Are you thinking about budget traveling to Turkey with your backpack but don’t know where to go backpacking in Turkey? I got you! In this blog post, I’ll share the best itineraries for a backpacking trip in Turkey and also answer some commonly asked questions about budget traveling in Turkey as a backpacker. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Is Turkey Good For Backpacking?
Turkey is a fantastic destination for backpacking due to its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. Here’s a detailed look at why Turkey is great for backpacking:
- Diverse Attractions: From the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia and the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, Turkey offers a wide range of attractions.
- Cultural Richness: Turkey is a melting pot of cultures with a mix of Asian and European influences, which is evident in its food, architecture, and traditions.
- Affordability: Compared to many European destinations, Turkey is relatively affordable, making it a great option for budget travelers.
- Hospitality: Turkish people are known for their hospitality, and you’ll often find locals who are willing to help and make your stay more enjoyable.
- Ease of Travel: Good infrastructure with extensive bus and train networks, as well as budget-friendly domestic flights, makes it easy to get around.
Where Is The Best Place To Backpack In Turkey?
Istanbul: Istanbul is the most popular city in Turkey which is the bridge between Europe and Asia. It is a mystical city with lots of history and culture and iconic sights like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar.
Cappadocia: This world-famous city is known for its fairy chimneys, rock formations, cave dwellings, and amazing hot-air balloon rides in the sky.
Ephesus: Ephesus is a famous ancient city that was inherited from the Roman Empire worth seeing.
Pamukkale: Pamukkale is famous for its white travertine terraces, which look like cotton castles, and the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Antalya: This beautiful city is located on the Mediterranean coast. It also has ancient ruins like Patara and a charming old town named Kaleiçi.
Fethiye: Fethiye is a gateway to Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. It is famous for its amazing beaches, such as Ölüdeniz, and the hiking trails like Lycian Way.
How Much Does Backpacking In Istanbul Cost Per Day?
Accommodation:
Hostel dorm beds start from $11 – $22 per night.
Budget hotels or private rooms in hostels start from $22 – $44 per night.
Food:
Street food or meals from local restaurants start from $5.50 – $11 per meal.
Transportation:
A single-trip ticket for public transportation (buses, trams, ferries) costs around $0.55 – $1.10.
Attractions:
Entrance fees for historical sites and museums range between $5.50 – $16.50.
Total:
So, in total, the daily cost of backpacking in Istanbul can range between $41 and $104, depending on your accommodation choice, eating habits, and activity preferences.
Where To Go Backpacking In Turkey: Best Itineraries
Here, I planned some backpacking Turkey itinerary ideas based on how long you stay in the country:
1. Backpacking In Turkey 7-Day Itinerary: From Istanbul to Cappadocia
See Turkey’s two biggest cities as well as its most popular desert retreat! This seven-day backpacking plan through Turkey will take you to cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Cappadocia.
Take two or three days to see Istanbul’s beauty. It is one of the world’s most captivating cities. Admire the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque with amazement, explore the Grand Bazaar, and then travel north along the Bosphorus to see authentic Istanbul. By the way, there are a ton of amazing Airbnbs in Istanbul that won’t break the bank.
After leaving Istanbul, take a high-speed train to Ankara, the capital of Turkey. This city differs greatly from Istanbul in many aspects, such as the people, daily routines, and flavors. You can explore it in one day.
And finally, get on the bus and arrive at the most popular location in Turkey: Cappadocia. Cappadocia is truly a magical place, with a bewildering array of cave buildings made out of rocks and stones and naturally occurring stone fairy chimneys. After a restful night in your cave lodge here, go outside to take in the scenery, start hiking in Cappadocia, and don’t forget to get a hot air balloon ride!
2. Backpacking In Turkey 10-Day Itinerary: The Turquoise Coast
Using this backpacking Turkey itinerary you can spend ten days traveling along the amazing Turkey’s turquoise coast! Take a plane to any of the major cities (Izmir, Bodrum, Dalaman, or Antalya for Marmaris and Fethiye), rent a car, and get on the road to explore southwest Turkey!
Visit as many beach communities along the Turquoise Coast as you can. See the breathtaking Ephesus ruins. See the hatching of young turtles in Olympos. Take a tandem paragliding above Blue Lagoon. Hire a personal watercraft. Go bonkers in Marmaris or Bodrum. This place has so much to offer! Maybe ten days won’t even be enough to see all the stunning natural beauty and beautiful beaches!
3. Backpacking In Turkey 2-Week Itinerary: Highlights of Turkey
Discover a little bit of everything with this itinerary for Turkey! Experience life in the city of Istanbul. See the impressive ruins of Aphrodisias or Ephesus, making a stop at Pamukkale en route. Take a few moments to relax on the Turkish Riviera’s beaches. Take a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia as a final activity.
There will be a variety of transportation options on this route. It will be essential to fly from Istanbul to the Turkish Riviera and possibly even within Anatolia. However, most flights in Turkey are inexpensive. Use a bus or rent a car for all other routes.
4. Backpacking In Turkey 1-Month Itinerary: The Whole Country!
Did you feel lustful after your previous itinerary? Then just go backpacking to Turkey for a little longer! You should have plenty of time to take in everything that Turkey has to offer, with a whole month at your disposal. Who knows, perhaps you’ll see some of Turkey’s lesser-known locations, like eastern Turkey and the black sea coast, from Van Lake to the Kaçkar Mountains. Consider it as a challenge, push your limits, and see how far you can go!
Tips For Backpacking In Turkey
Overall, Turkey is a great destination for backpackers, offering a mix of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and historical significance at a relatively low cost. But still, these tips may be useful during your backpacking in Turkey:
Learn Basic Turkish Phrases: Knowing a few basic Turkish phrases can enhance your travel experience.
Travel Off-Peak: Visiting during shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) can help avoid crowds and reduce costs.
Haggle in Markets: Bargaining is expected in markets and can help you get better deals.
Stay Safe: Turkey is generally safe, but always stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
How Do You Say “Backpacking” In Turkish?
Backpacking in Turkish is often translated as sırt çantasıyla seyahat or simply sırt çantalı gezi. Both terms are understood in the context of traveling with a backpack and imply a more adventurous, budget-friendly style of travel.
Related Vocabulary
| English | Turkish |
|---|---|
| Backpacking | Sırt çantasıyla seyahat |
| Backpack | Sırt çantası |
| Hostel | Hostel |
| Guesthouse | Pansiyon |
| Camping | Kamp |
| Hike | Yürüyüş |
| Trail | Yürüyüş yolu |
| Map | Harita |
| Guidebook | Rehber kitabı |
| Ticket | Bilet |
| Reservation | Rezervasyon |
| Train | Tren |
| Bus | Otobüs |
| Flight | Uçuş |
| Taxi | Taksi |
| Ferry | Feribot |
| Subway | Metro |
| Entrance Fee | Giriş ücreti |
| Discount | İndirim |
| Tourist Information | Turist Bilgi |
| Souvenir | Hatıra |
| Museum | Müze |
| Historical Site | Tarihi yer |
| Beach | Plaj |
| Mountain | Dağ |
| City Center | Şehir merkezi |
| Marketplace | Pazar yeri |
Frequently Asked Questions On Backpacking In Turkey
1. Is it safe to wild camp in Turkey?
Wild camping in Turkey can be safe but requires caution. Stick to rural and remote areas, avoid isolated spots, and inform someone of your plans. While not legal everywhere, enforcement varies; national parks might require permission. Always seek local advice and respect private property and local customs.
2. Is Turkey safe for a woman to travel alone?
Turkey can be safe for solo female travelers with some precautions. Dress modestly in conservative areas, stay in well-known tourist spots, and use reputable transportation. Be aware of local customs, avoid traveling alone late at night, and maintain confidence and awareness of your surroundings.
3. Is Turkey friendly to tourists?
Turkey is generally very friendly to tourists. The locals are hospitable, and tourist areas have good infrastructure, with many people speaking English. Visitors are warmly welcomed, and many locals enjoy sharing their culture. Major tourist areas are safe, but standard precautions are always advisable.
Get Ready For Your Turkish Backpacking Adventure
Backpacking in Turkey is an incredibly rewarding experience. The country offers such diverse landscapes, from Mediterranean beaches to the cave houses of Cappadocia, the mountainous Black Sea areas, and the ancient towns and villages to the south. So, don’t wait any longer and visit Turkey this summer!
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