If you are planning a trip to Turkey, don’t limit yourself to exploring Istanbul. Although perhaps you’ve never considered a road trip through western Turkey, it is something you will be glad you did for the rest of your life.
Turkey is a surprise in itself. On one side, the Aegean Sea with the shade of blue that only exists in the eastern Mediterranean. On the other, mountains covered with olive trees that 'hide' the most ancient temples, stone theatres and villages where time seems to have stood still.
If you are interested in history, good food and you don't mind racking up the miles on the road, we suggest a road trip through western Turkey to visit Ephesus, Pergamon and Smyrna.
From Istanbul to Pergamon: the start of your route through western Turkey
The starting point of this road trip through western Turkey is Istanbul, the city you are most likely to arrive in. Pick up your OK Mobility rental car at the airport and take the O-5 southwest to leave the Bosphorus behind and see another side of Turkey.
In about five hours you will reach Pergamon (Bergama), one of the ancient capitals of the Hellenistic world. Pergamon was a cradle of wisdom and medicine. One of the most important libraries of the ancient world, rivalling Alexandria, and the Asclepion, a sanctuary dedicated to the god of healing, were built here. Today, the ruins of its Acropolis completely dominate the Caicus Valley and they offer breathtaking views.
You could spend half a day touring the area at your own pace (parking is available near the archaeological site) and then try a Turkish tea or a local kebab. And if you have some more time, visit Dikili or Ayvalık, two villages with little stone houses and fairly quiet beaches.
Heading for Smyrna, the capital of the Aegean
A little over 60 miles away, you will reach Izmir, and we assure you that this is one of the most surprising stops on this road trip through western Turkey. It is a modern, Mediterranean city with a youthful spirit. It is the third largest city in Turkey and one of the most beautiful if you love a stroll by the sea. Here’s how you can make the most of your visit:
- Start at the Kemeralti Bazaar, a maze of shops, cafes and spice stalls.
- Walk to the Kordon, the waterfront promenade where you can enjoy a glass of Turkish wine at sunset.
- Head up Asansör, a historic lift offering stunning panoramic views of the bay.
Less than an hour's drive from Izmir, you will find Urla (famous for its wineries) and the coastal towns of Çeşme and Alaçatı, with cobblestone streets and beautiful scenery.
The road trip ends in Ephesus and its history
The last stop on this road trip through western Turkey before you return to Istanbul. About 50 miles south of Izmir is Ephesus, one of the archaeological jewels of the ancient world. It boasts more than 3,000 years of history, and was one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire. In fact, it has some of the best preserved remains in all of Anatolia. Visit:
- The Library of Celsus, with its colonnaded facade, an icon of antiquity.
- The Ephesus Theatre, with a capacity for 25,000 people, impresses visitors with its size and acoustics.
- The House of the Virgin Mary, a place of Christian pilgrimage.
From Ephesus you can also make a quick detour to Kuşadası, one of the region’s most visited coastal destinations, to enjoy fresh fish by the sea. If you are travelling in summer, you can also go for a swim.
Tips on how to enjoy the road trip through western Turkey
This road trip through western Turkey covers about 375 miles from Istanbul to Ephesus, so you should dedicate a few days to it if you are spending a week or so in Turkey. Spring and autumn are the best times to travel because of the pleasant temperatures, scenery and fewer tourists.
You can pick up your car at Istanbul with OK Mobility, choose from a number of different models according to your needs (small, family, SUV, minivan, convertible, sports, luxury, electric, hybrid, automatic), and get your trip underway. You will fall in love with the landscapes and the history of the heart of the Aegean, and we will be right there with you!
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