Turkey is a transcontinental country, situated between Europe and Asia, famous for its ancient history, rich gastronomy and varied landscapes – from Istanbul, which connects two continents, to Cappadocia, Pamukkale and the turquoise Mediterranean coast.
Climate
Very diverse: Mediterranean on the south and west coasts, continental inland (Anatolia) and humid temperate in the north (Black Sea). Summers are hot and dry; winters are cold inland.
Languages
Turkish is official. Minority languages such as Kurdish, Arabic and Zazaki are also spoken. English is relatively common in tourist areas.
Driving
Drive on the right. The highways are modern and gated – payment is made via the HGS electronic system (card or sticker). Registration must be done in advance at www.kgm.gov.tr.
The secondary roads are generally in good condition.
Camping
Wild camping is widely tolerated outside urban and tourist areas. There are also campsites and glamping sites along the coast and in nature parks.
Biker Zones
Iconic routes include the Mediterranean coast (Antalya-Kas-Fethiye), the Cappadocia Road, Lake Van and the crossing between Europe and Asia via Istanbul.
Special Zones
Istanbul has central areas with conditioned traffic and controlled parking. In historic areas, vehicle access is limited.