Holidays in Turkey are not only All Inclusive at popular resorts. This country is capable of impressing even seasoned tourists. We have made a selection of locations that are not the most popular among Russian travelers, with wide beaches, picturesque nature and historical attractions.
Conditions for entry into the country
Air service with Turkey has been resumed. Vaccinated tourists (including Sputnik V), as well as those who have recovered from the disease with a certificate of the presence of antibodies can enter the country freely. Those who have not yet completed all stages of vaccination will have to provide a negative result of a PCR test taken no earlier than three days before arriving in the country.
Sinop
How to get there
There is an airport near the city, but there are no direct flights from Russia there. You will have to fly with a transfer through Istanbul. The cost of an air ticket is from 30,000 rubles* round trip.
Where to stay
We have selected several options for you:
Hotel 117 – from 5000 rubles* per night per person;
Zinos Hotel – from 4000 rubles* per night per person.
What to see
Sinop is located on the Boztepe Peninsula in northern Turkey and is washed by the Black Sea. It is surrounded by water on three sides, and by the Isfindyar Mountains on the fourth. The city contains ancient masterpieces of oriental architecture – Eski-Tabya Castle, Ala ad-Din Mosque, Seyit Bilal Mausoleum, Gazi Chelebi, Khatunlar, as well as the famous building of the Byzantine period – Balatlar Church. Another important attraction is the historical prison. It was once home to an Ottoman Empire shipyard, and today serves as the backdrop for the TV series Behind Bars.
The most popular beach for family holidays is Akliman, it is sandy and has a gentle entrance to the water. There are also many tourists relaxing on the pebble Abana, but it will not be very convenient here with small children. In addition, you can sunbathe on the city beaches of Karakum, Kumsal and Dyshliman. Other interesting places to visit in Sinop include Tatlyja National Park, where you can see waterfalls, as well as Lake Sarykum.
Kusadasi
How to get there
The nearest airports to the resort are in Izmir. For an air ticket with a transfer in Istanbul you will have to pay from 25,000 rubles* per person round trip. Next, you need to go by public transport or rent a car directly at the airport. Travel time is about one and a half to two hours.
Where to stay
We have selected several options for you:
Derici Hotel – from 4000 rubles* per night per person;
Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel – from 6000 rubles* per night per person.
What to see
The coast is washed by the Aegean Sea. Among the many picturesque bays, the Long Beach, 6 km long with fine sand and a gentle entrance to the water, is best suited for families with children. And for those who want to sunbathe with loud music and bars nearby, Ladies Beach in the southern part of Kusadasi is an excellent option.
The National Park (Milli Park) is ideal for long walks and a relaxing beach holiday. located 40 km from the city center. The park has many equipped beaches with clear water, specially designated picnic areas and trails for walking along shady mountain roads, from which stunning views of the whole of Turkey open up every now and then. Pleasure and excursion boats depart from the Guzelcamli embankment, located near the park. Here you can also see the Ataturk monument, dine in numerous cafes or enjoy views of the harbor from the observation deck of the Setur shopping center. Kusadasi itself has a picturesque harbor with 600 seats, the Yoküz Mehmed Mosque, and an old city that goes high into the mountains. To make your stay even more interesting, you can go to the ancient city of Ephesus, get to the Temple of Artemis of Ephesus (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), and have lunch in the city of Selcuk, famous for its fruit wine.
Giresun
How to get there
The most convenient way to fly from Russia is with a transfer in Istanbul. The cost of a ticket to Ordu-Giresun Airport is from 30,000 rubles* round trip.
Where to stay
We have selected several options for you:
La Quinta by Wyndham Giresun – from 4000 rubles* per night per person;
Baliktasi City Hotel & Spa – from 6000 rubles* per night per person.
What to see
The city is considered one of the best holiday destinations on the Black Sea coast of Turkey. It is surrounded by coniferous forests and flowering gardens; there are practically no high-rise buildings, so the area is considered environmentally friendly. Most of the beaches here are pebbly, but very wide. Giresun, Emniet and Tabya are popular among holidaymakers – all are close to the center.
Approximately one and a half kilometers from Giresun there is an island of the same name, where during excavations the ruins of ancient structures were discovered. Every year in May, the Aksu International Festival is held here, dedicated to culture and local ethnic rituals. The Zeytinlik area is perfect for walking, where you can see houses in the traditional Giresun style, and nearby there is a beautiful Gothic building of the former Catholic church of the 18th century, where today there is a children’s library. The main attraction of the resort is the Giresun Fortress with fragments of bas-reliefs. On its territory it is also worth visiting the grave of the hero of the People’s Resistance Topal Osman Agha.
Fethiye
How to get there
You need to fly to Dalaman. The cost of a round-trip direct flight from Moscow starts from 16,000 rubles*. You can get from the airport to the resort by bus or taxi in about an hour.
Where to stay
We have selected several options for you:
Marina Boutique Hotel – from 7000 rubles* per night per person;
SERTİL ROYAL FOREST HOTEL – from 4000 rubles* per night per person.
What to see
Fethiye is an ideal option for tourists who prefer a calm, quiet holiday surrounded by beautiful nature. The best place for swimming is Turtle Island, which is a wide strip of sand stretching far into the sea. Also popular is Karatash, a sand and pebble beach about two kilometers long.
Sightseeing lovers will also enjoy it here. Near the resort you can see the ancient ruins of the cities of Tlos and Xanthos, as well as the tomb of Amyntos and the ancient theater. In addition, on the slope of the Lycian Mountains a medieval knight’s castle has been preserved, which looks spectacular as if floating above the bay. If you still want noisy entertainment and dancing, head to the Jalis area.
Prince’s Islands
How to get there
From Moscow you need to fly to Istanbul. Tickets – from 12,000 rubles* in both directions. From the city to the archipelago you can take a ferry.
Where to stay
We have selected several options for you:
Ibis Istanbul Tuzla Hotel – from 3300 rubles* per night per person;
The Suadiye Residence – from 6400 rubles* per night per person.
What to see
The largest island by area is Buyukada. The best areas for walking here are Nizam and Maden – there are luxurious mansions here, and there are bicycle and pedestrian paths. An interesting attraction is the Trotsky House, where the revolutionary lived in the 1930s.
Sunbathe on one of the four sandy beaches – Princes, Nakibey, Yeruk Ali or Kumsale. All of them are equipped with sun loungers, changing cabins and are suitable for families with children. From Buyukada you can take an excursion to the second largest and greenest island of Heybeliada, which is famous for the Terki Dunya monastery and picturesque beaches. Heybeliada Ada Beach in Pine Bay is especially popular. Admission is paid — from 10 liras
And if you get bored with a classic seaside holiday, you can always return to Istanbul and continue your vacation in this most interesting city in Turkey.
*Prices valid at time of publication
