If you’re planning on taking a Transatlantic trip this fall, the Mediterranean is likely to be at the top of your list: after all, it is lapped by some of the continent’s oldest and most culturally-rich countries, not to mention it boasts summer-like temperatures well into October.
On the downside, the overwhelming levels of tourism plaguing parts of Spain, France, Italy and Greece, and the increase in prices even in the off-season could make the ancient sea less appealing to crowd-wary, budget-conscious travelers.
Well, not all hope is lost.
This beautiful stretch of ‘Med’ coast that is just as beautiful as all the tried-and-true vacation hotspots offers both smaller crowds and cheaper prices:
2,164 Miles Of Pristine Aegean Coast
Türkiye may be best known among Americans for its oriental flair, namely the towering minarets, ancient Anatolian cave cities and colorful bazaars, but something most have (surprisingly) yet to realize is it straddles the same sea as Greece.
It lines the Aegean, where some of the neighboring country’s best-loved destinations are located, including Santorini and Mykonos, except Greece gets to keep the islands, and Türkiye claims a whole 2,164 miles of pristine mainland coastline.
From the laid-back wellness hub of Ayvalik down to the bustling Mediterranean port that is Izmir, all the way south to the up-and-coming coastal retreat that is Kaş, there are beautiful beaches and archaeological sites dating back to the Heroic Age to discover…
…and the best part is, smaller crowds compared to your typical European getaway:
Why Is The Turkish Aegean Less Crowded Than Spain, Italy And The Like?
For the average American tourist, Türkiye is a pretty offbeat destination: unlike the French Riviera, the Amalfi Coast, or even Spain’s Costa del Sol, the Turkish Aegean does not benefit from nonstop flight connections to America in the fall.
With one-stop flights being required––and typically long layovers in Istanbul––it’s less-convenient for an American to get to Izmir than it is for them to fly to Barcelona or Nice.
The Aegean Coast continues to host its fair share of Brits, Germans, and Europeans year-round, but the absence of an established American presence in resort towns like Bodrum and Datça makes it feel comparatively less crowded.
On top of that, local tourism has been dealt a fresh blow in recent months following the introduction of visa-free travel between Türkiye and some Greek islands.
Starting this year, Turks are no longer required to request a visa in advance to travel to select islands in the Aegean that belong to Greece, despite lying only a few miles off the Turkish mainland, for visits of up to seven days.
This includes paradisiacal spots like Lesbos, Kos, Rhodes and Symi.
Since the visa-waiver agreement was signed, Turks have flocked into the Greek Aegean at a period they would normally be vacationing in their own shores instead, leaving hotels, restaurants and tourist facilities at the mercy of faithful returning customers from Europe only.
As you can imagine, the local tourism industry has been struggling to keep afloat, but grim as it may be, it spells good news for you as a tourist, as not only is crowding even less pronounced than usual, but consumer prices are also dropping as a result of the Turkish exodus.
How Cheap Is Türkiye Right Now?
Inflation aside, the Aegean Coast of Türkiye is generally considered to be one of the most affordable destinations for Westerners flying to the Mediterranean in the fall:
You can often find luxury resort stays for under $1,500 a week, as well as meals in local restaurants ranging from an affordable $8.84 to $35.34, as seen on Numbeo.
Amid the ongoing tourism crisis, however, room rates and food prices have dipped further: for instance, this September, you can book an all-inclusive week at Azure By Yelken, near Bodrum, for only $797 for the whole week, down from $997.
In the heart of Bodrum, landmark Salamis Resort & Spa has slashed prices even lower: we’re talking $1,475 for 7 nights of unlimited food and drinks, pampering by the turquoise Aegean side, and a double or twin room with garden view, down from $2,291.
Bodrum is famous for being very laid-back and a Turkish Saint-Tropez of the sorts, so if you’re seeking a more cosmopolitan environment, Izmir is the place to go: an ‘ultra all-inclusive’ stint at the five-star Club Beyy Resort will set you back by $1,267, against the previous rate of $1,967.
Over in Kaş, a quaint beach zone in the southernmost provinces of the Turkish Aegean, great rates can be seen on Arpia Hotel, a 4-star, 7-nights offer starting from only $766 (versus $833 previously), and Blue Island Luxury Hotel Adults Only, with rooms listed from $751 upward for the week.
Hotel Rates Dropped By Up To 50%
It’s worth noting the decrease in prices cannot be explained by the visa-waiver agreement alone: in line with other Mediterranean destinations, room rates in Türkiye tend to be cheaper in the off-season, as the influx of guests slows down heading into the cooler months.
That being said, seaside resorts in Bodrum have reduced prices by up to 50% for the second half of July and the first two weeks of August in order to attract more visitors, a move that has led local media to speculate it’s a direct response to the relaxed Greek island policy.
During the first 10 days of April alone, the islands of Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Kos and Rhodes welcomed 20,690 Turkish nationals, a majority of whom would have normally vacationed at home.
Prior to the agreement, Turks were required to travel to the Greek Consulate in Istanbul to obtain authorization to travel before being allowed to visit anywhere in Greece, even though some of these destinations are a short half-hour ferry ride from Turkish shores.
Either way, Americans are sure to find affordable prices, great fall weather, and the cultural immersion they seek in Türkiye while Turks themselves are away.
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