Hi guys!!!!!!
So I know I haven’t really posted holiday content this year, and there are several reasons, but I’m back with more holiday content for you, that’ll hopefully keep coming in the new year.
Today, I’ve decided to do a recap of some of the cities I vacationed in last summer as well as the Turkish city I live in, so you can have a comprehensive list of things to do in Turkey if you’re traveling here or even planning to move out here for a gap year or something just as interesting.
Istanbul
So, let’s start with Turkey’s most famous city, and the city I live in - Istanbul.
First things first, Istanbul is an old city with a youthful vibe, and an old soul. I love Istanbul. It’s a city that has my heart. I love living here, and I love Turkish people, food, and everything.
In Istanbul, there’s something for everyone. Old, young, even the kids aren’t left out, and you can have a wonderful family holiday here.
Are you a hippy? Walk and ride a rented bicycle through the streets of The Princes’ Islands all the way up to the beachfront, while stopping for ice cream and other cold treats in the hot Turkish summer sun.
On a family trip with the kids? Visit Aqua Dolphin for a whole day of water park fun, and on a different day explore the fantastic rides at Isfanbul one of Istanbul’s bigger theme parks.
A couple on Baecation with love for a proper beach? Karaburun is for you. Pack a bag, get some food, a speaker, snacks, blankets and other beach essentials and take a car ride down to Karaburun with your partner, and spend the day just enjoying the sun and sand with your partner. Be sure to stop for photos on the way, and also drive into the beach town to explore its wonderful streets lined with the most beautiful flowers. You won’t regret it, because you’ll get all the best photos.
History buff? Explore old places in the city like The Grand Bazaar, Aya Sofya, Sultanahmet, the Egyptian Spice market, and many more with rich history dating all the way back to the 14th century. See more info here.
Just looking to enjoy life and post something fancy on your Instagram feed/story? Rent a boat with friends at Bebek and enjoy a sunset ride taking in the view of the Bosphurus, as you revel in the feel of being out in open water.
Where to eat in Istanbul:
Istanbul is said to have over 17,000 restaurants, so there will be no lack of places to eat. However if you’re looking for tested and tried places, here’s a list of my recommendations. You can read my reviews on them by clicking the links.
Taco Del Reyes for great Mexican food.
Tian Xiang Fu Hotpot to enjoy the Asian Hotpot experience.
16 roof by Swis Ötel for a night out with great food, drinks and good company.
Michelle’s at Vadistanbul for an amazing breakfast selection and experience.
Milano Creamery Vadistanbul for some of the best gelato I’ve had in Istanbul.
Mua Akaretler for great gelato in Istanbul
Bodrum
Moving on to Bodrum - Turkey’s most popular vacation city, especially among Turks, expatriates and foreigners living in the country. Bodrum is THE holiday spot if you’re looking for an instagramable holiday, or a baecation, it’s one of the best places to visit in the summer in Turkey.
An expensive city especially in comparison to its other Turkish counterparts, Bodrum has a lot more to offer than just views, gorgeous blue waters and beaches.
Water sports of all kinds are available with various tour companies in the city. You can enjoy a whole day of scuba diving and ocean swimming, go parasailing, rafting, and undertake many more water adventures in Bodrum.
There are also several beach clubs available for you to enjoy day parties and even dance the night away with friends or a partner.
You can also take out a day to go shopping in the Yalikavak Marina with outlets like Dior, Rolex and other luxury brands right on the Marina and also enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner/a night out dancing with friends.
Where to eat in Bodrum
The Cookshop restaurant in Yalikavak Marina for breakfast and other intercontinental meals.
Fenix Yalikavak, perfect for sushi, drinks, and dancing into the night with friends.
Nusr Et, for all things meat as well as Instagram content.
Cesme
Now let’s go to Çeşme. Turkey’s number one party city especially in the summer has a lot to offer for party goers, beach lovers, and the rest of us. Çeşme located in Izmir is a tourists dream. With loads of beaches, beautiful boutique hotels, and beach clubs of all kinds, Çeşme is every Turk’s favorite city to cool off on Summer weekends. Think of it as you would the Hamptons to a New Yorker.
Again you can rent a boat, (check out Sahibinden if you’re having trouble finding one) and spend time with friends and loved ones on the Aya Yorgi bay, swimming in the ocean, catching fish, and enjoying all the perks of being on a boat on the ocean in the summer.
You can also visit the various beach clubs that Çeşme is popular for, my recommendation being the Beach of Momo, although there are several others.
If you’re a history lover, or a Christian like me, you should definitely take a car rental and head down to Ephesus or Efes as Turks call it. Ephesus is home to the ruins of the Ancient City of Ephesus It’s an amazing place full of history, and beautiful monuments, that explain the cultures and traditions of old while you ponder on the wonder of time. You can find a full review here.
Where to eat in Çeşme
Rakish
The pier in Alaçatı with numerous restaurants
The beach of Momo
Fethiye
If you’re an activity or adrenaline junkie, then Fethiye is the Turkish city for you. Of all the Turkish cities I’ve visited, Fethiye might be my favorite, because asides from it being such a beautiful city, with loads of nature, and beauty, it had lots of things to do, so much that I wished I had more days there.
In Fethiye, you can take one of the safari tour companies and visit the natural springs, waterfalls and forests in Fethiye. I went on the WetnWild safari and it was an amazing experience. The canyon especially was breathtaking. You could see all of God’s handiwork all around. You can read all about my experience here.
You can also go paragliding in Fethiye. It’s fun, and the city of Ölüdeniz is very beautiful from thousands of feet up in the sky. The trip up the mountains is also amazing, and kinda scary if you’re afraid of heights, but seeing the mountains and their white peaks is amazing and worth it. There are several other things to do in Fethiye like take the boat tour to the butterfly islands and I’ll be sure to do that the next time I visit.
Where to eat in Fethiye:
Any of the restaurants on Çaliş beach - there are several.
I hope this list has adequately prepared you for your Turkish summer holiday, and if you have any questions, please leave me a comment as I’ll be sure to respond as best as I can.
I personally am having an amazing time living here and exploring all that Turkey has to offer, and I’m blessed to be able to share all of this with you guys.
You definitely should book a Turkish summer holiday as you’re guaranteed the time of your life. Let me know how your holiday goes.
Love, Yoma.
This certainly looks like it would be a great time! Thanks for this Yoma!