How Far is it Between Turkey and Spain? Exploring the Distance

For travelers looking to visit both Turkey and Spain on an international trip, a key planning question is – how far apart are these two countries? As neighboring nations on the Mediterranean, Turkey and Spain may seem close. But just how many miles or kilometers separate these historic destinations?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at the air distance and land distance between Turkey and Spain. We’ll also explore flight times, travel options, and tips for visiting both countries on one epic European vacation.

Straight Line Distance Between Turkey and Spain

As the crow flies, the air distance between Turkey and Spain is 2,062 miles or 3,318 kilometers.

This straight line distance is the shortest over-water route between the capital cities of Ankara, Turkey and Madrid, Spain It passes over the Mediterranean Sea

To drive between Turkey and Spain covering the land distance would be closer to 2,500 miles or 4,000 kilometers This adds in the extra land distance needed to traverse around sea crossings.

Driving Distance and Routes

While not as direct as flying, driving is certainly doable between the two countries. The main route options include:

• North Route: Drive through France, Switzerland, Italy and take a ferry across the Adriatic Sea.

• South Route: Drive the coast through Albania, Greece and Italy, crossing the Mediterranean by ferry.

• East Route: Travel through Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Austria, Italy then ferry to Spain.

These overland routes range from 2,500 to 3,000 miles depending on the exact path. With optimal driving, it would take 2-3 days of solid road tripping to drive between Turkey and Spain.

Flight Duration and Travel Times

By far the fastest way to cover the 1,200+ miles between Turkey and Spain is flying. There are no direct flights, but one-stop options take just:

• Istanbul to Madrid: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Antalya to Barcelona: 3 hours 10 minutes

connecting through major hubs like Munich, Frankfurt, Paris, or Amsterdam.

For trips focused on tourism rather than transiting quickly, travelers can opt to stopover for a few days in an intermediate city. This allows you to break up the travel and visit more places on one big trip.

Tips for Visiting Both Countries

If your upcoming itinerary includes both Turkey and Spain, here are some tips to make the most of your time:

• Focus on just one country per week. Slow travel allows you to fully immerse.

• Bookend your trip in major cities like Istanbul and Barcelona or Madrid.

• Take a train between cities within each country for relaxing sightseeing.

• Fly between countries to maximize time and minimize transit days.

• Consider adding Portugal, southern France, or Morocco to make it a true Mediterranean trip.

• Visit Turkey’s Turquoise Coast and Spain’s Costa del Sol for gorgeous beaches.

• Experience historic sites in Granada, Córdoba, and Cappadocia for a taste of the past.

• Sail the Greek islands between countries for island-hopping adventures.

Experience the Diversity of Two Nations

Part of the appeal of Turkey and Spain is that they offer tremendously diverse experiences within each country.

Cultures of Turkey

Visitors to Turkey can discover influences of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East:

• Istanbul combines modern energy with historic grandeur

• Cappadocia has a surreal volcanic landscape for exploring

• The Turquoise Coast features beach resort towns and sailing

• Ephesus transports you to ancient Greek and Roman times

With mountains, beaches, and hot air balloons, Turkey dazzles.

Diversity of Spain

In Spain, distinctive regional diversity means you can have many trips in one:

• Barcelona blends cutting-edge architecture and Catalan culture

• Madrid is a cosmopolitan hub with museums and nightlife

• Sun yourself on the beaches of the Costa del Sol

• Learn about Moorish history in Andalucía

• Hike the rugged scenery of the Basque Country

From tapas bars to flamenco shows, Spain captivates.

Bring Your Sense of Adventure

A visit to both Turkey and Spain covers a lot of ground – about 2,500 miles over land or 2,000 miles as the crow flies. But efficient travel by plane and train makes it easy to maximize your time.

With hot air balloons over Cappadocia, seafood paella in Barcelona, and everything in between, this is one epic European trip guaranteed to create amazing memories. So pack your bags and let your sense of adventure take flight!