Russian Tourists in Turkey: A Love That Stands the Test of Time

Turkey remains a top destination for Russian tourists! In 2024, 6.7 million Russians visited the country, some for vacation, others for transit. With its affordability, rich history, and stunning landscapes, Turkey continues to be a favorite getaway for millions of Russian travelers.

Turkey has long been one of the favorite destinations for Russian travelers. Some visit for the sea and the comfort of all-inclusive resorts, others use the country as a transit hub, and some seek adventure through hiking and independent travel. Despite economic changes and shifting international dynamics, Turkey remains an affordable and desirable vacation spot for millions of Russians.

HOW MANY RUSSIANS VISIT TURKEY?

Year after year, Turkey solidifies its status as one of the most popular holiday destinations for Russians. In 2019, a record-breaking 7 million Russian tourists visited the country. Due to the pandemic, data for 2020 and 2021 is unclear, but since 2022, tourism has been actively recovering:

2022 – 5.2 million Russians
2023 – 6.3 million
2024 – 6.7 million (+6.3% compared to the previous year)

According to statistics, Russia is the top country of origin for tourists visiting Turkey. In 2024, Russians once again outnumbered German and British visitors, making up the largest group of foreign travelers.

However, there’s an important caveat. In recent years, Turkey has become more than just a holiday destination — it has also turned into a key transit hub. Due to restrictions on international flights, many Russians use Istanbul as a layover before continuing their journey. This means that not all of the 6.7 million Russian arrivals in 2024 were actually vacationing in Turkey — some only spent a few hours at the airport.

HOW MUCH DO RUSSIANS SPEND IN TURKEY?

Turkey has long been known for offering great value for money. The country has everything from luxurious five-star resorts with all-inclusive service to budget-friendly options for independent travelers.

In 2018, the average Russian tourist spent about $682. By 2024, the average cost of a vacation package had risen to 102,000 rubles. In total, Russian visitors spent more than 683 billion rubles in Turkey over the year.

WHERE DO TOURISTS SPEND THEIR MONEY?

Flights and transportation – especially since finding good connections has become more challenging.
Accommodation – four- and five-star all-inclusive resorts remain the top choice.
Food and souvenirs – even at all-inclusive hotels, tourists love exploring local restaurants and shopping for gifts.
Tours and entertainment – from visiting ancient ruins to yachting and scuba diving.

However, not everyone comes to Turkey just for a beach vacation. For example, Vadim and Irina, a couple from Moscow, are planning a hiking trip along the Lycian Way in April 2025.

"WE WANT MORE THAN JUST A VACATION — WE WANT AN ADVENTURE"

Vadim and Irina, a Russian couple, have decided to visit Turkey in 2025, but not for the usual beach getaway, but to hike one of the world’s most scenic long-distance trails, the Lycian Way.

— Why did you choose Turkey?

Irina: Turkey has always been on our travel wishlist. Many of our friends have been there and had a great experience. Plus, Turkey offers a huge variety of travel options. Sometimes you want a vacation where you can relax on the beach, explore historical landmarks, and also do something active. Turkey is one of the few places where you can do all of that in just two weeks — without breaking the bank.

— Did you consider other destinations?

Vadim: We looked at a few alternatives, but most of them were beach vacations, which aren’t really my thing. Turkey, on the other hand, gives us the best of both worlds—we can see the country and enjoy a real outdoor adventure. Plus, it’s more affordable, especially if you’re traveling in a group of 5–6 people.

Irina: We also considered other Asian and even European destinations.

— What will be your biggest expenses?

Irina: We’re trying to find affordable flights, but we expect that airfare and the hiking trip itself, including gear, will be our biggest expenses. Since we’ll be spending a week in tents, our accommodation costs will be minimal, and we’ll be bringing our own food supplies.

Of course, once we reach a city, we’ll definitely want to try local food and buy some souvenirs, but I don’t think we’ll need a huge budget for that.

— Which part of Turkey are you visiting and why?

Irina: We’re starting our journey in Göynük, a small town on the Mediterranean coast near Kemer. From there, we’ll set off on a nine-day trek along the Lycian Way, camping in the mountains and taking in some breathtaking landscapes.

After the hike, we’re considering a few options—we might return to Antalya, or we might head to Istanbul or Cappadocia. If we had a longer vacation, we’d definitely visit all three! I’d love to see Istanbul.

Vadim: And I’d love to explore the local markets.

— What’s your estimated budget for the trip?

Irina: Our overall expenses will be pretty low. We’re not counting flights and the hike itself, but for the remaining few days in Istanbul or Antalya, we’re planning to spend around 100,000 rubles for two people — including souvenirs and sightseeing.

WHY DO RUSSIANS CHOOSE TURKEY?

Turkey continues to be one of the most accessible and budget-friendly destinations for Russian tourists. It’s easy to get to, and the variety of experiences is huge — you can relax on the beach, go on a hiking adventure, or explore ancient cities.

Even with rising prices, Turkey remains more affordable than many European destinations. Plus, locals are used to Russian tourists and are generally very welcoming.