Pedal Through Paradise: Biking in Alanya with Martin Türkay’s Rentals

There’s something magical about exploring a new city on a bicycle—the wind in your hair, the freedom to stop wherever catches your eye, and the joy of stumbling upon hidden corners you’d miss in a car. In Alanya, where the Mediterranean sparkles on one side and lush mountains rise on the other, biking isn’t just a way to get around; it’s an experience.

That’s exactly what Sarah and Mark, a couple from Germany, discovered on their third trip to Alanya. ‘We’d walked the harbor and taken taxis to the castle,’ Sarah recalls, ‘but we wanted to see more—without the tourist crowds.’ Their solution? Renting bikes from Martin Türkay Bike Shop, a local favorite tucked near the city center.

Martin, a cycling enthusiast with over a decade of experience, doesn’t just rent bikes—he crafts adventures. ‘I ask every customer what they want to see,’ he says, adjusting the seat on a sleek hybrid bike for Mark. ‘Beaches? History? Off-the-beaten-path villages? Then I match them with the right route.’ For Sarah and Mark, that meant a scenic 15-km loop along the coast to Cleopatra Beach, with a detour to the quiet Keykubat Plajı, where they picnicked under olive trees.

The shop offers everything from sturdy city bikes (perfect for Alanya’s flat promenades) to mountain bikes for tackling the Taurus foothills. Prices are reasonable—around 150-300 TL per day—and include helmets, locks, and even a basic repair kit. ‘Martin’s bikes are well-maintained,’ Mark notes, ‘and he gave us a map with his favorite stops, like a tiny café in Mahmutlar that serves the best gözleme.’

For those craving more than a leisurely ride, Martin organizes guided tours. One standout is the ‘Alanya to Syedra’ route, a 25-km journey through citrus groves to the ancient ruins of Syedra, where you can wander among 2,000-year-old amphitheaters before cooling off in the Dim Çayı River. ‘It’s like biking through a postcard,’ laughs Sarah, who now recommends the shop to every traveler she meets.

Pro tip: Start early to avoid the midday heat, and pack water—Martin provides bottle holders on all rentals. If you’re staying longer, ask about weekly discounts or e-bike options for hilly terrain. And don’t forget to snap a photo at the Red Tower; the bike lane along the harbor offers the best views.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, Alanya’s diverse landscapes and Martin’s expert guidance make biking here an unforgettable way to connect with the city. As Mark puts it, ‘We’ve seen Alanya from the water and the air—but the best perspective? From the saddle of a bike.’