Best Winter Destinations in Turkey

When the weather cools down, it's easy to stay hunkered down at home. However, Turkey offers a plethora of excellent options for fun city breaks and beautiful natural areas to visit during the cold winter months.

Eskisehir

Located between Ankara and Istanbul, Eskisehir is a lively university town. The Odunpazari quarter houses one of Turkey’s newest and most important modern art museums, the Odunpazari Modern Museum—a must-visit for art lovers. Afterward, stroll through the historical quarter, filled with old wooden houses, and stop at Karakedi Bozacisi for a glass of boza, a popular winter drink made from fermented grains and garnished with dried chickpeas and cinnamon. Enjoy a walk in one of the many parks before catching the fast train back to the city.

Bolu

Bolu, a small town surrounded by national parks and close to Katalkaya Ski Mountain, is perfect for winter activities. Popular for weekend trips, visitors can enjoy snowmobiling, driving ATVs off-trail, and cozying up around bonfires. Relax with a hot toddy and enjoy the crisp winter air.

Safranbolu

This UNESCO World Heritage site, well-known locally but less frequented by foreign tourists, should be on everyone’s list. Safranbolu boasts nearly perfectly preserved wooden Ottoman homes and cobblestone streets. Enjoy visiting old shops and tasting saffron Turkish Delights. With beautiful boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts available, the only challenge is choosing where to stay.

Eastern Black Sea

Fly into Trabzon and drive up to the Kackar mountains for a weekend in a log cabin. The alpine plateaus, pristine rivers, and fresh mountain air make it a memorable retreat. Don’t miss trying Mihlama, a cornmeal and melted cheese dish similar to fondue, perfect for the winter.