Turkey’s cheapest winter sun hotspots: Tarsus lands top of the ranking - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

A new study has revealed the cheapest destinations in Turkey to soak up the sunshine this winter. 

The research, conducted by travel experts Istanbul Tickets and Tours, analysed various cost metrics, such as flights, hotels, and dining out, and weather forecasts between November and December last year in Turkish destinations to determine which ones are the cheapest to visit over the winter months. 

The cheapest destination for some winter sun is Tarsus, with a final score of 78.77. Due to its location connecting the Mediterranean with Anatolia, Tarsus is rich in cultural diversity and a significant trade centre. Tarsus also boasts a low average hotel price of only £99.02 per night for two adults, making it a great place for a cheap getaway.  

This destination also has cheap prices for food and drink, as tourists can buy a three-course meal for two people for £16.76 and a beer for only £1.56. The average winter temperature is 17.66°C, meaning it will still be relatively warm around Christmas time. 

In second place is Mersin, with a final score of 75.32. Mersin is known for its beautiful beaches and archaeological sites, with settlements dating back to ancient times. Tourists can enjoy average winter temperatures of 17.63°C and return flights for an average price of £219, making it affordable to travel here for a winter break. 

Antakya is the third cheapest destination, with a final score of 71.07. Antakya has the greatest amount of daylight in November and December, averaging 612.57 minutes. Known for its natural beauty, tourists can experience beautiful landscapes, including the Orontes River and nearby mountains, as well as various cultural events and festivals that the city hosts. 

Antalya takes the fourth spot, with a final score of 70.94. Antalya has the highest average temperature over the months of November and December of 19.23°C, making it an excellent choice for some winter sunshine. Antalya is located along the Turquoise Coast, famous for its crystal-clear waters and stunning Mediterranean beaches, which makes it a popular destination for those wanting a relaxing beach holiday and water sports enthusiasts. 

Aksaray is in fifth place, with a final score of 70.89. Aksaray is a city in central Turkey that balances modern amenities and infrastructure with historic sites and natural beauty. Aksaray also has a low average hotel price for two adults per night of only £98.44, and affordable food prices, with a three-course meal for two people costing an average of £20.11. 

In sixth place is Kahramanmaras, with a final score of 68.63. The city is renowned for its distinctive dondurma ice cream and is situated at the crossroads of trade routes, making it significant for both commerce and travel. Kahramanmaras offers the cheapest one-way tickets on local transportation, costing only £0.16. This means tourists can explore the city with ease and without breaking the bank. 

Iskenderun is the seventh cheapest destination, with a final score of 67.67. This coastal city in southern Turkey was founded by Alexander the Great in 333 BC and features many places of historical significance, including the ancient city of Daphne. 

Iskenderun is also one of the warmest cities in the winter months, with temperatures averaging around 18.37°C. Tourists can treat themselves to a three-course meal for two people here for an average of only £13.41, and a morning cappuccino will only cost £1.93. 

The eighth cheapest is Adana, with a final score of 65.89. The city of Adana is a culinary hub, offering a variety of delicious dishes, including its famous kebabs. The southern city gets, on average, 609.29 minutes of daylight in November and December, with temperatures averaging around 17.97°C. 

Osmaniye is in ninth place, with a final score of 65.39. Osmaniye has seen significant economic growth in recent years and is known for having a pleasant climate in the winter months for tourists to escape to, with temperatures averaging 15.89°C. Tourists can enjoy a beer here for £1.56 and a three-course meal for two people for only £15.08. 

The tenth cheapest destination is Edirne, with a final score of 64.73. Edirne was once the capital of the Ottoman Empire before Istanbul and is rich with historical sites and architecture. Travellers can book a stay at relatively low prices, with the average hotel prices per night for two adults costing only £91.41. Taxis are also the cheapest here, with the average cost per kilometre costing £0.40. 

Magdalena Petrusic, travel expert from Istanbul Tickets and Tours, commented on the findings: 

“Turkey has many amazing destinations that tourists can visit without breaking the bank to enjoy some winter sunshine. With low average costs for meals and accommodation, travellers can afford to treat themselves whilst away from home. Each destination is full of unique landmarks, and tourists can find everything they are looking for in one of these beautiful cities.” 

Image Credit: Mersin Kizkalesi © AA