Winter is a low season for travelling to Turkey (Turkiye). But the weather is still warm. December we spent sightseeing in Antalya, and in January we did a roadtrip. And what a treat it was!
Dates: 1st-7th January
Destination: from Antalya to Marmaris, Turkey.
We had only an outline of where we want to go. But Turkey surprised us and we got to see Ancient city, climb Old Windmills, went to local restaurants and got rewarded with an amazing apartment for a very good price.
8 Best Places in Turkey for Every Traveler
Don’t know where in Turkey you can find what you want? Let me help.
I’ve been traveling in and out of Turkey for years and finally spent a year living in Antalya, uncovering the hidden gems and highlights of this beautiful country.
Whether you’re a beach lover, a history enthusiast, or an adventurous hiker, I’ve explored it all. Let me be your guide and share the best destinations depending on the kind of traveler you are.
Travel Itinerary: Roadtrip in Turkey in the Winter (January)
We rented a car and started our Winter roadtrip from Antalya to Marmaris.
- Antalya, Lara. Düden Waterfalls. Kokoyaki Sushi Lara.
- Köprülü Canyon, Altinkaya Amphitheater.
- Big Chef’s Restaurant, Mall of Antalya
- Kibyra Ancient City.
- Marmaris.
- İçmeler. Anne Cafe.
- Road to Tarihi Yel Değirmeni (Old Windmills)
- Akyaka. Apart Hotel
- Akyaka Forest Camp
- Back to Antalya. Salda “Turkish Maldives” Lake.
Antalya, Turkey. Roadtrip in Winter
We start in Antalya. For New Year’s Eve we went to Kokoyaki Sushi Lara restaurant (quite expensive, but totally recommended!).
And next day we had a walk to see Duden Waterfalls and the surrounding park in Antalya, Turkey. The waterfall drops 40 meters into the Mediterranean Sea, creating a stunning view. We walked along the various platforms and walkways built around the area, taking in the beautiful scenery.
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The viewpoint at the bottom of the waterfall was particularly impressive, as I watched the water plunge into the sea. The park surrounding the waterfall was also well-maintained, with plenty of greenery and benches to relax on. We sat at the nearby cafes, making it a fun and memorable experience.
Our next destination is close to Antalya – Oluk Köprü. This ancient Roman bridge is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
We also saw Köprülü Canyon. Beautiful views, almost no tourists in the winter, definitely a must-see if you are on a roadtrip in Antalya Province.
Next day we were planning to drive straight to Marmaris with a stop for lunch. And just by chance we stopped in a town that’s close to Kibyra Ancient City. If you’re a fan of history, this place is a must-see! The ruins date back to the Hellenistic era and boast impressive Roman architecture. The amphitheater was particularly captivating
Marmaris, Turkey. Roadtrip in Winter
We made it to Marmaris by sundown and got to see the incredible sunset on the way down to the city. Marmaris is a Turkish coastal town that’s a popular tourist destination during the summer months.
But what happens in January? Well, it’s still a beautiful place to visit, minus the crowds and heat. The weather is cooler, perfect for exploring the castle and marina without getting sunburnt. Plus, the local markets are less busy, so you can haggle for souvenirs without feeling rushed. Make sure to try the traditional Turkish breakfast, consisting of fresh bread, cheese, olives, and tea.
And evenings you can spend in one of the cafes right on the beach! I wrote more in an article about our 2 days in Marmaris.
Akyaka, Turkey. Roadtrip in Winter
We were looking at the map wondering where to go after Marmaris and found a great deal for a hotel in nearby Akyaka. What we discovered, Akyaka is a town in Turkey that’s all about the slow life. It’s what sets them apart from other places (like the “party towns” Marmaris or Bodrum, for example). Don’t expect to find any wild clubbing scenes or hectic energy here, everything is smooth and slow.
One thing you’ll definitely notice about Akyaka is the architecture. The houses here are built with a mix of modern and traditional styles, with flowery double stairs and wooden balconies. It’s so authentic and unique, you won’t find anything like it anywhere else.
Nature lovers, you’ll be in heaven in Akyaka. The town is surrounded by stunning wetlands and is home to a bunch of endangered species. And when it comes to food, Akyaka is all about traditional Turkish delicacies. They really know how to showcase their culture through their cuisine.
Now, if you’re planning a visit to Akayaka in Turkey, the best time to go is from late June to early September. During the summer months, the weather is warm and the sea is perfect for a swim. But even though our Turkey Roadtrip was during the winter, Akyaka was still worth visiting. There were almost no tourists, but the weather was sunny and we truly enjoyed walking around town and eating at restaurants by the seaside.
Salda Lake, “Turkish Maldives” in the Winter
8 Best Places in Turkey for Every Traveler
Don’t know where in Turkey you can find what you want? Let me help.
I’ve been traveling in and out of Turkey for years and finally spent a year living in Antalya, uncovering the hidden gems and highlights of this beautiful country.
Whether you’re a beach lover, a history enthusiast, or an adventurous hiker, I’ve explored it all. Let me be your guide and share the best destinations depending on the kind of traveler you are.
Our last stop was unplanned, and we discovered a hidden gem!
Salda Lake in Turkey has beautiful azure color water and white clay beaches. Popular destination for locals and a truly hidden gem for foreigners in Turkey. I hope to get a chanсe to come again in summertime.
Budget: Roadtrip in Turkey in the Winter
How to budget for a roadtrip in Turkey? Main expenses are car rentals, petrol (relatively inexpensive in Turkey) and hotels (very well-priced in the Winter, during low season). Food and other expenses are very affordable in Turkey, check out the video below.
31 Dec – 7th Jan, 2 people
TOTAL 652 EUR / 712USD
Car rent = 160 EUR / 180 USD
Petrol 80 EUR / 90 USD
Hotels 210 EUR / 240 USD
Entry tickets 2 EUR / 2USD
Food, Restaurants 200 EUR / 223 USD
8 Best Places in Turkey for Every Traveler
Don’t know where in Turkey you can find what you want? Let me help.
I’ve been traveling in and out of Turkey for years and finally spent a year living in Antalya, uncovering the hidden gems and highlights of this beautiful country.
Whether you’re a beach lover, a history enthusiast, or an adventurous hiker, I’ve explored it all. Let me be your guide and share the best destinations depending on the kind of traveler you are.
To avoid common scams, overpriced services, and tourist traps, get my detailed Istanbul Asian Side Guide here (it will save you 10x its cost on transportation and eating out alone):
https://olgapronkina.com/istanbul (secret bonus inside!)
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