Autumn in Turkey is an ideal time to travel. Travel and tourism agents drop their peak time premium charges so that you can save money on flights, hotels and exploring. Sitting somewhere between the hot sticky days of summer and the quiet ambience of winter, no matter where you go, fewer crowds ensure freedom, peace, and relaxation.
Then there is the food! The fish season is in full flow and diners sample the biggest and best of daily catches. Likewise, everyone heads to olive groves and the Aegean coast of Turkey, where the best and largest olives grow. Sampling them at local markets is a healthy eating option and a crucial ingredient in a healthy Mediterranean diet. If we still haven't persuaded you that the idea of autumn is an excellent time, then we present the places that become glorious during this season.
Best Places to Enjoy Autumn in Turkey
1: Bozcaada Island: Home of Fine Wine
Few foreign tourists visit Bozcaada, yet among Turks, it is well-known, and September is an excellent time to visit, as the grape season begins. Local agencies offer tours to vineyards where you can learn about their centuries-old winemaking process. Even the locals of Bozcaada say the best time to visit is autumn as they invite you for long walks through the countryside, followed by an evening glass of local speciality wine. The abundance of vibrant yellows, oranges, reds, and browns dominates picture-postcard scenes for wannabe photographers.
2: Cappadocia in the Central Anatolia Region
If wine is your passion in life and you want to continue the theme, consider visiting Cappadocia in October. The local region of Urgup, which is renowned for its wine production, offers a variety of wines with distinctive flavours due to the unique topography. While there, explore Ihlara Valley, an amazing natural site, and take a fantastic hot air balloon trip to see beautiful places from high up. Alternatively, walk the streets of any traditional Turkish village to find fruit trees lining the pavements and dropping pomegranates and figs in abundance.
3: Beypazari: Where Flora and Fauna Thrive
Just three hours' drive away from Cappadocia, Beypazari is a lesser-known place in the travel industry. However, it is well known, especially among birdwatching circles. The Inozu Valley part, a protected national park, is where to see many species of wildlife. The autumn landscape colours are peaceful yet eye-catching at the same time. Towards the latter days of autumn, traditional street carts selling roasted chestnuts hit the streets, and local markets display fresh fruit and vegetables that have been slowly cultivated throughout the summer and carefully picked.
4: Lake Abant: Family-Friendly Destination
One place gaining popularity for its spectacular autumn views is the Lake Abant region. Hugely popular with Turks and tourists from Middle Eastern countries, everything and anything focuses on the great outdoors, so favourite daytime activities include hiking, walking around the lake or bicycling. During winter, snow falls, turning the scene into a white blanket befitting a fairy-tale story, yet earthy colours are warm and welcoming for everyone.
5: Kackar Mountains: Where the Wild Roam Free
Colder nights are befalling the Kackar Mountains due to elevated sea levels, but for fantastic scenery, wrap up warm. Locals still live off the land, while animals roam freely in their natural habitat. The geographical landscape prevents the development of large, concentrated buildings; hence, take a closer look at Mother Nature as she prepares for winter. Areas particularly noted for their beautiful landscapes are the Ayder plateau and Uzungol, both of which are renowned for their hand-built wooden hotels constructed from trees in the surrounding forests. Walk up the mountain roads surrounding it to get an almost bird's eye view.
6: Cirali and Olympos: Natural Living
Cirali, situated on the Mediterranean coast, is part of Turkey’s Antalya region, yet it ticks all the boxes when it comes to activities and things to do. It shares a long beach with the rural village of Olympus. To break up those sunbathing days, consider hiring a bike or walking on the surrounding mountain roads. Tourist attractions include the ruins of Olympus, the burning flames of chimaera or just a short drive away, the ruins of Phaselis. We love peaceful Cirali in October, when the weather encourages exploration.
7: Bodrum Peninsula for Autumn Colours
As the crowds of July and August fade, Bodrum reveals a relaxed side. The weather remains pleasantly warm along the Mediterranean coast, with golden evenings for seaside walks and long, leisurely dinners. Hotels are more affordable, restaurants are less crowded, and popular spots like the castle, beaches, and marinas are easier to explore without the usual rush.
Many tour agencies even offer curated off-season tours that combine coastal beauty with inland adventures. Just inland, the countryside and plateau areas surrounding the peninsula display Mother Nature at her gentlest. Traditional Turkish cuisine becomes heartier this time of year, with seasonal food filling the air.
8: Antalya for Mediterranean Fun
Autumn is an ideal time to explore the Antalya region of Turkey, when the scorching summer heat gives way to pleasantly mild temperatures, for sightseeing and outdoor activities. This time of year, historical sites like Phaselis, with its Roman ruins nestled between pine forests and the sea, become enchanting without the crowds. Travellers from various countries are drawn here not only for the weather but for the ease of exploring timeless landmarks like Hadrian’s Gate, Termessos, and Perge in comfort.
Beyond history, Belek is Antalya’s premier golf destination. With its world-class courses set among pine groves and luxury hotels, Belek attracts golf enthusiasts from around the globe during the cooler months. The temperature is ideal for long games under sunny skies, followed by evenings enjoying Turkish cuisine along the coast. Compared to inland destinations like Cappadocia, which cools rapidly, Antalya retains its coastal warmth, so relax without compromising comfort.
9: Fethiye for Spots of Natural Beauty
As the high season winds down, the Fethiye region reveals a calmer, authentic side, where places like the world-famous Ölüdeniz Beach and the serene Blue Lagoon are still warm enough for swimming but far less crowded. Relax by the pool of a boutique hotel or set out on a hike to Butterfly Valley, where the cooler weather makes the descent enjoyable and the views breathtaking. For many travellers from various countries, Fethiye is ideal, offering laid-back Turkish hospitality and uncrowded beach days. For us, it's a plus because the sweaty days are gone, but we can still bask on sandy beaches or sunbathe on verandas.
More About Turkey
We are Property Turkey, and we hope we have given you plenty of ideas on where to enjoy Autumn in Turkey. To learn about the country, you can…
- Read our blog talking about the places, people, and culture.
- See our portfolio of listings for sale.
- Contact an agent to learn about the process of becoming a homeowner in Turkey.
Aleksandra Cihanoğlu 
Senior Advisor
Aleksandra Cihanoğlu is a Senior Advisor at Property Turkey and a regular contributor on topics including Citizenship by Investment, relocation, travel, and lifestyle opportunities in Turkey. Her writing focuses on helping international readers understand the practical realities of living, investing, and building a long-term future in the country.
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