POSTS

Route through western Turkey

This route leads to the historical sights along the coast of western Turkey, where one is really able to see and feel the age of the land.

map with the route

The marked route is available here for online viewing and download in the gpx format.

  1. Istanbul
  2. Canakkale
  3. Altinoluk
  4. Ayvalik
  5. Bergama
  6. Izmir
  7. Kusadasi
  8. Didim
  9. Bodrum
Start Istanbul
End Bodrum
Length ~1000 km
Duration ~30 days

Route Description

Istanbul

Spectacular and full of history but too large and busy for comfort.
Continue: By bus to Canakkale

Canakkale

Nice town located at the Dardanelles.
Possible excursions:
  1. By minibus to the ruins of Troy
  2. By minibus to the ruins of Assos
  3. Ferry over to the Gallipoli Penisula
Continue: By bus to Ayvalik

Altinoluk

Small town below olive tree covered hills.
Possible excursions:
  1. Ruins of Assos
Continue: By bus to Altinoluk

Ayvalik

Pretty old town close to long beaches and good hiking spots.
Possible excursions:
  1. Sarimsakli and Altinova beaches a few km to the south
  2. Alibey Island
Continue: By bus to Bergama

Bergama

Contains the ruins of Pergamon and the Asklepion. On a hill above the modern city is the Akropolis of old Pergamon.
Possible excursions:
  1. Cable car up to the Akropolis
  2. Short walk to ruins of the Asklepion.
Continue: By bus to Izmir

Izmir

Large city with a nice waterfront promenade, some ancient ruins and good museums.
Continue: By bus to Kusadasi

Kusadasi

Good location to visit Selcuk (Temple of Artemis, Byzantine castle, Basilica, ...) and the ruins of Ephesus.
Possible excursions:
  1. Selcuk
  2. Ruins of Ephesus
Continue: By bus to Didim

Didim

Beach resort town with ruins of ancient Didyma.
Possible excursions:
  1. Ancient ruins at Milas
Continue: By bus to Bodrum

Bodrum

Beautiful harbour city with many sights and amazing hiking routes.
Continue: By bus to Antalya or by ferry to Datca