As the summer crowds recede, autumn is one of the most special times for places to visit in Turkey. The cool plateaus of the Black Sea for nature lovers, Cappadocia for those looking for a mystical atmosphere, Kaş for those who cannot give up a sea holiday, Göbeklitepe for cultural discovery enthusiasts, and Abant and Kaz Mountains for those who want a peaceful getaway stand out in this season. These routes, which will inspire those who plan a holiday in autumn, offer a calm and unforgettable experience in touch with nature. So, where to visit in Turkey during Autumn? Let's explore together!
Top Places to Visit in Turkey During Autumn for Stunning Scenery
0
The Oxygen Rich Black Sea
If you want to explore the Black Sea, which fascinates visitors with its untouched natural wonders, and witness unique landscapes in its plateaus, autumn is the best season for this. Although the Black Sea coast extends from Kırklareli to Artvin, highland tourism is mostly concentrated on the eastern coast, namely around Rize and Artvin. Pokut, Macahel, Şavşat, Artvin and Çamlıhemşin stand out among the plateaus you should definitely see when you come to this region.
Pokut Plateau is almost as if it is built on the clouds... In this plateau, which is 1.5-2 hours away from Çamlıhemşin, it is possible to come across thousands of shades of green. You can stay in these plateau houses in Pokut, which offer a fairy-tale atmosphere with its fog-shrouded landscapes and authentic wooden houses.
Artvin offers unique experiences to nature lovers with its impressive plateaus. One of them, Görgit Plateau, is a refuge for those looking for silence and peace. Here you can either stay with your tent or experience an accommodation experience in touch with nature in cosy wooden houses.
Macahel, Turkey's first and only biosphere reserve under UNESCO protection, makes a difference with its forests, unique culture and virgin plateaus. When you come here, you should definitely visit Lekoban Plateau.
⚠️ Note: It is highly recommended that you join a guided tour or travel with someone who knows the region well. Because there may be no mobile phone reception and the roads may be difficult.
A Mystical Journey in Cappadocia
Cappadocia, where history and nature meet in a magical harmony, is one of the most fairytale destinations not only in Turkey but also in the world with its unique fairy chimneys. Although every season in Cappadocia, which means ‘Land of Beautiful Horses’ in Persian, offers a unique beauty, autumn carries a different magic. It fascinates its visitors with its regions such as Uchisar, Göreme, Zelve, Avanos, Urgup and Ihlara Valley.
The Dark Church and Göreme Open Air Museum, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, reveal both the historical and natural richness of the region. One of the most important activities to do in Cappadocia is, of course, to ride a hot air balloon at sunrise and watch this magical geography from the sky. You can also hike on trekking routes or explore the surroundings by joining ATV tours.
If you want to take an artistic break, you can participate in pottery workshops organised in Avanos, have a pleasant time and return with a souvenir you made yourself. Do not return without tasting the local delicacies: Test kebab, pot beans, stuffed quince and stuffed leaves should be at the top of your list!
Experience Summer Again in Kaş
If you don't want to end the summer, turn your route to Kaş without thinking! Although Kaş, the pearl of our southern coastline, remains popular throughout the summer, it promises a more peaceful holiday with the decrease in crowds in autumn. The weather is still favourable for swimming and you can have a pleasant time without being overwhelmed by the heat.
The classic Kaputaş Beach, Hidayet Bay or Limanagzı beaches offer excellent alternatives for swimming. Another enjoyable activity you should do is a local favourite: a boat trip. Whether you join these tours with tour companies or by renting a private boat, you should definitely visit Kekova Sunken City.
And of course, the most beautiful ritual of Kaş: Watching the sun set over the sea with a different peace every day... Although there are many hotels in the region, there are also camping areas for nature lovers. Located between Dalaman and Antalya, the ideal choice for travelling to Kaş is Dalaman Airport.
The Beauty of Nature in Abant
Abant, which is only 4 hours away from Istanbul, offers a peaceful getaway with its lake and surrounding natural view. In 1988, the region was taken under protection and declared a ‘Natural Park’.
The places you can see around Abant are not limited to the lake. Yedigöller National Park, Seben Rock Houses, Örmeci Plateau, Sinekli Plateau, Yıldırım Beyazıt Bath and Abant Museum of Natural Life are among the other stops you can add to your route.
If you want, you can do trekking, hiking, safari or camp in nature. On your way back, you can immortalise your holiday with organic products and handcrafted souvenirs by stopping by Abant Village Bazaar. Abant, which is especially ideal for weekend getaways, is a stop where you will meet both oxygen and happiness.
Witness the Birth of Civilisation in Göbeklitepe
Göbeklitepe, which breaks the memorisation of human history and raises new questions with every discovery, takes you on a mysterious journey through time. The discovery adventure of this unique archaeological site, located 20 km northeast of Şanlıurfa, began in 1986 when a farmer found a statue in his field.
Göbeklitepe, unearthed with the work of Klaus Schmidt and his team from the German Archaeological Institute, is 6,600 years older than Stonehenge and 7,100 years older than the Egyptian Pyramids, and bears the title of ‘the world's first temple’. The region, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2018, is also the centre of myths and legends.
After your visit, you can explore other important points of the city such as Halfeti, Şanlıurfa Museum, Lake Balıklı and Harran Plain. Of course, when you come to Şanlıurfa, you cannot return without tasting local delicacies such as Urfa Kebab, Liver Kebab and Çiğ Köfte!
Enjoy Serenity of Nature on Mount Ida
A magical place that has hosted mythological stories, where legends and nature are intertwined: Mount Ida. Located in the north of the Edremit Gulf, this paradise corner is only 4 hours away from Istanbul. With its fresh air, rich vegetation and serene atmosphere, you start to be renewed the moment you step in.
Covering an area of 20,935 hectares, one of the most beautiful spots of Mount Ida is Hasan Boğuldu Waterfall, home to a sad love story. The Mount Ida National Park, which was taken under protection in 1993, should be an indispensable route for nature lovers. The Altar of Zeus at the entrance of Adatepe, one of the most remarkable villages in the region, fascinates with its view and mythological story.
For those looking for more adventure, there are trekking routes and mountain safaris, while for those who dream of a quiet escape, a gourmet holiday on olive harvest dates is also possible. Mount Ida is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a relaxing getaway with plenty of oxygen and nature.
