Share The Article

Is Greece olds news? Hardly. But the Turkish Riviera has been on a tear in recent years largely due to the explosive popularity of Antalya.

What was formerly a cheap beach getaway as an alternative to pricier Mediterranean gems (ahem, Santorini…) is now in the same category given its newfound fame.

Don’t get us wrong — Antalya is still a gorgeous vacation spot, but you gotta double check your bank account after each expense nowadays.

How about a more affordable Turkish hideaway on the same stretch of pristine Aegean coastline instead?

Better yet, it boasts ancient ruins and spacious shores far overlooked by travelers magnetized by neighboring Greek islands and crowd-heavy Antalya.

Find A Peaceful Paradise On Sun-Drenched Shores

Winter sun is hard to come by in the States, which is why the term “winter sun” becomes a seasonal obsession the next few months.

While it’s easy to hop on a flight to Cancun, more and more travelers are determined to peel back the curtain on the lesser known.

And that’s where places like Kusadasi fit the bill.

Kusadasi is located on northern edge of the Turkish Riviera, yet so close to Greek islands you can see Samos in the distance.

While locals flock to Kusadasi during summer, wintertime is considered the off-season, which provides more space to sprawl on vibrant shores of crystal-clear water and colorful waterfront promenades .

Seeing mild temps hovering in the 60s (with occasional rainy days), there’s still plenty to do and enjoy if your Lady Luck isn’t on your side for a picture-perfect beach day.

Though, most often you’ll find an array of sun-kissed shores to kick back, relax, and take in a delightful culture that continues to embrace becoming a tourism powerhouse from hidden gems like Kusadasi to world-renowned Istanbul.

According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 3 beaches to scope out on a trip to Kusadasi this winter:

1. Ladies Beach (lined with pubs and seaside eats)
2. Uzan Plaj (a go-to swimming spot with clear turquoise waters)
3. Downtown Beach (easy access to the city center and unmatched views of Pigeon Island)

Timeless Marvels Are Kusadasi’s Biggest Surprise

We may all love the latest gizmos and gadgets, but there’s nothing comparable to visiting ancient wonders.

For example, nothing lives up to Athens’ ancient city perch, but Kusadasi’s UNESCO-protected ruins aren’t a bad alternative for travelers like us here at Travel Off Path who prefer to bypass lines of tourists in favor of under-hyped discoveries

Here in Kusadasi, you’ll find a pair of must-visit sites etched in time with virtually no crowds in winter:

Let’s start with the latter — Pigeon Island is truly unmissable, even if you don’t step foot on the island.

It serves as not only an alluring backdrop from various beaches, but is also a top attraction.

Originally built during the Byzantine era, this immaculate fortress ultimately served as a defense against pirates on the hunt for booty — kinda like me in college.

Nowadays, Pigeon Island is free to enter and offers visitors some of the best views of both the cityscape and open sea.

Ephesus, on the other hand, is one of Turkiye’s most wondrous ancient cities — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once rivaled Rome’s grandeur.

Set an easy Uber ride away outside the city limits, Ephesus is a breeze to reach. You’ll find the site to be impressively preserved, offering one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the world.

Just know getting an Uber back is questionable, so bring cash for a taxi or mini-bus for the ride to your hotel.

How Affordable Is Kusadasi?

Even though we’ve hyped Kusadasi as a great Antalya alternative, do yourself a favor and fly into nearby Izmir instead, or aforementioned Samos and hop aboard the ferry for about $40 one-way.

Once you’re here, you’ll find Kusadasi’s prices to be very reasonable no matter if its booking a luxe resort or savoring the little things in life like a glass of local wine and highly underrated Turkish pizza.

If you’re vacationing in Kusadasi this winter, you couldn’t have chose a better time to treat yourself.

For sample size, Charisma De Luxe Hotel is a 5-star stay with stunning Aegean views from your bedroom with rates as low as $89 per night this December.

With free attractions we’ve mentioned, cheap public transit and Uber to get around, plus only needing $23 max for daily epic meals, Kusadasi is one of the Med’s best value destinations this winter.

Share The Article

We at Travel Off Path scour the interwebs at all hours like caffeine-fueled night owls in search of hidden gems slipping through the cracks.

The most notable find this week has broken tourism records 3 years running. What’s most interesting about that is it’s likely a town you’ve never heard of, but those in the know have been flocking to this serene, laid-back hideaway for consecutive years without any hype from Lonely Planet, Travel + Leisure, or Condé Nast — all the more reason to check us out first! 😉

The scenic lake town of Tomahawk, Wisconsin is the ultimate relaxing getaway.

Home to salt-of-the-Earth locals, a charming downtown drag, and plenty of waterfront thrills and delights for all ages, you can leave the ‘mansion in Wiscansin‘ vibes to Milwaukee and Madison in favor of rustic lodging and endless outdoor adventures.

Tomahawk: Where The River Meets The Lake

Venturing into Wisconsin’s stunning Northwoods, you’ll find a plethora of delightful towns to escape the bustle of major cities.

Tomahawk has led the charge for 3 straight years, putting Lincoln County on the map as a secret summer getaway expected to continue to thrive this season.

With splendid springlike weather consistently in the high 70s to low 80s from June through September, there’s no better conditions for unforgettable memories spent enjoying the water.

What makes Tomahawk unique is that you have multiple waterways to choose from. The Tomahawk River, from which it derives its name, is the largest tributary of the Wisconsin River, flowing into tranquil Lake Mohawksin.

Though Lake Nokomis is a standalone body of water and the largest of the region, it offers more waterways to explore and fish.

Popular activities include boating, canoeing, kayaking, and even stand-up paddleboarding since the waters are generally calm, and the same can be said for Lake Mohawksin with the exception of a must-see event taking place each summer — Kwahamot Water Ski Club’s free water ski shows.

While Nokomis is known for its serenity, Mohawksin may be equally beautiful, but it’s known as Tomahawk’s heartbeat with more aquatic thrills, gorgeous Bradley Park, and must-visit Castaways Bar & Grill offering patio seating with sweeping lakeside views.

Make Some Time To Peruse Downtown Tomahawk

A great starting point to see Tomahawk’s main sites is the Tomahawk Riverwalk, where you’ll pass a Dairy Queen for an obligatory Dilly Bar run, and scenic SARA Park, where you’ll also discover a hidden beach alongside the river.

From there, downtown is your oyster to explore, with inviting local boutiques, Mom & Pop eats (if you decline a Dilly Bar), and historic character left behind from bygone eras.

There’s certainly no shortage of history here as Tomahawk was established in the late 1800’s and settled by various Native American tribes lifetimes ago.

What remains is a postcard downtown locals and visitors all congregate in summer for surprisingly lively bars, family fun at Big Bear Mini Golf & Ice Cream, or better yet, live music as part of the Music on the River shows every Wednesday at Veteran’s Memorial Park.

Where To Stay In Tomahawk

Tomahawk may be a name you don’t know, but there’s no denying its newfound popularity.

As such, there’s an array of accommodations for every style and budget in and around town, many of which are perched lakeside.

While hordes of tourists flock to such places as Lake Michigan this summer, even with a record-breaking spike in visitors, Tomahawk doesn’t feel overly crowded.

That being said, since it is such a small town you’ll want to get a move on booking a room if you’re planning to visit any time soon.

Tomahawk offers homey lodges, affordable chains, and lakeside resorts. For those wanting a familiar name and willing to settle for four walls, A/C, and Wi-Fi, a place like Rodeway Inn & Suites is for you.

If it were me, I’d opt for something cozy to set the tone for such a secluded lake hideaway. Top-rated Bridge Inn Tomahawk hits the mark.

If you’re a resort type, then a cabin at Tomahawk Resort on Lake Alice is your best bet. One recent guest stated, “It’s my all-time favorite resort. I was blessed to live here before it became a resort, and the lake views are just spectacular.”

Best of all, it’s on a different lake (Lake Alice) not as frequented by visitors so you can experience even more solitude to unwind.