Share the article
Last updated
With peak season almost behind us and the summer crowds seeming to be spreading, travelers are turning their attention to fall destinations.
Sunny vacations are still a priority, but where should they go when the weather starts to cool?
Believe it or not, East is the answer: this inspirational country is one of the top autumn destinations, but also one of the cheapest, standing out as a budget destination in an increasingly Euroised Europe due to its low cost of living and attractive prices.
This season there is no place we would rather be than Turkiye:
Why is everyone so obsessed with Turkiye now?
Turkiye, formerly spelled Turkey, is a transcontinental nation located primarily in Asia, although 3.4% of its land area is part of Europe. Known as the gateway to the Middle East, iIt has been a source of fascination for centuriess, but it’s really reaching a new peak of popularity now.
Istanbul, the country’s largest city, marks the natural border between the two continents and lies on both sides of the legendary Bosphorus.
The minarette-studded skyline, bustling bazaars and rich Byzantine heritage of the European side make it Turkiye’s most recognizable postcard.
We’ve already written a detailed 3-day Istanbul itinerary, which you can check out here, but we should perhaps stress again that it’s one of the world’s most exciting city breaks.
Traditionally, Monuments that are on the UNESCO list to modern neighborhoods, here you will find the best of both worlds.
A diverse tourist offer
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans for 2023 from $10 per week
Although Istanbul is the most famous destination in Turkiye, its strength lies precisely in its varied offer. Located beyond the Bosphorus and the adjacent mega-city an entire peninsula blessed with green areasunique geological formations, towering peaks and pristine coastlines.
Whether it is the arid landscape and cave cities of Cappadocia, or the scenic Aegean route, you will be enchanted by the sheer natural beauty of Turkiye.
This fall, the seaside resort of Izmir is the ideal place to be.
The largest Aegean city in the country, it boasts an enviable portfolio of luxury all-inclusive resorts along its turquoise coast, with many nightly rates that are much cheaper compared to Barcelona, Nice and other European cities in the competition.
An overnight stay at the Ibis Izmir Alsancak will cost you just $109 this fall, while a shared room at a youth hostel in Barcelona can cost as much as $83. Almost the same price range, but much less comfort.
Turkey Is Is called This fall
In case you forgot, Turkiye is a Mediterranean country, and Izmir itself boasts long hours of sunshine and warmer temperatures well into autumn, with highs of 84.2 degrees (F) in September and lows of 68 degrees.
It remains relatively warm until early November, averaging 75.2 degrees during the day, before cooling to a pleasant 60 degrees in the evening.
Further along the Mediterranean coast, other popular holiday resorts include the smaller towns of Bodrum and Marmaris, where tourists can both bask under the scorching sun and marvel at Hellenic ruins that rival those of Greece in beauty.
On the Eastern Mediterranean, Antalya is an absolute leader in holiday bookings Turkiye’s busiest beach destinationwhere, according to the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, more than 4 million tourists have visited between January 1 and June 10 this year.
Antalya is best known for its luxury beachfront hotels and walled Old Town, which is home to some of Turkiye’s most famous Roman-era landmarks, including the iconic Hadrian’s Gate and beautiful municipal beaches.
It is the most popular beach destination in Turkiye this fall temperatures soar above 84 degrees and with water warm enough for swimming, which may not be the case in the North Aegean later in the year.
Turkey is incredibly cheap
Apart from the beautiful weather, Turkiye is incredibly cheap by Western standards.
This year Bodrum is ranked as the third cheapest summer destination across Eurasia, with meals at non-expensive restaurants averaging an almost negligible $5, and hotel rates at $88.
According to Numbeorestaurant prices in Antalya are up to 62.2% cheaper than those in Barcelona, while consumer prices can be 61.7% lower than those in Nice.
This means that you have to pay on average $5.08 for a meal at a cheap eatery in Antalya’s trendy Konyaalti district, and just $22.16 for a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant. In comparison, a cheap meal in Nice costs about $20.74.
It is no surprise that the number of holiday bookings for Turkiye is soaring reported by UK tour operator On the beach.
Britain is one of Turkiye’s most valuable markets, as are Germany and the United States, and a whopping 1.2 million seats have been added this year on flights from Britain.
In July alone, as many as 73,000 British holidaymakers flew to Turkiye Antalya is consistently ranked as the most popular coastal destination for On the beach customers.
Southern Spain and France’s Cote d’Azur are arguably Europe’s most sought-after fall destinations, as they are both Mediterranean regions that enjoy long, hot summers and balmy autumns, but despite their undeniable charm, they don’t stand a chance against Turkiye – especially now that new non-stop flights to Istanbul have been launched.
Traveler warning: Don’t forget your travel insurance for your next trip!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST MESSAGES
Enter your email address to subscribe to receive the latest travel news from Travel Off Path delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
