Best Places to Visit in Winter

Or are you one of those who prepare ski suits as soon as the first snow of the season falls? While many people dream of summer, sea, swimming and sun, others wait for the next winter to come right away.In fact, we all look forward to the snow in winter. Many different plans fly in our heads. And finally that expected thing happens, everywhere is covered with white cover. Snow holiday is one of the holidays we all expect and miss. How we should determine our options for a snow holiday is always on our minds. Luckily, there are many different regions for winter holidays in our country. Should it be a catered facility or a small authentic hotel? Should it be a romantic hotel or should we prefer chalets? Which facilities are suitable for families with children? What is the suitability of places close to ski centres? Luckily, there are many great options for winter holidays in Turkey. Here are our suggestions for you...

Best Destinations for Ski Lovers

As the winter months approach, beautiful routes stand out for those who dream of snow and skiing. In different regions of Turkey, you can spend a pleasant holiday in touch with nature in ski centres that appeal to both professionals and amateurs. Sarıkamış with its crystal snow and peaceful atmosphere, Erciyes with its long slopes, Uludağ with its vibrant social life and Abant, which offers an escape alone with nature, are just a few of the ideal destinations for those who want to make their winter holiday unforgettable. If you are planning to go skiing accompanied by magnificent views covered with a white blanket, get ready to discover Turkey's most special winter routes.

Kars & Sarıkamış

Sarıkamış, with its crystal snow texture and natural beauties, is one of Turkey's most special routes for ski lovers. Offering a perfect skiing experience thanks to the snow quality similar to that of the Alpine Mountains, this region is ideal for those who want to spend a peaceful winter holiday away from the crowds. In Sarıkamış Ski Centre, you can ski on long slopes and enjoy the nature among pine forests. For accommodation, you can choose the historical hotels in Kars city centre or the facilities close to the ski centre. In Kars, you can also visit Ani Ruins and try goose meat and gruyere cheese, one of the local delicacies.

Accommodation Suggestions: @ Iceberg Hotel Sarikamis @ Ready To Stay By Dedeman Sarikamis

Erciyes

Erciyes Ski Resort, home to one of the highest peaks in Turkey, is a perfect destination for ski lovers with its long and wide slopes, modern facilities and snow guaranteed season. Located just 25 minutes from Kayseri, this centre is ideal for both amateur and professional skiers with its slopes suitable for different difficulty levels and advanced cable car systems. Moreover, you can also enjoy alternative winter activities such as snowmobiling, snowboarding and sledding in Erciyes. Don't forget to try the unique flavours of Kayseri cuisine, especially ravioli and pastrami, to make your holiday even more enjoyable.

Accommodation Suggestions: @DAS 3917 @ Magna Pivot Hotel

Uludag

Uludağ, one of Turkey's most popular ski resorts, is an ideal place for skiing experience. With its vibrant nightlife, luxury hotels and wide range of pistes, Uludağ is especially preferred by those looking for an active holiday. Here you can ski, try snowboarding or take the chairlift to the summit and enjoy the magnificent view.After enjoying winter sports all day long, you can enjoy sipping your hot drink by the fireplace. Uludag is the perfect option for those who want to experience adrenaline-filled moments and feel all the beauties of winter to the fullest.

Accommodation Suggestions: @ Oksijen Zone Hotels @ Jura Hotels Kervansaray Uludag Ski Centre

Abant

Abant is one of the most fascinating routes in winter for those who want to have a peaceful getaway alone with nature as well as a ski holiday. Lake Abant takes on a fairy-tale view when it snows. Here you can walk around the lake, go horse riding or enjoy a hot drink by the fireplace.

Accommodation Suggestions: @ Abant Kartal Yuvası Hotel @ Abant Cozy Homes

A Peaceful Getaway Accompanied by Snow Landscapes

Kazdağları and Cappadocia stand out with their enchanting atmospheres for those who want to stay alone with nature and have a quiet and romantic holiday during the winter months. Kazdağları, with its clean air and lush green nature, turns into a fairy tale land when it snows. Staying in a hotel with a fireplace and sipping a hot drink while watching the snow falling outside allows you to feel the peace of this place in the best way. Cappadocia, on the other hand, takes on a completely different beauty during the winter months; walks among the fairy chimneys covered with snow, romantic stays in cave hotels and enjoying mulled wine by the fireplace are unforgettable... Moreover, balloon tours, which continue even in winter, offer the opportunity to watch the unique view of Cappadocia from the sky.

Mount Ida

For those looking for a peaceful winter holiday in nature, Kazdağları is a fascinating escape with its unique atmosphere. With its clean air with plenty of oxygen, lush green forests and calm environment, this region turns into a fairy tale land when it snows. You can either stay in a cosy hotel with a fireplace or take nature walks and breathe in the fresh air. Especially if it has snowed, it is impossible not to admire the view covered in white. You can have an unforgettable holiday by crowning the peaceful days you will spend in Kazdağları with local delicacies and organic breakfasts.

Accommodation Suggestions: @Eva Lavanda Kazdağları @ Manici Kasrı Hotel

Cappadocia

Cappadocia takes on a completely different beauty in winter with its fascinating rock formations and mystical atmosphere. While fairy chimneys covered with snow turn the region into a fairy tale land, cave hotels offering a warm and authentic accommodation experience are the perfect option for a romantic holiday. You can walk in the valleys all day long, explore historical sites, and in the evening you can enjoy the tranquility by sipping your mulled wine by the fireplace. Moreover, balloon tours, even in winter, are a unique experience for those who want to watch Cappadocia from the sky.

Accommodation Suggestions: @ Anatolian Houses @ Millstone Cave Suites

Alternatives for those who cannot give up the Aegean

The warm atmosphere of the Aegean is completely different not only in summer but also in winter. Cunda, Alaçatı and Bodrum, which are known for their crowded streets in summer, take on a calmer, yet fascinating atmosphere in winter. Despite the cold weather, you can take a walk on the beach by breathing in the smell of the sea and enjoy the historical texture while strolling among the stone houses. Hotels, restaurants and cafes in the region keep their doors open during the winter months and offer their guests pleasant moments. The flavours of the Aegean, hot drinks by the fireplace and serene evenings spent in the company of sea views make these regions indispensable in the winter months. 

Cunda, Alacati & Bodrum

For those who cannot give up the energy of the Aegean in winter, Cunda, Alaçatı and Bodrum open the doors to a pleasant holiday. These regions, which carry a different spirit in every season with their stone streets, boutique hotels and sea air, maintain their unique vitality in the winter months. In these regions, which are also active during the New Year and winter, you can stay in open hotels and spend fun nights in restaurants and clubs. Whether you take long walks on the beach to find peace or spend time in cosy cafes serving local delicacies. With the freshness brought by the cool Aegean wind and the warm atmosphere of the region, you can spend a magical winter.

Accommodation Suggestions: @ Cunda Despot House @ Alaçatı Beach Resort & Spa

Winter Holidays in Istanbul and Surroundings

There is no need to go far away for a holiday in winter. Just a few hours away from Istanbul, peaceful escape points in touch with nature await you. While Ağva and Büyükada offer great options for those who want to feel serenity without leaving the city, Sapanca and Kartepe attract those who want to meet with nature accompanied by snow views. Embracing tranquillity with a cosy coffee by the river, taking a walk through the streets of the island intertwined with history, or watching the snow falling outside while warming up by the fireplace in the chalet... These winter routes in and around Istanbul are perfect for those who want to experience moments of peace and pleasure.

Agva & Buyukada

For those who want to have a winter holiday in touch with nature without going too far from the city, Ağva and Büyükada stand out with their calmness and peaceful atmosphere. Drawing attention with its proximity to Istanbul, Ağva has a fascinating nature where green and water are intertwined. You can have a peaceful holiday in riverside hotels and enjoy the winter with a hot drink by the fireplace. Büyükada, on the other hand, offers a completely different atmosphere away from the crowds in the winter months. You can take a walk on the stone streets of the island, explore the historical mansions and enjoy pleasant moments accompanied by the sea view.

Accommodation Suggestions: @ Park Mandalin Hotel @ Wineport Lodge Hotel@ Eskibağ Hotel

Sapanca & Kartepe

For those who want to be alone with nature and have a peaceful getaway in winter, Sapanca and Kartepe stand out with their unique views and calm atmosphere. You can take a walk on the shore of Sapanca Lake and have a pleasant time in cafes overlooking the lake. Chalets and authentic small hotels close to Kartepe are ideal for a holiday in touch with nature. For those who want to ski, Kartepe Ski Centre offers slopes suitable for different difficulty levels, while spa and thermal hotels in the region can be a pleasant alternative for those who want to spend a quiet day. Nature, which turns white when it snows, turns this region into a winter fairy tale.

Accommodation Suggestions: @ Minimalist Sapanca @ Backyard Sapanca Serenity & More @ The Green Park Kartepe Resort & Spa

Winter Holidays Abroad

If you want to spend your winter holiday abroad, you can take a look at our suggestions for small hotels: www.thesmallhotels.com.

We, the editors of the Small Hotels Website, continue to discover and add new places to our website. If you have a small hotel, chalet or boutique accommodation you recommend, share it with us!

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Happy holidays!