Autumn in Turkey has a special kind of magic that’s hard to resist.
As the intensity of summer fades, a crisp freshness begins to fill the air. The sunlight softens, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Lush summer greens gradually transform into a rich tapestry of russet browns, fiery reds, and glowing golds.
With its mild temperatures and breathtaking scenery, autumn is one of the best seasons to explore Turkey. In fact, some destinations are even more appealing now than in the height of summer.
Here are some of Turkey’s most popular autumn getaways.
Yedigöller National Park
The national parks of Turkey are particularly attractive in the fall when the trees begin to shed their leaves. Yedigöller National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in Türkiye, and one of the top destinations to visit in autumn.
Set amid the provincial borders of Bolu in the Western Black Sea, Yedigöller takes its name from the seven lakes in the park, which are connected by hiking trails.
Lake Abant
Lake Abant, a freshwater lake, is a national park in northwest Turkey’s Bolu.
A three-hour drive from Istanbul, the lake, formed as a result of a landslide, offers spectacular views every season of the year.
There isn’t too much to do or see in Abant, nonetheless, a visit to this heavenly corner of Turkey is sure to be memorable.
The Black Sea
The Black Sea region is home to breathtaking natural landscapes, verdant colours and fresh mountain air. The area is truly stunning in autumn, especially in the forested landscapes such as Artvin, Kastamonu and Şavşat.
Autumn in Istanbul
Autumn is the perfect time to visit Istanbul, with pleasant weather that is neither too hot nor too cold. As summer winds down, the city’s central districts come alive again, and the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of Istanbul returns.
A Bosphorus cruise in autumn offers a particularly stunning experience, as the waterfront mansions are draped in the rich colours of the season.
Of course, Turkey is such a vast country with varying climatic conditions that you might just find yourself waking up to snow in October!
Sources: Daily Sabah/Anadolu Agency/Culture Trip
This article was first published on November 2, 2021 and updated on 19 September 2025.
