7 Best Places in Turkey to Visit in Winter

Turkey is the perfect winter destination for those looking to enjoy winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. There are many winter destinations located throughout Turkey that offer a variety of winter activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a winter getaway or a place to enjoy winter activities, Turkey provides it all.

Is Turkey Worth Visiting in Winter?

Turkey is the perfect winter destination for a variety of reasons. First, Turkey is home to some of the best ski resorts in the world, which offer a bunch of winter activities for visitors to enjoy. With its world-class ski resorts, Turkey offers visitors the perfect winter getaway. Second, Turkey is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. From its stunning landscapes to its vibrant cities, Turkey is a truly unique destination. Third, Turkey is home to some of the most friendly and hospitable people in the world. And last but not least, Turkey is a very affordable winter destination for tourists. The recent devaluation of the Turkish Lira has made winter destinations in Turkey more affordable for international travelers. The weaker currency means that visitors can get more value for their money, making Turkey an even more attractive winter destination. So if you’re looking for a winter getaway that won’t break the bank, check out our Top 10 winter destinations you can pick in Turkey below.

Cappadocia

Imagine waking up in a cave hotel facing an ancient mystical town where colorful balloons accompany the clouds in the sky. Under these colorful balloons are the Fairy Chimneys, which are made by lava centuries ago. Yes, you are in the world-famous Cappadocia. And I will tell you a secret. In winter, Cappadocia is even more beautiful with its snow-covered landscapes. With its stunning landscapes and unique rock formations, Cappadocia is a truly one-of-a-kind destination. You can admire this exquisite natural formation while you take a nice stroll in Göreme region while drinking your coffee in cafes with panoramic views. Balloon rides in Cappadocia are one of the most popular winter activities for tourists. And it’s no wonder why. The experience of floating over the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia is truly unforgettable. So if you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy winter destination, Cappadocia is a perfect choice. And what better way to explore this amazing region than on horseback? Horse riding in Cappadocia is also a great way to see the sights and sounds of this incredible place. There are many horse riding tours available in Cappadocia, so you can choose the tour that best suits your interests and budget.

Uludag

Uludag is the most popular winter destination in Turkey and offers a variety of winter activities. With its beautiful scenery and excellent skiing and snowboarding facilities, Uludag is the perfect place for a winter getaway. Either stay in a world-class ski resort or in a romantic mountain cabin with a warm fireplace, you will be returning home with lots of memories, full of adventures, and with a huge smile on your face. Right in the middle of Uludag National Park, mountain cabins are perfect to relax and enjoy the winter with stunning views of nature. Uludag is the ultimate winter destination where you can enjoy the snow in a safe and secure environment while also being able to push your limits to the extremes if you are a professional skier. If you are not interested in skiing, you can always rent a snowmobile and go on an epic adventure. If you’re looking for a different type of adrenaline rush, then paragliding in Uludag is a must. There is nothing quite like soaring through the sky with the stunning landscapes of Uludag as your backdrop. Paragliding in Uludag is an experience that you will never forget. Make sure that you make your reservations in advance because Uludag might get quite popular in the winter season.

Yedigoller National Park

Literally meaning “Seven Lakes National Park”, Yedigoller National Park is the perfect place to enjoy the winter with its beautiful scenery and its wide range of winter activities. Spending your winter holiday in such a wonder of nature which is also on the preservation list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature is truly a privilege. Do not expect to do winter sports here though. With its peaceful and calm atmosphere, this place is for eyes and souls only. If you are living in a big and crowded city, Yedigoller National Park will be your stress buster. So much that, in this oxygen-rich region, you might pass out due to the fresh air. (well, not really, but almost :)). Add Yedigoller to your holiday plan this winter to break away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and throw yourself among the pine trees. Stay in bungalow houses within the snow-capped trees, taste famous Bolu dishes in the city center of Bolu, or take a romantic horse ride either solo or with a significant other, feel like a chevalier from the Middle ages sent on a winter mission in the mysterious woods. A pleasant holiday awaits you!

Ayder Yaylası

Do you remember the paintings of Bob Ross, which always looked like a piece of heaven? Well, when you are in Ayder Yaylasi in winter, everywhere you look will look like Bob Ross paintings. Known as the Alps of Turkey, Ayder Yaylası is one of the most popular winter destinations among the locals in Turkey. Located in Rize province, Ayder Yaylası is a highland plateau that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The Plateau is also home to a number of hot springs, making it a perfect place to relax and take in the scenery. If you are not into winter sports but rather interested in an Instagram-worthy destination where you can take amazing photos and make your friends beg you to know where this place is, this is the destination for you. Just imagine yourself waking up in one of those snow-covered bungalows in Ayder Yaylasi, walking towards the porch as cracklings from the fireplace accompany the snowflakes hitting the window, warm coffee mug in your hand, and that’s the moment you take that amazing photo.

The cool thing about Ayder Yaylasi is that although it’s well-known amongst the locals, it’s still a secret gem in the international tourism scene. Countless restaurants are waiting for you in Ayder Plateau where you can sip your tea before the snow-covered mountains. I cannot finish talking about Ayder Yaylasi without mentioning “Kuymak” which is a local food that is cooked almost every minute in Ayder Yaylasi. That’s why the locals say there are two smells that enchant you in Ayder Yaylasi. One is the smell of fresh air, and the other is the smell of butter.

Palandoken

Turkey is home to a number of winter destinations that offer a variety of winter sports for visitors to enjoy. One of the most popular winter sports destinations in Turkey is Palandoken. Located in the city of Erzurum which is in the eastern part of the country, Palandoken is one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in Turkey. Palandoken hosted the Winter Olympics in 2010, thus it’s well-known among both local and international skiers. Having a winter holiday in Erzurum, which is famous for its freezing weather, seems to be brave and enjoyable. I mean, you might think Turkey is too Southern to produce such temperatures, but guess what, Erzurum had a record low temperature of -50°C (-50°F) in 2016. Well, I think there is no need to travel all the way to Siberia to experience this type of cold if that’s what you are after. Contrary to the temperatures of winter temperatures, Erzurum locals will be some of the warmest people you will meet in Turkey. You can book a transfer ride directly from Erzurum Airport to Palandoken Ski Resort to make transportation hassle-free. So if you are adventurous, brave, and an adrenaline junkie, then check out Palandöken, which has some of the longest and steepest tracks in the world.

Erciyes Mountain

Erciyes Mountain is another great winter destination in Turkey. Located in the city of Kayseri, Erciyes Mountain is the highest mountain in Central Anatolia. The mountain offers a variety of winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice climbing. If winter tourism means skiing for you, and if you are looking for good tracks, Erciyes Mountain might be suitable for you where the Ski Resort is 25 kilometers away from the city center. Finding accommodation around Mount Erciyes will not be a hustle at all due to its easy accessibility to the urban areas. Therefore, if you are looking for the most affordable winter destination for skiing, check out Erciyes. This place is also one of the very few destinations in Turkey where you can try ice-climbing with professional assistance. If you pick Erciyes for your winter holiday, do not forget to enjoy the local tastes of sausage and pastrami in Kayseri with the breathtaking view of the majestic Mount Erciyes. Get away from the crowd, spend time in Kayseri this winter to take a short break from hasty days, and continue your business life with greater ambition than where you left off.

Mardin

Mardin is one of the most unique winter destinations in Turkey. Located in southeastern Turkey, Mardin is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning views. The city is located on a hilltop and overlooks the Mesopotamian plains. Mardin is also home to a number of historical sites, making it a great destination for history buffs. Winter is the perfect time to visit Mardin as the city is much quieter than in the summer months, and also scorching hot in summers, but turns into a snow-covered landscape in winters. When the snow falls on the old Mardin houses, an unforgettable scenery emerges. The coolest thing is that you can stay in one of those historical houses as most of them were transformed into decent hotels. Mardin is heaven for history lovers as the city hosts many museums and historical sites. Let alone hosting all these places, the city itself is historical as the houses date back as early as 4500 BCE. You can book a full-day private tour with a  guide to discover these amazing places. So, If you enjoy being in a city where mystical feelings will surround you, a winter getaway that is off the beaten path, then Mardin is the perfect destination.

Bonus:

What is the warmest place in Turkey in winter?

Didim is a beautiful town located on the Aegean coast of Turkey. The town is best known for its sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. However, Didim is also a great place to visit in winter as it has a much milder climate than the rest of Turkey. In fact, Didim is one of the warmest places in Turkey in winter, with average temperatures around 20°C (68°F). This makes it the perfect place to escape the cold weather elsewhere in the country. There are also a number of great things to do in Didim in winter, including exploring the ancient ruins of Ephesus, hiking in the nearby mountains, or simply relaxing on the beach.

Alternatively,  Antalya is another warm place in Turkey in winter. Located on the Mediterranean coast, Antalya has an average temperature of 17°C (63°F) in winter. Antalya is a popular tourist destination, especially among Europeans, who flock to the city to escape the cold winters of their home countries. Antalya is home to a number of historical sites, such as Hadrian’s Gate and the Ancient City of Termessos. The city also has a lively nightlife scene and is home to a number of clubs and bars. If you’re looking for a place to escape the cold this winter, Antalya is the perfect destination.

Conclusion for the Best Places in Turkey to Visit in Winter

Whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, ice-climbing, or simply just sightseeing, taking amazing photos, wandering around and collecting memories, Turkey is the perfect winter destination in either case. 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. Safe & happy travels! (: