Discover Extraordinary Turkey Motorbike Tours Through the Heartland
Central Anatolia offers motorcycle enthusiasts an authentic Turkish experience far removed from coastal tourist trails. With its vast plains, ancient cities, dramatic salt lakes, and the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, this region provides experienced riders with exceptional motorbike tours through Turkey’s historical and geographical heart. This guide explores the remarkable routes awaiting discovery in this less-traveled but extraordinary motorcycle destination.
Why Central Anatolia Appeals to Serious Motorcyclists
Turkey’s interior regions present distinct advantages for motorcycle touring:
- Reduced Traffic: Experience open roads with minimal congestion
- Authentic Experiences: Connect with traditional Turkish culture away from international tourism
- Landscape Diversity: Ride through plains, mountains, volcanic formations, and salt flats
- Historical Significance: Discover civilizations spanning the Hittites to the Ottomans
- Value Proposition: Enjoy more affordable accommodation and dining than coastal regions
The Cappadocia Circuit: Ürgüp and Beyond
This extraordinary route explores the volcanic wonderland of Cappadocia, offering perhaps the most unique motorcycle touring landscape in Turkey.
Route Highlights: – Ürgüp Base: Start and end in this central town with excellent motorcycle-friendly accommodation – Göreme Valley Riding: Navigate through surreal rock formations and fairy chimneys – Uçhisar Castle Climb: Ascend to Turkey’s highest viewpoint for panoramic vistas – Rose Valley Technical Section: Test your skills on narrower roads through pink-hued landscapes – Devrent Valley: Witness rock formations resembling animals in this “imagination valley” – Zelve Open-Air Museum: Explore this less-visited alternative to Göreme’s busier sites
This 2-3 day circuit covers approximately 200km of riding through otherworldly landscapes. Road conditions vary from excellent main routes to more challenging secondary roads, offering options for all experience levels. The opportunity to photograph your motorcycle against these unique backdrops makes this circuit particularly appealing to enthusiasts.
The Salt Lake and Plains Route: Ankara to Konya
This journey across Central Anatolia’s vast plains connects the modern capital with the spiritual center of Konya through remarkable salt flats and open landscapes.
Key Experiences: – Ankara Departure: Begin in Turkey’s capital city with its excellent highway system – Salt Lake (Tuz Gölü) Crossing: Experience the otherworldly white landscape of Turkey’s second-largest lake – Aksaray Historical Stop: Connect with Seljuk history at this important caravanserai – Open Plain Riding: Enjoy fast, sweeping roads across vast agricultural landscapes – Konya Arrival: Conclude at the spiritual home of the Whirling Dervishes
What makes this 2-day route (approximately 300km) special is the sense of openness and freedom. The long-distance visibility and straight sections allow riders to experience the meditation-like quality of motorcycle touring across vast open spaces. The cultural significance of Konya provides a perfect counterbalance to the natural landscapes encountered en route.
The Ancient Hittite Circuit: Ankara to Hattusa
This historically focused route takes riders through the heartland of the ancient Hittite civilization, combining excellent riding with extraordinary archaeological discoveries.
Route Features: – Ankara Museums: Begin with context at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations – Northern Plains Riding: Experience fast, open roads heading toward Çorum – Hattusa Ancient Capital: Explore the impressive ruins of the Hittite Empire’s center – Alacahöyük Royal Tombs: Visit this significant archaeological site via country roads – Yazılıkaya Rock Sanctuary: Navigate to this remarkable religious site carved into natural rock
This 2-3 day circuit (approximately 400km) appeals particularly to riders interested in combining motorcycle touring with historical discovery. The routes between sites offer enjoyable riding through agricultural landscapes with minimal traffic, while the archaeological destinations provide fascinating insights into one of the ancient world’s most significant civilizations.
The Grand Central Loop: Cappadocia-Konya-Ankara
This ambitious route connects the major highlights of Central Anatolia in a comprehensive circuit that showcases the region’s extraordinary diversity.
Journey Highlights: – Cappadocian Landscapes: Begin with the unique volcanic formations around Ürgüp – Southern Plains Transition: Experience the changing landscape toward Konya – Sufi Cultural Heritage: Connect with mystical traditions in Konya – Salt Lake Northern Circuit: Ride the less-visited northern shore of this natural wonder – Ankara Urban Experience: Conclude in the capital with its blend of ancient and modern
This 5-7 day route (approximately 650km) delivers a comprehensive Central Anatolian experience, combining diverse riding environments with significant cultural dimensions. The route can be expanded with numerous worthy detours, making it ideal for riders seeking a deeper understanding of Turkey’s heartland.
Planning Your Central Anatolia Motorcycle Tour
Best Riding Seasons: – May-June: Perfect temperatures and beautiful spring colors – September-October: Comfortable riding conditions with golden landscapes – Avoid December-February: Potential snow and freezing temperatures, especially in Cappadocia
Motorcycle Recommendations: – Adventure Bikes: Ideal for the variable road conditions and occasional gravel sections – Sport Touring: Suitable for riders focusing on main highways – Consider Range: Fuel stations can be more widely spaced than in coastal regions
Accommodation Strategy: Central Anatolia offers diverse accommodation options including: – Cave hotels in Cappadocia – Business hotels in Ankara and Konya – Authentic guest houses in smaller settlements – All with increasing motorcycle-friendliness
Cultural Dimensions of Central Anatolian Motorcycle Tours
The region’s distinctive heritage enhances the motorcycle touring experience: – Ancient civilizations from Hittites to Seljuks – Spiritual traditions including Sufi mysticism – Traditional handicrafts including carpet-weaving and pottery – Authentic Central Anatolian cuisine distinct from coastal regions – Genuine hospitality in areas less accustomed to international tourism.