Best Ways to Enjoy Summer in Turkey

Turkey's coastal regions become vibrant in summer. They possess everything ranging from natural beaches to old ruins. There are crowded resort towns and serene historic regions that display the beauty of the country in the summer.

Antalya and the Turquoise Coast

The Turquoise Coast lies between Antalya and Fethiye. Here is the Mediterranean coast, and it mixes beautiful beaches with ancient marvels. Ancient civilization still adorns nature's beauty. Konyaalti Beach and Lara Beach are among the popular sites where visitors swim and engage in water sports. History buffs can visit the seaside ruins of Phaselis and Patara.

Patara also has one of Turkey's finest beaches. The region can be explored by sailing around a gulet, walking along the Lycian Way, or driving the coastal roads. The Antalya Museum gives a general overview of the region's history.

Bodrum and the Aegean Riviera

Bodrum, ancient Halicarnassus, is a lovely Aegean sea resort today. Old and new parts of the city run smoothly together. You'll find ancient remains, medieval Bodrum Castle and Museum of Underwater Archeology, and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, a Seven Wonder of the Ancient World. Celebrities and jet-setters pack out Bodrum's nightlife, marina restaurants, and high-end hotels in summer.

Cappadocia for hot air ballooning

Cappadocia creates magical summer landscapes even without a beach. Fairy chimneys and the peculiar rock formations of the region look like another world. Dawn hot air balloon rides are becoming Cappadocia's trademark. The rides unveil breathtaking views of the strange landscape. Summer weather is barely as intrusive as winter for balloon flights. Travelers can also explore underground cities like Derinkuyu and Kaymakli or see ancient cave churches in Goreme Open Air Museum on their Turkey trip.

Istanbul for cultural exploration

Istanbul bridges two continents and offers complete culture at the cost of summer heat. The Sultanahmet district is home to Byzantine gems like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia with its beautiful blue tiles. Longer daylight during summer enables travelers to tour the Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, and bustling areas like Kadikoy and Beyoglu. A ferry ride on the Bosphorus gives cool breezes and great views while you drink traditional çay (tea).

Çeşme and Alaçatı for boutique charm

These double resorts are an hour from Izmir and offer an upscale, old-world beach holiday. Çeşme has beautiful beaches, Ilica's warm thermal hot springs, and an imposing castle. In the area, Alaçatı has grown from a small village to a stylish beach town.

Cobblestone roads, stone buildings, and brightly colored painted wooden doors lead to pleasant restaurants and shops. The 19th-century windmills in the town provide sunset views. The location is a windsurfer's paradise with strong, year-round winds, and it promotes itself as Turkey's windsurfing capital.

Turkey's sunshine magic comes alive in its diverse activities ranging from peaceful beaches to lively cultural encounters. You'll find timeless experiences under the warm Turkish sun if you want relaxation or adventure.

Relaxing on Mediterranean beaches

The Turkish Mediterranean coast stretches almost 1600 km with pristine beaches calling for sunbathing and swimming. Ölüdeniz Beach shimmers with the tranquil waters of its Blue Lagoon and magnificent views. Picturesque spots like Iztuzu, Patara's 18 km of sand beach, and Cleopatra Beach are every beach lover's dreamland. Sunbathing on golden sand, swimming in blue water, or windsurfing are all available to tourists in Turgutreis.

Blue Cruise along the Turkish coast

There is no other experience like sailing along Turkey's coast on a gulet, a classic wooden sailing vessel. The cruises take a few days and connect such popular coastal towns as Bodrum to Fethiye and Marmaris to Antalya. Travelers get to visit secluded coves, snorkel in turquoise waters, view ancient ruins, and enjoy fresh seafood cooked by the crew. The serene, unspoiled Turkish coast of this Mediterranean gem is a sailor's paradise.

Learning from ancient ruins such as Ephesus and Pamukkale

Summer weather makes it ideal to travel to historical sites during your tour. Roman ruins such as the Library of Celsus and a 25,000-seat theater are impressive at Ephesus in Izmir. The white travertine of Pamukkale and Hierapolis ruins combine natural beauty with history. Troy and Olympos ruins offer tourists the ability to combine beaches with historical finds.

Participating in summer festivals and events

Summer dominates Turkey's festival schedule:

• Istanbul Music Festival (June) - High-quality classical concerts in landmark buildings
• Bodrum Jazz Festival - Concerts under stunning vistas of the Aegean Sea
• Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival (July) - Ancient oil wrestling dating back to the 14th century
• International Bodrum Ballet Festival - Classical and modern performances in a beautiful setting

Hiking in the Black Sea Highlands

The stunning highlands of the Black Sea area welcome trekkers with lush landscapes. The Kaçkar Mountains have excellent treks like Saint Paul Trail (500 km) and Lycian Way (540 km) passing through ancient ruins and stunning landscapes. The Pokut and Sal Highlands present the trekkers with a view of being on cloud nine. Ayder highland in the province of Rize is stunning with thick vegetation and fauna throughout the year.

Turkish cuisine is a true reflection of the history of the country, and in summer, it gets even tastier and refreshing. From sunbathing along the beach to walking at a local market or relaxing at a shaded café while sipping, these foods and drinks must not be avoided in the summer in Turkey:

1. Karpuz & Beyaz Peynir (Watermelon & White Cheese)

A classic Turkish summer pairing! Sweet, juicy watermelon is served with salty, crumbly white cheese (similar to feta). Simple yet so rewarding, especially on hot afternoons.

2. Döner or Dürüm Wraps

These meat-filled wraps, especially chicken or beef döner, are wonderful for a quick snack between sightseeing tours. They're light but satisfying and packed with flavor.

3. Ayran (Cold Yogurt Drink)

This salty yogurt beverage is the ultimate summer cooler. It's thirst-relieving, to say the least, but also has a nostalgic quality, particularly when enjoyed with grilled meats.

4. Limonata (Turkish Lemonade)

Made with freshly squeezed lemons, mint, and sugar, Turkish limonata is tangy-sweet and invigorating. Homemade, at times, it is a big hit with cafes during the summer season.

5. Dondurma (Turkish Ice Cream)

Unlike the majority of ice cream, Turkish dondurma is chewy and resistant to melting, thanks to inclusions like salep and mastic. 

6. Balık Ekmek (Fish Sandwich)

Found close to coastal towns and especially in Istanbul on the Galata Bridge, this sandwich is made up of grilled mackerel served with onions, lettuce, and lemon juice in a crusty loaf. Fresh and delicious.

Turkish summer heat is sometimes extremely hot with temperatures above 30°C (86°F). We discovered that these helpful tips enable tourists to stay cool during their visit to this lovely country.

Wear light, breathable clothing

It is advisable to pack your bag with light, loose-fitting natural fiber garments like cotton and linen. Natural fibers let your skin breathe. Light-coloured dress is better than dark colours in attempts to reflect the sun.

Turkey has a conservative reputation, but tourist resorts and major cities are fine with Western-style summer clothes. It can get cool at night, so bring a light jumper or cardigan. It can drop as low as 20°C (68°F), especially along the coast.

Hydrate and consume water-dense fruits

You need to drink water throughout the day even if you don't feel like it. A refillable water bottle should be your BFF. Two glasses of water 30 minutes before stepping outside in the sun, and another glass every 20 minutes while you're outside in the sun, are advised by doctors. 

Use sunscreen and remain in shade

The powerful Turkish sun demands broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 60, especially for outdoor sports. Apply every two hours, or more so if swimming or sweating. Sunscreen, a brimmed hat, and shades prevent painful sunburns.

Q1: What are the summer months in Turkey?

Summer in Turkey spans from June to August, with July and August being the hottest months. It's the perfect time for beach vacations and enjoying Turkey tours focused on coastal and island destinations.

Q2: Is Turkey worth visiting in summer?

Definitely! Summer in Turkey is one of the best times to explore its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and historic landmarks. 

Q3: What is the best food to eat in Turkey?

Turkey offers an incredible variety of dishes, especially in the summer. Refreshing foods like çoban salatası (shepherd’s salad), grilled seafood, döner wraps, and watermelon with white cheese are local favorites. 

Q4: Where are the best places to visit during summer in Turkey?

Some of the top destinations to explore during summer in Turkey include Antalya, Bodrum, Fethiye, and the beaches of the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.

Q5: What should I pack for Turkey in July?

July is one of the hottest months of summer in Turkey, so pack light clothing, a hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, and swimwear. Comfortable shoes are a must if you're planning to walk or join guided Turkey tours. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle and a light scarf for sun or mosque visits.

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