Istanbul stretches along the two banks of the Bosphorus, a strait that is the connecting line between two seas: the Black and Marmara. One side of the coast is called the European part of Istanbul, the other is called the Asian side. Weather The city's climate is very pleasant and soft, more reminiscent of a subtropical zone, although there are also some signs of a continental climate.

In the summer, the Turkish metropolis is warm and comfortable - the average seasonal temperature ranges from 19 to 28⁰C. But sometimes the thermometer rises to 35⁰C.

Istanbul can probably be called the city of the sun, because every year it pleases its residents and guests with 2 thousand hours of sunshine. At the same time, the air is almost always humid. The greatest heat is observed from the beginning of July to the end of August.

During the summer months, Istanbul turns into a tourist paradise. During this period, travelers from literally all over the planet come to the city. Hotels and hotel complexes Sultanahmet, the most famous historical district of the metropolis, is always filled to capacity.

June

Istanbul is beautiful at any time of the year

In June, strangely enough, summer begins in Turkey. But in Istanbul it is not only calendar, but also real. During the day, the air warms up to a temperature of 25⁰C, and in the afternoon it is even stronger - up to 30.5⁰C. During this period, the city is not just hot, but also stuffy. It can be difficult to endure such weather, so people often find refuge in local green park areas such as Emirgan or Gülhane. By evening the heat subsides, but the thermometer does not drop below 17 ⁰C. Evening time is perfect for going to catering establishments, which can be found in large numbers under the Galata Bridge. Countless cafes and restaurants open their doors to guests until late at night. The pleasant sea breeze can be quite chilly, so it would be a good idea to throw on a windbreaker or other light, long-sleeved clothing. At the beginning of the first summer month, light rain is still possible, but after the first week the precipitation stops altogether.

The sea temperature cannot yet be called comfortable and suitable for long-term swimming, but already in the second half of June the Bosphorus warms up to 21.3⁰C. So if you are going to Istanbul during this period, then you can already stock up on swimsuits and sunscreen cosmetics. After all, Istanbul in June is a paradise not only for connoisseurs ancient culture and those who like to go to museums!

July

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)

The middle of summer pleases Istanbul residents and visitors with excellent weather. Average daily temperatures range from 26 to 30⁰С. Of course, hotter days also happen, but not often. At the same time, the thermometer does not drop below 22⁰C. July is a great time to visit local beach areas, swim and walk in light T-shirts and T-shirts.

It can still be cool in the evenings - due to the proximity to the sea. But in any case, the air does not cool below 20⁰C.

Rainy weather in July Istanbul is a huge rarity. Precipitation is unlikely, because July is rightfully called the sunniest month of the year in the city. The strong winds blowing from the strait come in handy: they provide at least a little refreshment and bring coolness from the sea.

August

Warm evenings are conducive to walks around Istanbul

And in the last month of summer it is hot in Istanbul. The average temperature during the daytime is 28⁰С, but often the air heats up to 25⁰С. Therefore, when traveling to Istanbul in August, be sure to stock up on protective creams, sunglasses and light hats.

But nights in the city at this time are also warm - no lower than 19⁰C. Therefore, instead of adventurously bringing a warm wardrobe with you, it is better to ask in advance whether yours will have hotel room properly working air conditioner. Precipitation in Istanbul during this period is unlikely - it can rain only three days a month, and then for short periods.

Travelers coming to Istanbul need to know: no matter how sweltering the heat may be, you shouldn’t be too naked here. For your trip, purchase light clothing made from natural, airy fabrics - cotton, silk, etc. It is better not to wear synthetic T-shirts, blouses and shirts - this can lead to overheating and severe skin irritation.

Women asking the question of what to wear in summer in Istanbul can be advised to leave too revealing outfits (dresses with a deep neckline, high-necked skirts, etc.) at home. Otherwise, there are no special restrictions (except when you are going to visit a mosque). And be sure to make sure you have comfortable shoes: it is almost certain that you will be walking around the city a lot and for a long time.

Istanbul in summer: how to relax?

Istanbul, Golden Horn

The main reason why you should go to Istanbul in the summer (as, indeed, at any other time of the year) is that it is a beautiful Turkish metropolis. The city has a huge number of historical and architectural monuments that are of interest to tourists from all over the world. For 2,500 years, Istanbul has been a haven for completely different peoples and civilizations, which could not but affect its appearance. Excursion tours around Istanbul, including visits to museum complexes and art galleries, are always bright and interesting.

If your trip is already planned, then you should start by drawing up and choosing other places for summer walks: areas, and also, after a long day full of impressions, you should definitely relax in one of them.

In any season, the doors of large Istanbul shopping centers are open to travelers, offering goods for every taste and budget. Typically, during the summer, the city hosts its largest event called the Istanbul Shopping Festival. During this period, various tour operators offer impressive discounts on air travel; hotels, restaurants and shops also organize special conditions for tourists.

Beaches of Istanbul

It's summer - best time to enjoy the beauty of Istanbul's beaches, bask in the sun and soak in the warm waves of the Marmara and Black Seas. Swimming season in Istanbul it opens in the last month of spring and continues until the end of September - beginning of October. Beach holidays in the metropolis cannot be called primitive: the infrastructure here is very developed, so your holiday will be not only pleasant, but also comfortable in any part of the city. I advise you to limit yourself to the beaches located on the European side or on the Princes' Islands - they are more convenient to get to than the Black Sea beaches on the Asian side (Sile and Agva).

Beaches on the Princes' Islands (Adalar)

Elio Beach in the Princes' Islands

Beaches of Kilyos

Kilyos is small locality near Istanbu

Kilyos is a fishing village located in the European part of Istanbul on the Black Sea coast. There are many sandy beaches and fish restaurants.

The popularity of this place is explained by the fact that Kilyos is located 30 kilometers from Istanbul and you can get here by public transport. The road to the beaches runs through the beautiful Belgrade Forest.

Swimming in Killos is only possible on the beaches, in specially designated areas - the thing is that there are dangerous underwater currents here, so swimming behind the buoys and swimming far is not recommended here.

The cost of visiting the beaches is approximately the same, only the recreation concepts differ - somewhere there are more young people, other beaches are more suitable for a relaxing or family vacation.

How to get to Killos?

Getting to Killos is quite easy; from Taksim you can take bus 25T, from Kabatas 25E, from Besiktas 40B. All these buses go to the Sarıyer area, so you need to get off at the Hacıosman Metro stop and transfer to bus 151, which will take you to the Kilyos Merkez stop. Then walk to the beach.

Public beach in Kilyos Halk Plajı

Public beach in Kilyos Halk Plajı

This is urban public beach, there are always a lot of vacationers here; on its territory there is a cafe, sun loungers, umbrellas, changing cabins and other amenities. If you prefer a relaxing holiday, you are better off choosing another option.

Entry cost 15 liras, sun loungers (2 pieces) 20 liras, umbrella 5 liras.

High Beach Kilyos (Solar Beach)

Kilyos High Beach Club

The beach stretches for 1 kilometer along the coast and offers guests the rental of sun loungers, various water sports equipment, there is a restaurant, bar, cafe on the beach, and in the evening various club parties and concerts are held on the beach. There is always different music playing on the beach and there are a lot of visitors, so if you are not a fan of noisy parties, choose a quieter option.

Babylon Beach Kilyos

Babylon Plaji Kilyos

Sandy beach Babilon with a capacity of 1000 people, with calm music and good service. Guests can enjoy various sports activities and games.

The cost of visiting on weekends is 60 liras, on weekdays 40 liras

Burç Beach Kilyos

Burc beach Kilyos

This sandy Burch beach is especially popular among students and young people, hence the corresponding recreation concept - sports games and active pastime.

On weekends 60 liras, on weekdays 30 liras

Tırmata Beach Kilyos

Tirmata beach Kilyos

Quite calm and popular family beach Tyrmata, no noisy parties. Clean sandy area, with sun loungers and pillows. The beach is equipped with all amenities; there is a cafe and bar on site.

on weekends 50 liras, on weekdays 35 liras

Uzunya Beach Kilyos

Uzunya plaji Kilyos

Sandy, clean Uzunya beach with a fish restaurant. After sunbathing in the evening, right on the seashore, you can enjoy fresh seafood. Enough calm beach, without noisy campaigns, on weekdays when there is less traffic - it’s very pleasant to spend time here.

On weekends 50 liras, on weekdays 30 liras

Baykuş Plajı Kilyos

Baykuş Plajı Kilyos

The large sandy beach of Baykush, whose visitors are mainly young people and students. The cost of visiting is more affordable compared to other beaches. It offers a bar and cafe, the length of the beach is 1 kilometer.

On weekends 30 liras, on weekdays 20 liras

Sile and Agva beaches on the Asian side of Istanbul

The lighthouse is a famous landmark of Sile

Once in Istanbul on the Black Sea coast, be sure to visit the famous resort areas of Agva and Sile and enjoy the beauty of the local beaches. The clean, pleasant-looking beach strip stretches along the coast for as much as 60 km. These beaches have only one drawback - they are located quite far from the central part of the city (to the north of Uskudar).

You can get from Istanbul to Sile and Agva by buses No. 139 (in Sile) and No. 139A (in Sile and Agva), departing from the Harem Otogar bus station. Buses run from 6:30 in the morning until 12 at night (No. 139), and from 6:00 in the morning until 20:30 in the evening (No. 139A).

Schiele

Coast in the village of Imrenli Koyu in Sila

Since the beaches of Šile are located on the same coastline, all you have to do is take a walk along the sea and choose the one you like. The entrance fee to the beaches of Šile ranges from 20 to 50 liras.

I would highlight two beaches here - the public beach and the Life Beach (which is located on part of the Ağlayankaya Plajı beach).

Sile Public Beach (Halk plajı)

Entry to the public beach is free, you can lay down your towel and enjoy your holiday. Please note that on holidays (Bayram) and weekends there are a lot of people on the beach. The cost of renting a sun lounger is 20 liras.

Şile Life Beach

In my opinion, this is the cleanest, calmest and most well-groomed beach in Sile. The sand is always removed here, there is no garbage or algae, unobtrusive service and no too loud music. The beach is suitable for a relaxing holiday, for families with children; it is only crowded on weekends, but there is no feeling of a crowd. On weekdays it is very calm and quiet here.

There is a cafe on the beach where you can have breakfast or lunch, on the menu different kinds meat and seafood.

As mentioned above, Life Beach is located on the coastline of Ağlayankaya Plajı - Aglayankaya, so to find it, you need to specify that you want to go to Aglayankaya. To do this, we take bus 139, which departs from the bus station next to the Üsküdar pier and get off at the Şile Terminal. Then you can take a taxi to Ağlayankaya Plajı beach (2 km).

Entrance fee is 40 liras on weekdays, 50 liras on weekends.

Rent of gazebos - 150 liras.

Life Beach on the map:

The main attraction of Sile, which is the symbol of the resort, is the lighthouse. Today it is the largest operating lighthouse throughout the country. It is located on a huge cliff. Its construction was carried out by engineers from France in 1859. The lighthouse is open to visitors from late spring to late summer. Visiting hours are from 10 am to 4 pm.

Another famous Schiele is a powerful fortress built on compact coastal islands. The fortress walls were erected during the Byzantine Empire. They served as an excellent observation post and protected the city from attacks from the sea.

In the eastern part of Sile, not far from the locally famous lighthouse, a spring with interesting name Weeping rocks. This name is no coincidence: if you look closely, you can see the appearance of a crying human face on the rocky walls.

Many hotels in Sila are located on the seashore, so you can watch sunsets and sunrises against a sea background. The easiest option is to look at the options online:

Agva

Agva resort is a place of peace and tranquility

The name of the resort is translated from Latin as “Village between two rivers.” This settlement is located at a decent distance from Istanbul - 100 km. From Sile to Agva 50 km. The village is truly comfortably located surrounded by two rivers - Yeshilchay and Goksu, which carry their clean waters to the Black Sea.

Not far from the village there is great beach, where it is very convenient to relax, sunbathe and swim in the sea. The river banks are dotted with all kinds of boarding houses and hotels. Many hotels offer tourists to rent kayaks or catamarans to take a breeze along the river surface and even swim to sea ​​water. Life in Agva is very calm and measured, an atmosphere of peace reigns everywhere. It is worth coming here for those who like to be alone with nature and themselves, enjoying the whisper of the wind, the rustling of leaves and the singing of birds.

Summer is the ideal time to travel to Agva

What to do in Agva?

— Rent a pedal boat or kayak and go on an exciting voyage along the rivers.

— Take a walk to nearby attractions, have breakfast by the Saklı Göl lake, or rent a bicycle.

- Go fishing.

— Sit comfortably in the evening near the fireplace and just dream, armed with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of aromatic Turkish tea.

Breakfast at Lake Saklı Göl

— Go to sightseeing tour on motor boat. Exploring the beautiful local surroundings in this way will cost no more than 60 liras.

— Go to hiking to a nearby village.

— Lie quietly in a hammock near the river, enjoying reading your favorite book and tranquility.

Agva is perfect not only for a relaxing beach holiday, but also long walks.

Local attractions in Agva:

  • Bride's Rock (Gelin Kayası)
  • Kilimli village (Kilimli koyu) and Kadirga village (Kadırga koyu)
  • Lake Saklı Göl - here you can have breakfast and take a walk right along the shore of the lake.
  • Kurudere Waterfall
  • Gurlek Cave

The hotels in Agva are especially worth noting - these can be cozy houses right next to the river, surrounded by greenery and silence. You can also choose small hotels; as a rule, even in high season, it is not noisy or crowded here. Among the most beautiful and comfortable hotels in Agva, the following stand out: Agva The Escape Hotel, Ağva Shelale Otel, Wineport Lodge Ağva, Ağva Greenline Guesthouse, Ağva Mi Norte Boutique & Exclusive Hotel.

If you are planning a trip to Agva in the summer season, be sure to book a hotel in advance, as all hotels here have a small capacity. It is better to choose and book a hotel a month before your trip.

If we compare holidays in Shila and Agva, then in Shila the situation is noisier, there are always local tourists and vacationers, while Agva is a more peaceful and calm place where you are guaranteed a break from the noisy city. You can go to Agva for a couple of days and enjoy the silence and unity with nature.

Boat trip along the Bosphorus (Boğaz Turu)

In the summer, a must do boat trip along the Bosphorus

You can also choose individual tour on a small boat or yacht. For example, while walking around Anadolu Hisarı, you can go on a short spontaneous sea voyage. Here, next to the Anatolian fortress, along the Göksu deresi river, boats set off and can take you for 1-2 hours.

Anatolian fortress and Göksu river on the map:

Water parks in Istanbul ( Aquapark)

Aqua Marine water park

For those who travel to Istanbul with family and children in the summer, a variety of city water parks will provide a pleasant pastime. Water parks – popular place recreation not only for guests, but also for the indigenous residents of Istanbul.

You can take a pleasant break between excursions in the summer heat in one of the water parks in Istanbul. The most popular of them: Aqua Marine and Aqua Club Dolphin. But Aqua Marine is more suitable for tourists - it is located on the European side, Aqua Club Dolphin is on the Asian side.

Aqua Marine is located on the coast of the Sea of ​​Marmara, occupies a large area and can accommodate up to 3,000 guests. The water park is open only in the summer, as it is located under open air. The park has 12 slides for adults and 5 for children. There is a cafe on site where you can take a break and eat, and there are also green areas with sun loungers.

Entrance fee: men 50 liras (on Sundays 60 liras), women 35 liras (on Sundays 45 liras), children 5-12 years old 25 liras (on Sundays 35 liras). The water park's opening hours are from 10-00 to 17-00.

You can get to the water park by a service bus, which departs from the Marmara Hotel in Taksim from 9-00 to 10-00.

Belgrade Forest ( Belgrad Ormanı)- quiet walk and picnic

Belgrade Forest in Istanbul

Those who adore nature and prefer to relax quietly, without fuss, are recommended to visit the city's green areas, which include the Belgrade Forest.

In 1521, Sultan Suleiman returned from a campaign and brought many captured Serbs with his army. The name of the forest comes from the village Belgrad Köyü, which they later founded - here, north of the city, they were allowed to settle.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the hand of the one who cut down a branch in the Belgrade forest was cut off, and the head of the one who cut down a tree.

Today, this wonderful forest occupies 5.5 thousand hectares, and from sea ​​coast it is separated by about 4 kilometers.

In the Belgrade Forest, relict trees that are several hundred years old have survived to this day.

In the Belgrade Forest you can take a walk and relax in a cafe

In this park, with a well-developed tourism infrastructure There is everything you need for a pleasant and relaxing pastime, including equipped picnic areas, cafes and convenient jogging paths. Here you can take a break from the noise of the metropolis, the sultry heat and listen to the singing of birds.

With the onset of darkness, life in the city begins to boil even more. Surrounded by the cool evening air, hundreds of tourists head to local restaurants and bars that warmly welcome guests and immerse them in cozy atmosphere. Many catering establishments set up tables directly in the fresh air, and some even equip special terraces on the roofs of buildings. These terraces offer magnificent views of the city panorama. Therefore, tourists come here not only to quench their appetite, but also to admire the beauties of Istanbul. The busiest areas of the metropolis at night are Beyoglu and Karakoy.

Summer cafes in Istanbul that are worth visiting

It is especially pleasant to spend time on the banks of the Bosphorus in the warm summer. If you have already made a trip to the Princes' Islands or a tour of the Bosphorus, you should definitely devote time to breakfast or dinner near the sea - positive emotions are guaranteed. I offer you several cafes and restaurants located near seashore, with open verandas and beautiful views of Istanbul.

I would like to note that we cited these places as examples precisely because of the beautiful view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus and the pleasant atmosphere; the menu in this case is secondary - after all, everyone has different food preferences.

Cafes and restaurants on the European side:

Starbucks Bebek

For lovers of morning coffee with fresh pastries, there is a great option - Starbucks in the Bebek area, where you can not only enjoy a beautiful view of the Bosphorus while drinking a hot latte, but also take a stroll along the Bebek embankment, inhaling the aroma of the sea. This is a popular place among both city residents and guests.

The average bill is 15-30 liras per person.

Cafe on the map:

The House Cafe

The House Cafe in Ortakoy

The restaurant is located next to the Ortakoy Mosque and offers views of the Bosphorus. After a delicious meal, you can stroll through the streets of Ortakoy, drink a cup of coffee and check out the flea market.

Quite a popular place, so it is better to reserve a table in advance or arrive early if you are going for breakfast.

The average bill for two persons is 200 liras including alcohol.

Cafe on the map:

Sade kahve

Sade kahve in Bebek

This place may surprise you with its simple, completely unpretentious setting, while the Kahve Garden is very popular among local residents. The cafe is located in Bebek across the road from the embankment. You can have breakfast overlooking the strait, or drink a cup of Turkish coffee and then take a walk along the Bebek embankment.

The cost of breakfast for two persons is 80 liras.

Cafe on the map:

Kaşıbeyaz Bosphorus

Restaurant Kaşıbeyaz Bosphorus

The restaurant is located near the Bosphorus Strait, so you can enjoy beautiful views both in the morning and in the evening. On a summer evening with a glass of wine, it is very pleasant to admire the beauty of Istanbul here.

The average bill for two people with alcohol is 250 liras.

Breakfast 130 liras for two.

Cafe on the map:

Aşşk Kahve

Cafe Assk kahve in Istanbul

In the summer, it is extremely pleasant to sit in the open air right next to the waves of the Bosphorus, which is why the cafe is popular with both locals and city guests. Don't expect unusual dishes on the menu; the main advantage of Ashk Kahve is the beautiful view.

The average bill for two people with alcohol is 150 liras.

Breakfast for two 120 liras

Peninsula Teras Restaurant Golden City Hotel

Terrace Peninsula Restaurant

The restaurant is located on the terrace of the Golden City Hotel, overlooking the Golden Horn, and from the terrace of the restaurant you can see the Galata Tower and the sights of Sultanahmet, which are decorated with lighting after dark. The hotel itself is located in one of the busiest areas of Istanbul - Karakoy. The average check for two persons is 200-220 liras (with alcohol)

Tribeca - great view and promenade walk in Acqua Floria

The cafe is located on the embankment in Aqua Florya; this place is especially convenient for a walk or lunch with a sea view for those who have several hours between flights (Aqua Florya is located quite close to Ataturk Airport). You can come here before your flight and take a walk along the embankment.

The average bill is about 160 liras for two (including alcohol).

Banyan Restaurant

Banyan restaurant overlooking the Ortakoy Mosque

You can spend a summer evening admiring the beautiful Ortakoy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge - views of both of these attractions are available to guests of the Banyan restaurant. Fresh seafood and good service will lift your spirits, and a walk around Ortakoy will add new impressions.

The average bill for two people is 260 liras (with alcohol).

The Market Bosphorus

From The Market Bosphorus restaurant you can see the Bosphorus Bridge in all its glory

Market Bosphorus is a steak restaurant with a wonderful view of the Bosphorus and the Bosphorus Bridge, which is located in the Besiktas area (near the Aşşk Kahve cafe). We especially recommend visiting the establishment in the evening, then the view from the window is truly mesmerizing.

The average check for two persons is 250 liras.

Gazebo Cafe & Restaurant

Gazebo Cafe & Restaurant

In the Gazebo cafe you can not only have breakfast, but also dinner. The menu is not very diverse, but this is not as important as the beautiful panorama opening from the cafe windows.

The average cost of breakfast is 130 liras for two people, dinner 220 liras for two.

Cafes and restaurants on the Asian side:

Villa Bosphorus

Villa Bosphorus Restaurant is located on the Asian side of Istanbul

The restaurant has not only a beautiful view of the strait and the Bosphorus Bridge, but also a good location - after breakfast you can stroll through the small square near the Beylerbeyi pier, where chestnuts are sold, admire the fishing boats and the Beylerbeyi Camii mosque.

The cost of breakfast for two persons is 100 liras, the average dinner bill is 250 liras (with alcohol)

Del Mare Ristorante

Del Mare Ristorante

The Del Mare fish restaurant is located on the Asian side and offers guests not only good service and delicious dishes, but also a beautiful view of the Bosphorus Strait from the outdoor terrace. There are few tourists here, so the atmosphere is conducive to a romantic and relaxing dinner.

The average bill for two persons is 270 liras (with alcohol).

Doga Balik

Restaurant Doğa balık

Located within walking distance from the Bosphorus Palace Hotel, the fish restaurant Doğa Balık offers its guests an outdoor veranda near the sea with stunning views of the Bosphorus Bridge (15 Temmuz Şehitler Köprüsü). In the evening, the bridge is illuminated with multi-colored lights.

The average bill for two is 300 liras (with alcohol).

Summer holidays and festivals in Istanbul

Istanbul Shopping Fest in Istanbul takes place annually

Of course, the most visited event in the city at the beginning of summer can be called the “Istanbul Shopping Fest”. The marathon for shopaholics, which lasts almost an entire month, attracts a huge number of travelers from all countries and continents. During this period, the largest shopping centers and stores in the metropolis open their doors to visitors 24 hours a day. During the festival, unprecedented discounts are available throughout Istanbul, up to 80%. Also pleasing are the various competitions, sweepstakes, promotions, and parties that are organized by the owners of retail outlets.

In 2017, the festival was successfully held from early to mid-July; for 2018, the schedule and program of the event have not yet been announced.

A major summer festival that gathers crowds of modern youth in Istanbul is the electronic music festival, the tradition of which began in the city not so long ago - in 2004. As a rule, the event is planned for the end of July.

Evening view of Sultanahmet

Also in early to mid-summer, Istanbul delights guests and residents with classical concerts, which are held as part of the International music festival. This grand event has been taking place in the city since 1972. Over the rich history of the festival, Montserrat Caballe, Aldo Cicollini, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and other world celebrities have become its guests.

In terms of leisure activities, Istanbul can be called a universal city. A trip to this Turkish metropolis will appeal to connoisseurs of culture and history, shopping lovers, and those who want to plunge headlong into vibrant modern entertainment. The vacation program may be very contrasting, but it will certainly remain in your memory for the rest of your life!

Tourists going on vacation will be interested to know what kind of sea is in Turkey, because there is more than one sea in Turkey, the country is washed by the waves of four seas!
Interesting Facts and a description of the coastal zone, what kind of sea in Turkey such popular resorts like Alanya, Antalya, Side, Kemer and others, in today's article.

Türkiye - Where is it located? A little geography

Surprisingly, Turkey is located in two parts of the world at once - in Europe and in Asia.
Most of Anatolia, (the so-called Asian part of Turkey), occupies 500,000 square kilometers and only 24,000 square kilometers are European.
Turkey borders with 7 countries: Iraq, Iran, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia and Bulgaria, Greece, in the European part.

Climate of Turkey

Thanks to the abundance of mountains, as well as lowlands, seas and developed vegetation, Turkey has a subtropical climate, with elements of mountain-continental. The summer heat is softened by the coolness that comes from the mountains, so that in Turkey, even the hottest summer is not unbearably stuffy or humid like in Asia.

Four seas wash Turkey, so Türkiye is definitely maritime, resort country.
The strip of beaches in Turkey is more than 7500 km and there are both sand and pebble beaches in Turkey.

Türkiye is washed from north to south by 4 seas:

  • Black Sea
  • Aegean Sea
  • Mediterranean Sea
  • Sea of ​​Marmara

Black Sea in Turkey

The coldest and least salty sea in Turkey is the Black Sea. Compared to other seas, the Black Sea has the lowest water temperature and the driest climate of the Mediterranean Riviera.

The Black Sea is located in the west and east of the country and the average temperature in summer is 23-24 degrees.
The Turkish Black Sea is part of the Atlantic Ocean; conditionally, the Black Sea separates the European part of Turkey from the Asian part.
When compared with the conditions and temperatures of other seas in Turkey, the Black Sea loses slightly, since in winter the water here is very cold, and in summer it warms up to only 24 degrees.

The coldest sea in Turkey is the Black Sea

The Black Sea coast of Turkey is generally not popular among Russians. The bulk of tourists there are the Turks themselves and Europeans, who are attracted local resorts rich in ancient architectural structures, attractions and low prices.

The most popular resorts on the Black Sea

The most popular resorts on the Black Sea in Turkey are:
Trabzon, Ordu, Kar, Rize, Sinop, Samsun.

Samsun- one of the largest and ancient cities at the Black Sea. It is considered a year-round resort, because in winter people come here to ski on the beautiful local slopes, and in summer they admire the hometown ancient Amazons and swim on the cleanest local beaches.

Rize is the tea mecca of Turkey. For tea lovers, this is a paradise. In addition to beach holidays, Rize offers tourists mountain tourism, rafting, rock climbing, caving tours, and of course a lot of ancient ruins, mosques, fortresses and other interesting places.

Sinop- the birthplace of Diogenes and King Mithridates. The ancient city is famous throughout the world and is rich in historical heritage.
Sand and pebble beaches Sinop attracts vacationers, lovers of pleasant, soft, dry Black Sea coast and people who avoid the stifling heat.

The Black Sea coastline in Turkey occupies more than 1,500 km, next to it there are mountains that hold back the north wind and cold currents from central Antalya.
You can relax on the Black Sea in Turkey not only in summer, but also in winter.

The most popular sea in Turkey

The most popular sea in Turkey is the Mediterranean
Turkish Nice, Riviera, as the Mediterranean part of the Turkish coast is not yet called, and all these epithets are true.
The Mediterranean Sea in Turkey is warm and gentle, the beaches are clean, and the infrastructure is rich and varied.

On the Mediterranean Sea in Turkey there is a mild warm climate and the majority of tourists choose resort towns and villages in this part of the coast.
The Mediterranean Sea in Turkey connects with Atlantic Ocean and Gibraaltar, and the Suez Canal flows into the Red Sea.
The water in the Mediterranean Sea in Turkey is much saltier than in the Black Sea.


The most popular resorts on the Mediterranean Sea in Turkey are:
Many Russians are concerned about what sea they will end up on when going to Turkey, so here it is.
Mediterranean Sea in Kemer, Antalya, Alanya, Side, Belek and Aksu.

The most expensive, high-quality, popular hotels are located on the Mediterranean Sea in Turkey.
On the Turkish Riviera, the beach and swimming season lasts from April to November, and the water warms up to 28 degrees in the summer and up to 25 degrees in the spring and autumn.

It is in the Mediterranean resorts in Turkey that there are the most all-inclusive hotels.
Side- one of the top resorts in Turkey. Expensive and high-quality hotels, clean and long beaches, turquoise sea, famous monuments of ancient culture, such as the Temple of Apollo and the Amphitheater.

Belek- Perhaps the most expensive Turkish resort. Belek began to be built up only 30 years ago and has now become one of the best beach resorts peace.
All over Belek there are blue flags- a sign of the quality and purity of the sea and the beach.

Alanya- if you are tired of the cold, go to Alanya. Alanya is the hottest Turkish resort, which is especially loved by mothers with children and the elderly because of the gentle entrance to the sea, warmer water from May to October, high-quality service and many attractions.

Kemer— The most popular resort in Turkey among Russians is also washed by the Mediterranean Sea. Kemer has thousands of hotels of different star ratings and a variety of prices for vacations. It’s easy to buy a trip to Kemer for less than $500 for two and relax on cleanest beaches under the hot sun on an all-inclusive basis without spending a penny more.
The average air temperature per year is 21 degrees, and in summer in Kemer the sun warms the beaches to 35 degrees Celsius.

While in Kemer, see such attractions as ancient cities- Olympos and Phaselis.


The sea washing Istanbul is the Sea of ​​Marmara

The Mediterranean Sea in Turkey, like the Black Sea, is most popular among local residents.
The waters of the Black Sea flow into the Sea of ​​Marmara through the Bosphorus, and it is connected to the Dardanelles Strait Mediterranean Sea.
The Sea of ​​Marmara is located only inside Turkey; the city of Istanbul is located on its shores.

The Sea of ​​Marmara got its name from the town of Marmar, where white marble is still mined to this day and which can be seen by visiting it on an excursion.

The length of the coast of the Sea of ​​Marmara is slightly more than 1000 km. Basically, the marble sea washes the rocky highland shores and attracts tourists of a completely different kind than those who travel to Kemer or Antalya.
The Sea of ​​Marmara is a solitude with nature, for lovers of hiking, extreme sports and rock climbing.

However, the Sea of ​​Marmara also has sandy beaches And local population often prefers holidays in Tekirdag, Yalova or on Turkel Island to the popular Side and Belek.
The Sea of ​​Marmara in Turkey is subtropical. The water warms up to 28 degrees in summer and the coast of this sea is considered the most densely populated in Turkey.
What is Istanbul worth alone - which is rich in history, architecture, sights and a high pace of life.

The Sea of ​​Marmara has entire archipelagos of several islands. The most popular among Turks is Adalar, and the beaches on the islands of Avsha, Turkeli and others have quiet and cozy bays.

A diver's paradise - the Aegean Sea in Turkey

The Aegean Sea or the “white sea” is the most beautiful part of the Turkish coast. The water in the Aegean Sea is very clean and very salty, it is more similar to the Mediterranean than others and the temperature in the Aegean Sea warms up to 26 degrees in summer, and the weather off its shores in summer is about 30-32 degrees Celsius.

The Aegean Sea is amazingly beautiful. It shimmers with emeralds, turquoise and photographs brought from vacations at resorts Aegean Sea impressive: sea, sun, mountains, lush vegetation and the aroma of orange trees and olives, which cannot be conveyed with a photo, but which envelops everyone who comes here to relax.
According to legend, the Aegean Sea received its name from the name of the king of Athens, Aegeus, who drowned in the sea waves.


The most popular resorts on the Aegean Sea in Turkey are:

Marmaris is washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea, one of the most beloved and popular resorts, a pearl in a closed bay, where divers and windsurfers come from all over the world.
There are no strong waves in Marmaris and this is where such views are popular water activities How:

Water skiing, windsurfing, diving, kitesurfing, rafting and others.

Bodrum is youth resort in Turkey, which arose locally ancient city Halicarnassus. The beaches in Bodrum have both pebble and sand, most of them are worth the blue mark for the quality of cleanliness of the sea and the beach.

Active Bodrum seems to never sleep. Clubs, restaurants, discos, entertainment of all kinds await tourists and welcome every guest.
Bodrum is very popular among sailing enthusiasts due to the winds blowing off the coast and the cleanliness of the sea, which attracts lovers of underwater flora and fauna.
People also come to Bodrum to be treated for various ailments, since on the coast of the Aegean Sea, in Bodrum, there are many springs with mineral and thermal water, beneficial for the body.


On the coast of the Aegean Sea in Turkey there are such resorts as Marmaris, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Chemshi and many others.
The summer season in the Aegean Sea starts later compared to the Mediterranean Sea, because the sea water takes a little longer to warm up there. The climate of the Aegean coast is dry and pleasant, healing, as it does not cause discomfort in the heat.

As you can see, 4 seas wash Turkey and all of them are worthy of the attention of tourists. Every year, millions of vacationers come to Turkey to see the sights, swim in the waters of the Aegean, Black, Mediterranean and Marble seas and bring back only warm and pleasant memories of Turkey.

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Istanbul (Türkiye) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Istanbul with descriptions, guides and maps.

Istanbul city (Türkiye)

Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) is the largest city in Turkey and its main port. Located in the north-west of the country on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, which connects the Black and Marmara Seas. Istanbul is the only city in the world that is located in two parts of the world at once - Europe and Asia. This is an ancient metropolis, which throughout its history was the capital of three great empires: Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. All this has turned Istanbul into one of the most exciting cities in the world with a unique cultural and historical heritage.

Istanbul geographically and culturally connects Europe and Asia. Thanks to this, it has a special flavor and atmosphere. Throughout its rich history the city was the heart of powerful empires, it was called “New Rome” and was considered the center of the civilized world. The sights of Istanbul can delight anyone: the famous Hagia Sophia, the elegant Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar. A trip here will give you amazing impressions and many interesting discoveries.

Currently, Istanbul is the largest cultural and financial center of Turkey. The Bosphorus Strait divides it into European and Asian parts, which are connected by tunnels and bridges. This is a huge modern metropolis, which is the largest city in Europe. Almost a fifth of Turkey's population lives here. Istanbul is also one of the five most visited cities in the world.

Geography and climate

Istanbul is located in the hills of northwestern Turkey on both banks of the Bosphorus Strait. The south of the city is located on the coast of the Sea of ​​Marmara. The European part of Istanbul is large and Asian and is divided into two parts by the narrow Golden Horn Bay.

The climate is subtropical. Summers are warm with an average temperature of 20-28 degrees. Heatwave doesn't happen often. Winters are cool with rare negative temperatures and unstable snow cover. IN winter period The weather can be significantly affected by cold fronts. Despite the predominance of positive temperatures, high humidity and wind make the weather during the cold period not the most pleasant. 800-900 mm of precipitation falls annually. Large amounts of rainfall occur from October to March.

Practical information

  1. The population is about 15 million people.
  2. Area - 5343 square kilometers.
  3. Language - Turkish.
  4. The currency is the lira.
  5. Visa - for a period of up to 60 days, it is enough to have a foreign passport, the validity of which is more than four months from the date of entry into Turkey.
  6. Time - UTC +3.
  7. Istanbul - large city with many tourists. This attracts numerous scammers. Be careful in busy places, do not go into the slums between Suleymaniyah and Ataturk Avenues, and do not trust strangers. In restaurants and bars, carefully study the menu, check the exact cost of food and drinks before ordering. Don't go to places where there are no tourists at all.

  • Sultanahmet - Old city between the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the Sea of ​​Marmara, where the most famous historical sights of Istanbul are concentrated.
  • Galata was once a suburb of Constantinople, later the main shopping area. Now it is a busy place with many cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, and hotels.
  • New town- the main business district of the city with a large number of modern shopping centers.
  • The Bosphorus is the European shore of the strait of the same name, dotted with numerous palaces, parks, mansions on the water and rich neighborhoods.
  • The Golden Horn is the vicinity of the bay of the same name, which divides the European part of Istanbul.
  • Princes' Islands - an archipelago of nine picturesque islands in the Sea of ​​Marmara.
  • The Asian part is the eastern part of Istanbul with beautiful neighborhoods on the coast of the Bosphorus and the Sea of ​​Marmara.

Story

The first settlements on the territory of modern Istanbul date back to the Neolithic era. Reliable references to the city date back to the 7th century, when Greek traders settled on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. In 667 the city of Byzantium was founded. The founder is considered to be Byzantine from Megara. Thanks to its advantageous strategic position, Byzantium quickly grew and prospered. In the 1st century BC the city came under the rule of the Roman Empire. Several quiet centuries gave way to decline under the emperor Septimius Severus. In the 3rd century, Byzantium was constantly attacked by barbarians. Of the Roman buildings, only the ruins of the hippodrome remain.

The year 324 is considered a turning point in the history of the city. During this period, Emperor Constantine moved the capital of the Roman Empire here and named the city New Rome. The name did not catch on and very quickly they began to call it Constantinople. Constantine actually rebuilt the city, increasing its area several times. In the 5th century, after the fall of the Roman Empire, Constantinople becomes the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire or Byzantium. For almost a thousand years, the city was one of the main centers of science and culture on the European continent. Constantinople remained the capital of Byzantium until the 15th century.


During the Byzantine period, Constantinople was one of the largest cities in Europe, the richest and most prosperous ancient metropolis. Konstantin highly appreciated advantageous position Byzantium, located between Europe and Asia, as well as on sea ​​route from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. Not the least role in his decision was played by the turbulent situation in Rome: feuds, conspiracies of the nobility. Subsequently, Constantine in every possible way encouraged the resettlement of residents from other Roman provinces to the new capital. Works of art from all over the Roman Empire were also brought to Constantinople.

In the 5th century, the Western Roman Empire ceased to exist. The imperial regalia was transferred to Constantinople and it became the only “heir” to the glory of Rome. In the 6th century, Emperor Justinian came to power, under whom Byzantium and Constantinople reached their greatest prosperity. Although in 532 the city experienced a major uprising, which ended in a bloody victory for Justinian and his supporters. In 626, Constantinople was besieged by the Avars. Subsequently, the history of the capital of Byzantium was filled with uprisings and conspiracies. Dynasties succeeded each other and were accompanied by violent clashes. In 1204, Constantinople was captured and sacked by the Crusaders. In fact, after this, the Byzantine Empire fell apart into several states, and its capital fell into decay for a long time. In 1453, Constantinople was captured by the Ottomans, who made it the capital of their empire. Byzantium ceased to exist.


Constantinople remained the capital of the Ottoman Empire until 1922. The Ottomans significantly rebuilt the city. Christian churches were converted into mosques. In the 16th century, a new “golden age” began for Constantinople. During this period, magnificent buildings and structures were built here. In 1845, the first bridge was built across the Bosphorus, and five years later steamships began sailing along the strait.

After Turkey's defeat in World War I, Constantinople was besieged by Entente forces. The city was liberated in 1922 by Mustafa Kemal. Under Ataturk, it lost the status of the capital, which was moved to Ankara. In 1930, Constantinople was renamed Istanbul.

How to get there

Istanbul is one of the largest transport gateways in Europe, so getting here is easy from almost any major cities Europe, Asia and most world capitals. The largest airport in Istanbul and Turkey is Ataturk Airport, located 20 km west of the city. You can get from the airport to the center by metro and bus. Sabiha Gokcen Airport, where many low-cost carriers arrive, is 50 km away. Most cheap way to get to the European part of Istanbul from this airport - take bus line E10 or E11. Next - take a ferry to the Kadikoy area. Trains connect Istanbul with Ankara and Edirne. Direct bus routes there are from cities in Greece, Bulgaria, Romania.

Istanbul has a rather confusing public transport system. Public transport includes four metro lines, four tram lines, two funiculars, many bus lines and ferries. To travel you need to have a special card or buy a special token at various ticket kiosks at stations. The cost of tickets for public transport is fixed and does not depend on the duration of the trip.


Shopping and purchases

Istanbul can offer excellent shopping from oriental bazaars and small shops to famous brand stores and modern shopping centers. The largest market is the Grand Bazaar, which is visited daily by 200 - 400 thousand people. It is now more of an overpriced tourist attraction. Most of the major shopping centers are located in New Town and the western suburbs. For good clothes and shoes, it is better to go to the Nisantasi area (European part of Istanbul) or Bagrat Avenue (Asian part). The main currency is the lira, although dollars and euros are often accepted. Some stores may be closed on Sunday.


Popular purchases:

  • Various Turkish sweets. It’s better to buy it by weight after trying it first. Often sweets in boxes are not as tasty. In addition, the size of the contents does not correspond to the packaging at all.
  • Leather Products.
  • Carpets and ceramics.
  • Tea and coffee.

Food and drink

Street food:

  • Döner (something similar to our shawarma) is a great option for quick and cheap street food. Many such establishments can be found in the Istiklal area.
  • Balık-Ekmek is a fish sandwich that can be bought along the coast on boats and small cafes. There are especially many of them in the Kadikoy region.
  • Hamsi - a handful of small fried fish with onions and bread.
  • Patso - hot dog with fries.
  • Roasted chestnuts and boiled corn.
  • Simits - bagels with sesame seeds.
  • Baklava, halva and other Turkish sweets.
  • Lahmajun - thin dough with spicy minced meat.

Finding a place to eat in Istanbul is not a problem. There are establishments for every taste and budget. Their concentration increases in popular tourist places. Popular traditional dishes: various types of kofte and kebabs, beyran (spicy soup), iskender (grilled meat), fish and vegetable soups.

Attractions

Istanbul is definitely one of the most interesting cities peace. It has many attractions that date back to the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. This city can surprise you with its unique heritage and world-class famous monuments history and culture. Here the West meets the East, Muslim mosques coexist with Christian churches, and on the streets you can find real ancient and medieval antiquities. Therefore, the historical areas of Istanbul between the Golden Horn, the Sea of ​​Marmara and the Bosphorus are a World Heritage Site.


Sultanahmet

The most famous attractions of Istanbul are located in the historical Sultanahmet district: Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace. To the north across the Golden Horn Bay lies the Galata district, topped by the tower of the same name. From Galata begins one of the most popular streets in Istanbul - Istiklal, which opens onto Taksim Square. To the north of Taksim Square is the New City, the business and financial center of the city. There are skyscrapers, modern shopping and office centers, many neoclassical buildings and Art Nouveau mansions here. Across the Bosphorus to the east is the Asian side of Istanbul, centered around the historical districts of Kadikoy and Üsküdar.


Hagia Sophia (St. Sophia Cathedral) is one of the most famous and iconic landmarks of Istanbul, a grandiose Christian cathedral, converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. This is a magnificent masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, which is now a museum. Cathedral of St. Sophia was built in 536 by Emperor Justinian. For ten centuries, this building was one of the largest and most majestic in the world. After the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans, the cathedral was converted into the Hagia Sophia mosque. In 1935, Ataturk declared it a museum.

Hagia Sophia has largely preserved the magnificent heritage of Byzantium. The interior of the cathedral is famous for its amazing golden mosaics, huge naves and domes. At the entrance there is a brilliant mosaic of Christ. The apse is decorated with a mosaic of the Savior and the Virgin Mary. Above the apse were depicted the archangels Michael and Gabriel (only fragments remain). The Ottomans added a mihrab (a prayer niche that indicates the direction to Mecca) and some Arabic inscriptions to the interior. Beautiful mosaics are also located under the dome and on the upper galleries.


As you exit, notice the magnificent bronze gate, which dates back to the 2nd century BC. On the lunette of the doorway there is a magnificent mosaic depicting the Virgin Mary and the emperors Constantine and Justinian. The door on the left leads to the 6th century baptistery, which was converted into the Sultan's tomb. On the right is a 16th century hammam (bath).


The Blue Mosque is another iconic landmark of Istanbul, a masterpiece of Muslim architecture. It was built between 1609 and 1616 by Sultan Ahmet I. After its completion, the mosque created a sensation in the Muslim world not only for its size and magnificent architecture, but also because it had six minarets (like the Great Mosque in Mecca). The Blue Mosque was named for the tens of thousands of blue tiles in the interior, which create an interesting spatial effect. This structure is one of the most outstanding masterpieces of Ottoman architecture in Istanbul.

Behind the mosque is the Arasta bazaar, where you can buy good souvenirs. You can also visit the Great Palace Mosaic Museum nearby, where you can look at a fragment of a mosaic pavement found in the 50s of the 20th century.


The Feodosia Walls are a site of well-preserved ancient fortifications that mark the western border of the old city. Most of the walls date from the 5th century. They were erected under Emperor Theodosius instead of more ancient fortifications built under Constantine. The length of the walls is about 7 km. A walk here will help you feel the real atmosphere of Constantinople.


Topkapi Palace is a magnificent 15th-century structure built by Mehmet the Conqueror almost on the banks of the Bosphorus. From here, the Ottoman rulers ruled their empire until the 19th century. It's huge palace complex with walls and towers, which is a masterpiece of Ottoman art.


Topkapi Palace is known for its luxurious interiors and courtyards with rich, intricate paintings. His most popular places are: the harem, the second courtyard with extensive kitchens and the imperial council chamber, the third courtyard with the personal rooms of the Sultan, the treasury and the sacred room in which the relics of the Prophet Muhammad are kept.


The Basilica Cistern is one of Istanbul's most amazing landmarks, made famous by Dan Brown's book Inferno (and its subsequent film adaptation). It is a huge underground hall supported by 336 columns, which served as a water storage facility. The basilica cistern was begun under Constantine and completed in the 6th century under Justinian. Many columns have decorative carvings. In the northwestern corner are the famous columns of Medusa.


The Hippodrome is one of the few ancient Roman buildings preserved in the form of ruins in Istanbul. The hippodrome was begun under Septimius Severus and completed under Constantine. This place was one of the centers of Byzantine life, a stage for magnificent games and exciting chariot races, and an arena for fierce battles. Small sections of the walls on the south side of the Hippodrome have survived to this day. In the southwest there are three ancient monuments: an Egyptian obelisk, an ancient Greek column and a stone obelisk.


The Grand Bazaar is a huge indoor market that is the first in the world shopping center. The Grand Bazaar occupies an entire block and is located on the site of the Forum of Theodosius. There are 11 gates leading into it. Inside, the Grand Bazaar is a labyrinth of streets with a huge number of shops and people. Several hundred thousand people visit it every day.


Suleymaniye is the largest mosque in Istanbul (of the existing ones) and one of the most famous religious buildings in the city. Located on high hill in the historical district of Sultanahmet. The mosque was built in the 16th century. Its structure features a 53-meter dome and slender minarets. Sulaymaniye is distinguished by its harmonious proportions and beautiful architecture. In the garden next to the mosque there is an old Ottoman cemetery.


The spice market is the second largest and largest bazaar in Istanbul, where you can buy sweets, dried fruits, nuts and, of course, spices. Next to the main entrance is a majestic 17th-century mosque.


Dolmabahce - magnificent palace 19th century Turkish Revival style, which became main residence sultans instead of Topkapi Palace. The building has luxurious interiors that combine Rococo, Baroque, Neoclassical and Ottoman styles. Many of the palace's rooms are richly decorated with gold, luxuriously furnished, and their ceilings are decorated with frescoes and giant crystal chandeliers.


The Church of Christ the Savior in the Fields is one of the best-preserved Byzantine churches in Istanbul, which was part of the Chora Monastery. The first church on this site was erected in the 5th century. In the 9th century the building was completely destroyed and restored in the 11th-14th centuries. The church is famous for its striking masterpieces of Byzantine art - vibrant 14th-century mosaics and beautiful frescoes.


Little Hagia Sophia is a small ancient Byzantine church converted into a mosque. Before building the magnificent Hagia Sophia, Justinian ordered this miniature to be built to test design solutions. The church was originally named after Saints Sergius and Bacchus, but obvious architectural parallels led to the nickname becoming the official name.


Rustem Pasha Mosque is a magnificent 16th-century granite and marble mosque with a beautiful interior. Located near the spice market.


Yedikule - ancient fortress, built in the 5th century during the reign of Theodosius II. She made up southern part defensive walls of Constantinople. The famous Golden Gate was located here.

Galata is a magnificent 14th-century Genoese tower located in the eponymous district of Istanbul and is one of its most famous attractions.


Istiklal is one of the most famous avenues of Istanbul, which starts at the Galata Tower and ends at the famous Taksim Square. It's lively pedestrianized street with many shops, restaurants and cafes. In its surroundings there are many beautiful historical and religious buildings.


Maiden's Tower

Üsküdar is a historic district on the Asian side of Istanbul with magnificent old mosques, winding alleys and ancient wooden houses. One of the most famous attractions of the area is the 30-meter Maiden Tower, located on a small island. Here in ancient times one of the earliest Greek settlements on the Bosphorus - Chrysopolis.

A huge city washed by two seas is an ideal place for summer holiday. However, every tourist visiting Istanbul for the first time has a logical question: which locations are best for swimming? As you know, the city beaches of the capital of Turkey are not clean, so it is not always safe to swim in them.

Istanbul can rightfully be called the Turkish Venice. On one side the city has access to the Bosphorus Strait, from the south it is washed by the Black Sea, and from the north by the Marmara Sea. But finding a suitable beach where you can swim is not so easy. Some coastal areas are not clean enough for recreation; some of the other beaches are reserved for the port. Before traveling to the resort, we recommend that you carefully study the list given in this article.

Which beaches are better: city or private?

Conventionally, Istanbul beaches are divided into public and private. Of course, closed areas with paid entrance are considered more comfortable and suitable for recreation. Not far from the city center you can find several municipal beaches equipped with sun loungers, showers and parking. The longest of them is Jaddebostan, located on the coast of the Sea of ​​Marmara. During the peak summer season it is difficult to find a free place here. Therefore, if you are concerned about the quality of your holiday, it is better to choose among private coastlines, most of which are located in the northern part of Istanbul.

City beaches of Istanbul

Küçüksu

The recreation area is located in the Asian part of Istanbul, next to the palace of the same name. Küçüksu occupies 300 meters of coastal zone and is divided into two parts. One of them is a platform equipped with the necessary beach amenities. And on the other, visitors will be able to relax on the usual sandy coast. The entire territory of Küçüksu is equipped with showers and changing rooms. The only drawback is the large number of vacationers. But you can visit the resort for free.

You can get to the beach by public transport or boat. First, go to the Üsküdar pier, and from there take bus number 15, which will take you to the final stop.

Jaddebostan

Another municipal beach located on the Sea of ​​Marmara. On the territory of Jaddebostan you will find three locations with an area of ​​250, 300 and 450 meters. It is noteworthy that the entire beach area is characterized by high water temperatures. This is due to the fact that the water here is shallow and the water warms up very quickly. In general, all the beaches of Jaddebostan are quite clean and equipped necessary supplies. Directly from the shores there is a picturesque view of the Princes' Islands, which add additional color to your holiday.

To visit the first beach, which has a capacity of 500 people, you will need to pay 10 liras. Entrance to the other two beaches, with a capacity of 500 and 100 seats, is free. There are cafes throughout the territory and lifeguards are on duty. The only drawback of Jaddebostan is its remote location. To get here from central region Sultanahmed, you should take the tram to the pier, then transfer to the ferry and continue to Kadikoy. And from there you can get to the sunny coast by buses No. 4, 16 and 222.

Floria

In the picturesque Floria area, on the shores of the Sea of ​​Marmara, two city beaches are open to the public. The first recreation area is equipped with 200 sun loungers, 200 umbrellas, a first-aid post, changing rooms, a buffet and parking for 300 cars. Entrance to the beach is free, and getting to it is not difficult. You can get to the center of Floria by bus, and from there you can walk to the coast. Interestingly, Ataturk Airport is located next to the beach. Therefore, watching airplanes is one of the entertainments of its visitors.

Nearby there is a second beach, where most of the city's residents come. There are already 1,500 sun loungers and umbrellas available for rent here, as well as 228 storage rooms. During the peak summer season, you can play volleyball here on a specially designated court and listen to music. This beach cleaner and more secure. The entrance ticket will cost 15 liras for adults and 10 for children. Children under 7 years old can visit Floria for free.

Private beaches in Istanbul

Uzunya

Recognized as one of the most beautiful places for a holiday in Istanbul. Uzunya is located in the European part of the city, on the shores of the Black Sea. This coastal area is characterized by picturesque nature, beautiful views, as well as a developed entertainment structure. For vacationers, 500 umbrellas, 1000 sun loungers, parking for 1000 cars and billiard tables are provided. You can have a snack in a cozy restaurant located near the shore. There is also a separate green area for picnics.

You can visit the beach from Monday to Sunday, from 8 am to 8 pm. For an entrance ticket you will have to pay 15 liras on weekdays and 25 liras on Saturday and Sunday. You can get to the resort area from the Sariyer area along the Kilyos road. Having reached the central square, turn left and follow the sign.

Suma

Well equipped private beach offers visitors, in addition to standard amenities, free wifi. Suma is famous for the fact that it often hosts discos and performances. Therefore, most of the visitors are local youth.

Suma is open to the public every day, from 9:00 to 22:00. The entrance ticket price depends on the day of the week. On weekdays you will leave 15 liras, and on weekends and holidays the entrance will cost 2 times more. To get to Sumy, get off at Haciosman metro station, then take bus 152 to Gumusdere. From here you can walk to the beach in 5 minutes.

Baykus

Baykus is located close to Suma, but it is designed for tourists with completely different preferences. This is a quiet corner where some vacationers pitch tents and enjoy the wild holiday. At the same time, the beach is landscaped and equipped with the necessary services. The Baykus administration also provides paid transfer services, which includes a trip from the hotel to the beach and back. You can relax in the resort area from 9:00 to 21:30. You can get to it in the same way. Only at the end you need to walk along the alley to the police school, behind which Baykus is located.

Dalia

The beach area was located on the Black Sea coast. Its territory is distinguished by an abundance of picturesque gardens and areas for active rest. Dalia is great for a family holiday. There is a large parking lot, security, cafes and restaurants. Tickets cost 30 liras. Dalia can be visited all year round from 9:00 to 22:30. You can get to the beach by bus No. 151.

Beaches around Istanbul

Killos

A small fishing village located on the Black Sea coast is famous beautiful beaches and fish restaurants. Unlike many other resorts, Killos is only 30 km away. from the center of Istanbul, so the journey here will not take much time.

Almost all beaches in Killos are paid. Entrance prices range from 15 to 40 liras. For tourists there are sun loungers, changing cabins, hotels, cafes and rental of sports equipment. Lovers wild beaches they will find here corners without infrastructure, where there is only sand and sea. But be careful, it is better not to swim in Quillos in windy weather, as currents can carry you out to sea.

The most popular here are the free public beach and the Solar Beach Club. The second is considered one of the cleanest and most well-groomed in Istanbul. On the beach there are restaurants, gyms and even spas. During the day, water shows are held here, and in the evening, Solar Beach Club turns into a club center where famous DJs perform. Entrance here will cost 25 liras from Monday to Friday and 40 liras on weekends. Please note that Solar Beach Club does not allow food or drinks to be brought into the property. Bags are carefully checked at the entrance.

Schiele

The resort area is located near Istanbul, 70 km. from the central square. Sile is a small suburb located on the Black Sea. It will appeal to those who like a quiet holiday, since there are no large restaurants and clubs in this location. The length of Sile reaches 60 km. Of these, the first 4 km. equipped with amenities including sun loungers, a café and swimming equipment. The rest of the coast is considered wild.

In addition to beaches, Sile is interesting for its colorful sights. Be sure to watch it main symbol- a black and white lighthouse rising on a rock. Another asset of the resort is the Byzantine fortress located near the coast.

The cost of entry to the beaches of Sile ranges from 15 to 30 lire. You can get here only with transfers. First you need to take a ferry to the Yüksüdar pier, then walk to the station and take bus number 139, which will take you to Šile. In general, the trip takes 2.5 hours, the route can be viewed on the map.

Princes' Islands

Magnificent panoramas, crystal pure water and well-maintained beaches - this is what makes the Princes' Islands one of the most best places for a city break. There are 9 islands in total, but only 4 of them are accessible to visitors. These are Kinalyada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Büyükada. The latter has the largest territory.

There are many dachas and luxury hotels on the islands. Driving into the resort is prohibited. You can only travel here by bicycle. Those wishing to stay in the Princes' Islands for several days should make hotel reservations in advance. There are not many tourists in this place, and visiting the beaches costs from 20 lire. To get to the Princes' Islands, you should take a boat departing from the Kabatash, Kadikoy and Bostanci piers.

In the Turkish capital there are beaches open only to women. These are Sarıyer Altınkum Beach, Florya Menekşe Beach and Beykoz Poyrazköy Beach. Women's Halal beaches in Istanbul are intended for Islamic ladies who can wear clothes here according to customs without attracting too much attention.

Before visiting the beaches, do not forget to take a sightseeing tour. You can book exciting tours on the Sputnik website. In the catalog you will find group and individual trips, yacht trips, visits to museums, mosques and cathedrals with a guide.

On the way to Istanbul, I painted pictures of a huge eastern city-bazaar. And I was surprised to discover that Türkiye is moving by leaps and bounds towards Europeanization. The abundance of portraits of the first president and founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, is striking. Whether Ataturk guessed in 1923 that his country would subsequently be as eager to join the EU as it is today is unknown. However, it was he who achieved the proclamation of the Turkish Republic and set the newborn state on a course towards modern civilization: he expelled the last sultan from the country, abolished the caliphate, and adopted the Latin alphabet.

Modern politicians are actively striving to Europeanize Turkey, but they have enough work to do for more than one decade. There are almost no women visible on the streets of Istanbul, and those that are occasionally seen are certainly wrapped in black from head to toe. There can be no talk of any coercion - the people are trying with all their might to adhere to traditions, thus preventing the influence of the West.

We must not forget, however, that Istanbul is considered the most crowded city in Europe. Its population is over 10 million. If women did not sit at home, this would be felt even more. During daylight hours, the city buzzes like a disturbed beehive, not ceasing even during prayer hours (the singing of the mullah in Turkey, as in other Muslim countries, is heard throughout the entire district five times a day). On holidays, up to ten million Muslims from other cities and countries come to Istanbul. All European holidays are nothing compared to the scale of these events. The size of the city is evidenced by the multi-storey bus station alone, where the interval between bus departures is a matter of seconds. The Turks, of course, like to exaggerate, but you can take the people of Istanbul at their word that this is the largest bus station in the world. It’s not so easy for visiting “savages” to get out of here into the city.

However, there will always be friendly advisers. Many residents of Istanbul speak Russian, almost all speak English (which, by the way, distinguishes the Turks from our compatriots). And it is probably unnecessary to remind you that Turks are extremely sociable. If, for example, you are planning to buy something, then the seller himself will bargain for you. While you are standing with your eyebrows furrowed, and in your heart you are ready to buy this jug (ring, carpet) for 50 dollars, the price is reduced to twenty. "Madam, forty! OK, thirty. Thirty, madam, thirty! OK, madam, only for you - twenty!!!" Sellers even get offended if someone buys something from them without haggling, because for them it’s a whole ritual.

In general, everything is very cheap in Turkey. At the famous bazaars of this country you can very profitably buy wonderful copper dishes or, say, handmade carpets. Carpet shops are everywhere here. Some of them are sold that are three hundred years old, but they look like new. The fact is that before a girl gets married, she must first learn weaving - hand weaving, of course. It takes 6-18 months to make one carpet, and several pieces need to be made before marriage. If you consider that there are up to five daughters in a Turkish family, you can easily imagine how many carpets they will weave before they get married. Many carpets are donated to mosques. It is customary to enter the mosque barefoot, and prayers can last quite a long time. Therefore, the carpets here should be especially soft.

There are a lot of mosques in Turkey. Partly due to the fact that the sultans lived in grand style and often built mosques for their mothers - to thank, for example, for the gift of a palace. With all my love for St. Petersburg, I admit that any of the palaces of the northern capital cannot be compared with the local ones!

The most great mosque- Sultanahmed, or the Blue Mosque, decorated with blue mosaics. This mosque has six minarets (whereas regular mosques have one or two). By the way, according to custom, men and women pray in the same room, but in different parts of it. The fair sex addresses Allah from the balconies of the mosque, and the men are below and slightly in front. This system allows men not to be distracted from prayer. After all, if a woman bowed before a Muslim’s eyes, it would not be so easy for him to think about Allah and his soul.

Summer in Istanbul is very hot. The only thing that saves you is the unusually delicious apple tea, after tasting it you forget about everything. The Turks make tea from almost any dried fruit - bananas, kiwi, apples. It’s strange, but I didn’t find the famous red hibiscus tea, so popular, for example, in Egypt. But the Turks have an alcoholic drink - rakia. The Turks are arguing with neighboring Bulgaria for the right to call this fruit vodka their national drink.

The city is located on two seas at once - the Black and Marmara. However, you will have to travel more than an hour to get to the nearest beach by boat - the sea within the city is very dirty. The Turks claim that foreign ships sailing through the Black Sea to Russia are to blame for everything. Two seas - two continents. Europe and Asia are connected by huge suspension bridges over the Bosphorus. At night, when bridges, mosques and fortresses are illuminated with bright lights, the city is especially beautiful. It is worth looking at the walls of ancient Constantinople - this is the memory of Byzantine Empire, preserved since the 5th century. As you know, Istanbul happened to be the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

But I never managed to swim in the Sea of ​​Marmara. It’s a pity, because an old Arabic saying says that a person who swims in the seven seas will become happy. Of course, travelers heading to Antalya or Izmir do not have this problem. In southern Turkey, the sea is the main attraction and joy for tourists. But, as they say, who cares what. I chose Istanbul.