Overlanding Türkiye’s Aegean Coast
Off the Map, Still on the Coast
There’s a side to the Turkish Aegean few visitors ever see—a coastline not from glossy brochures, but from dirt roads that wind through pine forests, olive groves, and centuries-old ruins hidden from the main motorway. It’s not far from the beach towns and resorts, but it might as well be another world. And it’s one best explored with a sturdy vehicle, a sense of curiosity, and the freedom to stop wherever the view demands it.
This is the domain of overland travel—a movement that’s growing rapidly in Türkiye as more locals and international travellers seek meaningful, slower, and more self-reliant ways to explore the natural richness of the country. Whether you’re driving a custom-built 4x4 or towing an off-road trailer, the goal is simple: go anywhere, stay longer, and carry everything you need with you. From the lonely ridgelines above Ayvalık to the turquoise bays near Datça, the Aegean coast is an ideal testing ground for overland exploration. Its terrain is diverse—rocky shorelines, unsealed forest roads, and remote plateaux overlooking the sea—yet still accessible. For those with the right setup, wild camping opportunities abound, with mountain springs for water, starlit skies for light, and ancient footpaths for walking.
“There’s a unique mix here—Mediterranean beauty with a real sense of freedom,” says Gedas Kalinauskas, creative force behind Retro Rides and Relics, a UK-based vehicle sourcing and restoration specialist specialising in classic and off-road vehicles. “It’s not overdeveloped like some parts of Europe, and you can still find places where the only sounds are the sea and the birds.”
Classic Vans with Character
Kalinauskas is a lifelong fan of classic campervans—particularly vintage VW and Mercedes models. “There’s just something timeless about the old VW T1s and T2s,” he says. “They’ve got soul.” While many enthusiasts now turn to more modern versions like the T5, T6, or T7—especially since the older ones are increasingly rare—his heart remains with the originals. At Retro Rides and Relics, his team specialises in sourcing all kinds of campervans and customising them to fit each client’s needs, including converting select models into 4x4s. Mercedes-Benz 4x4 Sprinters are another favourite, though finding one—let alone affording it—can be a challenge. “That’s where we come in,” he explains. “We’re able to source and modify them at a much more reasonable cost than what’s typically out there.”
For those who want the adventure without quite so much mechanical romance, another overland solution is gaining popularity in Türkiye: the off-road trailer. These compact, towable setups provide all the essentials—shelter, kitchen, water, storage, and sometimes even a hot shower—without needing to invest in a full campervan or modify your vehicle too heavily.
Trailers are a top choice for overland travel—offering flexibility, comfort, and self-sufficiency in remote locations.
The Rise of the Off-Road Trailer
“Trailers make it easier to say yes to remote travel,” says Zak du Plessis, International Sales Manager at Metalian Trailers, an award-winning manufacturer based in South Africa, where overland culture runs deep. “They give you freedom without forcing you to rough it. You unhitch at camp and go explore—then come back to a warm meal and a comfortable bed.” Metalian has seen a huge rise in interest, with customers as far afield as Russia, reflecting the trailers’ reliability and the growing popularity of overland travel in the region.
One of the most appealing aspects of trailer-based travel is flexibility. In places like Kazdağları or the Bozburun Peninsula, the roads may be steep, winding, or unpaved—but they lead to places that organised tours never touch. An isolated olive grove becomes your evening terrace. A cove with no mobile signal becomes your reading nook. And with solar panels, battery storage, and onboard water systems, you can stay off-grid for days.
Kalinauskas believes it’s part of a bigger shift. “People are starting to realise that ‘luxury’ doesn’t mean excess. It means space, silence, and having time to breathe. The tools we use—trailers, vintage trucks, whatever—are just vehicles for that mindset.”
“Türkiye is one of the best countries in the world for this,” du Plessis says. “You’ve got incredible history, epic landscapes, kind people, and places that feel totally untouched. All you need is the right setup—and the desire to wander.”
Tips for Aegean Overland Travel
Choose the Right Rig:
If you're going retro, make sure it's mechanically sound—Türkiye’s mountainous terrain and remote backroads can be unforgiving. For modern setups, opt for trailers with off-road credentials: high ground clearance, all-metal construction, and independent suspension systems are key. A snorkel and upgraded cooling system can be lifesavers on hot, dusty inland tracks. Pro tip: 4x4s with short wheelbases perform best on Türkiye’s narrower mountain passes, especially in regions like the Taurus Mountains or Kazdağları.
Check Local Camping Laws:
Wild camping is generally tolerated across rural Türkiye, especially in forested and coastal areas. However, it’s illegal in national parks and military zones—look for signs or fencing. Always get verbal permission if camping near villages or farmland; locals are often welcoming and may even share tea or tips. Avoid fires in pine forests during summer months (strictly prohibited due to wildfire risk). Tip: The Forestry Department (Orman Genel Müdürlüğü) occasionally allows camping in certain protected areas—ask at local ranger stations.
Pack for Self-Sufficiency:
Türkiye’s terrain changes quickly—from sea-level olive groves to high alpine pastures—so be prepared for extremes. Bring a water filtration system for mountain springs (many are drinkable), and always carry a printed map in case GPS fails in remote valleys. Spare fuel is essential east of Muğla and away from main routes—some petrol stations close early or run out. Carry cash for small shops and villages, especially in the interior, where card payments aren’t always accepted.
Travel Light, Travel Far:
Streamlined gear equals more freedom, especially when navigating Türkiye’s unpaved roads or ferry crossings (e.g., over to Gökçeada or Datça). Pack a tarp or awning for shade—essential in Mediterranean heat—and consider a fridge powered by solar for extended stays. Secret tip: Çadır kampı (tent camping) is popular with locals, and many unofficial campgrounds have free facilities like water and toilets—ask in town or check local websites like Türkiye Kamp Alanları for insider spots.
About the Experts:
Zak du Plessis is the International Sales Manager at Metalian Trailers, based in South Africa—one of the world's true strongholds of overland travel. Each unit is built to order and shipped worldwide, including to Türkiye. Learn more at lifeandleisuresa.co.za.
Gedas Kalinauskas is the creative force behind Retro Rides and Relics, a UK-based vehicle sourcing and restoration specialist specialising in classic and off-road vehicles. Known for blending mechanical know-how with artistic detail, Gedas has helped revive dozens of vintage vehicles for overland travellers across Europe and beyond. Explore his work at retroridesandrelics.com.