Most people think they know Turkey. After all, it’s just Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, and a few beach resorts, right? WRONG! Turkey is a huge country, and there are so many small towns and resorts to visit, many of which fly right under the radar. I’ve spent years living and traveling around Turkey. If you’re looking for a chilled-out, beautiful, and cultural spot to visit, I’ve got the perfect place for you.
Why This Lesser-Known Gem in Turkey is a Top Destination for 2024
With no shortage of stunning places to visit in Turkey, it’s easy to be spoiled for choice, but Urla should definitely be on your list of places not to miss. This chilled-out beach location has everything you could possibly want for a break in the sun, with a huge dose of culture for good measure. Forbes named Urla as one of the best places to travel in 2024, and I agree; let’s check out why.
1. Wine, Glorious Wine!
Urla sits right in the middle of one of Turkey’s biggest wine regions; in fact, there’s even a wine route called Urla Bağ Yolu, which takes you to some top-quality spots for wine production. Urlice is one of the best wineries around the area, in a beautiful setting with a fantastic restaurant on site. USCA Vineyards is a particular favorite of mine, offering free wine tasting, and MMG Winery offers some stunning views over the countryside beyond.
You might not have thought that Turkish wine was a thing, but trust me, it’s delicious. Most of it is distributed domestically, so it’s not something you’re likely to find outside of the country. But that just means you should buy a few bottles to take home.
2. A Chilled-Out Seaside Destination
Many of Turkey’s top beach resorts become extremely busy during the peak summer months, but if you prefer a more relaxing and serene beach day, Urla fits the bill. Akarca Plaji is a great spot, with impossibly clear water and soft sand; I’d recommend this beach for families in particular as as the sea is calm and shallow. Yat Limani Beach and Akkum Plaji are other top beaches to spend a few hours.
The summer weather definitely helps invite you to the beach – Urla’s hottest month is July, with an average of 31°C/89°F; making a day splashing in the sea a must-do. However, in my experience, despite the ‘average’ temperature quoted, it often feels a lot hotter due to humidity, so always remember sun protection.
3. Lots of Local Festivals
Annual festivals are a…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Goats On The Road…