5 Places to Visit in Turkey During Winter

Officially known as the Republic of Turkey, it is a beautiful middle eastern country located in western Asia, famous for its scenic beauty and its rich history and heritage sites.

The country welcomes visitors with arms wide open all year round. However, its beauty intensifies during winter. 

Imagine being a part of the movie "Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. So ethereal. Well, what if I tell you that a place like that exists in the real world? With the snow-capped Balkans surrounding it, Turkey looks like a land straight from the fairy tales, a real-life Narnia.

Places To Visit In Turkey During Winters

While people may think there is nothing to see in Turkey during winter, they do not know the secret. Low-season prices and fewer crowds are two of the benefits of traveling to the snowy heaven during this season.

Here are our top 5 favorite places to visit in Turkey during winters

1. Cappadocia

One cannot talk about turkey without mentioning Cappadocia. Famed for its fascinating history, magnificent landscapes, and hot air balloons, this city remains one of the top sites in Turkey for tourists.

The stunning landscapes formed due to centuries of volcanic eruptions are extraordinary.

While many people visit in summer, spring or autumn, visiting Cappadocia in winter is best. And there are endless reasons for this. Firstly, for its magical snowy landscape. Secondly, it is way less crowded than any other season of the year. Finally, since nothing is closed during winter, you can practically see all the places sans the crowd!

Lastly, Cappadocia in winter is an ideal place for hiking. This activity can become very unbearable during summer because of the scorching heat. However, the crisp and sunny atmosphere makes every hike worth remembering in winter.

2. Istanbul

The capital city (also the biggest), earlier known as Constantinople, Istanbul, is popular with tourists during winter. As a result, attractive landmarks like Byzantine Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and ancient Churches that are otherwise crowded during summer are empty in winter.

All historical sites like the UNESCO world heritage buildings of the Sultanahmet district are open for visitors. Places like the Grand Bazaar are also open for tourists, making a highly profitable trade.

The temperature in winter ranges from 2C to 15C in Istanbul, making it a pleasant and bearable stay.

You can shop in local markets and explore the east-west fusion and the prehistoric era while eating at famous restaurants like Rana Meyhane (serving Mediterranean and Ottoman cuisine) and Cecconi's (famous for its Italian dishes similar to Batista Restaurant Las Vegas).

You might also explore the local cafes and patisseries serving Budapest, Turkish helva, and sweet Tahini Rolls or Tahinli Ekmek (looks kind of similar to cinnamon rolls in Las Vegas).

Other popular historic sites include the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, Spice Bazaar, and the open-air Hippodrome from the Roman era.

3. Antalya

Formerly known as Pamphylia, Antalya is one of the warmer places in the country during winters. The place is famous for beaches with big hotels and old yacht-filled old harbours.

Modern shopping malls, bowling alleys, cinemas, and nightlife destinations stay open until morning.

The cities of Thermosare and Aspendos are other attractions of this region, where you can spend a lot of time in the archaeological museums. The old town called Kaleici, the famous monument of Hadrian's gate, the summit of Mount Tahtali, which is sometimes covered in snow, are among other attractions. Cable cars, trekking and paragliding, and ending the day's fatigue in the famous Turkish Bathhouses are also popular among tourists.

4. Ephesus

A small and ancient city, Ephesus is located in the country's Central Aegean region, near modern-day Selcuk. Remnants of centuries of history from classical Greece to the Roman empire can be seen in most parts of the city.

Known for its archaeological sites, this is the most-visited historical attraction of Turkey, during summer. This is the reason why winter is an ideal time to explore the city as the crowds are considerably less.

Popular tourist attractions include a magnificent Great Theater that seats 25,000 people, the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the house of the Virgin Mary (where she spent her last days), and the mosaics of the Roman terraced houses that were home to wealthy and influential people of the Byzantine empire.

5. Izmir

Founded by the Greeks, the city of Izmir is the third most populated after Istanbul and Ankara. Popular as a summer destination for its beautiful beaches, the city takes on another kind of beauty in the winter season.

The streets of this port city located on the Aegean Coast are mostly empty during the winter months. So, if you are not a big fan of crowded places, Izmir should be on your bucket list.

The city of Alsancak, famous for its restaurants, famous patisseries, shops, cafes, bars, museums, and exhibitions, draws you in, and you will lose all sense of time.

You cannot miss Sunset Viewing Terrace on the beach of Bostanli. The Bostanli market with a reputation that crosses the borders of Izmir for its organic products and affordable clothing, food, and beverage.

Bozdag, the ski center of Izmir, serves both professional and amateur skiers with its three ski tracks and advanced facilities. Mountaineering Festivals are held in the month of February with members of the mountaineering club. 

There's more. The Balcova district offers an unforgettable winter experience with hot springs and thermal baths set in the gorgeous forest.

Conclusion

Traveling is necessary as it breaks the monotony of life. Not only that, it also gives you the chance to see the beauty of the world as you go around exploring different cities, their people, and their cultures.

If you have already been to Turkey in winter, you are a winner. If not, then you are missing out on something really fascinating. In case you are looking for a special treat, wintertime in Turkey is something that you won't forget. So, carry some large coats, warm gloves, and waterproof boots. You are good to go!