Greece to Turkey- Black Sea ?? Help?
 

I'm planning a trip along the black sea coast and can't seem to find the quickest way to get to the Black Sea from Greece. Would you recommend driving up through Greece and across the border through Istanbul, or the boat from Mitiline to Ayvalik and then ride up toward Amasra? Can anyone tell me how long it would take me to get from Ayvalik to Amasra? (old Honda Transalp) Thanks so much for your help in advance! Stephanos

hi stephanos,

if you choise the road via Istanbul you will have chance to see the one of the best view of the world, the Bosphorous, where asia and europa meets and also you might have chance to visit Istanbul, one of the beautiful city in the world. The rad from Greek border to Istanbul is fine. Blacksee region is worth to see especially after Sinop. You will see mountains and greens on your left and Black See on your right. Very nice people. I am sure they will offer you meal and drinks.

On the other hand from Ayvalik to Amastra... Personally, if there is a opportunity to ride then i ride. I dont like taking ferries if there is a way to go. Anyway. Ayvalik is a small holiday town. Good for chill out. If you want to ride from Ayvalik to Amastra then you should go through part of West Anatolia. Roads are OK but not much to see. Its about 700KM, one day drive.

So, choise is yours.. Hope you enjoy!!

ozhan u.

Thanks so much for the information. I was thinking of cutting through toward Ankara from Ayvalik, then riding up toward the black sea to Trebizond and then backtracking along the coast to Amasra and Istanbul. Not sure how the roads are from Ayvalick to Trebizond via Ankara, but I'm sure I'll find out. Thanks for your help. maybe I'll see you on the road. Take care, Stephen.

89 Transalp

Hi Stephanos

There is a new dual carriage way in the North Coast. It is really good and save to ride. I think it starts from Sinop or Samsun and goes to Trabzon, maybe beyond. From Ayvalik to North Coast, as I mentioned before you have to travel through West Anatolia. Roads are OK, not as good as M1 maybe but safe travel.

Actually your route looks good if you planed to go Ayvalik-Ankara-Samsun-Trabzon and back via Trabzon-Samsun-Sinop-Amastra-Bartin-Istanbul-...

You will see quite different things (nature, culture, roads, meals, etc) in both paths. If you have time do as you planned.

I am in Ankara, and feel free to visit as I mentioned before. My mobile is:
+90 535 9416711

Have a safe journey

route
 

Hi Stephanos,

Ride from Istanbul to Ankara direction from E-6 (TEM) highway, after passing 50 kms to Gerede you have to take road to Karabuk. You have to ride north, You will pass Safranbolu. Giva a stop of a few hours there for seeing interestin old houses and take a cafe. It is very touristic area. Then ride up to Amasra without riding in Bartin.
Amasra is very nice, small town. You will feel very happy there. Don't forget to eat fish.
After Amasra don't count on going back to main roads. Continue from seaside. It will take some more time but worths that. Have to follow Sinop and Samsun through Hopa.

Don't forget to go higher places from the seaside especiallay when you are in Trabzon and Rize.
We call it "yayla". I definitely recommend to go. For example Uzungol near Trabzon. And also Sumela Monastery is very famous and worth visiting 60 kms south of Trabzon on the way to Zigana.

Hello Stephanos,

The road from Ayvalik to Ankara takes nearly 8 hours by bus. It depends on your experience and your style to cover that distance in one day. Personally I cant ride 8 hours straight so, preferably I would plan to cover it in 2 days. Ankara to Amasra is a one day ride. After Amasra, if you follow the coast line, your average speed will be 60-80 km/h (full of curves in some parts) till the new highway.

Hope you a safe journey.
Ozgur

Dear Stphanos,
I just saw your posting, below are some ideas.
- I understand that you will go through Anatolia to Trabzon and ride backwards. Assuming you will be riding back towards Istanbul, you get to see most of the coast. But remember Rize Arhavi and Hope are even greener.
Of course time is an issue.


- Tires,
You have great bike for the region Transalp. Put some good tires and you can start visiting the plateus or Yayla as we call them. Roads may become dirt so semi-knoblies would be the best. Something like Mitas Enduro, or TKC-80 may open all this roads to you.

We had several riders from Greece who visited the black sea and a firend of mine (also member of our EMOK) has very detailed information about the black sea cost. If you tell me what time of the year you will be visiting and for how long, I can get you in contact with Turgay.

In any case I would absolutely suggest to see the highlands which carries the characterisirics of the Black Sea so much.

Finally, in summer the Black Sea is the right place when the Egean and mediterranean is very hot. You will enjoy the cool ride and great scenaries.

Regards

Burak

And which is the right place to go in the winter, Nov-Dec, by motorbike (a sports tourer so need to keep to the main roads ideally)

Cheers!

paul

Morocco?

I was camping in Greece in Dec .. one day I woke up to snow on the nearby hills ...

Greece at the moment (end Oct) seems ok, camped near the Meteoras, Turkey tomorrow, Iran few weeks after!

Hello
I am not sure where are you now but for next3 days Turkiye will have rain and cold weather.
It may be little sunny afterwards around Marmara region and the rest is more rain and cold.

This is goo nes for the enduro race riders we have tomorrow.
But for travellers, check the METEOROLOJİ GENEL MÜDÜRLÜĞÜ - Ana Sayfa for the latest info.

Good luck.

If you are still planning...
 

Hi Stephanos,

I saw that you posted this topic on July..
Wish I saw it then..
Seeing that people still posting answers like from 2 weeks ago or even less than a day, I thought maybe you're still planning or on the road back so decided to give a shot..

Anyhow, if you will be crossing near Ayvalik or need any help about anything,
I'm at : 39°12'34.30"N
26°44'18.41"E

..which is Altinova, 14 km from Ayvalik.

I also got a friend here ( his name is Oygar )in Ayvalik who has a little lifestyle house for travellers called Kidonia Lifestyle House.
You would be very impressed. It's a unique place..
So no worries about acco.

If you are around, pls feel free to call me : +90 538 435 09 56
or mail me kanaloa7000@gmail.com
Anyone who is travelling around the world on his/her motorbike is most welcome.. :-)

Ride the World, Safe Roads..

Ozgun

Ozgun

What a shame just mıssed you as now in İzmir!

paul

Hey Paul,

Really shame..

Saw your trip plan..
India.. And hopefully beyond..
Nice..
:-)

I'm sure we'll meet somewhere anyway..

I used to live in Thailand by the way..
So if you go "beyond" i can tell you about some "must see"s in S.E.Asia..

Safe Roads,

Ozgun