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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
A 12-week long-term holiday in Turkey offers some advantages but also comes with challenges:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
A decisive advantage over a 12-week long-term holiday in Turkey are the diverse activities and excursion opportunities that Cyprus offers:
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:
These excursion possibilities expand your horizon and make the long-term holiday even more varied.
The optimal strategy for a cost-effective and eventful long-term holiday is the combination of:
This combination allows you to survive significantly cheaper than with a 12-week long-term holiday in Turkey, while experiencing more.
Particularly attractive are special all-inclusive packages for long-term holidaymakers, which include the following services:
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.
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:
If you choose Cyprus instead of a 12-week long-term holiday in Turkey, you should consider the following tips:
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.
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.
The following entry requirements apply to German citizens:
For stays over 90 days, additional permits are required in both parts of the island.
When choosing accommodation for a longer stay, you should pay attention to the following criteria:
Medical care in Cyprus is good, especially in the south, it meets EU standards. Important for a longer stay:
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
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.
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:
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