For travellers who look for authentic experiences and wish to connect with local culture in a unique way, Turkey offers everything you are looking for. While iconic spots like Istanbul are often bustling with tourists, there are numerous destinations where you can truly connect with the essence of Turkish life. October is the best month to visit, as the tourist season is over, allowing for a more peaceful and genuine experience. In this article, we’ll uncover five travel destinations in Turkey where you can avoid crowds in October.
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Why should you visit Turkey in October?
If you are wondering which is the best month to visit Turkey, there is a simple answer: October. During this month, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities, as the high temperatures of summer are over, yet the winter cold hasn’t arrived. Weather is an important factor, as the cooler autumn air will allow you to freely explore Turkey without the risk of suffering a heatstroke.
As mentioned before, another advantage of visiting Turkey in October is the reduced number of tourists. This means shorter lines, more personal space, easier connections with the places you are visiting, and overall fewer crowds at iconic sites. Moreover, with fewer tourists around, you have a better chance to connect with locals and experience authentic Turkish culture.
Top five non-crowded places you should visit in Turkey
Some of the destinations we’ll mention are well-known, but outside of the tourist season, they are the best moment to visit them. Here are five non-crowded places you should visit in Turkey this October.
Izmir
Visiting Izmir in October is a fantastic choice! With temperatures between 13°C to 25°C, you can enjoy outdoor activities without the intense heat of summer. Dive into Turkish culture by exploring the Kemeralti Bazaar, in the heart of the Old Town. With fewer tourists around, you’ll feel like a local as you stroll through the streets. Don’t miss the chance to try a Turkish delicacy, sip on some tea, or buy a unique souvenir. For incredible views of Izmir, head to the Tarihi Asansor, the city’s first lift, where you can admire the skyline.
Izmir is also a great starting point for other adventures, as you can easily visit iconic places. By renting a car in Izmir, you will be able to drive one hour to Çesme, one of Turkey’s best known beach resorts. Here you can enjoy some of the best beaches and beach clubs in Turkey, which are wonderfully quiet in the off-season. Ephesus, the same distance as Çesme, is Turkey’s most famous ancient site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. During October, you can visit these UNESCO World Heritage Sites and connect with the region’s history without the buzz and hassle of crowds.
Lycian Way
The Lycian Way is a 470-mile-long route from Fethiye to Antalya, passing through some of the most beautiful cities in the Turkish Riviera. With a rental car, you can travel the entire path without needing to walk the whole way, stopping at the best places along the route. October is the prime time to make the journey and visit the most famous cities, which aren’t as crowded as in previous months. In fact, the trail passes through 25 sites of historical interest, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites and ancient cities.
Along the way, you will come across incredible places like Phaselis, which used to be a Roman and Greek port city, where today you can swim next to ancient ruins. The Olympos Ancient City features Greek ruins that will transport you back to the 6th century BC, with easy access to Olympos Beach. Myra Ancient City in Demre boasts tombs carved into the rocks as well as a huge theatre. Plus, along the way, you will encounter paradisiacal and deserted beaches, such as the Blue Lagoon (also known as Ölüdeniz Beach), Kalkan Beach, Kaputaş Beach, the Adrasan Coast, and Konyaaltı Beaches.
Bodrum
Bodrum is a coastal gem that truly shines in October. While it is one of the most visited places in Turkey during the summer, the number of visitors significantly decreases in October. Experience local life in Bodrum’s city centre by strolling through its white-washed houses, buying local products in street markets, and savouring the region’s gastronomy. Enjoy some of the best wines in Turkey on private tours, which are more affordable and offer a more personal experience due to the reduced number of visitors.
Visit the Castle of Bodrum, which today houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, where you can enjoy exhibitions of materials found underwater that date back to the 16th century BC. Explore the iconic windmills of Bodrum on top of the Bardakçı hills, and see the mountains dotted with white houses while the sun sets or rises.
Cappadocia
If you ever want to visit Cappadocia, one of the most renowned and visited places in Turkey, and wish to avoid crowds, October is the perfect time. October is likely the last month you can enjoy a hot air balloon ride, as these flights are highly dependent on weather conditions. After October, the wind and freezing temperatures make it difficult to operate the balloons, and before October, the area is crowded with tourists and the high temperatures can be overwhelming.
What else can you do in Cappadocia? There are plenty of activities besides the famous hot air balloon ride. You can visit Goreme National Park and its renowned Open Air Museum, where you can explore churches carved into rocks, such as the Tokalı Kilise (Church of the Buckle) and the Elmalı Kilise (Apple Church), both adorned with stunning frescoes. Climb Uchisar Castle for breathtaking views of the landscape or venture underground to Kaymakli Underground City, known for its tunnels where thousands of Christians once hid.
For adrenaline enthusiasts, there are quad excursions at sunrise and sunset, camel rides, and even horseback riding. Most activities, including the hot air balloon ride, will be more affordable in October due to lower demand compared to the peak tourist season.
Ankara
If you’re looking to avoid the typical tourist crowds in October but still want to experience something truly special, consider visiting Ankara during the week of October 29th. This period marks Republic Day, Turkey’s most significant national holiday, celebrating the proclamation of the Republic on October 29, 1923.
On this day, Ankara comes alive with vibrant colours, parades, concerts, and fireworks that light up the night sky. The capital hosts the grandest ceremonies and festivities in the country, making it easy to immerse yourself in the spirit of Republic Day. This is especially significant because Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic, declared its establishment in Ankara. A visit to Anıtkabir, Atatürk’s mausoleum, is a must, as it becomes a focal point for national pride and remembrance.
Which is the best way to visit these cities?
If you’re seeking a special trip and a unique, authentic experience away from tourist crowds, renting a car in Turkey is the way to go. With a rental car, you can visit lesser-known landmarks that truly capture the essence of Turkey. You have the freedom to create your own itinerary, steering clear of bustling places and exploring sites that most tourists never imagine.
Find the best value for money rental cars in Car Jet
CarJet is a car rental comparison website that finds the lowest prices in Turkey by comparing offers from multiple companies in real time. CarJet’s platform allows travellers to filter options based on their preferences, such as vehicle type, rental duration, and pick-up location. By adding data from providers, CarJet helps users find the most cost-effective and suitable rental cars for their needs, making it an invaluable tool for anyone planning a trip to Turkey.
Apart from that if you want to know about How to Compare Different Booking Platforms for the Best Travel Experience then please visit our Travel Category.
