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12-Week Long-Term Holiday in Turkey: Is Cyprus a Better Alternative?
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12-Week Long-Term Holiday in Turkey: Is Cyprus a Better Alternative?

12-Week Long-Term Holiday in Turkey: Is Cyprus a Better Alternative?
  • 17 Mar 2025 · 12:01 PM
  • 11 min read
  • Category: Travel Tips , Affordable Travel , Travel Inspiration

12-Week Long-Term Holiday in Turkey: Is Cyprus a Better Alternative?

A 12-week long-term holiday in Turkey is the dream of many people looking to escape the German winter. The idea of enjoying three months of sun, beach, and Turkish hospitality sounds enticing. But is such a long break in Turkey really worth it? And are there perhaps alternatives that offer even more advantages? In this article, you'll learn everything about the possibilities of a long-term stay in Turkey – and why more and more travelers are discovering Cyprus as an exciting alternative.

3-Month Long-Term Holiday in Turkey: What You Should Know

The Turkish Riviera has been one of the most popular destinations for Germans wanting to escape the domestic winter for years. A 3-month long-term holiday in Turkey offers several advantages:

Climatic Conditions

The Turkish south coast offers pleasant temperatures even in winter. While frost and snow prevail in Germany, you can expect average daytime temperatures of 15-18°C in Antalya, Alanya, or Side. The evenings can get cooler, but with temperatures around 8-10°C, they are still significantly milder than in Central Europe.

Accommodation Options for a 12-Week Stay

Various accommodation options are available for a 12-week long-term holiday in Turkey:

  • Hotels with long-term offers: Many hotels on the Turkish Riviera offer special monthly rates that are significantly cheaper than the regular daily price.

  • Holiday apartments and apartments: For more independence, holiday apartments are a popular option. These are often equipped with kitchenettes, which enables self-catering.

  • Long-term rental of private accommodations: Private accommodations can be rented for longer periods through platforms such as Airbnb or local real estate agencies.

Prices vary considerably depending on season, location, and equipment. For a simple apartment in a popular area, you should budget around 400-700 € monthly, while hotel rooms with half-board start from about 800-1,200 € per month.

Legal Aspects of a 3-Month Stay

When planning a 3-month long-term holiday in Turkey, legal aspects must also be considered:

  • Visa: EU citizens can stay in Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. A residence permit is required for longer stays.

  • Health insurance: Comprehensive international health insurance is strongly recommended, as statutory health insurance has limited validity in Turkey.

  • Taxes: For stays of less than 183 days per year, there is generally no tax liability in Turkey.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Long-Term Holiday in Turkey

A 12-week long-term holiday in Turkey offers some advantages but also comes with challenges:

Advantages:

  • Significantly lower price level than in Germany
  • Well-developed tourist infrastructure
  • Direct flights from many German cities
  • Hospitable population

Disadvantages:

  • Language barrier outside tourist areas
  • Cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings
  • Smaller towns may lack entertainment options in winter
  • Political situation sometimes uncertain

The Alternative: Long-Term Holiday in Cyprus Instead of Turkey

While Turkey is widely known as a winter domicile, Cyprus remains an insider tip for many. The third-largest Mediterranean island offers numerous advantages that make it an attractive alternative for a long-term holiday.

Cyprus: The Often-Overlooked Pearl in the Mediterranean

Cyprus is just a few hours' flight from Germany and combines the best of different worlds. The island is divided into a Greek-influenced south (Republic of Cyprus) and a Turkish-influenced north (Northern Cyprus), giving it a unique cultural richness.

What many don't know: Cyprus not only offers similar climatic conditions to Turkey but even surpasses it in some respects. With around 340 sunny days per year and winter temperatures rarely falling below 16°C, the island is an ideal winter domicile.

Price Advantages: More Affordable Wintering in Cyprus

In direct comparison to a 3-month long-term holiday in Turkey, Cyprus – especially Northern Cyprus – can be significantly cheaper:

  • Accommodation: Prices for long-term rentals in Northern Cyprus are often 15-25% below those of comparable accommodations on the Turkish Riviera.

  • Food: Restaurant prices in Northern Cyprus are about 10-20% lower than in popular Turkish tourist areas.

  • All-inclusive offers: Packages specifically tailored to long-term holidaymakers offer excellent value for money.

An exemplary price comparison for a 12-week stay:

Service Turkish Riviera Northern Cyprus
4-star hotel, half-board from 3,600 € from 3,000 €
Self-catering apartment from 1,800 € from 1,500 €
Utilities (electricity, water, WiFi) approx. 300 € approx. 250 €
Meals in local restaurants (12 weeks) approx. 1,800 € approx. 1,500 €
Total costs without flight from 3,900 € from 3,250 €

The savings can be even more significant depending on individual requirements.

Culinary Diversity: Mediterranean Cuisine at its Best

A major advantage of Cyprus over Turkey is the unique culinary diversity. Cypriot cuisine combines the best of Greek and Turkish traditions and enriches it with its own specialties:

  • Meze: Small appetizers and dishes meant for sharing – ideal for trying different specialties.

  • Fresh fish: The island location guarantees freshly caught fish and seafood at affordable prices.

  • Local products: Cypriot cheese (especially the famous halloumi), olive oil, and wines are among the island's specialties.

  • Vegetarian options: Traditional Cypriot cuisine offers numerous vegetarian dishes based on fresh vegetables, legumes, and grains.

Especially in the small, family-run taverns away from tourist centers, you can experience authentic cuisine at amazingly affordable prices – another advantage over a 12-week long-term holiday in Turkey.

Landscape Diversity in a Small Area

Cyprus impresses with its enormous landscape diversity in a relatively small area. Unlike a 3-month long-term holiday in Turkey, where longer journeys to different landscapes may be necessary, Cyprus offers everything in close proximity:

  • Dream beaches: Over 150 beaches, from the lively tourist beach to the secluded bay.

  • Impressive mountain landscapes: The Troodos Mountains in the south and the Kyrenia Mountains in the north offer spectacular views and wonderful hiking opportunities.

  • Historical sites: Ancient ruins, medieval castles, and Venetian fortresses testify to the island's rich history.

  • Nature reserves: Especially the Karpaz Peninsula in the northeast delights with untouched nature and wild donkeys.

This diversity in a small area means for you: Less time in the car or bus, more time to enjoy and experience.

Activities and Excursions: Experience More for Less Money

A decisive advantage over a 12-week long-term holiday in Turkey are the diverse activities and excursion opportunities that Cyprus offers:

Cultural Highlights Throughout the Island

  • Famagusta: The medieval old town with its impressive fortress walls and the "ghost town" of Varosha
  • Kyrenia: The picturesque harbor and the imposing castle
  • Nicosia: The last divided capital in Europe with its fascinating juxtaposition of cultures
  • Paphos: UNESCO World Heritage Site with spectacular ancient mosaics

Outdoor Activities All Year Round

  • Hiking: A well-developed network of trails in the Troodos Mountains and along the Kyrenia Mountains
  • Cycling: Numerous routes for every difficulty level
  • Golf: Several first-class golf courses
  • Water sports: From sailing to diving, possible even in winter

Excursions to Neighboring Countries

A special advantage of Cyprus is its strategic location, which allows excursions to neighboring countries – an option that a 3-month long-term holiday in Turkey does not offer in this form:

  • Egypt: Day trips or short trips to Cairo to the pyramids
  • Israel: Explore Jerusalem and the Holy Land
  • Lebanon: Visit the historic city of Beirut
  • Greece: Discover the Greek islands

These excursion possibilities expand your horizon and make the long-term holiday even more varied.

The Perfect Combination: Northern Cyprus as a Base with Excursions to the South

The optimal strategy for a cost-effective and eventful long-term holiday is the combination of:

  1. Accommodation in the more affordable Northern Cyprus
  2. Excursions throughout the entire island
  3. Additional trips to neighboring countries

This combination allows you to survive significantly cheaper than with a 12-week long-term holiday in Turkey, while experiencing more.

All-Inclusive Packages: Stress-Free and Cost-Effective

Particularly attractive are special all-inclusive packages for long-term holidaymakers, which include the following services:

  • Accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels in Northern Cyprus
  • Half-board or full-board
  • Regular guided excursions throughout the island
  • One or more excursions to neighboring countries (e.g., Cairo/Pyramids)
  • Transfer to and from the airport
  • German-speaking support on site

Such a package for 12 weeks is available from about 9,000 € per person – a comparable offer for a 3-month long-term holiday in Turkey would cost significantly more or include fewer services.

Unique Offer: The Best of Both Worlds

A great advantage is that there are specialized providers who are the only ones offering excursions in both the north and south of Cyprus. This allows you to explore the entire island and benefit from the respective advantages of both parts:

  • Lower prices in Northern Cyprus
  • EU standard in the south
  • Access to all historical and cultural highlights
  • Maximum flexibility in planning your stay

Practical Tips for Your Long-Term Holiday in Cyprus

If you choose Cyprus instead of a 12-week long-term holiday in Turkey, you should consider the following tips:

The Best Time to Travel

The ideal time for a long-term holiday in Cyprus is from October to May. During this time, pleasant temperatures between 16 and 25°C prevail, ideal for exploration tours and outdoor activities.

Arrival

The easiest way to arrive is by plane. International airports are located in Larnaca and Paphos in the south and in Ercan in the north. Direct flights from Germany mainly go to Larnaca and Paphos, from where transfers to the north can be organized.

Entry Requirements

The following entry requirements apply to German citizens:

  • Southern Cyprus (Republic of Cyprus): As an EU member, a valid ID card is sufficient for entry.
  • Northern Cyprus: Officially, a passport is required, but in practice, an ID card is often accepted.

For stays over 90 days, additional permits are required in both parts of the island.

Choice of Accommodation

When choosing accommodation for a longer stay, you should pay attention to the following criteria:

  • Location: Proximity to shopping opportunities, restaurants, and public transport
  • Equipment: WiFi, washing machine, well-equipped kitchen
  • Heating options: Even though temperatures are mild, evenings can be cool in winter
  • Community areas: Especially important for solo travelers to establish social contacts

Healthcare

Medical care in Cyprus is good, especially in the south, it meets EU standards. Important for a longer stay:

  • Travel health insurance is recommended
  • If you regularly need medication, sufficient supplies should be brought along
  • In the south, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid
  • In Northern Cyprus, private clinics should be preferred

Experience Reports: Why Cyprus Instead of Turkey?

Many long-term holidaymakers who previously spent a 3-month long-term holiday in Turkey have switched to Cyprus. Their experiences show why:

"After several winters on the Turkish Riviera, we discovered Cyprus last year and are thrilled. The value for money is unbeatable, especially in Northern Cyprus. Add to that the diverse excursion possibilities throughout the entire island and even to neighboring countries – something we didn't have in Turkey." - Hans and Inge M., 67 and 65 years old

"What particularly convinced me about Cyprus is the manageable size. During my three-month stay in Turkey, I only got to know a small part of the country. In Cyprus, I can really explore everything within 12 weeks – from the lonely beach to the mountain peak, from ancient ruins to vibrant cities." - Monika S., 58 years old

"The all-inclusive packages for long-term holidaymakers are simply perfect. I stay in a nice hotel in Kyrenia, regularly take excursions with the group, and even made a three-day trip to Cairo to the pyramids – all included in the price! I couldn't afford that with a long-term holiday in Turkey." - Peter K., 72 years old

Conclusion: Cyprus or Turkey – Which is the Better Choice?

A 12-week long-term holiday in Turkey undoubtedly has its charm, but Cyprus as an alternative offers some convincing advantages:

  • Cheaper: Especially in Northern Cyprus, the cost of living is lower than in popular Turkish tourist areas.

  • More diverse in a smaller area: The compact size of Cyprus allows you to see and experience more without having to accept long journeys.

  • Culinary more varied: Cypriot cuisine combines the best of Greek and Turkish traditions with its own specialties.

  • More inclusive: All-inclusive packages for long-term holidaymakers often offer more services at a more favorable price than comparable offers in Turkey.

  • Unique excursion possibilities: The strategic location allows excursions to several neighboring countries, which additionally surpasses a 3-month long-term holiday in Turkey.

While Turkey remains an established destination for long-term holidaymakers, Cyprus is increasingly developing into an attractive alternative – especially for price-conscious travelers who want to experience a lot.

Free Report: Cyprus vs. Turkey – The Ultimate Comparison for Long-Term Holidaymakers

Would you like to learn more about the possibilities of a long-term holiday in Cyprus and see detailed comparisons to Turkey? In our free report "Long-Term Holiday: Cyprus vs. Turkey – 12 Weeks of Sun in Comparison," you will find all the important information:

  • Detailed cost comparisons for different types of accommodation and catering options
  • The 10 best regions for a long-term stay in Cyprus
  • Tips for the optimal combination of Northern and Southern Cyprus
  • Experience reports from long-term holidaymakers who know both Turkey and Cyprus
  • Practical checklist for planning your long-term holiday