Driving in Turkey

[geordie1970]

Hi,

Never driven abroad in my life and thinking of breaking my duck in Icmeler ... Is that the biggest potential mistake of my life, due to the lack of respect and courtesy that I've seen on those roads!!

I've always liked the no driving for 2 weeks or so when we go away, due to being a Sales Rep and sick of driving. But Mrs G is wanting to get out and about a bit more this year ... So any advice would be appreciated!

[south coast hero]

geordie my advice will be short and sweet.
I think you know whats coming.
STICK TO THE DOLMUS OR TAXIS !

[daisysun]

Geordie your a brave man if you decide to give driving a go. Ive never been brave enough to drive whilst abroad because the rules of the road seem to be non existent. However I do think that it would be nice to explore a bit more whilst abroad at your own pace without having to wait for busses and pay for taxis etc and come and go where you please. However im not sure I'll ever be brave enough but if you are im sure you'll have a great time. It would be great to hear a review if you do

[mansy]

I'll say what everyone else is thinking......ARE YOU MAD !!!!!
Have you ever sat and watched the drivers in Icmeler ?



Just jesting, never driven abroad myself, but...we used to have a scooter on the Greek Islands and it was fantastic. However, it was a lot quieter than Icmeler.
Good luck !!

[Chris221273]

I've driven in the Greek Islands many times with no worries, but even I wouldn't drive in Turkey!
2 years ago I watched a policeman nearly get knocked over on a zebra crossing, that made my mind up there and then!!!!

[eddie&gwen]

no problem driving in Turkey, just take it easy first couple of miles, then become a local.once out of town enjoy the Turkish villages and small coves, go for it

[rjpls]

For the last couple of visits we have picked up a jeep from the airport and had it for the whole stay. Have not had a problem although marmaris can be a bit of a free for all the first time you drive through it

[swc24]

Hi

I have driven in Turkey every year for the last nine years with no problem at all. Once you get out of Marmaris the roads are quite
We have been to Dacta and up to Olu denzi. If you drive like the Turks through Marmaris you should have no problem.
Remember to take both your driving licence and passports (you will need passports for ever one in the car) as there are a few security check points out and about. I have found that once they here you are English the normaly wave you on. the police on the other hand will do a full check.

Petrol stations will fill the car for you you just need to tell them how much to put in most will speak english so you should not have any problems there.

I normaly get the car from the rental shop next door to the ICR office and have never had a problem. Ali will look after you.

Steve

[cmac]

Don't do it !!! Better trying in France or somewhere the Highway Code actually exists

[geordie1970]

Thanks everyone ..... Think I'll dolmus it into Marmaris and hire as close to the way out as possible, as on the open roads I'll be fine! Lol ... But from Icmeler into Marmaris I just close my eyes! That hill down into it is just a free for all and I pap my pants every time! Lol

[Sparklegirls]

My Friend & I have both driven before our Turkish friend took us out to show us the ropes & we were fine.
Icmeler was a lot easier to drive than marmaris tho

[madazahatter]

If driving through Marmaris is your only stumbling block you can actually bypass central Marmaris by taking the mountain road out of the back of Icmeler and joining up with the main road that heads through the far side of Marmaris. Bit of a detour but it looks a good drive.

[geordie1970]

Cheers, came back that way on a Bus from a Boat Trip last Summer ... Scary ride back with a 'Fat Freddy Mercury' who was a psycho driver! ... Closed my eyes on the way back at times!

[Sparklegirls]

Can anyone recommend a good car hire company ? Thanks,

[swc24]

Sparklegirls

Go and see Ali at Folio he is next door to the ICR office I have always hired from him and never had a problem

Steve

[dill]

hi, have driven in icmeler in last 3 visits. Hired jeep from Ali next to iCR office, other cars tend to stay clear of a jeep I've found lol. The baptism of fire is when you turn on the ignition and see the gauge on empty and find out the nearest petrol station is on the far side of Marmaris. I would suggest you ask them to put fuel in for you pre pick up and then you could drive straight out towards the back of Icmeler up into the hills where the roads are quite, although a little steep. This will allow you to get familiar with the roads and the car. Over the far side of icmeler you will find hisaranou area which is well worth the journey, Jesus beach and lovely coves and easy driving. After that you will be fine on the roads and can then venture further out. Would recommend a leisurely drive to Ayakaya, easy to get to and lovely place. Hope you try it and enjoy the rural side of Turkey.

[swc24]

Dill

there is now a new Shell petrol station at the back of the old village just before the road to Trunc
Found it last year when I was going out that way

Steve

[dill]

Cheers for that Steve, that will make things easier for people driving first time.

[Sparklegirls]

Hi thanks

Perfect so it's right next to icr travel office?
21 days until we return we will be sure to pop in & see ali fingers crossed we can get a car!

6 years ago we had a jimmy jeep which sounds exactly like your jeep experience we lasted 24 hours & then changed it.

Thanks