Best Vacation Destinations and Hotels to Stay in December

For those planning a vacation in December, both Turkey and Greece are a great idea to prepare a pleasant route! There are many options especially for those who want to relax in nature, benefit from the relaxing effect of thermal spas or discover the calmness of winter. Here are the best destinations and accommodation recommendations for December:

Places and Hotels to Go for a Holiday in December in Turkey

1. Sapanca, Sakarya

Türkiye’de Aralık Ayında Tatil İçin Gidilebilecek Yerler ve Oteller

Hotel Recommendation There are many small and boutique hotels and bungalows in Sapanca in touch with nature. You can relax in hotels such as Minimalist Sapanca or Beta Home Lake House and enjoy the lake view.

You can see all the most suitable Sapanca hotels for winter vacation on our Sapanca hotels page.

Things to do You can go for a walk around Sapanca Lake and spend a pleasant time in nature with ATV or bicycle. In December, you can feel the Christmas spirit here and enjoy a peaceful holiday by the lake.

2. Kapadokya, Nevşehir

Kapadokya, Nevşehir

Hotel Recommendation You can stay in luxury cave hotels such as Millstone Cave Suites or Lunar Cappadocia in Cappadocia, which takes on a fascinating atmosphere with the snowfall in December.

We recommend you to check out all the hotels open in winter in Cappadocia.

Things to do Exploring the snowy landscape of fairy chimneys with a balloon tour is an unforgettable experience. You can also visit historical underground cities and experience the peace of winter in the romantic atmosphere of Cappadocia.

3. Antalya ve Çevresi

Antalya ve Çevresi

Hotel Recommendation You can stay at hotels such as Kas Athena Hotel, which is open in winter and offers a pleasant vacation by the sea, or Olympos Mountain Lodge, a mountain hotel.

Don't forget to check our Antalya hotels page for other accommodation options.

Things to do You can visit Kaleiçi in Antalya city center and enjoy the tranquility of nature in winter in coastal towns such as Finike and Adrasan. Also, visiting ancient cities such as Termessos or Olympos offers a special experience in December.

4. Palandöken, Erzurum

Palandöken, Erzurum

Hotel Recommendation You can stay in hotels close to the ski center such as Sway Hotels or Dedeman Palandöken Ski Lodge.
Don't forget to check our Palandoken Hotels page for other accommodation options.

Things to do Palandöken is an ideal destination for winter sports lovers. With the snowfall, you can spend a full holiday with activities such as skiing and snowboarding. Do not forget to taste the local flavors of Erzurum.

5. Bolu - Abant ve Gölcük

Bolu - Abant ve Gölcük

Hotel Recommendation You can stay in hotels with lake view such as Abant Köşk Hotel or Lotus Hotel.
Don't forget to check out our Bolu Hotels page for other accommodation options.

Things to do Lake Abant and Gölcük Nature Park are covered with snow in December, offering a magnificent view. You can walk around the lake, take photos and enjoy the winter. You can also enjoy the view in cafes and restaurants by the lake with a hot drink.

6. Uludağ, Bursa

Uludağ, Bursa

Hotel Recommendation Ski hotels such as Oksijen Zone Hotels or Karinna Orman Köşkleri offer ideal accommodation options for a winter vacation.
For other accommodation options, be sure to check out our Uludağ Hotels page.

Things to do Uludag is one of Turkey's most popular ski resorts for those who want to ski, and comes alive with the opening of the season in December. You can do winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, and find peace in the snow-covered forest landscapes.

7. Kaz Dağları, Balıkesir

Kaz Dağları, Balıkesir

Hotel Recommendation You can stay in hotels like Casa Mila or Cabras Kazdağları, which are surrounded by nature.

Don't forget to check our Kaz Mountains Hotels page for other accommodation options.

Things to do Kaz Mountains, Turkey's oxygen depot, is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility in December. You can take nature walks, relax in thermal springs and explore the villages in the region. Visiting Edremit's hot springs and olive oil museum is also a nice experience.

8. Safranbolu, Karabük

Safranbolu, Karabük

Hotel Recommendation For accommodation in historical mansions, you can choose hotels such as Yeşil Çizme Doğa Evleri or Dibekönü Konak.

Don't forget to check out our Safranbolu Hotels page for other accommodation options.

Things to do Safranbolu, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, attracts visitors at all times of the year with its Ottoman-era architecture. In December, you can stroll through the historical streets and taste the famous saffron flavors of Safranbolu. You can also take a nostalgic journey by exploring Safranbolu Yoruk Village.

9. Agva, Istanbul

Ağva, İstanbul

Hotel Recommendation You can stay in hotels with river views such as Park Mandalin or Wineport Lodge by the Göksu River.

Don't forget to check our Agva Hotels page for other accommodation options.

Things to do Popular for its proximity to Istanbul, Ağva is the perfect destination for a peaceful riverside getaway in December. You can canoe on the river, take nature walks and taste delicious seafood at fish restaurants.

 

Places and Hotels to Visit in Greece in December

1. Athens

Aralık Ayında Atina

Hotel Recommendation For a comfortable experience close to the city center, stay at 14 Reasons Why Hotel Athens or Athens City view Urban Suites.
For other accommodation options, be sure to check out our Athens Hotels page.

Things to do Take in the Christmas spirit in Athens with a stroll through the narrow streets of Plaka, and visit historic landmarks like the Acropolis Museum and the Parthenon. You can visit the Christmas markets in the city and have a pleasant time with hot drinks.

2. Thessaloniki

Aralık Ayında Santorini

Hotel Recommendation Hotels such as Bahar Boutique Hotel or Daios Luxury living by the beach offer a comfortable stay in Thessaloniki.
For other accommodation options, be sure to check out our Thessaloniki Hotels page.

Things to do In December in Thessaloniki, take a stroll along the waterfront and go shopping in Aristotle Square. Experience traditional Greek cuisine in the city's gourmet restaurants and take a cultural journey with a visit to the Museum of Byzantine Culture.

3. Santorini

Aralık Ayında Santorini

Hotel Recommendation Sea view hotels such as Rocabella Resort & Spa or Canaves Oia Suites are perfect for those who want to enjoy a quieter Santorini in December.
For other accommodation options, be sure to check out our Santorini Hotels page.

Things to do Santorini is an ideal destination for those who like quiet in winter. You can hike the caldera, taste the local wines and experience this famous island in winter. For photography enthusiasts, the calm weather in December allows you to capture spectacular shots.

4. Crete

Hotel Recommendation Carpe Diem Hotel or Centro Storico are ideal for those looking for luxury accommodation.
For other accommodation options, be sure to check out our Crete Hotels page.

Things to do In December in Crete, you can visit the historic Palace of Knossos and taste the flavors of the island's cuisine. You can also have a quieter Greek Island experience by exploring the coastal towns.

5. Meteora

Hotel Recommendation You can stay at hotels like Dellas Boutique Hotel or Meteora Hotel.

Things to do Visit the unique monasteries in Meteora and explore this region where nature and history are intertwined. The monasteries on the high cliffs offer a tranquil and impressive atmosphere during the winter months.
 

6. Volos and Pelion Mountains

Hotel Recommendation 12 Months Luxury Resort or Portaria Hotel for mountain hotels.

Things to do The Pelion Mountains are one of Greece's top winter vacation destinations. Taste the local delicacies in Volos and discover traditional Greek life in the mountain villages of Pelion. If you want to ski, you can practice winter sports in Pelion's ski resorts.

7. Ioannina

Hotel Recommendation You can stay in hotels with nature view such as Kipi Suites.

Things to do Visit the Ottoman-era buildings and castle in this historic city around Lake Ioannina. With its historical sites and lakeside restaurants, Ioannina offers a quiet winter vacation in December.


Activities and Travel Tips for December
 

Thermal Holiday Thermal resorts in Turkey such as Yalova, Afyon or Bursa are ideal for a warm getaway in December. You can escape the cold weather of winter by relaxing in the hot springs.

Cultural Trips December is a great time to visit museums and historical sites, which are quieter in Turkey and Greece.

New Year Events You can attend New Year's Eve events organized in big cities such as Istanbul, Izmir and Athens and have a pleasant time on the colorful streets.

For those who want to plan a trip in December, these routes will create a peaceful and unforgettable holiday opportunity that offers different experiences.