Türkiye’s attraction lies in so many locations, from Istanbul’s iconic points of interest like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the sun-soaked seashores and bazaars of Izmir and the otherworldly Cappadocia, with its cave lodges and scorching air balloon rides. With such numerous selections, deciding the place to start out your Turkish journey might be tough. However the place do you have to head should you’re searching for to expertise a extra laid-back Türkiye via the eyes of the locals?
Whereas most vacationers gravitate in direction of the Mediterranean coast’s glamorous resorts, heading north alongside the picturesque Aegean coast bordering Greece unveils hidden gems cherished by Turkish holidaymakers. Right here, you will come upon bougainvillea-draped villages, wineries, historic treasures and gorgeous coastlines.
When you’ve ever questioned easy methods to vacation like an area in Türkiye, let three of our consultants present you the spots you’ll be able to bookmark for subsequent yr’s summer time journey.
An Aegean island idyll: Bozcaada
Jennifer Hattam is a journalist who calls Istanbul residence.
Caressed by the cooling winds blowing over the Aegean Sea, the island of Bozcaada sits simply 5 miles off Türkiye’s northwestern shoreline, a mere half-hour ferry experience from the mainland however nonetheless distant sufficient to have retained a lot of its pure magnificence and laid-back appeal.
Vacationers arriving within the picturesque harbor are greeted by an imposing fortress that attests to an extended historical past of inhabitation on the island. I like to remain within the close by outdated Greek Quarter, an atmospheric, walkable neighborhood now rife with eating places, cafes, boutiques, and small lodges like the comfortable Mitos Otel. As you wander the slim backstreets, maintain an eye fixed out for the eclectic native historical past museum in a Nineteenth-century stone home.
Although costs and the island’s reputation amongst Turkish guests have elevated, it is laborious to not eat and drink properly on Bozcaada. Tiny Ada’m (“My Island”) serves artistic, scrumptious seafood and vegetable meze (sharing plates), whereas native wineries like Talay, Corvus, Çamlıbağ, and Amadeus have tasting rooms open to the general public. Browse the open-air market close to the harbor for selfmade jams, hand-dried herbs, and different edible souvenirs.
I prefer to work up an urge for food swimming at elegant Sulubahçe Plajı, whereas extra adventurous kinds can kitesurf at lengthy, windswept Çayır Plajı, simply two of the island’s many high quality seashores. That is the form of place the place languid days are finest spent with out a lot of an agenda, however the energetic Bozcaada Jazz Competition and the annual grape harvest (Bağbozumu Festivali) within the late summer time present bonus causes to make a go to.
Türkiye’s largest however quietest island: Gökçeada
Ömercan Kaçar is a journey, tradition and historical past author from Istanbul.
I used to search out island holidays considerably uninspiring till I stumbled upon Gökçeada, Türkiye’s largest island. Nestled on the entrance of the Gulf of Saros, simply west of Gallipoli, this gem lately lured me from Istanbul with its promise of tranquility and clear, windswept seashores.
Whereas Gallipoli has lengthy been a well-liked vacationer vacation spot, Gökçeada remained considerably underneath the radar till current years when Turkish households found its peaceable attract for his or her holidays.
The journey here’s a nice 1.5-hour sea bus or ferry experience from Çanakkale. As you step onto this island with pristine bays and seashores, you will perceive exactly why Gökçeada interprets to “heavenly island.” Among the many array of gorgeous coastal spots, two seashores stand out for me for his or her crystal-clear waters: Kefalos and Uğurlu. Secluded Kefalos Bay, particularly, with its windwhipped waters is a haven for individuals who like watersports like windsurfing and kitesurfing.
The Aegean is mostly the least developed shoreline and on Gökçeada, you will discover a host of family-run pensions (visitor homes). For an genuine island expertise that resonates with its character, take into account staying on the Agios Lodge, a captivating family-owned institution with stone structure that displays the island’s laid-back however welcoming spirit.
Nevertheless, what really units Gökçeada aside is its wealthy Greek-Turkish shared historical past. It is even the birthplace of Archbishop of Constantinople Bartholomew I, who hails from the village of Zeytinliköy on the island. As you discover the villages, you will immerse your self in a novel tradition the place Turks and Greeks coexist harmoniously. Whenever you go to Bademli village with its conventional properties adorned with floral window bins, cease by the open-air Sunday market after which, for dinner, head to Gün Batımı Restaurant. You’ll be able to get pleasure from a recent seafood dinner whereas watching the sundown on this energetic spot.
The quieter facet of the Med: Akyarlar
Ismet Esroy is a journey guidebook author residing in Izmir.
My household owns a small timeshare, so I have been going to Akyarlar within the Bodrum Peninsula for over 20 years. Whereas there’s nothing “off-radar” about Bodrum City per se, significantly for Turkish and northern European holidaymakers, Akyarlar is the peninsula’s extra laid-back area—an escape route for individuals who need to have a comparatively peaceable vacation in Bodrum with out being affected by the loopy summer time crowds of the town.
Surrounded by the Aegean Sea’s aqua waters, you’ll be able to swim at varied spots within the district. Karaincir, Akçabük, and Meteor are essentially the most well-known seashores within the space and a few of my favorites as a result of the water is so clear and there are often actions like kayaking and boat excursions. The boat excursions sometimes begin within the morning and run via the night, permitting you to get pleasure from completely different bays of the area.
Akyarlar affords a number of lodging options which swimsuit a spread of budgets and tastes. As an illustration, Xanadu Island affords upscale lodging, whereas La Brezza Suite & Lodge affords lower-budget lodging. Irrespective of your selection, you will discover that the ocean will all the time be only a step away.
Talking of suggestions, my first selection for meals in Akyalar can be Samsun Pidecisi Nuri Usta. With its appetizing Black Sea region-style pides (typically known as Turkish pizza), locals have all the time most well-liked this restaurant. My favourite pides are “Kapalı Kıymalı” (pide with minced meat) and “Açık Pastırmalı” (pide with pastrami).
