The Best Places to Visit in Turkey During Autumn

Want to explore Turkey’s vibrant bazaars and rocky valleys? Book TRIPS by Culture Trip’s 12-day group tour where you’ll stop at key historical sights and glide across the landscape in a hot-air balloon.

Usually a tourist hotspot, Fethiye becomes a more laidback destination in autumn, with more locals than tourists. Hire a car, and take a road trip from Göcek to Kaş to discover all the beautiful Aegean coves and historic sights, such as Kalkan, Kabak, Patara, Xanthos, Letoon, Dalyan and Kaunos. If you’re more on the active side, hike the famous Lycian Way during the moderate autumn temperatures.

You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world when you spend a few days among the ancient stone houses of Mardin’s old town. In autumn, you won’t likely come across any tourists and can really take in the culture, including the amazing local cuisine.

September is the perfect time to visit Bozcaada because of grape harvesting at the famous vineyards on the island. The island is also devoid of its usual summer energy and becomes a serene destination in autumn, where you can dine on excellent Aegean cuisine.

Much overlooked, Mersin is actually surrounded by more than 108km (67mi) of natural beaches, which means there are plenty of remote beaches to discover. Mersin is also famous for its many historic sights, including the Alahan Monastery, Maiden Castle, Caves of Heaven and Hell, Soli Pompeipolis, Adamkayalar, Kanlıdivane, Anemurium Ancient City and Cleopatra’s Gate.

A definite stop for history enthusiasts, the old village of Behramkale and the 3,000-year-old town of Assos transport visitors back to another time. Enjoy the local Aegean cuisine, and explore the historic ruins.

The beautiful island of Cunda is exceptionally calm come September and is a great place for couples to enjoy some alone time. Check into one of the many boutique hotels set within renovated historic stone houses, and enjoy amazing Aegean cuisine made with the famous local olive oil.

Cappadocia, one of the most popular tourists destinations in Turkey, becomes very serene in autumn, especially when the season’s colours really highlight the mystical fairy chimneys. Make sure to book a hot-air balloon ride to really take in the view before you explore the area with a rewarding hike or bike tour.

Turkey’s Black Sea region is known for its stunning natural landscapes, and, in autumn, it’s exceptionally beautiful. Gaze at the Kaçkar Mountains from one of the many mountain villages in Artvin, and make sure to get active and hike around the province.

One of the most untouched areas in the Muğla Province, Datça is a great destination for nature lovers, and, in autumn, it is especially calm. Go swimming at one of the many remote beaches, wander through Datça’s beautiful old town, and find your inner peace.

The largest island in Turkey is one of the best places to really get away from it all, especially in autumn, when the tourists are gone. Get lost among the historic villages, go swimming at one of the many beaches, and enjoy some exceptional food while you take in the last days of warm weather.