But the race rode past places you can ride too. Beautiful roads, wide boulevards, and stretches of coast where it's easy to wipe the sweat from your forehead with a sea breeze. Cycling in Izmir is really for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Centre of Izmir<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

EuroVelo with spirit: cycling between antiquity and the sea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The EuroVelo 8 route, also called the Mediterranean Sea Route, winds right through \u0130zmir province. It takes you past ancient cities such as Pergamon and Ephesus. Not on busy four-lane roads, but on inner roads and small dykes. In Seferihisar you can smell the sea, in Urla you can taste wine at the farmer's, in Karaburun you drive straight into a fish restaurant. Route plan: start in \u00c7e\u015fme, past Ala\u00e7at\u0131, via the cliffs of Ild\u0131r to historic Teos, ending in the old town of \u0130zmir. Cycle out and you will automatically make the connection between old and new asphalt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Aegean Sea coast<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Houses where the Turkish flag flies<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Views over the coastline<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I have also cycled part of this route myself and it is fantastic. Do bring the right bike and take into account changing road surfaces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cycling in Izmir: around Alacat\u00ec<\/h2>\n\n\n\n