Located at the crossroad between East and West, Türkiye has risen to prominence as one of the top destinations globally, with Business Review confirming it’s already grown 13.9% year-on-year based on the first half of 2024 alone.
Tourists love Türkiye for its affordability, even after inflation and the volatile nature of the Turkish lira are factored in, the liberality of some cities in spite of the country’s generally conservative inclinations, and, of course, the endless miles of Mediterranean beaches.
Outside Istanbul, these 3 alternative destinations have been making waves lately with their turquoise waters, cheap resort stays, and great cultural value:
Muğla
Straddling the Aegean Coast of Türkiye, where the waters are arguably the clearest anywhere in the Mediterranean basin, Muğla is a province best known for its resort towns, most notably Bodrum and Marmaris, and pristine coastline encompassing 90 blue-flag beaches.
It is home to Patara Beach, the longest uninterrupted beach in Türkiye, stretching for a whopping 11 miles, as well as the Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz, a shallow body of water partially fenced off from the sea by a protruding strip of sand.
Natural wonders aside, Muğla is one of the leading cultural destinations in Türkiye, boasting a high concentration of archeological zones and historically-charged sites, with the ruins of Old Lycia and Bodrum’s well-preserved Greco-Roman amphitheater to name a couple.
With this much to offer, and considering Muğla straddles the dreamy Mediterranean, you may be thinking it’s a little out of budget for your next fall getaway, but you will be surprised to find there are week-long, 4-star stays for as cheap as $691 this October.
If you’re heading to sunny Bodrum, the Rammos Managed By Dedeman is a great option for a budget-friendly luxurious experience, located just 700 meters from trendy Fener Beach, and equipped with an outdoor pool, a sauna and a typical Turkish hammam.
Not quite ready to put away your swimming attire just yet?
Fall temperatures in Muğla are set to remain summer-high, so how about setting sail on a pirate boat leaving from Marmaris, including a stop in aptly-named Paradise Island, lunch, and an onboard foam party from $27.95?
Izmir
The unofficial capital of the Turkish Aegean, Izmir has a fascinating history spanning thousands of years––as far back as the first Greeks––and the kind of vibrant multiculturalism you’d expect from a bustling port that’s been highly coveted by multiple empires throughout its existence.
Its elegant Clock Tower, built at the turn of the past century with both Ottoman and European elements, is most reflective of Izmir’s spirit: despite its spearing minarets and grand bazaars, this is a modern coastal metropolis distinct for being particularly Western-leaning:
Be it through their choice of clothes or relaxed attitudes towards religion, Izmirians are not too far removed from their European counterparts; on the other hand, the ringing call-to-prayer emanating from a nearby minaret is a constant reminder of the underlying oriental inclinations.
Fortunately for budget-conscious explorers, Izmir is one of the least-expensive sunny escapes, with 7-night stays at modest properties like Merkez Otel costing only $268, while more upscale listings such as Karaca Hotel will still set you back a rather-reasonable $747.
Now to all you foodies out there who keep close tabs on their spending, Izmir has a biiiiiig selection of affordable restaurants and street food spots where you can eat for under $7-8––for the best takeout kebab in town, check out Değer Söğüş in the heart of the Konak district.
Antalya
The number one beach destination in Türkiye according to the Business Review report, which places it ahead of Istanbul even in terms of growth in tourism, Antalya is predicted to host a record-breaking 17 million visitors this year, and it’s only the beginning:
Though the incredibly-charming Old Town is certainly not to be missed, with its Roman fortifications, storied Ottoman houses––famous for the prominent covered wooden balconies––and 1st-century Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya’s biggest appeal rests in its unrivaled coastal beauty.
If there was ever such a thing as a Turkish Ipanema, the winning strip is likely to be Antalya’s Konyaalti, or ‘bay under the cliffs’.
This fine-pebble beach unfolds along an azure ocean and is lined by high-rises and casual mid-range restaurants.
Antalya’s contrasting qualities also play in its favor: it somehow effortlessly combines Old World allure with a modern seaside resort ambiance, with as many lively waterfront bars and entertainment complexes as there are medieval mosques and ancient ruins.
Believe it or not, booking a double room for a week in Mera Park Hotel, in the center of Antalya, will set you back by a negligible $130, and if you really want to treat yourself, the cheapest all-inclusive stay anywhere in the Mediterranean this October is probably at Stella HOTEL & Spa:
Buffet breakfast, round-the-clock catering, a gorgeous external pool, and even a waterpark and wellness areas for a mere $376 for the entire week.
Feel free to check for yourself here.
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