Are you going to spend this Valentine’s Day in Turkey but don’t know what to do? You don’t need to worry because Turkey offers new romantic experiences for all couples!
In today’s blog post, I’ll share the best romantic destinations and things you can do on Valentine’s Day in Turkey. I included different cities across the country because Turkey has much more to see than just Istanbul. So, let’s discover what Turkish people do on this special day!
Do They Celebrate Valentine’s Day In Turkey?
Yes, Turkish people do celebrate Valentine’s Day in general. It’s called Sevgililer Günü in Turkish, meaning “Lovers’ Day.” But of course, some people don’t celebrate it. Some Turkish men and women advocate the idea that every day is Valentine’s Day for those in love. What do you think of this statement?
Sevgililer Günü -
Romantic Things To Do On Valentine’s Day In Turkey
In this list, I included big cities such as Istanbul, Bursa, Nevşehir, Rize, and Bolu. You may be hearing about some of these cities in Turkey for the first time, but they are real treasures for the local people.
1. Take A Hot Air Balloon Ride In Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a breathtaking destination to spend Valentine’s Day with your partner. To make your stay unforgettable, you can take a hot air balloon trip at sunrise with your valentine. You can also enjoy safari tours by ATV or ride horses. You can stay at authentic cave hotels in Cappadocia and watch the hot air balloons rise in the sky in the early hours of the morning. I think Nevşehir is the best city in Turkey, with beautiful views for adventurous couples on Valentine’s Day!
2. Spoil Yourself With A Turkish Bath
One of the most unique experiences you can have in Turkey is trying out the traditional Turkish baths (Hamam). Turkish hammam culture has been a healing self-care ritual, and it’s a heritage from the Ottoman period. You can spoil yourself and your partner to relax while pampering your skin at the luxurious Turkish baths. Inside a Turkish Hammam, expect to see amazing marble art, hot spring water, aromatic oils, rose petals, fruits, and a relaxing massage. Sounds very romantic, don’t you think?
3. Skii In Uludağ In Bursa
Uludağ is a mountain located 200 kilometers from Istanbul, and it’s considered Turkey’s largest ski resort. In Uludağ, you can try Alpine skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snow biking. You can choose to stay in a cozy wooden cabin or a big hotel. If you’re looking for a heartwarming romantic getaway in a snowy mountain, Uludağ has lots of things to offer you!
4. Go On A Romantic Dinner Date In Istanbul
No doubt, Istanbul is one of the most romantic places in the world. You can find many restaurants there that organize luxury dinners for couples on Valentine’s Day. There is a great variety of options for every taste and budget. If you want, you can have a romantic meal in an elegant historical setting, or you can prefer a chill rooftop ambiance with fascinating views of the city. The choice is yours.
If you’re interested in a dinner date, make sure to read my previous post to discover the best date spots in Istanbul!
5. Stay At Bungalows With Amazing Views In Rize
Rize is like the Switzerland of Turkey. It is beautiful with greens in summer and even more beautiful with whites in winter. If you’re looking for a peaceful and romantic getaway filled with natural beauties, Rize is a perfect destination for Valentine’s Day. This city has lots of natural beauty to see, such as Fırtına Valley, Mikron Bridge, Çağlayan, and Çamlıhemşin. You can stay at bungalows on top of a plateau and watch the union of clouds and mountains. It will be an unbelievable experience that you’ll never forget!
Additionally, you shouldn’t leave Rize without trying local cuisine and drinking Turkish tea in signature tulip-shaped glasses.
6. Ride Bicycles In The Prince Islands In Istanbul
If you’re already in Istanbul, you can take a ferry to go to the Princes’ Islands and spend a very romantic day with your partner. Cars are not allowed on the islands, and people use bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, and scooters. Büyükada and Heybeliada are the most popular ones among local people, and they have a lot of hidden places where you can watch the sunset over the sea.
7. Visit Abant Lake In Bolu
Abant Lake, especially when covered under white snow, is one of the most popular winter destinations in Turkey. You can hike around the lake and take pictures of the famous lake house that looks like it jumped out of a postcard. You can swim in the Abant hotel pools with the beautiful lake view. So, if you’re looking for a romantic, snowy destination, you should visit Abant!
8. Feed The Seagulls On A Bosphorus Tour In Istanbul
This is the least you can do in Istanbul with a modest budget. The Bosphorus is a popular landmark of Istanbul as it connects two continents, Europe and Asia, and divides the city into two parts. You can join a cruise tour along the Bosphorus and explore some of the city’s highlights, such as historical waterside mansions and buildings. While you’re on the ferry, don’t miss the opportunity to feed the seagulls, as they are a lovely company to passengers.
Psst, have you ever thought of proposing to your girlfriend right in the middle of two continents in this romantic city?
Want To Impress Your Turkish Partner?
Whether you choose to visit Istanbul, Nevşehir, or other cities for Valentine’s Day in Turkey, there’s something you can do to add more romance to your date and impress your partner. What is it? Learning Turkish! I think it’s such a romantic jest to learn your partner’s native language and try to communicate better with their family. You can download the Ling app from the App Store or Play Store and start learning your love language!
