The Turkish Riviera has been attracting visitors for years with its stunning beaches, modern hotels, and pleasant climate. A long-term holiday in Turkey is particularly popular among retirees looking to escape the cold and gray winter months in Germany. But have you ever considered alternatives that might better suit your needs? In this article, you'll learn everything worth knowing about long-term stays in Turkey – and why more and more retirees are discovering Cyprus as a hidden gem.
A long-term holiday for retirees in Turkey offers many advantages: mild winter temperatures, lower living costs than in Germany, and well-developed tourist infrastructure. The most popular regions for an extended stay are the Turkish Riviera around Antalya, Alanya, and Side, as well as the Aegean coast with locations like Bodrum, Marmaris, and Kusadasi.
The typical duration for a long-term holiday in Turkey ranges from four weeks to three months, with many retirees preferring the winter months from November to March. During this time, average temperatures on Turkey's southern coast hover around a pleasant 15-20°C – significantly warmer than in Germany.
For an extended stay in Turkey, various accommodation options are available:
Hotels with long-term offers: Many hotels offer special monthly rates that are significantly cheaper than regular daily prices. However, hotel rooms are often not designed for longer stays.
Apart-hotels: This combination of hotel and apartment offers more space and often includes a kitchenette, which is advantageous for longer stays.
Vacation apartments and houses: For maximum independence, fully equipped vacation apartments or houses can be rented.
Prices for a long-term holiday in Turkey 2025 vary depending on region, season, and type of accommodation. Retirees should budget about 600-1,200 euros per month for an apartment in a popular area, while hotel stays with half-board begin at about 1,500 euros per month.
Those looking to winter in Turkey should keep several important aspects in mind:
For a long-term holiday in Turkey 2025, several trends are emerging. Rising inflation in Turkey has led to higher prices, but the Turkish lira remains relatively weak compared to the euro, which can be advantageous for travelers from Germany.
Many hotels and resorts have responded to the growing demand for long-term stays by offering packages specifically tailored to retirees. These often include extras such as airport transfers, regular cleaning services, or even excursion programs.
The most popular regions for a long-term holiday in Turkey for retirees remain Antalya and its surroundings, where infrastructure is well-developed and the climate stays mild during winter. Less crowded areas like the region around Mersin or the Datça peninsula are also becoming increasingly popular, offering a more authentic lifestyle that is often more affordable.
Have you ever considered spending your next long-term holiday in Cyprus? The third-largest Mediterranean island is just a few hours' flight from Germany and offers many advantages that make it an attractive alternative to Turkey.
Cyprus, particularly the northern part, is considered a hidden gem by many experienced Turkey travelers. The island combines many of Turkey's advantages – such as the Mediterranean climate and hospitable culture – with several additional benefits.
With around 300 sunny days per year, Cyprus even surpasses most Turkish holiday regions. Winters are particularly mild with temperatures rarely falling below 15°C – ideal for retirees wanting to escape the cold in Germany. The Mediterranean Sea around Cyprus remains relatively warm even during winter months, making occasional swimming possible even in January.
While Turkey has become more expensive in recent years due to increasing demand and inflation, Northern Cyprus in particular still offers excellent value for money. The cost of living is often lower here than in popular Turkish holiday regions. A comparable long-term stay in Cyprus can be up to 20% cheaper than in Turkey, especially when it comes to accommodation and meals.
A unique advantage of staying in Cyprus is the opportunity to explore both the northern and southern parts of the island. While Northern Cyprus impresses with its Turkish-influenced culture, authentic atmosphere, and lower prices, the south offers EU-typical infrastructure and a larger range of tourist amenities.
The border between both parts is easily crossable today, allowing visitors to enjoy the best of both worlds – a flexibility that no other destination in the eastern Mediterranean offers in this form.
There are several reasons why Cyprus is increasingly perceived as an attractive alternative for a long-term holiday:
With an area of only about 9,250 km², Cyprus is significantly smaller and more manageable than Turkey. Most attractions and excursion destinations are reachable within a few hours, which is particularly pleasant for retirees who prefer not to undertake long journeys.
Cyprus looks back on 10,000 years of history and offers a fascinating mixture of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman influences. Historical sites such as the ancient city of Salamis, the medieval castle of Kyrenia, or the well-preserved mosaics of Paphos bear witness to this rich past.
While many Turkish holiday destinations are now heavily geared toward mass tourism, Northern Cyprus has preserved its original charm. Here, visitors can still find traditional villages, unspoiled landscapes, and an authentic Mediterranean lifestyle that is increasingly disappearing elsewhere.
Thanks to the island's British past, English is widely spoken in Cyprus, often making communication easier for German holidaymakers than in Turkey. At the same time, Turkey enthusiasts feel at home in Northern Cyprus, where Turkish is also spoken.
Cyprus offers some unique attractions that have no equivalent in Turkey:
For retirees planning an extended stay, Cyprus offers diverse possibilities. Particularly interesting are all-inclusive packages specifically designed for long-term stays. These typically include:
The minimum stay is usually 28 days, with packages mostly being flexibly adaptable. This allows visitors to immerse themselves deeply in the local culture and explore the island beyond the usual tourist paths.
A direct price comparison shows the economic advantage of Cyprus:
Long-term Holiday Turkey (30 days, 2025):
Long-term Holiday Cyprus (30 days):
Although the base price for Cyprus may appear slightly higher, it includes substantially more services. When calculating the costs for comparable excursions and activities in Turkey, the Cyprus offer proves to be significantly cheaper and more comprehensive.
Turkey undoubtedly remains a popular destination for a long-term holiday for retirees. However, for those who have already visited Turkey multiple times and are looking for a new experience, Cyprus offers an appealing alternative with numerous advantages:
While a long-term holiday in Turkey 2025 certainly has its charms, it's worth considering Cyprus as an attractive alternative – especially if you value authenticity, culture, and excellent value for money.
Would you like to learn more about the possibilities of a long-term holiday in Cyprus? In our free report "Cyprus Instead of Turkey: The Ultimate Guide for Your Long-term Holiday in the Eastern Mediterranean," you'll find all the important information:
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