Turkey traditionally takes the place of a summer destination in our minds – beaches, sea, resorts, etc. But, you can travel around Turkey all year round. Spring travel, moreover, has a number of advantages in the form of mild warm weather, the absence of unrealistic crowds of tourists in iconic places and low prices.

When planning a trip to Turkey in the spring, you should immediately decide on your expectations. A traditional beach holiday will not work in the spring – the water in the sea will be cold, the weather can be changeable, and most of the resort towns will be dormant. So, if you want a beach holiday, postpone your trip for the summer.

In the spring, you need to go to Turkey for long walks, acquaintance with amazing historical sights, trekking and swimming in thermal waters, local spas and delicious food. Be mentally prepared for any weather. Pack swimsuits, T-shirts for hot weather, and fleeces and warm jackets for cold weather. Be sure to include destinations with thermal springs in your itinerary and / or book spa hotels for at least a couple of days in the final relaxing part of the trip.

Istanbul

Istanbul wakes up from hibernation in early March, and in April, tulips also bloom in the city, turning the metropolis into a blooming garden. You can wander around Topkapi and the Harem, see the amazingly beautiful mosques, take a steam bath in historical baths, bargain in noisy markets and try local delicacies, moreover, in any weather. Therefore, if you are planning a short or long weekend in Turkey, spend it in Istanbul!

If you haven’t chance to visit Istanbul in Spring, try visit Istanbul in October or visit Istanbul in November. The weather is cool and simply better then in Spring time.

Antalya

Many people associate Antalya with a beach holiday, but in fact Antalya is a charming old city, with its own unique character and pleasant Ottoman architecture. Settle in one of the traditional Ottoman mansions of the Old Town and spend a couple of days walking around the city and the waterfront, stopping by the local shops and tasting the local delicacies. Be sure to visit the old historical hammam of Antalya and explore the expositions of the largest historical museum in Turkey.

Lazy spring days in Antalya can be diluted with active adventures – rafting in the Köprülü canyon or a jeep safari in the Taurus Mountains.

By renting a car, from Antalya you can go for a day trip to Cirali, climb the Lycian trail and see the ruins of ancient Olympos and the burning stones on Mount Yanar.

Pamukkale

The magical beauty of the traventins, the ancient ruins of Hierapolis and thermal pools are what make it worth going to Pamukkale at any time of the year, and especially in spring. During this changeable time of the year, it is best to plan a stop at the Karaihit thermal resort, located 5 km from Pamukkale. The main format of housing here is thermal hotels, with thermal pools and spas.

Selcuk

The tiny town of Selcuk is the main base for exploring Ancient Ephesus. In the low season, Ephesus is much less crowded and the weather is much more comfortable. In addition to Ephesus from Selcuk, you can visit the house of the Virgin Mary and the traditional Greek village of Sirince (Şirince). Plan a day or two for a stopover in Selcuk, which combines well with Pamukkale.

Fethiye

Unlike most resort villages on the Mediterranean coast, which practically “close” during the off-season, Fethiye lives its normal life. Settle in the Old Town and spend a few days walking and sightseeing in the region. Of course, it is difficult to predict the weather, but most likely you will be able to fly a paraglider, go on a yacht to the sea, go to Dalyan, located 60 km from the city and climb the Lycian Way.

Goreme

April-May is considered the best time to visit Cappadocia. At this time, nature flourishes, it becomes warmer during the day, and there is no tourist pilgrimage yet. The only thing to consider when planning a spring stop in Göreme is that the nights here can be cold, so when choosing a cave in Göreme, check when booking how well it is heated) or just carefully read the reviews on booking sites.

Dalyan

Dalyan in the spring is, of course, an amateur place) At this time it is very quiet and calm here. Boats ply the river, the Lycian tombs and the ancient city of Kaunas are beautiful at any time of the year, mud and thermal springs are open, local warungs are also open. Therefore, if you want to plunge into the authentic atmosphere of Turkey, Dalyan is a great destination.

Bursa

Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, is located just two hours by ferry from Istanbul. This is a city that has preserved the spirit of antiquity, with magnificent mosques and old-fashioned houses. Bursa lies at the foot of the Uludag mountain; a cable road has been laid from the city to Uludag, which operates all year round. In early spring, you can even catch snow and go skiing. In addition, the city is famous for its thermal baths, bazaars and excellent cuisine. In general, a great option to stop for a few days a little away from the main tours