In recent years, a new kind of cycling has taken the spotlight: gravel biking. Bridging the gap between road and mountain biking, this trend is more than just a passing craze—it’s a global shift toward versatility, exploration, and freedom on two wheels. Gravel riding opens up a new dimension of cycling that’s fast, adventurous, and refreshingly unstructured.

And when it comes to destinations, Turkey is quietly becoming a dream setting for gravel riders. With endless backroads, rural trails, ancient paths, coastal dirt tracks, and highland plateaus, the country offers immense variety for every level of rider.

So, what exactly is gravel biking, and where can you experience it in Turkey? Let’s dive in.

What Is Gravel Biking?

Gravel biking is a form of cycling that’s designed to handle a mix of terrain—primarily unpaved surfaces like dirt, gravel, and forest paths—while maintaining road-like efficiency and speed. Gravel bikes resemble road bikes but come with a few key differences:

• Wider tires (typically 35–50mm) for better grip and comfort on uneven surfaces
• More relaxed geometry for comfort during long rides
• Mounts for bags and bottles, making them perfect for bikepacking
• Disc brakes for better control in variable conditions
• Durable frames that can handle bumps, dust, and mud

What makes gravel biking appealing is its flexibility. You’re not confined to paved roads, and you don’t need the heavy suspension or technical skills required for mountain biking. It’s the best of both worlds—and the sense of freedom is addictive.

Why Is Gravel Biking Trending?

The rise of gravel bikes is tied to a broader shift in the cycling community. Riders are no longer only chasing speed—they’re chasing experience.

Here’s why gravel is exploding in popularity:

• Adventure appeal: Gravel routes often lead through scenic, remote, or historical regions inaccessible by car or road bike.
• Escape from traffic: Riding backroads and trails is safer and more peaceful than dodging cars on busy highways.
• Inclusivity: Gravel events are often more relaxed and community-driven, with less focus on performance and more on the ride itself.
• Exploration over competition: Many gravel riders prioritize discovery over distance or speed.
• Bikepacking synergy: Gravel bikes are ideal for multi-day rides and camping trips.

In Turkey, these factors are amplified by the country’s geographic diversity and underexplored countryside. Gravel riding opens a door to parts of Turkey that even many locals haven’t seen.

Top Regions for Gravel Biking in Turkey

1. Cappadocia (Nevşehir)

Surface: Packed dirt, soft sand, volcanic gravel

Style: Scenic, historical, flowy with technical segments

Cappadocia is a world-famous tourist destination—but its labyrinth of gravel roads, valleys, and panoramic ridge trails also makes it a gravel paradise. Ride through vineyards, fairy chimneys, and abandoned villages. Routes like Göreme – Çavuşin – Ortahisar – Uçhisar form spectacular loops with minimal car traffic and ever-changing terrain.

Tip: Early mornings are magical here, especially when hot air balloons rise over the valleys.

2. Kazdağları (Mount Ida – Aegean Coast)

Surface: Forest trails, gravel fire roads, alpine dirt tracks

Style: Climbing, descending, technical but lush

Nicknamed “the oxygen capital of Turkey,” this region in the north Aegean is rich with shaded paths, chestnut forests, and sea-view ridgelines. Gravel bikes handle the logging roads and highland tracks with ease. Start from Ayvacık or Küçükkuyu and explore toward Adatepe and Yeşilyurt villages.

Highlight: Many routes pass ancient ruins and mythological landmarks linked to the Iliad.

3. Gökova Gulf (Muğla Region)

Surface: Dirt farm roads, coastal gravel, pine trails

Style: Mild rolling terrain, sea views, mix of road and gravel

The Gökova region blends smooth country roads with gravel tracks that roll through olive groves and along the coast. Popular among touring cyclists, it’s also ideal for beginner gravel riders. Start in Akyaka and explore inland loops through Sakar Pass, Akçapınar, and forest trails.

Local flavor: Stop for a break at riverside fish restaurants or cool off in Gökova Bay.

4. Phrygian Valley (Afyon – Eskişehir – Kütahya)

Surface: Wide gravel roads, ancient caravan trails, volcanic terrain

Style: Remote, quiet, historical

A lesser-known region rich in history and geological wonder, the Phrygian Valley is perfect for gravel exploration. You’ll ride past rock-cut tombs, stone monuments, and natural rock arches that date back over 2,500 years. The area is sparsely populated, making it ideal for solitude-seeking cyclists.

Planning tip: Cell signal may be spotty—download maps offline and bring supplies.

5. Beydağları Coastal Range (Antalya Region)

Surface: Gravel mountain roads, forest singletrack, remote climbs

Style: Adventurous, alpine, physical

For experienced gravel riders seeking elevation, the Beydağları Mountains west of Antalya deliver epic climbs and big views. Base yourself in Kemer or Çıralı and explore the mountain roads that link ancient cities like Olympos and Phaselis.

Good to know: Routes here can be long and remote—prepare accordingly.

6. Konya Plains and Lakes Region

Surface: Dry gravel, farm roads, salt flats

Style: Flat, open, high-speed

For wide-open terrain and wind-in-your-face riding, the Konya Plain is unbeatable. While the scenery is more subtle than coastal or mountain routes, the open skies and straight gravel tracks offer mental clarity and endurance training. Around Lake Beyşehir and Lake Tuz, cyclists can ride for hours without encountering a car.

Gravel plus: Combine with visits to underground cities and Seljuk caravanserais for cultural immersion.

Gravel Cycling Events and Communities in Turkey

Though gravel racing is still emerging in Turkey, local cycling groups are catching on. Here’s where to start:

• Gravel & Camp Weekends: Organized by regional bike clubs in Cappadocia, Gökova, and Kazdağları.
• Instagram Communities: Follow hashtags like #gravelbikeTürkiye or accounts like @bikepackingtr for meetups and route inspiration.
• Tour Operators: Companies such as Cyclist Türkiye and Ride Anatolia now offer guided gravel tours with bike rentals, support vehicles, and local food experiences.

What You’ll Need for Gravel Riding in Turkey

• Gravel or adventure bike with 35–45mm tires
• GPS device or offline map apps (e.g., Komoot, RideWithGPS)
• Repair kit and pump—many routes are remote
• Hydration gear (especially inland where water sources are limited)
• Sunscreen and light layers for variable weather
• Bikepacking bags if planning multi-day routes

Most importantly: a curious mindset and a willingness to get a little dusty.

Gravel Is More Than a Bike—It’s a Way of Riding

What makes gravel biking special isn’t just the equipment—it’s the attitude. Gravel is about exploration over performance, detours over efficiency, and the joy of the ride over any finishing time.

In Turkey, where ancient roads crisscross modern villages and landscapes shift dramatically from one region to the next, gravel biking feels like a perfect fit. You’re not just riding—you’re discovering history, culture, and a different side of the country.

So if you’re ready to trade traffic lights for olive groves, and asphalt for wild trails, it might be time to grab a gravel bike and start pedaling into the unknown.