Naturally, the exciting city Antalya is one of the first destinations that springs to mind for a summer holiday. The glorious resort city, which vividly displays the natural splendour of the Mediterranean, is one of the premier tourist destinations, particularly for a sunny seaside vacation. Furthermore, did you know that Antalya is popular for winter vacations and has a variety of options for tourism in cooler seasons?
Antalya, known for its warm climate, is also stunning in the frosty months; visitors often remark on their amazement after viewing Mediterranean geography in its glamorous winter coat. The hibernal season, which is calmer than the summer months, would be a perfect chance for you to visit Antalya peacefully, away from the congestion and crowds. Here are several vacation routes in Antalya that are ideal for both summer and winter tourism.
Saklıkent Ski Resort
Saklıkent is a must-see destination for winter sports enthusiasts. This facility is one of Turkey’s most prominent ski resorts, located in the Beydağları region of the Taurus Mountains, which is famed for its magnificent scenery. When traveling from Antalya, you should be able to reach Saklıkent, which is only 45 kilometres from the city centre, in approximately an hour. Saklıkent, one of the ski resorts closest to the Equator due to its latitude, visibly benefits from the mild climate. Saklıkent, is accessible from December to mid-April and is Turkey’s most popular ski resort, with 10 km of slopes encompassing varying degrees of difficulty. If you choose to remain in the area you will benefit from several options for lodging: numerous chalets are available in addition to local hotels and pensions. Opting for a peaceful chalet is among the most pleasant ways to enjoy the peace of the winter season. If you tire of skiing, the area surrounding Saklıkent may be visited for day trips. . You may also visit Saklıkent, as well as a hidden gem suited for a last-minute overnight getaway, where you flee the city for a one-day break and enjoy the snow view by the fireplace at the ski resort’s facilities.
Çığlıkara, the Tree Museum
Among the well-preserved natural regions, we’d like to recommend is the Çığlıkara Nature Reserve,16 kilometres from the Elmalı district and has no surrounding settlements near the boundary. Çığlıkara Nature Reserve, which houses the rarest instances of Cedrus Libani, is one of the largest pure cedar habitats not only in Turkey but also in the world, and its beauty does not end there. Çığlıkara has a special coniferous palette that keeps white and green together in winter due to its capacity to stay green in all four seasons. The junipers, which stand apart from the gigantic cedars aged from 2000-2500 years old, are one of the most significant protected species in the area and are well worth visiting. When spring arrives, the snowmelt settles into little lakes, depositing minerals formed in the high mountain meadows, keeping this spot green and alive until the end of summer. Çığlıkara, one of the sites that should be visited by those who enjoy peace, is a spot where you may discover tranquillity in any of the four seasons.
Mount Olympos
Olympos, also known as Tahtalı Mountain, is a remarkable location in the Western Taurus region. The peak of Olympos is reached by a Teleferik, or cable car which is very popular with sightseers, and the mountain activities include sports such as climbing, hiking, and paragliding among others. The previously mentioned cable car can reach heights of 2365 meters. Be sure to take a trip to the top if you do not have a fear of heights and are ready for some excitement. When you reach the peak, you will be welcomed by a white landscape that will dazzle your eyes. Those who visit Olympos during the summer, on the other hand, can participate in a variety of outdoor activities. For example, if you have never tried Scuba diving, the glittering seas of Olympos are an excellent place to take your first lessons. You mustn’t forget visit the ancient Lycian ruins where the remnants of the long-gone civilisation are located; it is believed to be one of the largest cities of the ancient period. Walking through the ancient city, you will Olympos Beach in the distance, greeting you with its clear seas. Olympos, which can easily meet your expectations in both summer and winter, is one of the rare spots where you can truly feel at home in nature. Olympos hotels and bungalows await you for an accommodation experience that is inextricably linked with nature in Antalya province.
Oymapınar Dam
on your travels along the Manavgat River you should plan a stopover at Oymapınar Dam, one of the most frequented destinations in Antalya. This artificial, freshwater dam not only provides hydroelectric power but also plays an essential role in the region’s winter tourism. Due to its proximity to attractions like Beldibi Cave and Bird Sanctuary in Demre, the number of people who find this magnificent place by chance should not be underestimated. The lake offers boat tours during the summer season, but its winter splendour should not be overlooked. As the days shorten and the air grows colder, the mountains that surround the lake’s border and the forests that line its shores provide a radically different mood during the winter season. You may explore Oymapınar Lake in a single day to imbibe a small dose of its diverse beauty depending on the season, or you can stay over in one of the Manavgat hotels for a more extended holiday.
Feslikan Plateau
Located in the Konyaaltı district, the Feslikan Plateau is one of Antalya’s most notable plateaus. The fresh clean air of this land formation, located at the height of around 2000 meters above sea level, lends itself easily to stunning nature walks. The plateau, which remains chilly even during the hot summer months, is a great alternative to isolation in the heat, with the added benefit of being a scant 44 kilometres distance from the city centre. In the wintertime, the snow-white forest of the Feslikan Plateau provides spectacular photographic opportunities, while in the summer season, it provides an opportunity to get away from the hot air and take a welcome breather. If you have the chance to visit the region surrounding the district’s boundaries, you should make a note to stop at the Tübitak National Observatory at the top of Bakırlıdağ and enjoy the panoramic view from there.
