The Best Places To Visit In Turkey During Autumn

September to November is the perfect time to visit Turkey because the high season has come to an end, yet swimming is still possible until mid-October. From serene beaches to beautiful forests where the leaves are turning yellow, check out these best spots for a relaxing vacation.

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.

Fethiye

The sand dunes of Patara Beach, Turkey, are a great sight in autumn

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.

The Zinciriye Medresesi in Mardin is an impressive landmark to visit

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.

Bozcaada

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.

Mersin

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.

Assos

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.

Cunda

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

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.

Artvin

Hike the natural landscape of the Kaçkar Mountains

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.

Datça

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.

Gökçeada

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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.