From Karaman you climb south towards the Taurus Mountains and reach Ermenek. After Ermenek, mountain roads take you down to the Mediterranean coast at Anamur. The route lets you experience the change from steppe to pine forest to hot coastal climate in a single day.
Road conditions
The roads are asphalt, but long sections are narrow, sharply curved and steep. In some parts you may find broken asphalt, potholes and rockfall from landslides. There are sections with no guardrail on cliff-edge bends.
Things to watch for
- Fuel stations are few and far between; be sure to fill the tank in Karaman and Ermenek.
- Stones, gravel and flocks of goats are common on bend exits.
- The difference in altitude is large; dress in layers for cool weather in the mountains and heat on the coast.
- There may be long stretches with no phone signal; tell someone your route.
Accommodation along the way is limited; Ermenek and Anamur are the main places to stay. Set off early in the morning so that you finish the mountain section in daylight.