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There are a few destinations around the Mediterranean coast that
offer sun-seekers the opportunity to get a tan during December and
January. Even a swim in the sea is still possible during these
months. A prime location is certainly Antalya, one of the
southernmost resorts of Turkey, also home to large contingents of
retirees from the UK and mainland Europe. They have escaped the cold
climate of their home countries and exchanged it for the
sun-drenched shore of Turkey, often buying property in places like
Bodrum,
Didim and
Marmaris.
Naturally prices are somewhat cheaper during this season and one can
get a bargain holiday without the crowds. For those who like the
sun, but are not keen on scorching temperatures, this is the best
way to have a healthy holiday in the sun. You can find relatively
empty beaches and yet the hotels and restaurants in the area are
fully staffed and ready to serve you, probably with a lot less
hassle than in the summer months. Basically, a sunny winter break
can be a lot more relaxing than if you did the same thing in the
summer. Prices is about $350 per week all inclusive, in 5 star
hotels. Some agents also offer free air transfer with this price.
It's unbelievable isn't it?
If you actually like winter, but feel you want to have both a winter
and summer holiday in the same spot, Turkey offers mountainous
destinations by the sea, which allow for snow sports one day and
water activities another. Saklikent is near Antalya and allows for
daytrips to find good facilities for skiers and snowboarders alike.
But even if you’re looking for a real winter holiday in a different
location from the Rockies or the Alps, Turkey is a good alternative.
In recent years, Turkey’s winter sport resorts have established
their place among their European counterparts, but still offer
affordable prices and lack the crowds.
The prime location for skiing is probably
Uludag near Bursa. It has
been well known among
Turkish winter sports fans for many years, but
has been steadily improved with the influx of foreign tourists. It
is therefore the biggest resort in Turkey.
The Bolu mountains are half-way between Istanbul and Ankara and
among pine forests is the resort of
Kartalkaya. Like in all other
resorts, there are good slopes, hotels, restaurants and skiing
instructors.
Kastamonu, not far away from the Black Sea coast offers the resort
at Ilgaz Mountain, in the middle of a large National Park. The
facilities consist of a hotel, chalets, two ski-lifts, a baby lift
and a chair lift. An additional attraction is the hunting
People living in Ankara might go to the resort of Elmadag (“Apple
mountain”), which allows for plenty of relaxation in the fresh air,
a small hotel, lifts, restaurants, discos and more.
Palandoken near
Erzurum has been transformed into Turkey’s second
important location, partly due to the country’s application to host
the Winter Student Olympics in 2011. Hence the area has seen massive
investments in winter sport facilities, hotels as well as bars,
restaurants and other après-ski activities.
For those who want something very special on their winter holiday,
Cappodocia is a must. In winter, this area, which was formed by two
large volcanic eruptions, is probably even more breathtaking than in
the summer with its caves, which were inhabited in former times.
Even nowadays, people still live near or on the mountains, a good
example how mankind has adapted to and made the best of nature’s
surroundings. There are underground cities to visit, the famous Peri
Bacalari (“Fairy Chimneys”) and it is certainly one of the world’s
attractions not ever to be missed.
So, if you want to combine the sun and the snow and an interesting
experience, Turkey might just be the place for you. Flights from
Europe serve most destinations with connecting buses several times a
week.
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CITIES
