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Renting a car in/near Selcuk

My wife and I will be staying in Selcuk in May after a week in Istanbul and are contemplating several day trips. We'll get to Ephesus and Pamukkale. The hotel has several set day trips available, but I may want to rent a car on a couple days to gain flexibility. Does anyone here have experience with road conditions in this area and availability of parking at various archeological sites?
Is Aphrodisias too far to drive on a day trip (I love to drive and normally distances do not bother me. I don't like to get hopelessly lost and stuck in impassable traffic)? Thanks for any input you may have.

Posted by
183 posts

The roads to most tourist/historical sights in that area are fine... often one or two lanes in each direction. Plenty of parking at sights. I suggest doing day tours though. You don’t have to worry about how to get there and you can rest while someone else does the driving. Plus, the tour guide will explain what you are seeing. That makes these visits much more interesting.

Posted by
183 posts

I was all over that region in November. Did day tours, That was definitely off season, so much fewer tourists than what one would see in summer or even in September. It was very nice not to be so crowded in Ephesus and other sights. Roads were not busy at all then. All roads were paved. Lots of mountain driving though. I was glad to be able to rest while the driver who knows the roads did the driving,

Posted by
25 posts

Michelle, we will go on some guided tours. I appreciate your information. Sometimes, on a slower paced day, I like to see a site or two and simply detour off a planned route to look at something interesting drive a curvy road to an unplanned destination. I'm looking forward to both types of days and am glad you didn't tell me it is impossible and roads are unmarked or require inside info.

Posted by
183 posts

Since you like to drive, it is very manageable. I would highly recommend driving during the day.. it is pitch dark on those roads at night. Sounds like you will have fun. I did some group tours and some private tours to see Ephesus, and several other historical sights in that area. You will love it! If you need a hotel recommendation in Kusadasi, just LMK.

Posted by
25 posts

Thanks for the night tip. I'll stick to star gazing at night.