love exercising and discovering new places? If you answer yes to any of these questions then you are in the right place! There are some very enjoyable cycling routes around Istanbul so we have complied 8 different routes you can take for a safe cycling experience...
Are you a lover of cycling? looking to get into nature?
Caddebostan Coastal Route
The Caddebostan Coastal route is a popular haunt for many cyclists who live on the Asian side. This route actually goes from Fenerbahçe to Kartal. If the whole route is too much for you, then the Caddebostan section is extremely enjoyable. As well as cyclists, the route is also popular with skateboarders, rollerbladers and joggers.
İznik Lake
İznik Lake is the largest natural lake of the Marmara district, and is located on the boarder of Bursa. This elliptical shaped lake is 85km long. The route is not too rough and can be reached from Istanbul by the IDO ferryboat. And this makes it an ideal route for daytrips.
Ortaköy - Bebek Coastal Route
There is no doubt the best views in Istanbul can be found on the Ortaköy- Bebek coastal route. Although many choose this route for walking, it is also quite enjoyable for cyclists. There are also many, highly recommended places where to have breakfast at the end of the route. What are you waiting for? Get cycling and enjoy the sea air!
Princes’ Islands
The Princes’ Islands district is a popular spot for many cyclists to boh visitors and residents alike. This district is comprised of Tavşan Adası, Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kınalıada, Sedef Adası, Sivriada and Yassıada. The islands are very quiet in the winter months, but see more visitors in the spring and summer. Of the island routes, the ones on Heybeliada, Büyükada and Kınalıada are firm favorites. The length of the island routes are as follows: Kınalı 4 km, Burgaz 4.5 km and Heybeli and Büyükada 12 km.
Belgrade Forest
Belgrade Forest is one of Istanbul’s most important recreational spots and is also an ideal place for cycling. While cycling in Belgrade Forest, you will be immersed in nature offering abundent wildlife. There is almost a 16km long track within the forest.
Yedigöller - Bolu
We think that most recreational cyclists are also nature lovers and if that is the case then this is the route for you! The route is almost entirely in the forest. It’s possible to see all different tones of red, brown, green and yellow along the route. It can be included in the list of alternatives as it is so close to Istanbul.
Sapanca Lake
The Sapanca Lake bicycle route is a meeting point for bicycle lovers in all seasons. You can enjoy forest and hill views while travelling the route. There are restaurants on the way where you can eat delicious food or have picnics. The Sapanca Lake route is exactly 50km long.
Polonezköy
Polonezköy is well worth the“longish”trip to get too. The pay off is the hidden heaven of Polonezköy, a wonderful choice for cyclists who long for plenty of fresh air. You can cycle the 5km Polonezköy route with your own bicycle, or you can hire one locally.
