🧿Away from mass tourism: Turkish version 🧿

Timing your Turkish adventure

In addition to lower prices, the winter season offers the opportunity to interact with locals. This is when they have more time to chat. Historic sites are almost empty, and this is where you can enjoy the atmosphere and the opportunity to see Turkey as the locals see it. All without the presence of mass tourism.

Must-see: local hidden gems

Balat

Balat is one of Istanbul's oldest neighborhoods. Large communities of Jews and Greeks live here. The streets are cobbled and steep, and the houses are the main attraction. Some buildings were built 200 years ago, while the more contemporary ones date back 50.

In Merdivenli Yokuş, there are more houses with colorful facades and brightly painted stairs outside a three-story cafe. Here, have a cup of tea and relax while enjoying the authentic and cozy atmosphere. For dinner, go to Molla Aşkı Terası; the panoramic views of the Balat neighborhood are a must.

Princes' Islands: Adalar

It's known by locals—and foreigners—as a heavenly getaway during the summer. The weather, the flowers, and the friendly locals are simply enchanting.

To get there from central Istanbul, you need to take a ferry, and in less than 90 minutes, you'll be in Adalar. It's recommended to go during the week to avoid the hustle and bustle and fully enjoy the place.

One of the must-see spots is Aya Yorgui Church, also known as the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. George Koudounas. An ancient monastery that offers spectacular panoramic views. It's open from 10 AM to 4 PM. From central Adalar, you can take a bus, and once you get off, you have to climb uphill for about a kilometer to reach the monastery.

SPOILER ALERT: it's worth it!

SPANISH SECTION:

GUÍA COMPLETA: ¿cómo es más barato viajar a Europa?

Existen aproximadamente 400 vuelos programados diarios desde Estados Unidos hacia Europa, pero... ¿cómo es más barato viajar a Europa?

De acuerdo con la Organización Mundial del Turismo de las Naciones Unidas (UNWTO) el viejo continente recibe más de 700 millones de turistas internacionales al año. Esto representa aproximadamente el 50% del turismo mundial. Lo que, por regla general, aumenta las tarifas.

La clave está en visitar ciudades menos populares, buscar los medios de transporte más económicos y sustentables y, viajar lento.

Regional gems

• Amasya: A historic town on the river where locals vacation. It was a fortified city perched high on the cliffs above the river. Many generations of the Ottoman imperial dynasty emerged from here.

• Safranbolu: Located in the Black Sea region, this city boasts countless Ottoman houses, as well as works of art that portray and represent local life and Turkish culture. Its history and its preservation led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Kaçkar Mountains: If you're looking for mountain adventures, this is your destination. Here you'll find several hiking trails, with mountains reminiscent of the Alps and lakes that look like something out of a fairy tale. The Khaghtik Mountains are a mountain range that rises above the Black Sea coast in northeastern Turkey.