What are the Places to take a Winter Holiday in Turkey?

Although summer vacation comes to mind first when it is called a holiday, the second most preferred holiday option is winter vacation. Winter has its magical beauty. All over the world, people are taking winter holidays to enjoy the beauties of the winter month. When it comes to winter holidays, snow, skiing, and hot drinks come to mind.

People usually prefer to drink their hot coffee in front of the wonderful views. In addition, regions that are generally suitable for winter tourism, which receives snowfall and are established are preferred. Nowadays, skiing is very popular both as a recreational activity and as a sports activity. Turkey has a geography where it is experienced four seasons. It has a unique beauty, especially in winter in Turkey. The northern parts of the country meet favorable conditions for winter tourism. Rain is common in the southern region, while snowfall is heavy in the northern regions.

Although northern regions are preferred in winter, southern regions are also preferred. Especially in summer, people visit areas that are very crowded in winter, during calmer times. Winter tourism is one of the most invested sectors in Turkey. Both the state and the private sector support winter tourism with their investments every year. Thanks to this tourism option, investors can earn a large amount of money. Winter tourism has its characteristic features. Services such as accommodation, food and drink, and recreational activities are shaped according to the characteristic features of winter tourism. For example, accommodation is preferred with mountain and forest views, a fireplace, and generally wooden features. The preferred recreational activities in winter tourism are Snowboarding, Snow sledding, Ice skating, Snowmobiling, Helicopter Skiing, cable car trips, and winter festivals.

In addition to being an attractive option for tourists, these winter tourism destinations also offer excellent opportunities for real estate investors. Properties in regions popular for winter activities, such as holiday homes, chalets, and rental apartments, are in high demand during the winter season. Investors can benefit from short-term rental income, particularly in well-established winter resorts, where occupancy rates are consistently high. Furthermore, the value of these properties tends to appreciate over time, providing profitable long-term investment returns.

The popular winter tourism destinations in Turkey are listed below.

1. Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most beautiful and fun cities in Turkey every season. It is another good thing to have a holiday in Istanbul, especially in winter. Both natural beauties and historical beauties manage to attract tourists to Istanbul every semester. Istanbul is a city that receives snowfall from time to time during the winter months. During these periods, activities suitable for winter tourism can be held in the city. However, Istanbul is famous for other activities rather than snow activities such as skiing. Various festivals and concerts are held in the city, especially in winter.

Important artists from Turkey and the world give hundreds of concerts in Istanbul. In addition, many tourist points of the city are also indispensable parts of winter tourism. Thanks to the bungalow houses with fireplaces located in the districts of the city, people have fun calmly, spending quality time. Entertainment venues located in Istanbul are also quite active in winter. Therefore, there are activities to be done around the clock in the city with ease.

Istanbul is also a prime location for real estate investment, even during the winter months. Properties with views of the Bosphorus and in historic districts are especially sought after by international investors. The cultural richness and continuous events make Istanbul a prime location for those looking to invest in short-term rental properties, providing both high returns and capital appreciation.

2. Nevsehir

Another city that comes to mind when it comes to winter tourism is Nevsehir. Nevsehir is home to the Cappadocia region, which is a world-famous beauty. Cappadocia is such a beautiful region that it makes people admire its fascinating beauty no matter whether it is summer month or winter month. Although it is usually popular to visit in the summer, the magnificent view of Cappadocia combined with the snow creates a wonderful view.

Also, some people prefer to visit the area in winter because the area is very crowded in summer. The famous balloon tours in Cappadocia are also available not only in summer but also for four seasons. Another popular activity in the area is horse riding in the area. Another nice activity in this option is traveling around the region by balloon. Other types of transportation in the area are ATVs and safari jeeps. The territory has a fairly large area. Therefore, there is a wide range of transportation means to travel around the region.

Nevsehir is famous not only for its fairy chimneys. In addition, it also has tourist options such as other natural beauties, historical churches, and historical buildings, food and beverage, and wine culture. Food and beverage culture is one of the important values of the city. One of the most important features of Nevsehir is the accommodation options in the city. Stone houses in the area provide visitors with unforgettable experiences. These houses are cool in summer and warm in winter due to their structure. Thanks to cave houses and stone houses, you can have unforgettable experiences. Another popular activity option in the area is Spa's. Those who want to be healthy in winter make a lot of demands in Spa's.

Cappadocia’s unique stone houses and cave hotels are not only architectural marvels but also lucrative investment opportunities. Investors looking to purchase properties in this region can find attractive deals, particularly during the quieter winter months when property prices may be more negotiable. These properties hold value as both holiday homes and boutique hotels, appealing to tourists year-round.

3. Bursa

Bursa is the first city that comes to mind when it comes to winter tourism in Turkey. Uludag is the reason why Bursa is so famous during the winter holidays. Uludag is almost the capital of winter tourism in Turkey. Uludag has a ski resort. The Uludag ski resort is advanced. From the point of view of issues such as safety, comfort, and accessibility, Uludag makes its name not only in Turkey but all over the world. Social life in the region is very developed.

Bursa is very crowded in winter because it is a popular tourist spot. Ice and snow sports are held in the area. All kinds of snow activities can be reached. Bursa is not limited to snow sports only. At the same time, festivals are held in Bursa every year during the winter months. These festivals are Whitefest and Uludag music festivals. The city also attracts many tourists with its natural beauty and history. These tourist areas attract many tourists to the city in summer and winter. Spa culture is also very important in the city. These spas, which are very useful for health, are another factor that attracts a large number of tourists to the city.

The Uludag region is also highly sought after by real estate investors, particularly those interested in winter tourism properties. Mountain lodges, luxury resorts, and chalets in the Uludag area offer excellent opportunities for rental income, especially during the peak winter season. As both a summer and winter tourism destination, properties in Bursa maintain strong year-round demand and increasing property values.

4. Rize

Rize has an important position in terms of extreme sports and winter tourism in Turkey. Since the city is located in the north of Turkey, it is a city that receives a lot of snowfall. Recreational activities such as skiing, hiking, mountaineering, rafting, and trekking are the most popular activities in the city. The city is one of the few beauties of Turkey in terms of natural beauty. Especially in recent years, huge investments have been made in the city for winter tourism.

The main advantage of the city is that it is suitable for water sports, as well as snow and ice sports. The social structure is also being shaped accordingly, as the tourist population increases in the winter months in the city. The Ayder winter festival is one of the most important examples of this. Ayder plateau is one of the most important tourist areas of the city. The nature of the Ayder plateau attracts a large number of tourists to the region. The region of Mount Ovit, located in Rize, was also declared a winter tourist region in 2008.

Real estate investments in Rize, particularly around the Ayder Plateau and Mount Ovit, are growing in parallel with the city’s rising prominence in winter tourism. Properties near these tourist areas, including hotels and vacation homes, are seeing increasing demand as the city continues to develop its tourism infrastructure.

5. Bolu

Bolu is one of the cities where winter tourism is developing in Turkey. There is a Kartalkaya ski resort in the city. Kartalkaya ski resort is a developed resort and one of the best ski resorts in Turkey. The winter sports season starts in December in the region and continues until April. There are all kinds of facilities for winter sports in the city. The Gerede district is another winter sports center of the city. The city is at the forefront of winter sports, as well as its natural beauty.

The green nature of Bolu, forests, natural beauties, lakes, mountains, and plateaus add a completely different beauty to the city. It is quite easy to get to the winter tourism areas in Bolu. This is one of the most important advantages of the city. Another important feature of the city is its accommodation facilities. Various types of accommodation, especially close to tourist areas, provide access to all kinds of facilities and emergency services. One of the biggest reasons for choosing the city is that it is close to Ankara and Istanbul.

Bolu’s proximity to major cities like Ankara and Istanbul makes it a convenient choice for real estate investors. Properties in Bolu, especially around Kartalkaya and Gerede, are highly attractive to those seeking winter vacation homes or rental properties. The city’s natural beauty, combined with its accessibility, ensures consistent demand for both short-term rentals and long-term investments.

6. Sivas

Sivas is a city in the central region of Turkey that is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical sites. It is also a popular destination for winter tourism, with a number of ski resorts and other winter sports facilities in the surrounding area.

One of the main ski resorts in the Sivas region is the Palandöken Ski Resort, which is located in the eastern part of the province and is known for its long ski runs and high-quality facilities. The resort is open from December to April and offers a range of ski runs for skiers of all levels, as well as snowboarding and other winter sports.

Other winter activities in the Sivas region include ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The city is also home to a number of thermal baths and spas, which can be a great way to relax and unwind after a day on the slopes.

If you're planning to visit Sivas for winter tourism, it's important to be prepared for cold weather. Make sure to bring warm clothing, including a coat, hat, gloves, and warm boots. It's also a good idea to check the weather forecast and road conditions before you leave.

Real estate opportunities in Sivas, particularly near ski resorts like Palandöken, are on the rise. Investors are increasingly interested in properties close to the ski areas, including vacation homes and rental accommodations. The growing winter tourism market in Sivas makes it an appealing option for long-term property investments.

7. Kayseri

Kayseri is a city located in central Turkey and is known for its cold winters. The city is located at an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level, which can make it quite cold during the winter months. Despite the cold weather, Kayseri is a popular destination for tourists and offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy during the winter season.

Kayseri is located in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey and is known for its cold winters and snowy weather. The city is located near several ski resorts, including the Palandöken and Erciyes ski resorts, which offer a variety of winter sports activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. These resorts are popular destinations for both local and international tourists and typically operate from December to April. In addition to skiing and snowboarding,

Kayseri also offers a variety of other winter tourist activities, such as ice skating, snowshoeing, and ice climbing. The city is also home to several thermal baths, which offer a relaxing and warm escape from the cold winter weather.

Kayseri is a culturally rich city with a long history, and there are many historical landmarks and cultural attractions to visit during the winter season. Some popular tourist destinations in Kayseri include the Kayseri Castle, the Great Mosque of Kayseri, and the Cifte Minareli Medrese. The city is also home to several museums, including the Kayseri Museum of Archaeology and the Kayseri Museum of Natural History, which showcase the city's rich cultural heritage. Kayseri is known for its traditional Turkish cuisine, and there are many restaurants and cafes in the city that offer a variety of local dishes. Some popular winter dishes in Kayseri include çorba (soup), mantı (dumplings), and pide (flatbread with various toppings).

Kayseri’s proximity to the Erciyes Ski Resort presents a strong real estate investment opportunity. Vacation homes and rental properties near the ski resort are in high demand, particularly during the winter season. The region’s growing tourism infrastructure and popularity among international visitors make Kayseri an attractive location for property investments.

8. Erzurum

Erzurum is a city in eastern Turkey known for its winter sports and tourism. Located in the Eastern Anatolia region, it has a cold, snowy climate and is home to several ski resorts that attract tourists from around the world.

One of the main ski resorts in Erzurum is Palandöken Ski Resort, which is located on Mount Palandöken and has a summit elevation of 2,965 meters (9,722 feet). The resort has 21 ski runs and offers skiing and snowboarding for all levels of ability. It also has a range of amenities, including ski rental and instruction, a ski school, and a snow park.

Erzurum also has several other winter sports facilities, including ice skating rinks and cross-country skiing trails. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy a range of other winter activities, such as dog sledding, snowshoeing, and ice climbing.

Erzurum is also home to several cultural attractions, including historic mosques, churches, and museums, which can be visited during winter vacation. The city is known for its rich history and has several landmarks and historical sites to explore, including the Erzurum Citadel and the Cifte Minareli Medrese, a 13th-century Islamic school.

Erzurum is easily accessible by air, with flights available from major cities in Turkey and other countries. The city is also well-connected by road and rail, making it easy to get to from other parts of the country.

Erzurum, with its established winter sports infrastructure and increasing number of tourists, is becoming a hotspot for real estate investors. Properties near Palandöken Ski Resort and in the city center offer strong rental potential, particularly during the winter months. The expanding tourism industry in Erzurum presents long-term growth opportunities for investors looking to enter the winter tourism market.

What are the Activities that can be Done During the Winter Holidays in Turkey?

Turkey is a developed country in terms of winter tourism. The tourism sector is one of the sectors that receive the most investment every year in the country. At the same time, winter tourism is also a rapidly developing sector in the country. Not only citizens of the country, but also people from all over the world prefer Turkey for the winter holidays. Popular activities that can be done during the winter holidays in Turkey are listed and described below.

1. Hot-Air Ballooning in Cappadocia

Cappadocia is one of the most important tourist destinations in Turkey, located in Nevsehir. The region is a natural miracle formed as a result of geological events as a result of lava sprayed by volcanoes. Every year the region attracts history lovers, those who are interested in geography, and tourists who love the natural beauty of Turkey. The district has a large area. That is why the landscape looks more beautiful from a bird's eye view. Although there are different transportation options to visit Cappadocia, the most popular one is traveling the region by hot air balloon. Thanks to the hot air balloon, people enjoy the view. As some parts of the region are not suitable for land transportation, it is advantageous to travel the region with hot air balloons. Trips to Cappadocia in winter are also very popular. The view is almost perfect after the region receives snowfall. People watch the combination of this natural beauty with snow with hot air balloons.

2. Lake Cildir Sleighing

Cildir Lake is located in Ardahan, Turkey. Cildir Lake is covered with hard ice in winter. Especially in recent years, a new activity has become popular on this lake. After the lake freezes over, tourists enjoy sledding with horses. At the same time, people who want to take a walk on the frozen lake also have a pleasant time here. Another important feature of the region is the fish culture. Shops serving the region offers visitors a taste of the fish they catch from Lake Cıldır. The area is quite close to the ruins of Ani. Generally, tourists visit both areas together.

3. Eastern Express Train Trip

Eastern Express is the railway route of the Republic of Turkey Railway Administration serving between Ankara and Kars. Thanks to the Eastern Express, people can visit the cities of Ankara, Kayseri, Sivas, Erzincan, Erzurum, and Kars. The most important feature of the train is that it has a route with amazing views. Eastern Express has been chosen as one of the most beautiful train routes in the world due to its scenery. One of the features that make the train special is that the wagons are made up of belts. Groups of friends can comfortably enjoy the view in their privacy. The journey takes about 26 hours. During this time, there is a separate wagon for people to eat. Therefore, a comfortable service is provided on the train. In winter, the Eastern express is very popular. The eastern region of Turkey receives a lot of snowfall. The pleasure of the view increases even more with the snowfall.

4. Skiing at Uludag

Uludag is the most important ski resort in Turkey. Uludağ, located in Bursa, is one of the most important ski resorts in the world. The history of winter sports in the region dates back to 1933. Uludag is a high-level region in matters such as safety and comfort. Uludag is the most popular point in Turkey with snowfall in winter. There is an opportunity to do all kinds of snow sports in Uludag. In addition, mountaineering activities are also carried out. There is also a cable car in the area that can be used by people who want to enjoy the view. Uludag is not only the choice of people who want to ski. In addition, a Spa located in the region is also preferred in winter. Uludag, which is important for winter tourism, continues to develop every year, receiving a large amount of investment. People from all over the world come to the region to enjoy a luxurious holiday.

5. Explore Kars and Ancient Ani

The ruins of Ani are located in Kars. The history of the ruins of Ani dates back to the sixth century. The region, built by the Armenians, was also used as the capital for many years afterward. The region is one of the most important historical places in Turkey. At the same time, the ruins of Ani are on the World Heritage list. The region came under the rule of the Turks in 1064 after the Armenians. A large number of artifacts have survived in the region to this day. The main ones are Ani Cathedral, Dikran Honentz Church, and Abu'l Menuchehr Mosque. Abu'l Menuchehr Mosque is the first Turkish Mosque built in Anatolia, so it is a very important building. Nowadays, thousands of people visit the ruins of Ani every year. One of the most popular transportation options in the region is the Eastern Express.

6. City Break in Istanbul without the Crowds

Winter months are one of the most beautiful seasons in Istanbul. In winter, the city is dominated by cleanliness and calm. Usually, during these months, people drink their coffee and enjoy the view or read their books. Again, since fewer tourists come to the city in winter, tourist attractions can be visited more comfortably. The pleasure of the Bosphorus in winter is another beautiful one.

7. Palandoken Skiing

Palandoken is located in Erzurum, Turkey. It is a popular transportation option to go to the city by the eastern express and then go to Palandoken. The city also has an airport. Palandoken ski resort is one of the most developed ski resorts in Turkey. Especially in winter, Erzurum, and Palandoken host a large number of tourists. Palandoken ski resort is just gaining popularity because it was built in 2011. In 2011, the World Universities Winter Games were organized in Palandoken. Although it is a new ski resort, Palandoken has already taken its place among the best ski resorts in the world in international rankings. There are facilities suitable for all kinds of snow sports in the area, including ski lifts and cable car lines. From October until May is the ski season in the Palandoken region. The region is developing through winter tourism. In other words, various accommodation options and transportation services have developed in the region. Apart from ski services, there are various activities such as paragliding and mountaineering in the region.