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    HomeTrip ideasWinterEmbracing nature in the winter: a chalet holiday

    Embracing nature in the winter: a chalet holiday

    If your idea of a restful holiday is being surrounded by nature, consider vacationing in a chalet. Whether modern or rustic, traditional or reinterpreted, most chalets across Türkiye allow you to embrace nature in comfort. Keep reading to discover chalet alternatives, region by region…!

    Turkish Airlines Blog
    Turkish Airlines Blog
    With this account, managed by our writer team, we welcome all who love travel and exploration to enjoy these blog posts. And we gently remind our readers of the delight to be found in 'hitting the road'. As Tolstoy said: “All great literature is one of two stories; a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town.”

    Black Sea chalets

    Pokut Plateau, Rize.

    Winters in the picturesque highlands of the Black Sea are cold and sometimes snowy, while the humid climate gives the landscape a foggy, misty aspect – perfect for snuggling into one of the region’s many chalet options.


    Karadeniz dağ evleri

    For a cozy holiday in the flaky snow, book a flight  and enjoy all the privileges while flying into the city you would love to spend a chalet vacation!


    Rize chalets

    Chalets in Rize, covered in snow

    Rize is considered one of the calmest cities in Türkiye , perhaps because it is set along a Black Sea bay and surrounded by lush plateaus and tea plantations. While the Ayder Plateau attracts numerous visitors, this area retains its natural charm. Many of the accommodation facilities, including the Ayder Mountain Houses and the Ayder Waterfall Mountain Houses, feature spectacular views of mountains and pine forests. Some facilities offer individual wood cottages that have fireplaces and porches; others are attached bungalows. Wherever you stay, do sample some traditional Black Sea products, especially hamsi (small anchovy-like fish), which are prepared in a variety of ways.

    Bolu chalets

    Although the Bolu province is famous for its chefs, we must also note that Bolu is one of the most beautiful cities in the Western Black Sea Region. Within its borders are the magnificent Lake Abant, the Gölcük crater lake, and a vast nature park. The Bolu province abounds in chalet accommodations, particularly along the lake. The Mengen, Mudurnu and Gerede districts also offer a number of chalet complexes.

    Trabzon chalets

    Wooden Trabzon chalets.

    Trabzon is one of the most well-known cities in the Eastern Black Sea Region, and the Trabzon province is an excellent destination for a chalet holiday. We particularly recommend accommodations in Hamsiköy, at the foot of Zigana Mountain, or near the 13th-century Sumela Monastery, in the mountainous Maçka district. Are you ready to fly to Trabzon and explore?


    Aegean chalets

    Bungalow chalets in the Aegean

    Head west along the coast and you’ll hit the Aegean region. Considered among Türkiye ’s most beautiful, the Aegean is often referenced as a summer destination, thanks to its beaches. But visit in the colder months and you’ll experience a different side of the Aegean. Without further ado, let’s move on to the most charming cities and districts of the area.

    İzmir mountain chalets

    Lively İzmir is one of the oldest settlements of the Mediterranean basin and a long-standing center of commerce. However, when you venture outside this bustling city, you’ll find tranquility in districts such as Şirince, Selçuk, Mordoğan, Urla and Foça. In addition to scenic views, chalet accommodations around İzmir offer access to historical sites, including Christian pilgrimage sites such as the Cave of the Seven Sleepers and the Church of the Virgin Mary of Ephesus.

    Muğla mountain chalets

    Chalets under snow in Fethiye.

    Set along the Aegean coast, the Muğla province is known for its almond and olive groves, as well as relatively upscale destinations such as Bodrum and Marmaris, among others. The magnificent beaches are surrounded by hills and mountains. Chalet accommodations are particularly predominant in the towns of  Akyaka, Gökova, Göcek and Fethiye. If waking up to panoramic views seems appealing, may we suggest planning a trip to Muğla?

    Balıkesir mountain chalets

    The city of Balıkesir is surrounded by the Kaz mountain range, natural thermal springs, and scenic routes. The province is also known for its olive oil dishes. There is much to see in this province that stretches along the Aegean and Marmara coasts, but for a unique winter interlude, head to Mount Ida. Chalets and stunning views abound!


    Mediterranean chalets

    If you’re seeking a warmer winter holiday, the Mediterranean region is your best option. Fancied by summer holiday lovers, the region is also famous for its ski center and picturesque lake and mountain views. Of course, it would be useful to research the chalet concepts first!

    Antalya mountain chalets

    Antalya mountain chalets.

    Antalya and its surrounding regions are renowned as tourism destinations. For a more down-to-earth experience, you can head to Olympos. This summer party village calms down during the cooler months, and there are plenty of chalets. Closer to the beach – and much calmer, Adrasan and Çıralı villages offer both rustic and upmarket bungalows. There are also numerous historical and natural beauties in the region. Ready to plan a trip to Antalya?

    Burdur mountain chalets

    Burdur, also known as the lake district, has emerged as a popular destination thanks to the mountaintop Lake Salda. According to an article by Yesim Dikmen, published by Reuters, “NASA says the minerals and rock deposits at Salda are the nearest match on earth to those around the Jezero Crater [on Mars] where the spacecraft [Perseverance] landed and which is believed to have once been flooded with water.” This crater lake is mostly surrounded by national park and inaccessible to visitors, but there are a few rustic cottage complexes along the shore, as well as chalets nestled along the roads around the lake. The Karacaören Dam, the Salda Ski Center and İnsuyu Cave are also worth visiting in this area.


    Marmara mountain chalets

    Mountain Chalets located in Marmara Region

    Urban living requires some time-outs. While the Marmara province is home to a number of bustling cities, the district also offers peace, quiet and natural beauty.

    Sapanca mountain chalets

    Sapanca, karlı dağ manzaraları.

    Just 135 kilometers from İstanbul, Sapanca is a popular getaway for city dwellers. Lush nature and beautiful Sapanca Lake draw numerous visitors and, of course, accommodations for such visitors. In addition to upscale hotels with various villa options, there are also rustic chalet alternatives.

    İstanbul mountain chalets

    Even in the sprawling metropolis of İstanbul, there are secluded areas that offer tranquility and nature. For an even easier winter weekend getaway, we suggest booking a chalet or villa in areas such as Beykoz, Şile and Polonezköy.

    Bursa mountain chalets

    Uludağ, Bursa.

    In the Marmara province, the thriving city of Bursa has fine culinary traditions, a long history, and beautiful nature. Most famous is the mountain village of Uludağ, also a popular ski resort. Naturally, there are plenty of chalets, most notably located in Uludağ, İznik, Harmancık and İnegöl. When you decide to venture down to the city, you can get sightseeing ideas from our earlier blog, “Places to visit in Bursa”.


    *The date of this blog post may have been updated due to additional content. Please be aware that information on fees and transportation is subject to change. The content of this post reflects the author's opinion and views.

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