Most people strongly associate Turkey with summer. The scorching sun, all-inclusive hotels, beaches packed with tourists, the rhythmic noise of discos and air conditioning working non-stop... But if you come here in the off-season, everything will be different: the temperature is mild, tourists disappear, and the country becomes calm, cozy, lively. This is no longer the bustling resort, but a place where you can feel the real rhythm of life.
What is considered an off-season in Turkey?
The tourist peak falls on the period from May to early October, especially crowded, of course, in summer. At this time, the sea warms up to +28 ... +30 C, the air is above +35 C, and it is sometimes unbearable to be outside.
But from November to April, everything changes. During the day, you can walk in a light sweater, and in the evening you want to put on a windbreaker/cardigan: on the coast, the air warms up to +15 ... +18 C, at night it can be cool - about +8 C. At the same time, the water remains warmer than the air - +20 ... +22 C.
The off-season is when you can swim, but not sweat. When the beaches are not filled with sun loungers, and the sea belongs only to you. When oranges ripen right on the trees, and the old town of Kaleçi in Antalya looks more like a scene from a romantic movie than the center of resort chaos.
Advantages of holidays in Turkey out of season
- Low prices - hotels, air tickets, car rentals and excursions are getting cheaper.
- Empty attractions - without crowds of tourists, everything looks different. Much better!
- Choosing a hotel without fuss - you can book even at the last moment and live where there are no vacancies in the summer.
- Comfortable weather - you can travel actively without suffering from the heat.
- New opportunities - hiking, trekking, paragliding and even alpine skiing.
What to do in Turkey in the off-season?
Swimming in the sea and empty beaches
The water in winter is still warmer than the air, so you can swim, even if not for hours. A couple of minutes in turquoise waves is enough - and you can enjoy the sun again. If the sea suddenly seems cool, then the rocks warmed up during the summer will be an ideal place to lie down and sunbathe.
In the off-season, Turkey is especially good for snorkeling: the water is clear, the fish are multi-colored, you can see everything far away under the water. The best part is that there is no crowd, no one will touch the flippers or scare the fish!
Long walks, hiking and cycling
In the off-season, you can walk as much as you want. Turkey is ideal for trekking, especially in the Taurus Mountains area. Orange groves, pine forests, ancient ruins - everything here seems to be specially created for long walks. In summer, such routes are impossible: the heat squeezes out strength, you have to look for shade. In winter, the road is calling, the air is fresh, it is easy to breathe! Take the famous Lycian Way, one of the most scenic hiking trails in the world, which is difficult to walk during the season because of the heat, but now it's just right.
Cycling is also excellent: there are bike paths along the sea, there are routes through mountain valleys and canyons. Rental is available all year round, but rental prices are lower than in the high season.
Skiing and snow in the mountains
Who said that Turkey is only the sea? There are ski resorts here, and they are no longer inferior to European ones! Uludag, Palandoken, Erciyes are well-equipped trails, modern lifts, snowy peaks and cozy mountain hotels.
Erciyes is located at an altitude of 4,000 meters, on top of a dormant volcano. There is a real alpine spirit, but with oriental hospitality: you ride during the day, and in the evening you can go down and find yourself among green valleys and orchards.
Hot springs and spas
After a long walk, it is so nice to warm up in the thermal springs. The water is +36 C, the steam rises into the cold air - ideal conditions for relaxation! The most famous places are Pamukkale, Bursa, Balçova. In summer it is too hot here, and in the off-season it is the best. It is especially nice that there are fewer people in the thermal complexes at this time, so you can really relax.
Paragliding
In winter, the paragliding season opens in Oludeniz. Mount Babadag offers such breathtaking views! The sea below, the clouds nearby, a light wind in the face... If you have long dreamed of trying, now is a great chance.
Another place to fly is Mount Tahtali in Kemer. You can take the funicular, observe the views from above, and even jump in tandem with an instructor.
Off-season in Turkey is a time of comfort and freedom
Turkey in the off-season is a completely different country. No haste, no noise, no crowd. You can sit on the terrace of a small café, order tea and enjoy the view of the sea, and no one is in a hurry, no one disturbs.
When is the sea more beautiful, in winter or in summer? It is impossible to say. In summer it is bright blue, in summer it invites you to plunge, and now it is calm, deep, mysterious. If in the summer it belongs to everyone, then in the off-season it belongs only to those who know how to see its beauty.
What do cities look like out of season? Otherwise. They come to life! In summer, locals work for tourists, and in the off-season, they live their own lives. You can see the real Turkey: markets where everyone knows each other, streets where you can only hear the rustle of leaves and quiet conversations at tables.
Is it worth going to Turkey now?
Definitely, yes. If you want to see the country as it is. If you want silence, comfort, a real measured life.
In summer, Turkey is for tourists. In the off-season - for those who like to travel.
