Winter in Turkey – Why You Should Go
Turkey is full of sun-drenched beach resorts and not a lot else, right?
Wrong!
Turkey is packed with things to see and do, as well as experiences to be had, no matter what the month. Just because it isn’t some time between May and October, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be jumping on a plane to a Turkish airport and looking forward to enjoying everything the colder months can bring!
Is It Cold?
Yes, and no. It depends where you go. If you venture to the city of Bursa, yes, it will be cold, because this is close to Turkey’s premier ski resort! If you go to Istanbul, at times it can be very cold and snowy, and at other times it can feel like spring. If you go tot he south coast resorts during the off-season, you’re likely to experience very mild temperatures and some days where you can walk around with just a short-sleeved top on, followed by days of rain where it feels a little on the cold side.
Turkey is such a huge country, with large regional variations, so it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what the weather will be doing. It’s quite likely to be warmer than where you are now, however!
What Is There To Do?
A lot! If you got to a beach resort, you’re going to find a chilled out way of life, and there isn’t likely to be actioned packed days coming your way. This is the ideal spot for chilling the hell out, enjoying nature, sitting in the sun, perhaps having a beach barbecue or two, fishing, and going for a walk around the coastline. You’ll also see a much more authentic way of life in these resorts, compared to the summer season, when it’s all about neon lights and drinking – not very Turkish at all!
Antalya’s huge five star hotels also mostly stay open during the winter season, so you can enjoy an all expenses (pre) paid break, with spas, delicious food, indoor pools, and beautiful scenery too.
Most people tend to head to Istanbul during the winter months though, and this is where you will find far too much to do during one visit! There is sightseeing in abundance, food to try, good times to be had, boat trips to enjoy, history to seek, culture to experience, there is so much to se and do in Istanbul that you will never be bored. Winter is the ideal time to enjoy it because the weather is milder, and you don’t have to battle with high temperatures and crowds at the same time! Just remember to bring a coat and an umbrella, and you’ll be fine!
Can I Go To The Beach?
Not really. The sun might be very warm, especially in the south, but you dip one toe in the water and see how cold it is! There are many indoor pools in the large hotels if you fancy a swim, and simply sitting on the beach, having breakfast, and soaking up the sun is a great experience. Many people even venture down to the beach front to enjoy a beverage or two in the afternoon, at one of the many open bars – ideal for the mild temperatures of this time of year!
An Authentic Way of Life
The most pressing reason to visit Turkey during the winter months is to see authenticity. We talked about summer being all about fun and holiday high jinks, but that isn’t what real Turkish life is about at all. Visit when the tourist flocks aren’t around and you’ll enjoy good food, fantastic cay/tea, a slower pace of life, a welcoming atmosphere, and an all around much more Turkish feel to the place that is ravaged by tourism during the high season!
So, the next time you’re wondering where to go during the winter months, why not jump on a flight to Turkey, for a change?
