Nauryz in Turkey is a great reason for a Kazakhstani from Almaty to welcome spring by the sea, but it is important to remember the weather and the influx of guests. At the end of March in Antalya, Kemer, and Alanya, it is up to +18 degrees during the day, the sea is still cold, so swimming will only be possible in heated pools.
March in Turkey: weather and influx of guests
During the peak of blooming in Turkey, it is advantageous for a Kazakhstani from Almaty to fly to the Mediterranean coast precisely during this holiday. There is no direct flight to Antalya, so the route usually goes through Istanbul.
Weather surprises at Mediterranean resorts
During this period, hotels in Kemer and Alanya are filled with local families on school holidays. The Turkish spring in March is deceptive: during the day the air in Antalya warms up to +18, but evenings remain cool. The sea near Kemer reaches only +16 degrees, so swimming is only available in indoor pools. A tourist from Almaty should take warm clothes for walks through Kaleici, where orange trees fill the air with a sweet aroma.
How to choose an operating hotel in Belek and Side
When booking accommodation in Belek, check whether the pool is heated and whether the water park is operating. Most of the region's golf courses are already open, and the green lawns are a delight to the eye. In Side, the season of excursions to ancient ruins starts without summer queues, but check the status of the complex on the official website.
When is it better for a Kazakhstani to plan a trip for the holiday?
The holiday in Turkey is celebrated on March 21–23, and these dates coincide with the holidays of Turkish schoolchildren. The optimal option is to fly out of Almaty a week before the celebration and meet it at the resort.
Dates coinciding with the influx of local tourists
Departing at the end of the month will add to the budget the fee charged at the airport upon returning home. Turkish families book hotels in Antalya for spring break, creating a rush in restaurants. It is better for a Kazakhstani to choose 5-star complexes with a large territory where crowds dissipate. Morning breakfasts in such hotels pass calmly until nine o'clock, and the service remains at a high level.
What manages to open by the end of March in Bodrum and Marmaris
The Aegean coast wakes up later than the Mediterranean, and many guesthouses here are still closed. In Bodrum, chain hotels with indoor pools and spa centers are operating, attracting guests from Almaty. Marmaris greets visitors with strong winds that make yacht trips impossible, but the restaurants on the embankment delight with a variety of cuisine.
Features of windy weather in Fethiye and Kusadasi
In Fethiye, March winds reach 20 meters per second, ruining plans for beach holidays. Kusadasi offers calm bays protected from gusts, which attracts families with children. A windproof jacket will be useful for walks along the embankment, and it is worth choosing large hotels.
Routes from Almaty with a transfer in Istanbul
Turkish Airlines operates night flights from Almaty, arriving in Istanbul early in the morning. This schedule allows you to connect to a domestic flight and be in Antalya by noon. The time difference with Almaty is 2 hours all year round: Turkey is on UTC+3, Kazakhstan on UTC+5.
Document requirements when departing from Kazakhstan
The validity of the passport must cover the trip with a margin, and this is checked upon check-in in Almaty. Medical insurance should be arranged in advance, as its presence may be requested at the airline counter. Since 2023, a separate passport is required for a child, so submit the documents a month in advance.
Time difference and adaptation to the flight
The time difference with Almaty is 2 hours all year round: Turkey is on UTC+3, Kazakhstan on UTC+5. The night flight lasts about six hours including the stopover in Istanbul, so take a pillow and a sleep mask. The morning transfer to the hotel will allow you to use the first day of your vacation to the fullest.
What to consider when preparing for a trip to Turkey?
A trip to Turkey for the holiday days requires thoughtful preparation: from choosing a resort to having cash on hand. A Kazakhstani should make a to-do list a week before flying out of Almaty. Checking the little things will save you from unpleasant surprises on the spot and make your vacation comfortable.
What currency to take and where to exchange it for liras
Dollars and euros are accepted at exchange offices in Istanbul and resort cities at a favorable rate. Cards from Kazakhstani banks work unstable, so cash remains the main means of payment. Exchange large bills at specialized points, avoiding street money changers, and keep some dollars for emergency expenses.
Departure fee from the country at the end of March
The tourism fee is charged upon departure from Turkish airports, and a Kazakhstani should include it in their budget. Payment is made at special terminals before passport control, and keep the receipt until boarding. It is also better to have small bills on hand for tips and small purchases at markets.
Visa and entry rules change: check the primary source — the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa. The information on this page was verified on 08.09.2026.
Where to spend the holiday days in Istanbul and on the coast?
This holiday in Turkey is celebrated with street festivities reminiscent of Kazakhstani celebrations. Istanbul offers a rich program, while the resorts offer a relaxing holiday for every taste. The choice depends on the preferences of the traveler from Almaty.
Street festivities in Emirgan Park and on Taksim Square
Emirgan Park blooms with tulips in March, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world. Taksim Square becomes the center of the celebration with music and national dances. A Kazakhstani will meet compatriots here celebrating Nauryz together with Turks, and cafes operate without a break.
Queues at Hagia Sophia and the palaces: how to avoid them
During the holiday days, queues of up to an hour gather at Istanbul's main attractions. Online tickets on official websites save the visitor time and nerves, so plan your visit in advance. A Kazakhstani should go to the museum in the morning when the flow of tourists is minimal.
Excursions to ancient ruins without summer crowds
In Side and Alanya, ancient theaters are open for viewing without the usual crowds, which delights guests from Almaty. Guides offer individual routes at reduced prices, allowing visitors to calmly examine the mosaics. Evening excursions with lighting create a special atmosphere of antiquity.
Sirkeci and Laleli Districts for Accommodation with Halal Food
Sirkeci is convenient due to its proximity to the tram line and the historical landmarks of Istanbul. Laleli is famous for its restaurants with halal cuisine and shops selling oriental sweets. A visitor from Kazakhstan should book a hotel in these districts in advance, as demand increases during holidays.
In Brief
- Nauryz is celebrated in Turkey on March 21–23, when resorts fill with local tourists.
- The sea in Kemer and Antalya is cold, and swimming is only possible in heated pools.
- Bodrum and Marmaris open only part of their hotels, while the rest prepare for May.
- Fethiye and Kusadasi experience strong winds, unsuitable for sea excursions.
- The flight from Almaty goes through Istanbul on a night flight without losing daylight hours.