7 Best Places in Turkey to Visit in Autumn
Turkey is a beautiful country with a lot to offer to tourists, and autumn is definitely a great time to visit.
What is Turkey like in Autumn?
Autumn in Turkey is a beautiful time of year. The leaves change color and the weather is cool and perfect for spending time outdoors, making it ideal for exploring the country’s many attractions. And, of course, autumn is the perfect time to enjoy the country’s stunning autumn foliage.
There are many activities to enjoy during autumn, such as hiking, biking, horseriding, and picnicking. The autumn scenery is also breathtaking, with colorful leaves and crisp air, allowing photo enthusiasts to capture magnificent moments. So if you’re thinking about taking a trip to Turkey this autumn, definitely go for it! You won’t regret it. Here are the 7 Best Places you can visit in Turkey during the time of Autumn:
Abant Lake
Abant Lake is a freshwater lake located in northwest Turkey. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, attracting visitors from all over the world. The lake is situated at an altitude of 1,350 meters (4,430 ft) and has a surface area of approximately 4 square kilometers. The maximum depth of the lake is about 20 meters (66 ft). Abant Lake is surrounded by forested mountains and has a moderate climate. The average temperature in autumn is 10 °C (50 °F) The name “Abant” means “source” or “origin” in Turkish, and it is believed that the lake was formed by an earthquake about 3,000 years ago. The Abant Lake area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, and there are a number of archaeological sites in the vicinity of the lake.
It’s a great place to visit during autumn when the leaves are changing color and the weather is cool and perfect for spending time outdoors. In addition to fishing and swimming, there are many activities to enjoy around the lake, such as hiking, kayaking, biking, bird watching, horseback or stagecoach riding, and picnicking. The lake is also well-known for its trout fisheries, and there are several restaurants in the area where visitors can enjoy freshly caught fish. There are a number of hotels and bungalows situated around the lake. After a delicious breakfast early in the morning, you can go for a walk around the lake. Mornings are the best times to get immersed in breathtaking autumn scenery with crisp air and colorful leaves carrying every shade of yellow, orange, and red. There are no flights available from Istanbul due to its close distance, but you can always book a private tour with a VIP van from Istanbul, which takes around 3-4 hours to arrive. So if you’re looking for a place to enjoy autumn in a picturesque lake surrounded by forested mountains, Abant Lake is the perfect destination.
Ephesus
Ephesus is an ancient city located in Selcuk district of Izmir. It’s a great place to visit if you’re interested in history and culture. It was one of the most important cities in the ancient world. As a major center of trade and culture, it was known for its grandiose architecture. The city was home to a number of famous temples, including the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus was also a major center of early Christianity, and it was here that the apostle Paul preached to the people. Today, Ephesus is a popular tourist destination, as it is home to a number of well-preserved ruins. Visitors can explore the ancient city, and see some of the most famous sights in the world. If you would like to make an extension to your Ephesus trip, the House of the Virgin Mary is only 15 minutes drive from Ephesus. So if you are arriving in Izmir by plane, renting a car at the airport could be ideal to visit Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary, and Sirince (which is our next place to visit on the list below)
Autumn is a great time to visit Ephesus because the weather is cool and comfortable for walking around and exploring. The autumn foliage is also beautiful, with colorful leaves everywhere you look. I would recommend booking a half-day tour with a guide to get the most out of Ephesus. So if you’re looking for a place to enjoy autumn and learn about history at the same time, Ephesus is the perfect destination.
Sirince
Sirince is a village in the Aegean Region of Turkey, located about 8 kilometers (5 miles) east of Selcuk and 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) west of Ephesus. The village is known for its production of olive oil and wine, as well as its beautiful architecture and stunning views. Sirince was formerly known as Ören, and was renamed in 1926 by the Turkish government. The village is home to about 700 people, most of whom are Greek Orthodox Christians.
In 2012, the village was swarmed by visitors who believed it was the only safe haven from the impending apocalypse according to Mayan calender, resulting in the village’s been nicknamed as “doomsday village”. Check out this newspaper article from 2012 if you are interested in this story.
The village of Sirince is built on the slopes of Mount Bungalov, and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The architecture of the village is a mix of traditional Greek and Ottoman styles, and the houses, some of which were turned into hotels, are decorated with bright colors and flower-filled balconies. The streets of Sirince are lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops selling local products such as olive oil, wine, and honey.
Sirince is a popular destination for tourists visiting Turkey, especially those interested in history or archaeology. The village is home to a number of historical sites, including the ruins of a Byzantine church, an Ottoman-era mosque, and a Greek Orthodox monastery. There are also several hiking trails in the area, which offer panoramic views of the village and the surrounding countryside. Sirince is a great place to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of life, especially in autumn. The tourist hoards of the summer are gone, the weather is cool and perfect for spending time outdoors, and the autumn scenery is beautiful. So if you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy autumn in an Instagram-worthy pastoral village, Sirince is the perfect destination.
Gobeklitepe
Gobekli Tepe is an archaeological site located in Sanliurfa Province, southeastern Turkey. The site consists of a series of 11 artificial hills or mounds, the tallest of which is around 20 meters (65 feet) in height. These mounds are arranged in a circle, with the largest in the center and smaller ones surrounding it. Each mound is made up of a series of stone pillars, some of which are carved with images of animals such as snakes, lions, and spiders. The site is believed to date back to the 10th millennium BCE, making it the oldest known temple in the world.
The function of Gobekli Tepe is not yet known for certain, but it is thought that it may have been used for religious or ceremonial purposes. The site was first excavated in the 1960s by a team of Turkish archaeologists, but has since been largely forgotten about. In the early 21st century, however, Gobekli Tepe has seen a resurgence in popularity, and is now considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.
There are Gobeklitepe tours available either on-site or from major cities such as Istanbul. However, if you like to discover on your own, you can take a flight from Istanbul directly to Sanliurfa.
In conclusion, Gobeklitepe is a great place to visit if you’re interested in history and culture, and autumn is a great time to visit Gobeklitepe, because Sanliurfa is one of the hottest cities in Turkey. In autumn, the weather is cool and comfortable for walking around and exploring. Do not expect an autumn foliage with colorful leaves though, as the site is located in a desert. So if you’re looking for a place to make you curious about our ancestors this autumn, Gobeklitepe is the perfect destination.
Safranbolu
Safranbolu is a city located in the Black Sea region of Turkey. It is known for its traditional architecture and its well-preserved Ottoman-era houses. Safranbolu was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. The city’s name comes from the Turkish word for saffron, safran.
Safranbolu has a long history of producing this spice. The city was an important stop on the Silk Road, and it is thought that Safranbolu’s saffron was traded as far away as China. Safranbolu’s old town is full of narrow streets and traditional Ottoman houses. These houses were built with a special type of stone that comes from the nearby mountains. The stone is black, and it gives the town a unique look. Some of these traditional houses are now functioning as hotels where you can accommodate during your visit. Safranbolu is also home to many beautiful mosques. The most famous of these is the Yeni Mosque, which was built in 1661. The mosque has two minarets and a large dome. If you are interested in learning more about Safranbolu’s history and culture, there are several museums in the city. The Safranbolu Ethnography Museum is located in an old Ottoman house. The museum has exhibits on the city’s history, culture, and architecture.
The Ataturk Forest Farm and Zoo is another popular attraction in Safranbolu. The farm was founded by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the modern Turkish Republic. The park has a lake, and it is surrounded by trees. The zoo has a variety of animals, including tigers, lions, and bears.
The easiest way to get to Safranbolu is by taking a flight to Ankara Airport. From there, there are buses or VIP transfer vans available which can take you to and from Safranbolu.
Safranbolu is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you are interested in its history, culture, or just want to enjoy the outdoors, Safranbolu is a great place to enjoy autumn in Turkey. Get lost with your camera in Safranbolu’s mysterious streets, taste saffron tea in the marketplace, and don’t forget to get some of its famous Turkish delights for your friends and relatives as souvenirs.
Eğirdir
Do you want to get away from the city rhythm that forces you to be fast and take shelter in a quiet, peaceful, well-protected place? Egirdir, chosen as Turkey’s 14th Cittaslow city, is ready to be your savior for this beautiful autumn season. Located within the borders of Isparta and on the shore of Lake Eğirdir, 188 km (117 mi) from the city of Antalya, Eğirdir is a good option for those who say “I want to take a break from life”.
The area around Eğirdir was first settled in the Bronze Age. The town itself was founded by the Rhodians in the 2nd century BC. Eğirdir was conquered by the Seljuk Turks in the 12th century. It was occupied by the Crusaders in the 13th century and later by the Ottoman Turks. Thus, the town is also home to a number of historical sites, including the remains of an ancient Roman town.
Today, Eğirdir is a popular tourist destination with many accommodation options, especially for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, canoeing, and bird watching. The city is surrounded by mountains and lakes, making it the perfect place to enjoy the autumn scenery. There are several hiking trails in the area that offer stunning views of the autumn foliage. Autumn is the perfect time to explore everything this city has to offer.
Lake Kovada, about 30 km from Eğirdir, is an indescribably beautiful place where you can see all the shades of autumn colors and be alone in nature. Kovada is a must-visit extension to your Egirdir trip.
The easiest way to get to Egirdir is by taking a flight to Antalya, and from there, you can find many buses and vans running hourly trips to Egirdir.
With its lakes, lavenders, roses, and ancient cities, it’s guaranteed that you will leave this city with extraordinary photos and unforgettable memories.
Ulugöl Natural Park
Located in the district of Gölköy, which is one of the top 10 places where the longest-living and healthy people in Turkey are found, Ulugol National Park will give your lifespan a boost thanks to its natural production and consumption. 62 km from the city of Ordu, hidden among the majestic and fertile mountains of the Black Sea Region, this peaceful park is so warm and natural that just walking around makes you feel more alive.
Gölköy is located in a mountainous area. The highest point in the district is Mount Gölköy has an elevation of 1,206 meters (3,959 feet). The district which has a population of 33,872, is known for its beautiful lake and tea plantations. The district is home to the Gölköy Tea Factory, which produces black tea. The town is situated on the shores of Lake Göl, making it a perfect place to enjoy the autumn. There are several hiking trails in the area that offer stunning views of the autumn foliage. Gölköy is also home to a number of historical sites, including an old Turkish fort. Autumn is the perfect time to explore everything this city has to offer. If you like to walk on autumn walking routes, you will love the famous lake shores of Gölköy.
Ulugöl National Park, which is half an hour’s drive distance from Gölköy town center, is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and bird watching. The park was established in 2009 and covers an area of 4,200 hectares. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including over 200 species of plants and 80 species of animals. The park offers a visual feast to its guests with its forest consisting of beech, hornbeam, alder, hazelnut, and oak. In addition to trees, other plants such as water lily, water reeds, and duckweed on the lake increase the attractiveness of this natural wonder area. While you are visiting Ulugöl, make sure to also visit Çepekli Lake, and Çermik Lake, which are within walking distance of Ulugöl.
There are 12 cottages suitable for accommodation around the lake, but if you would prefer a modern stay with amenities, there is a nice hotel with pastoral scenery around an hour’s drive distance from Ulugöl.
The easiest way to get to Ulugol is by taking a flight from Istanbul to Ordu, and then renting a car at the airport.
Conclusion for The Best Places in Turkey to Visit in Autumn
If you’re looking for the best places to enjoy autumn in Turkey, look no further than the locations we mentioned above. These places offer stunning views of the autumn foliage, as well as a wealth of historical and cultural sites to explore. With Turkish Airlines as the national carrier of Turkey and flying to more destinations than any other airline, traveling to and from Turkey will be hassle-free, and reaching those remote destinations in Turkey will just be a transit away from Istanbul. And if you are a frequent traveler, you should definitely check out WayAway’s $5 per month membership program where you can get cashback up to 10% in real money on flights, hotel booking, transfers, car rental, and even attractions. If you sign up using our link, you get an additional 10% off of the membership program. (:So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Turkey for an unforgettable autumn experience.