Holidays in Turkey in 2023 are one of the most popular among Russians. Impeccable beaches, clean sea, affordable prices and an all-inclusive system attract Russian tourists to come here every year. The year 2023 is no exception.
People come to the Turkish coast from all over the world: Germans, Poles, Latvians, Russians. After all, this is an amazing country that is located in 2 parts of the world and is washed by four seas.
Features of holidays in Turkey
Turkey has its own national peculiarities, which at first catch your eye upon arrival. Leaving the hotel or just walking along the street, you can see the Turkish flag. On cars, on buses, on the roofs of cafes. Turks are a very patriotic people. When talking to the indigenous population, you can see how much they love their president. And if anyone opposes the current government, they will immediately go to prison.
About 20% of the Turkish population knows English. The national Turkish cuisine is dominated by a huge amount of spices — in potatoes, in fish, in rice, in soups. The food is very tasty, but on the seventh day of rest, the peppery kitchen is getting tired. Turkey is a maritime country, but the local dried salted fish is nowhere to be found. She just doesn’t exist.
The most important feature of the Turkish people is hospitality. When a local resident sees a confused foreigner, he is always ready to help him.
Seasonality and climate. When is it better to go to Turkey
The Mediterranean coast has a subtropical climate, with dry hot summers and warm rainy winters. The tourist season is from April to November. The temperature in summer reaches + 40 degrees.
Turkey offers a “velvet season”, which opens in early September and lasts until early November. During this period, the air temperature is +25 degrees. There are most tourists in September. The sea has not cooled down yet, and the sun does not burn so much.
In winter, the temperature does not drop below zero. There is a lot of rain in winter. The coldest month is January. The average air temperature is +13 degrees. You can’t swim in the sea anymore, but you can relax inexpensively.
Prices for tours to Turkey 2023
Turkey presents a different range of prices for tours. The cost is influenced by many factors: the time of year, the length of days, the star rating of the hotel, food, the location of the complex and much more.
If at the beginning of the opening of the bathing season, tours start from 20,000 thousand rubles per week per person to 3-4-star hotels with an all-inclusive system, then to a five-star complex under the same conditions, the cost of the tour will be at least 2 times more.
During the hottest months in July or August, the cost of tours drops by 20-30%.
Prices start from 15,000 thousand rubles. The highest cost of vouchers falls on the “velvet season”. Tours start from 30,000 thousand rubles per week in 3-star hotels. It is advantageous for tourists to book a hotel 4-6 months in advance. You should also pay attention to last minute deals and special hotel offers.
Types of recreation or what to do in Turkey
Holidays in Turkey in 2023 have affordable prices for the All-inclusive system. This applies not only to food, but also to entertainment.
Active types of recreation:
- diving – diving into the marine world;
- surfing;
- sailing;
- water skiing;
- paragliding;
- on horseback;
- descent along the mountain river.
Turkey pays less attention to the recreational type of recreation.
The most famous health resorts are:
- Kangal.
- Pamukkale.
- Yalova.
Wellness treatments are offered here:
- salt caves;
- swimming in the pool;
- various types of massages;
- taking mineral baths;
- visit to the famous Turkish bath – Hammam.
Beach holidays
Holidays in Turkey (in 2023, all-inclusive prices remain at the level of the previous year) attract beach lovers from all over the world. There are two types of beaches here: sandy and with small pebbles. Who likes which one.
The beach in Alanya is one of the most popular among tourists. The snow-white sand stretches for 70 km. The hotels are located almost on the very shore of the resort. Cleopatra Beach is one of the attractions of Alanya. The sand was brought here from Egypt. The beach has been awarded the international Blue Flag Award, which means high water quality and safety for swimming.
Near Alanya there is a small village called Konkaly, which boasts numerous wild beaches. The village has the narrowest coastline, with a length of more than 10 km. Fethiye resort has a beach called Oludeniz. Here is the Blue Lagoon, one of the most beautiful places in Turkey.
Due to its popularity, many foreign youth come here, and the beach is almost always crowded. There is a small Iztuzu Beach 8 km from Dalaman Airport. He became famous for his sea turtles, which lay eggs from May to October. Therefore, visiting the beach from 20:00 to 08:00 is strictly prohibited for tourists.
On the Bodrum Peninsula, the beaches are small with sand and pebbles.
Kemer and Tekirova are more remote areas of Turkey. The beaches at these resorts are pebbly with a gentle shore. There are many attractions around: Phaselis, pomegranate gardens, coves.
Pamuchak beach, which is located 8 km from Ephesus, is very large and covered with dark sand. There are many beautiful places nearby where you can retire. The beaches of Belek are famous for their length of more than 30 km. There are few attractions here, but the hotels are popular among tourists for their high-quality service.
The sandy beaches of Marmaris with turquoise-clear water, foam discos and a vibrant nightlife are suitable for young people. And one of the least popular beaches among tourists is Olympus. There are few bars and shops here, but you can see ancient ancient ruins.
Family tours
Holidays in Turkey in 2023 (all inclusive prices, developed infrastructure, lots of entertainment are obvious advantages of the resort country) offers conditions for couples with children. When choosing a family vacation, you need to pay attention to hotels with developed infrastructure. Many complexes offer all-inclusive baby food.
There are children’s pools, playgrounds and attractions on site. Animators play fun games with the kids throughout the day. It is also necessary to clarify the prices of additional services, for example, hourly babysitting.
If the child is older, you can go on excursions with him. Family travel in Turkey is becoming more and more popular every year.
Wellness holidays
Only 7 countries in the world can boast of their thermal springs. Turkey is one of them. Antalya alone is famous for the location of more than a thousand such springs on its territory. The water temperature ranges from +30 to + 100 degrees.
One of the oldest health resorts is Kangal. The waters of the springs are equipped with large amounts of zinc and selenium. Medicinal fish live in reservoirs. With the help of their therapy, people get rid of psoriasis. The Kangala Thermal resort is recognized as the most effective method for getting rid of skin diseases all over the world.
The pearl of Turkey is the Pamukkale thermal resort. This amazing place is known for its calcareous origin. In ancient times, terminally ill people were cured in Pamukkale. Tourists come here with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, skin and pancreas.
The Yalova Health resort is located in the botanical garden. Its healing springs are famous for their hot waters. Tourists cure diseases of the lungs, liver and eyes. Based on a complex of procedures: swimming pools, mineral baths, taking water inside at least two liters, visiting a Turkish sauna, water has a healing effect on the entire body.
Sightseeing tours
The excursion programs in Turkey are very diverse. There are more and more offers every year. Excursions from a tour operator will be several times more expensive than a trip purchased from a local guide. One of the most popular excursions in Turkey is a visit to Troy. There will be an opportunity to see a modern copy of the Trojan Horse, visit the Chamber of People’s Assemblies — Veche, visit the museum of ancient excavations.
The second most popular excursion among tourists is a visit to the Turkish city of Bodrum. The trip will take you through the oldest areas of the resort and attractions: the gates of Mindos, the walls of the historical amphitheater, the fortress of St. Peter.
In the European resort of Marmaris, a two-deck yacht will take tourists to the Aegean Islands. There will be an opportunity to visit Cleopatra’s pink sand beach, an ancient church and feed the mountain goats.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey is Kekova Island, which is surrounded by crystal water. The ruins of the sunken city are visible at the depth. A terrible earthquake occurred, after which the population was under water. After that, the bus will head to Mira, the capital of Lycia. Here you can admire the churches and cathedrals.
Turkey also offers excursions to neighboring countries. You can visit the Greek island of Rhodes. A trip to Israel is also popular. Tourists can swim in the saltiest reservoir in the world and visit the ancient city of Jerusalem. Excursions in Turkey are very rich and varied.
Local guides will offer tourists local tours:
- jeep safari and moto safari;
- horse riding in the surrounding area;
- Turkish night;
- yacht trip;
- Pirate party;
- dolphinarium.
Winter holidays
Holidays in Turkey 2023 (the price includes everything necessary for a comfortable stay in the resorts of the country) attracts tourists even in winter. There are much fewer tourists in Turkey in winter than in the summer season. And all because half of the hotels are closing, the food is no longer so varied, and you can no longer swim in the sea. The main winter entertainment for tourists is skiing and snowboarding.
Uludag is a winter resort located on Mount Maly Olympus. The tracks are suitable for both extreme athletes and beginners. There are 17 of them. The longest highway is 3 km long. The most popular resort is Palandoken, located on the peak of the same name. There is a descent of more than 12 km. It is considered one of the most difficult. There are 4 cable cars.
A ski resort called Saraakamysh is located in a picturesque place. The trails are suitable for beginners and families with children. There is a professional snow park nearby. Many people come to Turkey for the New Year holidays or for winter shopping. Discounts on last year’s collections reach 60-90%.
Ecotourism
Ecotourism in Turkey has started to develop over the past 4 years.
The country offers eco tours in the territories of national parks:
- Olympos;
- Dileka;
- A cooking pot;
- Munzura;
- Uludaga.
The most popular route for tourists is considered to be the Kepryulu Canyon, which is located near the resort of Antalya. Most of the national park is covered with cedar and pine forests. The territory is more than 400 hectares.
The main attraction of the park is the Kepryulu mountain river with a turquoise shade of water. The length of the reservoir is 180 km. Above the canyon you can see the Oluk Bridge, which was built by the Romans. Its height is 27 m. A little further away are the ruins of the ancient city of Selge. And in the thickets of parks you can meet forest inhabitants: hares, foxes, mountain goats and raccoons.
Resorts in Turkey. The cost of burning tours
Holidays in Turkey in 2023 (all-inclusive prices are low, entertainment programs are diverse, infrastructure is developed, and the climate is mild) are finding more and more admirers.
Both young people and families with children have a rest at different resorts of the Turkish coast:
- Kemer is a small area of Turkey, located two hours away from the airport. The resort is surrounded by a pine forest. There are also many ancient buildings in the area: a mosque, a chapel, a necropolis.
- Antalya – the most famous resort in Turkey. It is popular among young people and couples. Tourists can look at waterfalls, nature reserves and ancient ruins. The resort is also considered the center of Turkish nightlife.
- Belek is the most expensive resort on the Turkish coast. The snow-white sand and gentle shore are suitable for couples with children. Belek is recognized as a world golf center. There is little other entertainment here.
- Side is a calm and quiet resort in Turkey. In addition to tourists, local residents rest here. Archaeological sites are located on the territory of the resort: the columns of the temple of Apollo, an amphitheater, Greco-Roman ruins.
- Alanya is a budget resort in Turkey. The perfect combination of price and quality. The largest number of tourists is here.
- Marmaris – a youth resort in Turkey. It is called the “Turkish Ibiza”. The resort is known for its street of bars. Marmaris is a European resort, a favorite place for foreigners.
- Bodrum is the second most visited resort among young people. Tourists come here for a busy nightlife. Bodrum has a huge number of bars and restaurants with local Turkish cuisine.
Turkish resorts – comparison table:
Resort | When is it better to rest | Transfer | Beach | Of note | Suitable for whom |
Kemer | September-October | more than 2 hours | pebble | few | families with children |
Antalya | July-September | 30 min | sandy | many | families with children, young people |
Belek | July-October | 40 min | sandy | few | families with children |
Alanya | July-October | 1 hour | sandy and pebbly | many | families with children, young people |
Side | July-September | 1.5 hours | sandy | many | families with children |
Marmaris | May-October | 2 hours | sandy | few | young people |
Bodrum | July-August | 2 hours | sandy and pebbly | many | young people |
Last-minute tours to Turkey can be purchased at any time of the year. The discount on vouchers is 40-70% of the initial cost. Usually such offers come 1-2 days before departure and even 6 hours before check-in.
Sights of Turkey
The main attraction of Turkey is the majestic city of Istanbul. An industrial center where kings and sheikhs have lived throughout history. Istanbul is located in two parts of the world. Locals call it the bridge from Europe to Asia. The city was founded more than three thousand years ago. Contrasting cathedrals, mosques of the 16th century, ancient architecture, palaces of sheikhs…
In addition to visiting historical buildings, tourists often come here for shopping.
The second attraction of the Turkish state is Kapadokia. A huge number of mountain ranges, which are shaped like mushrooms, are spread over a vast area. The unusual appearance was due to volcanogenic geysers that operated on the territory many years ago.
Locals call Kapadokia – “The Land of beautiful horses.” According to legend, several millennia ago, a huge number of wild stallions lived here. Cappadocia is a tourist center. You can get here by bus from any resort in Turkey.
There are underground cities, ancient churches, and earthen pyramids in Cappadocia. Pottery is well developed here. You can buy a handmade plate or an earthenware jug, which will remind you of a trip to Cappadocia.
5* hotels in Turkey on the first coastline with an all-inclusive service
Five-star hotels in Turkey are located both on the first coastline and on the second. Each complex has its own developed infrastructure. Some hotels have huge areas, golf courses, water slides, while others are less modest, quiet and cozy. It happens that five-star hotels are inferior in service to 4-star hotels. It all depends on the owner of the complex.
5-star hotels located on the first coastline have their own private beach with security, a couple of bars by the sea, their umbrellas with sun loungers. The hotels offer a huge abundance of national dishes and alcoholic beverages on an all-inclusive basis. Local chefs cook huge fish on the grill, several types of meat, various seafood.
Turkish women on the territory of the hotel roll delicious national tortillas with cottage cheese and herbs. Bartenders pour local and imported alcoholic drinks. Throughout the day, tourists are entertained by the animation at the hotel, both for children and adults.
And in the evening entertainment programs:
- live music;
- fire shows;
- Turkish night;
- humorous productions;
- discos.
Budget 3* and 4* hotels*
There are many budget hotels with 3-4 stars in Turkey. Basically, such complexes are located on the second or third coastline. It is about 500-2000 m from the sea. You can walk to the beach after a hearty breakfast or take the free shuttle at the hotel. Most often, the hotel does not have its own beaches, and vacationers use urban ones.
There is no variety in food, as in five-star complexes. One type of meat or fish is usually served for lunch. Alcoholic beverages also cannot please with abundance. Animation is most often absent. For many services that are free in 5-star hotels, you will have to pay extra.
Useful information for vacationers in Turkey
Rest is a vacation, but in a foreign country there are strict laws, customs and customs:
- In Turkey, less than 2% of the population knows English, so a Russian-Turkish phrasebook would not hurt.
- Turks in the bazaar are very fond of haggling.
- It is not worth buying gold products in bazaars, as they may contain more copper than gold.
- It is better to change money only at exchange offices.
- According to local laws, smoking is prohibited in public places.
- Traffic in Turkey is very erratic.
- If you want to rent a car, you need to take care of its insurance.
- When visiting mosques, men need to take off their shoes and women need to cover their heads.
- It is necessary to respect the religion of the country.
- According to Turkish customs, whoever invites you to a cafe pays.
- Nudism is strictly prohibited.
Visa
Russians do not need a visa to Turkey if their stay does not exceed 60 days. No certificates or additional surcharges will be required. Upon arrival in Turkey, a foreign passport must be valid for at least three months from the moment of arrival in the country.
Time zone, flight time
The flight time from Moscow by direct flight to Antalya Airport is 3 hours. Sometimes pilots pack in 2 hours and 30 minutes. If the flight is from Irkutsk, Chelyabinsk, Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, then the flight will take 4-8 hours.
The food on the plane is good, you can ask the flight attendants for fresh press or freshly brewed coffee, so that the flight takes place in comfortable conditions. There is no time difference between Turkey and Russia. So that you don’t have to knock down your usual routine.
Currency
In Turkey, the national currency is the lira, which is equal to about 11.5 rubles. You can also pay in rubles, dollars, euros, and you can even use a bank card. It is advisable to take at least 2 bank cards.
Turkish terminals often do not accept payments from the payment systems of some Russian banks. At the end of the vacation, it is better to spend small change, and exchange large bills back into rubles.
What to take with you
The smaller the suitcase, the easier it is on the road. The most important thing is not to forget tickets, money, a pair of shorts and T-shirts, an outfit for the evening. Be sure to bring a first aid kit and sunscreens. This is the most necessary minimum. The rest can be purchased on vacation.
When planning a vacation in Turkey in 2023, you need to study the nuances of the country. Starting with prices, ending with all-inclusive meals. Find out about the climate, the beach, the infrastructure of the hotel, the distance to the sea.
Video about holidays in Turkey
The most beautiful beaches in Turkey: