“The beauty of a landscape resides in its melancholy.”-Ahmet Rasim about Turkey
Turkey’s Weather in Winter
The winter season officially begins in the middle of December, with frigid days at the end of November. Winter lasts until the middle of March. However, some regions, especially the south coast, have pleasant February days.
Packed to the brim with Byzantine and Ottoman glories in Istanbul, ancient history, delectable cuisines, and vibrant culture. Turkey’s magnificent snowy landscapes and the sounds of skateboards gliding across now serve as standalone tourist attractions.
From numerous ski resorts to top-notch heli-skiing, from reasonably priced accommodations to affordable round-trip flights and a load more, Turkey is a blast in winter. Are you all set to explore Turkey in winter? Let’s begin the rollercoaster ride.
Wondering why Turkey is the perfect vacation to visit in winter? Here are the reasons why.
1. Fewer Crowds
Turkey is packed with a lot to discover. It is full of tourist destinations and rich history. Therefore, winter is the best season to visit Turkey. The majority of individuals dislike crowds the most when they travel. They enjoy seeing the world and traveling, but they secretly wish they could avoid the crowd. Turkey is the ideal destination for you in the winter if you wish to visit without being surrounded by enormous crowds of people and tourists.
2. Lowest Prices
One of the reasons why traveling to Turkey in winter is a perfect choice is that you get everything at a discounted price. Starting with the cost of airline tickets, hotel bookings, vacations, and all the other things. In addition, New Year’s discounts are a perfect time to shop and buy various possessions you might desire to buy during the winter. Due to the abundance of goods offered at affordable prices this season, which will enable you to save a significant amount of money, purchasing gifts will become pleasurable.
3. Immaculate Beauty
Turkey has a lot to offer, apart from being a country with busy rocky beaches, charming villages, breathtakingly gorgeous streets, and endless sunshine. The country is currently experiencing considerable snowfall during the winter, and you must not miss it. Discover the unseen beauty of Turkey with pure magnificence, covered with snow, and overflowing with tranquility and peace.
Things You Can Do in Winter While Being in Turkey:
1. Lake Çıldır Sleighing
Source; Dreamstime
For tourists who visit Turkey in winter, Lake Çildir is a Utopia. The long trek to this high-altitude lake in Turkey’s hillside is like a dream come true. Glorious snow-capped mountain peaks encircle the lake. In the extreme winter season, locals offer ice-fishing tours and horse-sleigh excursions out onto the lake. It is the best way to explore the gorgeous, snow-carpeted environment. Rental snowmobiles and other more contemporary modes of transportation are available in addition to the classic sleighing activities.
2. Skiing at Uludag
Source; Snowforcast
Due to its easy access from Istanbul, Uludag is a top-rated ski resort in Turkey. Visitors are provided with complete skiing facilities at rent for a whole day. Uludag is reached from the city of Bursa, 36 kilometers to the north, or by the Bursa Teleferik, one of the longest cable cars rides in the world. There are 16 lifts available to get skiers to the different slopes. The ski season here lasts from late December to early March, but January and February tend to be the greatest months.
3. Hot-Air Ballooning in Cappadocia
Source; Cappadocia
Fly high above the snowy chimney formations while living your best life. Hot-Air Ballooning in Cappadocia is one of the tourists’ favorite activities while they are on their dream vacation.
As balloon flights take off, you’ll need to bundle up and be ready for below-freezing temperatures while being taken up for your ballooning tour. If you want to experience the best of Turkey’s winter, travel in January or February.
4. Eastern Express Train Trip
Source;RaillyNews
The Eastern Express (Dou Ekspresi), which runs between Ankara and Kars, is Turkey’s most famous train line, and winter is the most popular time to board. The view on this 24-hour train journey is its main attraction. In the heights of winter, it offers a breathtaking view of the landscape of lofty plateaus and snow-blanketed jagged mountains surrounding northeastern Turkey. Although international tourists rarely use this train, Turkish tourists utilize it extensively. Hence it is strongly advised to make reservations in advance.
5. Discovering Lake Abant
Source; DailySabah
Lake Abant is among the top destinations to visit when it snows. A freshwater lake surrounded by a dense pine forest. It is a year-round destination for travelers looking for a wilderness vacation, with walking routes encircling the lake and opportunities for biking and horseback riding on the trails. But during the winter, photographers escape to this location to take pictures while taking strolls around the lake. The lake is completely frozen, guarded by the dense snowy pine tree forest. This is one of Turkey’s most famous locations owing to its winter landscapes.
And if you love Turkey’s traditional food, here’s the 5 different recipies you can try on thanksgiving.
Conclusion
With being the top summer tourist destination, Turkey deserves a visit in winter as well. Beautiful snow-blanketed valleys, a tranquil environment, and Turkey’s exciting winter excursions are like a dream come true.
