Car & Van Hire - Kocaeli

Kocaeli, also known as Izmit, is known for its natural beauty. This is a great destination at any time of year. In winter, skiers come here to hit the slopes of Kartepe, the highest peak of the Samanli Mountains. Visit in summer, and you'll be able to enjoy the Black Sea beaches. With many attractions in and around the city, Kocaeli is an exciting, vibrant choice for your next holiday. In the town, you'll find historic buildings to explore and a number of interesting museums. One of the most interesting spots is the enormous local market, a great place to pick up handicrafts and souvenirs. If you're a confident haggler, you're sure to find a bargain!

Car rental in Kocaeli is the best way to get around, as many of the finest natural wonders can be found outside the city. A great example is Ballikayalar Nature Park. This is popular with hikers and rock climbers, with routes to suit people of all skill levels. As you walk between the waterfalls and tiny ponds, you'll often see the wild animals that live here. The park is home to foxes, rabbits, jackals and wild boars. Watch out for the boars, as they are extremely confident and don't fear humans! Never go near a baby boar, or the mother might charge at you.

More beautiful nature can be found in Serindere Canyon. It has six waterfalls, the highest of which is an impressive 20 m. This is another hotspot for rock climbing, but it's more challenging than Ballikayalar. You may prefer to just stick to hiking. Either way, bring your swimsuit, as there's nothing quite like taking a dip in the freshwater to cool off on a hot day.

Looking for fun on the beach? You're in luck! Car or van rental in Kocaeli will let you get to Kefken, known for its beautiful beaches and lush pine forests. You can just chill on the sand or, if you want to see something truly impressive, take a walk to the Kefken Pink Rocks. These mighty rock formations make a dramatic sight, jutting out over the sea.

You'll find more beaches in Kerpe, a popular destination for domestic tourists. This is a particularly good choice if you're travelling with the kids. The water in Kerpe's coves is shallow, so even young children can have fun paddling. Many people choose to camp here, leading to a cheerful, lively atmosphere at all times of day.

Kocaeli is not known for traffic problems, although you might want to avoid rush hour, which peaks at 08:00 and 17:00. If you are driving to Bursa, for example, to use the airport, you will need to take care. Bursa is a much larger city with more significant traffic. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the airport, particularly if you are driving at a peak time.

Kocaeli has ample parking, mostly found in "Oto Parks", Turkey's large multi-storey car parks. These are staffed by attendants who will offer to take your car keys and park for you. You might want to take advantage of this, as Oto Parks are known for packing cars in tightly, which can make parking tricky. If you find on-street parking, you will still need to pay an attendant, as there are no parking meters available. Be sure you are carrying cash to pay for your parking spot.

There is a large network of toll roads throughout Turkey. You will likely take a toll road if you are travelling to Sakarya, Bursa, Istanbul or any other city. Before passing a toll booth, it is essential that you ensure your car is fitted with an HGS device. These payment devices usually take the form of a sticker with an electronic chip. Following a modernisation programme, they are the only way to pay tolls. Card and cash payments are not accepted, and if your car does not have an HGS device, you will be fined.

If you are driving between cities, it's worth asking for advice at your hotel. Toll prices can vary dramatically, so check your route in advance to avoid unwelcome surprises!

The snowy period in Kocaeli lasts two months, starting at the beginning of January and continuing until the start of March. The ski season hits its peak in February. At this time of year, the region can be incredibly beautiful to visit, with the white-covered mountains looking like something from a fairytale. However, you'll need to be prepared to drive in adverse conditions. When the snow is falling, it's best to stick to highways where possible, avoiding country roads. Turkey's highways are modern and well-maintained and are regularly treated with grit in winter. Smaller country roads are not serviced as often and may be prone to hazardous black ice.