Even as we turn the pages of our calendars to October, holidaymakers in Türkiye’s Mediterranean and Aegean coasts (the Turkish Riviera and the Turkaegean) are still basking in the warm sun, swimming in sparkling blue waters, and dining on fabulous Turkish cuisine. The Turkish Riviera, with 300 days of sunshine per year, and the Turkaegean, where the mild climate continues to warm the sea, are ideal autumn destinations for a quieter vacation, attracting visitors not only to its lovely beaches but also to its historical ancient cities, natural beauty, and distinctive gastronomy.
Turkaegean: An autumn that tastes like summer
In the İzmir province, the Çeşme Peninsula is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the consistently sunny Turkaegean. Overlooking the Aegean Sea, Alaçatı, that timeless Çeşme destination, offers dining and entertainment venues that retain the local flavour. You can sample centuries-old recipes of the region, their modern interpretations, and farm-to-table dishes accompanied by Turkish wines. İzmir is now on the Michelin Guide, and one of its most charming districts, Urla, is renowned for its vineyards and restaurants opened by innovative young chefs.
Featuring deep blue bays and glorious nature, Bodrum is one of Turkaegean’s most stylish and unique routes, home to luxurious hotels, high-end marinas, fine restaurants serving international cuisine, and premium shopping opportunities. Also known for bohemian coastal towns such as Gümüşlük, upscale beach clubs, and spectacular bays such as Yalıkavak and Göltürkbükü, the Bodrum Peninsula is the most popular destination for an unforgettable sea-sun-sand holiday. The ruins of the Halicarnassus Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the historical castle housing the Underwater Archaeology Museum are also must-sees on the peninsula. Bodrum, one of the world’s most prominent blue voyage routes, welcomes visitors all year as a gastro-city showcasing fresh seafood and the best examples of Turkish and international cuisine. Soon to be listed on the Michelin Guide, many of Bodrum’s most notable restaurants are in the port, marina and coastal areas.
Incredible destinations await as you travel south from the Aegean to the Mediterranean, each a natural wonder and a home to ancient civilisations throughout history. With breathtaking views at every turn, these regions offer an unparalleled experience. The Datça and Bozburun Peninsulas are essential points on blue voyages with clear waters and are ideal for a more relaxing vacation. Visiting İztuzu Beach, where the Caretta caretta sea turtles and humans share the same beach, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Among the area’s paradisical bays is Dalyan, a regional pearl, and eye-catching locales such as Göcek, Fethiye, and Ölüdeniz, with crystal clear waters and lush green nature.
Antalya: 300 hundred days of sunshine
Antalya, the heart of the Turkish Riviera, is a bright and intriguing city enjoying 300 days of sunshine a year and is also encompassed by ancient capitals, the sea and sun, beaches and forests. In Antalya, the summer season begins in April and stretches to the end of November. While the temperatures are cooler and sunset a little earlier in autumn, Antalya is still enjoying a balmy summer. The province is home to 231 gorgeous Blue Flag beaches, one of which is Kaputaş Beach, in the Kaş region. Embraced by shimmering turquoise bays, Kaputaş has a well-earned reputation as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Also, when the hot summer temperatures have softened into a pleasant warmth, this time of the year is the best time to visit the area’s ancient settlements. In the Turkish Riviera, you can immerse yourself in the region’s extraordinary history: The entire province is dotted with ancient cities, the remnants of past civilisations, from Perge to Simena, from Xanthos-Letoon to Patara, and from Aspendos to Side. In addition to visiting these evocative antique cities, you can view the wealth of three cultural regions, Lycia, Pamphylia and Pisidia, at the Antalya Museum, which has an exceptional collection of artefacts found during excavations in the region.