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Trans Caria Bikepacking Route

Turkey’s First Developed Bikepacking Route
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Distance

800 km

Elevation

16690m

DAys

12-14

Unpaved

% 36

Difficulty

Hard

Logistics

Easy – Moderate

As founders of the Carian Trail, Rikki and I have spent over 16 years exploring and shaping the trails and tracks of southwest Turkey. As route managers, we had lot’s of people asking if biking the trail was possible. It was not. That’s why we decided to put together a new route! With our expertise of the region and trails, we worked on developing this route for two years and finally put together all pieces and bikepacked it in 2024. 

And so The TransCaria Bikepacking Route is the two-wheeled edition of that same journey—an 800 km linear route that links ancient ruins, seaside towns, remote beaches, and forgotten villages. Designed to balance challenge with accessibility, it delivers big views, rich history, and a true sense of discovery without the impossible logistics that usually define long-distance routes.

The Experience

TransCaria connects southwest Turkey’s well-known ancient ruins and charming coastal towns with its hidden beaches and remote mountain villages. The route follows mostly dirt tracks that weave through pine forests and dramatic rocky hillsides, offering a constant backdrop of Aegean coastline.

Riders pass through multiple towns and villages each day, making logistics straightforward. With its mix of endless beaches, historic sites (some even prehistoric), traditional villages with unique architecture and dress, and unforgettable Aegean food, TransCaria is a rare blend of nature, culture, and adventure. Think of it as the bikepacking version of a beach holiday—only with enough grit, steep climbs, and wild terrain to keep every rider engaged.

about the route

Total: 800 km | Linked by a short ferry ride | Ridden in two sections

Section 1: Dalyan → Körmen 394 km | +7,873 m | 27 % Unpaved 
From the delta and famous rock tombs of Dalyan through the backroads of dramatic Bozburun and the wild Datca Peninsula, this section combines popular sites with traditional villages and Aegean wilderness, showcasing the very best of this unique corner of Turkey.

Section 2: Bodrum → Ephesus 398 km | +8,818 m | 45 % Unpaved 
A rugged journey from the holiday hub of Bodrum to the UNESCO site of Ephesus, this section heads passes rolling hills covered in groves of olive or fruit to the steep slopes and hidden villages of the boulder-covered Latmos Mountains, one of the last areas seemingly untouched by tourism in the region.

Difficulty

Riding wise, we would rate this as a difficult route due to steep ascents and descents, going above a minimum total elevation of 1000m each day. Logisticly, we would rate this as easy since you don’t even have to carry a tent or cook for yourself unless you want to do so. 

Highlights

  • Ruins of Caunos
  • Ekincik Beach 
  • Akyaka 
  • Old town of Marmaris 
  • Amazing coastal views – Kumlubük Beach
  • Coastal towns of Bozburun & Datça
  • Numerous secluded coves in Datça Peninsula
  • Ruins of Knidos
  • Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum
  • Coastal views from Bodrum to Mazı
  • Uyku Vadisi
  • Ruins of Becin
  • Milas town center and it’s historic ruins
  • Sleeping in a village house in Çomakdağ
  • Mountain villages of Latmos
  • Bağarcık Village and Çörlenasar fortress
  • Surreal views of Latmos Mountains
  • Ruins of Herakleia
  • Kapıkırı Village
  • Didyma, Miletos, Priene ruins
  • Dilek Peninsula National Park (Meander delta)
  • Ruins of Ephesus

    MAP & GPS

    View & Download Full RideWithGPS Guide
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    Useful Information

    Practical Info

    Accommodation

    • Section 1: Frequent guesthouses, pensions, and small hotels. Plenty of places to camp. ⁠
    • Section 2: Going through the rugged mountains from Milas to Kapıkırı, village house accommodation or camping are the only options. You will plenty of accommodation options on the rest of the section. Wild camping is considered OK in Turkey as long as you don’t build a fire. Forest fires are a big issue, especially in dry months from June to October.

    Food Supply

    • Small village shops available most days for simple supplies
    • Village houses typically include dinner and breakfast
    • ⁠Options range from roadside stands and garden cafés to coastal family-run restaurants
    • ⁠In most cases, cooking breakfast or dinner isn’t necessary

    Recommended Bike Set Up

    • Gravel bike or hardtail MTB both suitable
    • 45–50 mm tires for comfort on gravel bikes
    • ⁠Wide-range MTB cassette for steep climbs

    Ferry Connection

    The first  section ends in Datça Karaköy Körmen Ferry Port and to conitinue for the next section please check this website for ferry schedules to Bodrum. In summer ferrry runs twice everyday and once every other day in winter.

    Bike Shops & Repair

    You will find decent bike shops (with basic bikepacking equipment) in Bodrum, other than that there will be some smaller shops where you can get simple things fixed on your bike along the way in Milas. For major bikepacking equipment and gravel bike supplies İzmir is the better adress, Shops here will also have boxes to pack your bike if you are flying back via İzmir Airport.

    Before the start

    Along The Way

    At The End 

    Useful Information
    Equipment Rentals

    Book Your Bike Now and Enjoy the Great Outdoors

    More Information
    Gravel Bike Rentals

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