Greece is a bucket list item for millions of travelers going to Europe this summer, but between the mass tourism and surging hotel prices, it might not be the idyllic getaway they’re hoping for:
Santorini is now one of the busiest, priciest islands in the continent––good luck trying to find accommodation for under $448 a night in Oia––and don’t get us started on the long wait lines to go up to the Acropolis in jam-packed Athens… under a scorching 100°F?
We’d rather not.
Luckily, Greece is not the only European country with paradisiacal islands and ancient cities with origins lost to time––in fact, a short ferry ride away from a number of Greek islands, there’s trendy Türkiye, with its extensive Mediterranean coastline and rich ancient heritage.
Both Greece and Türkiye straddle the same sea, share the same climate, and there’s even a cultural overlap: The Aegean coast has a long history drawing from both Greek and Turkish influences, owing it to these historic nations’ participation in the former Ottoman Empire.
In sum, Türkiye is what we like to call ‘Greece on a budget’… with the addition of mosques attached to former Greek Orthodox churches and their resounding call-to-prayer.
A minor detail if you’re there for the great seafood, amazing weather, and ocean views.
If you’re dreaming of a Mamma Mia summer, but you’re keen on beating the crowds––as well as getting the best bang for your buck––these 5 Turkish vacation spots are just as gorgeous, yet far, far cheaper than their Greek counterparts:
Bodrum
Both a resort zone and historical port on the Aegean, Bodrum is easily-recognized for its whitewashed Old Town, reminiscent of the quaint fishing towns on Greek islands, bougainvillea-adorned streets, and modern seaside developments.
Though there is a high concentration of historic monuments, with Bodrum Castle and the Ancient Theater to name a couple, this is primarily a beach destination, with long miles of sandy beaches unfolding along turquoise-colored waters.
It’s worth noting Bodrum was inhabited by Greeks prior to Turks overtaking them in numbers, and both the cuisine and local customs are strongly influenced by the former––Kos, a Greek island, is just 12 miles off the coast.
While a four-star hotel in Kos can set you back as much as $549 per night in August, however, equivalent listings in Bodrum are much cheaper, starting from $225 at the centrally-located BD Suites; on the cheaper end, rooms at the Tiana Boutique Hotel are listed for as low as $61.
Marmaris
One of the liveliest towns on the Turkish Mediterranean, Marmaris is the gateway to the aptly-titled Turquoise Coast, with some of the clearest waters you’ll ever see, and a surprisingly-liberal social scene that puts it at odds with the rest of Türkiye.
Whether it’s relaxing on the peaceful, municipal pebbly beach, or paying Bar Street a visit, a pedestrian-friendly pathway flanked by casual bars and nightclubs, Marmaris is a surefire hit for nature lovers and partygoers alike.
Much like Bodrum, it’s also a short one-hour ferry ride away from a Greek island, namely the mega-popular Rhodes, except basing themselves in Marmaris instead, tourists are likely to spend up to 57.2% less in restaurants, according to data provided by Numbeo.
Hotels in Marmaris are more affordable as well, with $60 for a Double Room at the Defne & Zevkim Hotel being the cheapest offer and $376 for the all-inclusive Marti Resort being at the opposite end of the price range––on average, the room rate for a three-star hotel is a reasonable $85.
Selçuk
This one’s for the culture buffs: Selçuk is a small, sleepy town a scenic one-hour drive south of Izmir along the Aegean Sea, best known for serving as a gateway to Ephesus, one of the most important archaeological zones in the Mediterranean.
It is home to a large theater, a partially preserved central avenue, and the once-monumental Library of Celsus, of which only a restored facade remains.
Outside Ephesus, the main attractions in and around Selçuk include the now-ruined Temple of Artemis, a former Wonder of the Ancient World, and the storybook-like Ayasuluk Castle, perched on a prominent hill, watching over the otherwise-even townscape.
Despite its historical weight, Selçuk is among the cheapest cultural destinations in Eurasia, with overnights at local three-star hotels ranging between $52 and $83, and visitors spending on average $33 on meals.
Imbros/ Gökçeada
Formally known as Imbros and called Gökçeada since the 1970s, this island had been Greek for much of its existence, up until the 20th century, when it was finally transferred to the state of Türkiye following an international treaty.
Minarets have sprung up where there were belfries topped with Orthodox crosses before, the demographic has notoriously changed from Greek to Turk majority, and Greek is not as widely spoken across its hinterland as it would have been the case in the island’s heyday, but its ancient charm lives on:
According to Greek mythology, it is where Sea God Poseidon kept stables for his winged horses, and it is even associated with Homer’s epic Illiad: all of that is lost in the annals of time, but the scenic hilltop windmills, charming fishing villages and centuries-old Greek churches all live on.
Other than the fascinating history and the crowd-free North Aegean beaches, Imbros/Gökçeada is home to a number of family-run guesthouses, including $62-a-night Eray Pansiyon, within walking distance of Gökçeada Town and the famous Aydincik Beach.
A Unique Blend Of Greek And Turkish Culture
In a way, these Turkish spots are your best bet at experiencing a blend of authentic Greek and Turkish culture without actually being in Greece and paying exorbitant amounts for it, as most of the Turkish Coast does not cater exclusively to big spenders:
Yes, there is significant tourism, particularly in places like Bodrum and Marmaris, but they are still somewhere conduct business and live year-round, as opposed to summer-only, not to mention they both offer access to the Aegean, and the cultural overlap is significant:
Why are you so keen on breaking the bank on a Santorini getaway again?
Greece is more developed, towns are well-maintained and better equipped to host international tourists than the average Turkish resort hub, and English-speaking levels are generally higher, making traveling easier, so there are pros and cons to both.
That being said, country borders are a relatively recent concept, and when it comes to Greece and Türkiye, these have been defined not that long ago:
In other words, don’t be scared to step over the invisible divide… you never know what unspoiled gems you may find.
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