Most people associate Turkey with summer holidays, hot sun and beach activities, but in recent years this stereotype has changed.

I have repeatedly written in the blog that people “vote” with their feet – the demand for rent in winter, as well as for housing prepared for wintering, is constantly growing. The best villas and apartments in the most comfortable complexes in the country are already almost all booked, despite the increase in rental rates. So what attracts people to winter Turkey? Let’s answer together.

Ski resorts

Winter holidays in Turkey as an independent industry are still developing in the country. The same ski resorts require investment in infrastructure, the construction of roads and hotels, to which it is necessary to conduct gas, electricity and other communications. In other words, all this takes time.

However, even now, according to information from travel agencies, we see that Turkey is gradually reaching the top positions. So, this winter, every third Russian and every second Ukrainian tourist will go to Turkey. So far, the country is second only to Egypt, and the Russians also to Thailand, but the dynamics show that their leadership will not last long.

This is despite the fact that it will not be possible to swim in the sea in winter. But the winter tourist goes to Turkey not for the sake of water procedures. He seeks peace and… Snow. That’s right – Turkish ski resorts, which are now actively developing, offer snow entertainment, but without severe frosts. Skiing, snowboarding and much more.

Moreover, in Turkey, all entertainment is located quite compactly. Today you can meet the sunrise by the sea, where the temperature in winter is 16-19 degrees Celsius, and tomorrow go to the mountains, where there is already snow and all-inclusive for winter sports. And all this in 5 * hotels, where the cost of living starts from 200 euros per person per week. And you can swim in the pool at the hotel or in the hot springs, which are presented in great abundance.

If we talk about specific ski resorts, now most often go to Davgaz, Saklikent, Uludağ, Palandoken, Sarkamış, Hazababa and Erciyes. They are very evenly scattered in the mountainous regions of Anatolia, which allows you to choose the most convenient option.

Which resorts are the most sought-after?

The most popular is Uludag due to the fact that it is located closest to Istanbul. In addition, he was one of the first to settle in the “Turkish Alps” format. That’s right – Turkey has its own “Riviera”, covering the south of the country with the center in Antalya, and more recently the “Alps”.

Next in popularity are Saklikent and Davgaz. They are located closest to Antalya (45 and 160 km from the city, respectively), so it is easiest for vacationers to get to them, and prices there are lower (sometimes several times) than at resorts in the original Alps. Moreover, the level of comfort is not lower, and often higher.

It is believed that the newest and most developed infrastructure for recreation is located in Saklikent and therefore local resorts usually occupy leading positions in the ratings in terms of price / quality ratio. The advantage will be the cheapness and simplicity of flights – there are flights to Antalya from almost every major city in the CIS. A PCR test is still enough to fly to Turkey, unlike EU countries, where visitors are required to have certificates of full vaccination against coronavirus.

Most Turkish winter resorts are located at an altitude of about 2-3 thousand meters, and the trails are considered simple. I must say that Turkey is initially focused more on family holidays with children, so the simplicity of the trails is more of an advantage than a disadvantage. After all, there are much more beginners among skiers than experienced athletes. However, there are suitable tracks for professionals, you just need to find them in advance.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the winter resorts have the already mentioned thermal springs, baths, hammam, swimming pools with fresh and sea water, many restaurants and cafes at hotels, as well as concert halls. On New Year’s Eve, there is usually a rich festive program, performances by Turkish and foreign artists, discos and much more. Everyone will find leisure to their liking, both a quiet family and a noisy night.

It is important that every year in Turkish ski resorts there are more and more not only English-speaking, but also Russian-speaking instructors. Without a language barrier, holidays in Turkey are becoming even more accessible to immigrants from the CIS, who are increasingly coming not only from hotels, but from their own housing in Antalya and nearby cities – and tens of thousands of our compatriots already live there.

Warm shores

In addition to relaxing in the mountains, winter Turkey also offers warmth and comfort by the sea. Yes, at a temperature of 16 degrees, you can’t really swim, but there is one important advantage – peace. In summer, Turkey is stuffy from the huge number of tourists who can be found literally everywhere. In winter, all attractions and entertainment (except swimming in the sea, of course) are available without queues and much cheaper than in summer.

What can you do in the country in winter? Let’s look at this with the example of Antalya. Firstly, in winter, which in Antalya is more like a warm spring of mid-latitudes, it is very pleasant to walk along the ancient streets and historical locations of the city. In summer, it is too hot and crowded, which not everyone will like.

You can visit both the Old Town, with its ancient and Ottoman antiquities, and more modern locations, such as the Oceanarium or the Zoo, the Toy Museum or the “Upside Down House”, the Ethnographic Museum or the skating rink, one of the cinemas or concert halls, an opera or symphony orchestra, an ice rink or a snow room, there is an amusement park … There is so much that it is simply impossible to list.

If you want to be closer to nature, you can visit the Upper and Lower Düden waterfalls, Kurşunlu, numerous parks and squares. Or go outside the city and visit the ruins of the ancient kingdom of Lycia, visit local caves and forests. By the way, hiking or cycling routes in the mountains and forests in winter are very popular in Turkey, because in summer it can be hot for outdoor activities.

Secondly, sightseeing is well combined with shopping, as well as visiting wellness centers, where spa treatments, massages, baths and more are always available. The city has shopping and entertainment centers Migros, Mark Antalya, Terra City, Özdilek, Erasta, Deepo, Mall of Antalya, Agora and others. This is without taking into account smaller shops and, of course, a real oriental bazaar.

Moreover, winter in Antalya is the period of the biggest discounts in stores. Especially for branded items. Simply because there are much fewer buyers at this time of year than in summer, and warehouses for new collections must be freed.

Rest for connoisseurs of peace

But, nevertheless, winter Antalya is more of a place to relax and recharge your “internal batteries”. Some winter tourists say bluntly that they go to Turkey in winter “to hear the sound of the surf”, without being distracted by other vacationers and constant music. Noisy shopping malls and concerts are good, but in our time, when there is so much fuss and negativity in the world, sometimes you just want to stop and take a breath. So that no one interferes or distracts.

Ideally, if the atmosphere around is also healing – literally, because in Antalya the mountain, forest and sea air is mixed into a surprisingly useful “cocktail” for our lungs. In some locations, in Konyaalti, for example, this mixture is especially saturated, which is why villas and hotel rooms here are dismantled in the blink of an eye.

Speaking of peace – what sport can be more peaceful than such a noble sport as golf? The province of Antalya is the Turkish “capital of golf”, in winter people come here from all over Europe and not only. True, more often not to the city of Antalya itself, but to Belek, which is located in the same province. In winter, various competitions are also held here – both for beginners and for professional golfers.

Such wintering will be optimal not in a hotel, but in your own or rented housing. Judging by the growth in demand, more and more of our compatriots think so. Moreover, the collapse of the lira makes life in Turkey more accessible to anyone who earns in another currency. And no one forbids working remotely – high-speed Internet is quite affordable and cheaper here than in Europe.

Wintering in Turkey – rest for the soul

Turkey in winter is an ideal place for someone who appreciates quality service and silence, and also knows how to count their money, because in the off-season everything is cheaper here. Comfort and tranquility in Antalya is a real paradise for the soul, which will help to escape from the endless crises and conflicts that are constant. And if you get bored, then all the entertainment is also at hand – especially on New Year’s Eve. Come and discover the new winter Turkey.