Cycling Turkey's Lycian Coast: A Journey of Scenic Rides, Ancient Ruins and Unexpected Applause

It was a week spent exploring Turkey's intriguing history and jaw-dropping coastline, with the perfect blend of spirited adventure in the saddle and serenity on the sea.

With some rewarding yet significant climbs and switchbacks, this 7-night tour is rated ‘Moderate to Challenging’, but don't let that put you off - the climbs are made much more manageable with the extra pedal power provided by your e-bike, and the views after each climb are well worth it.

Plus, there’s always the support van if necessary, but from my experience, confident cyclists will love the challenge of this tour. After each day's cycling, you'll return to a deluxe boat offering added comfort, style, and a well-earned chance to relax - there's no better place to do so!

With Turkey's fascinating history, varied routes and simply stunning coastline, plus the brilliant accommodation, this is a tour that should be on any confident cyclist's list.

If this tour sounds like it could be for you, find out more or book now on our Turkey's Lycian Coast Deluxe Boat & E-Bike Tour page. Alternatively, we're happy to help answer any questions using our first-hand knowledge - call us on +44 (0)1273 224066 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm UK time) or enquire online.

Cycling in Turkey is not exactly common. So much so, that when the locals spotted us pedalling through their village or along a winding road, they would sometimes break into applause. Yes, actual clapping. It was simultaneously heartwarming and amusing, as we were always on the flat when we saw people and not on some Tour de France-style climb!

We cycled through pine-scented forests, past secluded bays, and up winding mountain roads with switchbacks.  Along the way, we visited ancient ruins and passed orchards and sleepy villages where the locals sipped coffee and observed us with silent curiosity. Whenever we ventured uphill, each climb brought new perspectives; from rocky outcrops and breathtaking bays to perfect photo spots and watching our boat cruise on its way to pick us up.

The scenery on this tour is stunning - Turkey is such a beautiful country, and I have a newfound love for it after seeing it from the saddle. Every day, there were views to make you stop and stare:

Some of the inclines were quite challenging, with up to 450 meters of climb and gradients between 8% and 10%. Yet every ascent was rewarded with panoramic views of the rugged coastline, glittering bays and amazing pine-covered hills. Plus, the excellent e-bikes have four different modes of power (Eco, Tour, EMTB (e-mountain bike) and Turbo), which makes a huge difference when you need an extra boost!

Turkey’s southwest coast is steeped in history. From the ancient ruins of Kaunos and Knidos (top right in the picture below) to the dramatic Lycian rock-cut tombs carved high into cliffs near Dalyan, the region is a living museum. Our boat followed the Dalyan River, with its reed-filled channels and maze-like waterways, past the tombs which date back to the 4th century BC. These are intricately carved for Lycian kings, as it was believed mythical creatures would carry their souls to the afterlife.

P.S. I took an internal flight to Istanbul after the tour for a couple of days sightseeing, before flying back home from there. I'd really recommend this - it's an amazing city and a great way to round off your holiday!

We explored the ruins of Kaunos, once a port city until its harbour silted up in the 15th century. The site dates back to the 4th century and includes a Roman theatre, temple of Apollo, baths and an ancient marketplace (agora). In Knidos, we saw sundials, Roman temples and a stunning amphitheatre.

Datça, a charming town we visited on day 2, had appealing alleys lined with bougainvillea (a very pretty flower), so we enjoyed a relaxing stroll and stopped for coffee. We even bathed in a sulphur mud pool nearby, coating ourselves in the warm mud, chatting whilst letting it dry, and then washing it off in the warm mineral waters - a unique experience I won't forget!

Ali, our local guide, was an absolute gem; funny, knowledgeable and deeply passionate about his country. Each night at dinner, he'd brief us on the next day’s route with clarity and charisma, offering just enough detail to be useful without overwhelming us.

On the road, he might appear at a crucial junction with a smile and a wave, or explain clearly where to meet so we could all cycle at our own pace. And when things got steep or a descent looked a bit daunting, the support van was available for a ride without any judgment.

The Admiral, with its three masts, is a deluxe Turkish 'Gulet' and was an elegant home away from home. With teak decks, spacious mattresses at the bow, and a lovely seating area to relax, read, or nap, it provided elevated comfort with a laid-back vibe. My cabin was compact but elegant, complete with a hot shower and air-conditioning.

Each morning, we woke to a spread of watermelon, olives, yoghurt, local cheeses, honey, Nutella, and strong coffee - usually served out on deck. What better way to wake up? Swimming off the boat was just as easy: a quick climb down the ladder or, for the more adventurous, a jump, and we were in the crystal-clear Aegean. A tender was always available to ferry us to shore or to explore the nearby coves. Some evenings we even had dolphins playfully swimming around the boat!

Dinner mainly consisted of fresh fish, grilled meats, and plenty of meze platters loaded with olives, dips, grilled vegetables, and local cheeses - a welcome treat after a day in the saddle. Dessert was always a sweet surprise, which was also a very welcome treat! After we'd reach each destination en route, we'd return to the boat where tasty snacks awaited us - fruit, nuts and sweet treats. Plus, the crew were always on hand to order a cold, refreshing beer (or two!).

If you love cycling and are looking for the perfect way to delve into Turkey's intriguing history while experiencing the breathtaking Lycian coast, all while sleeping on a deluxe boat, this tour is for you. You’ll be sure to finish the tour with a great appreciation for Turkey’s natural beauty - and maybe even to the sound of clapping locals!

If you like the look of this amazing tour, you can book your spot on our Turkey's Lycian Coast Deluxe Boat & E-Bike Tour online. Alternatively, enquire online or call us on +44 (0)1273 224066 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm UK time) for more information and we'll be happy to chat and help however we can.

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