Planning November 25 trip to visit IST then fly to Capp. Then fly to Izmir (via IST prefer direct but can’t find) for visiting Kusadasi, Ephesus, and Denizli area. Is it easy and “safe” and recommended by previous travelers to rent car and self drive while in Capp. How would you compare driving in Turkey (not inside cities) to a US experience I likely have experience with? And again Izmir circle to Denizli. Anything we should be careful for like restricted zones (once received ticket in Italy) etc. We want to avoid any pitfalls but would like the freedom of self driving. Thank you!
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
896 posts
I rented a car a couple of years ago and did a loop from Antalya to Aphrodisias, Pamukkale/Denizli, Sagalassos, and Burdur. I was a little nervous at first because I had never driven outside the US, but I had no issues. The roads, even the rural roads, were in good condition. Drivers were sane -- much more sane than in Atlanta. Antalya and Denizli were easier to drive through than I anticipated. Downtown Burdur was congested because it wasn't designed for cars, and I was glad to get back on the main highway. I didn't have any issues with restricted zones on my route. All the places I visited except for Burdur had ample parking.
I recall from a previous trip that Friday afternoon traffic in Izmir is nuts. Fortunately, I was on a bus and not driving on that trip.
Posted by
Somewhere out there
173 posts
I lived in SE Turkey years ago and found driving a somewhat aggressive adventure. Used to camp in the Taurus Mountains well off the beaten path. A return to Turkey about a dozen years ago and I found better roads and still aggressive driving. Used to enjoy eating lunch at Turkish truck stops. Get good road maps for where you’re going.
Never been to Izmir but I’ve found big city and tourist areas in Turkey sometimes filled with folks looking to profit from the foreigners. In my sojourns in the back country, Turks were generous and giving to a fault even in poverty stricken areas. Made road trips in back country very rewarding.
Finally, I’ll presume you don’t speak Turkish. The fallback language during my time was knowing German. That knowledge made getting directions somewhat easier. Above all NEVER insult Kemal Attaturk. Fierce pride means don’t joke around about such things.
Don’t know your European driving experience but Turkey may be a bit different and like I said….aggressive.
Good Luck!
Posted by
Surrey, UK
567 posts
I remember the answer to "what side of the road do they drive in Turkey" give as "the shady side".
Posted by
NC
661 posts
We flew into Kayseri, rented a car there and enjoyed touring Cappadocia independently — easily and safely. The only unnerving thing we encountered was a pack of wild dogs in the countryside that loudly chased, and rammed themselves into, the car. But no harm done…LOL.
Have a great trip! Cappadocia is amazing!