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Located at the crossroads between East and West, Türkiye has become famous one of the top destinations worldwideof Company review This confirms that it has already grown 13.9% year-on-year in the first half of 2024 alone.
Tourists love Türkiye for its affordability, even taking into account inflation and the volatile nature of the Turkish lira, the liberality of some cities despite the country’s generally conservative tendencies, and of course the endless miles of beaches on the Mediterranean Sea.
These 3 alternative destinations have been outside Istanbul has been making waves lately with their turquoise waters, cheap resort stays and great cultural value:
Mugla
Located on the Aegean coast of Türkiye, where the waters are perhaps the clearest in the entire Mediterranean, Muğla is a province best known for its seaside resorts, particularly Bodrum and Marmaris, and the pristine coastline that 90 blue flag beaches.
It is home to Patara Beach, the longest continuous beach in Türkiye, stretching for a whopping 18 miles, as well as the Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz, a shallow body of water partially fenced from the sea by a protruding strip of sand.
Apart from the natural wonders, Muğla is one of the leading cultural destinations in Türkiye, with a high concentration of archaeological zones and historically charged sites, with the ruins of ancient Lycia and the well-preserved Greco-Roman amphitheater of Bodrum, to name just a few.
With so much to offer, and considering that Muğla straddles the dreamy Mediterranean, you might think it’s a little out of your budget for your next autumn getaway, but you’ll be surprised to discover that there are four-star week-long stays for as cheap as $691 this October.
If you go to sunny Bodrum, the Rammos Managed by Dedeman is a great option for one budget-friendly luxury experiencelocated just 700 meters from the trendy Fener Beach, and equipped with an outdoor pool, a sauna and a typical Turkish hammam.
Not quite ready to put away your swimwear yet?
Autumn temperatures in Muğla will continue summer-highso how about sailing on one pirate boat departure from Marmaris, including a stop at the aptly named Paradise Island, lunch and an onboard foam party from $27.95?
Izmir
The unofficial capital of Turkey’s Aegean, Izmir has a fascinating history spanning thousands of years – as far back as the time of the first Greeks – and the kind of vibrant multiculturalism you’d expect from a bustling port highly coveted by several empires in the whole country. his existence.
The elegant bell tower, built at the turn of the century, combines both Ottoman and European elements, most reflects the spirit of Izmir: despite its spear minarets and large bazaars, this is a modern coastal metropolis distinguished by its particularly western orientation:
Whether it is through their choice of clothing or their relaxed attitude towards religion, Izmirians are not far removed from their European counterparts; on the other hand, the tinkling call to prayer from a nearby minaret is a constant reminder of underlying oriental tendencies.
Luckily for budget-conscious explorers, Izmir is one of the least expensive sunny escapeswith 7 night stays in modest accommodations such as Merkez Hotel costs just $268, while more luxurious offerings like Karaca Hotel will still run you a pretty reasonable $747.
For all the foodies who keep a close eye on their spending, Izmir has a biiiiig selection of affordable restaurants and street food spots where you can eat for less than $7-8 best takeaway kebab in townVisit Değer Söğüş in the heart of Konak district.
Antalya
The number one beach destination in Türkiye according to the Company review According to the report, which even puts it ahead of Istanbul in terms of tourism growth, Antalya is predicted to receive a record 17 million visitors this year, and this is just the beginning:
While the incredibly charming Old Town is certainly not to be missed, with its Roman fortifications, legendary Ottoman houses – famous for their prominent covered wooden balconies – and the first century Hadrian’s Gate, The biggest attraction of Antalya rest in its unparalleled coastal beauty.
If there ever was such a thing as a Turkish Ipanema, the winning strip would probably be Konyaalti in Antalya, or ‘bay under the cliffs’.
This fine pebble beach stretches along an azure blue ocean and is lined by high-rise buildings and informal mid-range restaurants.
Antalya’s contrasting qualities also work in its favor: it’s somehow effortless combines the allure of the Old World with a modern seaside resort atmosphere, with as many lively bars and waterfront entertainment complexes as medieval mosques and ancient ruins.
Believe it or not, book a double room for a week Mera Park Hotelin the center of Antalya, will cost you a negligible $130, and if so Real If you want to treat yourself, the cheapest all-inclusive stay anywhere in the Mediterranean in October is probably at Stella HOTEL&Spa:
Breakfast buffet, 24-hour catering, a beautiful outdoor swimming pool and even a water park and wellness areas for only $376 for the whole thing week.
Feel free to check it yourself here.
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The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
