Recreation in Turkey is popular among tourists due to the developed infrastructure and excellent climatic conditions. Since the country has mountains, the heat is not so noticeable in summer. Along the coast, you can find both pebble and sandy beaches, surrounded by emerald greenery or towering cliffs, ensuring you can find the perfect spot for relaxation.
Land of the Four Seas
Turkey is bordered by the Aegean, Black, and Mediterranean Seas. The Marmara Sea, an inland sea, connects the Black and Mediterranean Seas through the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits. Let's delve into each sea of sunny Turkey in more detail.
Mediterranean Sea
The warmest sea of Turkey. It is located in the south of the country, so the holiday season off the Mediterranean coast is the longest. It starts from mid-April and ends at the end of October.
General Information
Climate subtropical, with tropical features;
Water temperature +30…+32 °С;
Beaches pebbly and sandy. Moreover, the sand is mostly imported, and is only on the beaches of expensive hotels;
Olives and orange trees are planted on the shore.
An interesting fact! Due to the peculiarities of the currents, the water in the Gulf of the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Turkey always remains clean and transparent. This fact has been confirmed by UNESCO.
Popular resorts
The coast of the Mediterranean Sea is almost entirely lined with comfortable hotel complexes. The most visited resorts include:
Kemer;
Antalya;
Fethiye;
Alanya;
Belek;
Side;
Aksu.
Entertainment
In addition to the splendid beach relaxation, there are plenty of interesting activities for every tourist:
Diving and snorkeling. The underwater world of the Mediterranean Sea is very rich, so the rest here is very popular among divers;
Excursions. In hotels and local travel agencies you will find many sightseeing tours to national parks, waterfalls and ancient cities of Turkey;
Family holidays. The local resorts have oceanariums, zoos and dolphinariums, where you can enjoy spending time with the whole family;
Active rest. For active tourists there are cycling, catering, ATV rental and many sports grounds, including golf courses.
Aegean Sea
The coast of the Aegean Sea is surrounded by the Taurus Mountains. This place is perfect for vacationing in July and August since the heat is not as intense, and a light breeze constantly blows from the sea. The season lasts from early May to the end of September.
General Information
Climate subtropical;
The temperature of water +27°С;
Beaches are mostly pebbly, the entry into the water is sharp, the depth immediately begins.
Popular resorts
The coast of the Aegean Sea is not yet so popular among tourists. This certainly has its advantages. However, if you are going to go here on vacation, at least a minimum knowledge of English is desirable.
Izmir;
Chemshiy;
Kusadasi;
Didim;
Bodrum;
Marmaris.
Entertainment
The Aegean Sea is cooler, which adds to its charm. Additionally, the presence of mountains and abundant greenery allows for various active leisure activities.
Ecotourism. Many resorts have pine and cedar forests, which attracts eco-tourists;
Yachting. The water in the Aegean Sea is incredibly clear, and there are picturesque islands in the sea, which is ideal for yachting;
Nightlife. Bodrum and Marmaris are considered youth resorts, there are nightclubs and discos at every turn;
Excursions. Near the coast of the Aegean Sea there are many interesting locations of historical significance.
Black Sea
The Black Sea is primarily frequented by native Turks for vacations. The resort season here is only open during the summer months, as the water is very cold and storms are frequent in winter.
General Information
Climate subtropical;
Temperature water +24 °С maximum;
Beaches covered with small pebbles and stones;
Water is clean and clear.
Popular resorts
On the Turkish coast of the Black Sea in summer there is a very pleasant climate, there is no sweltering heat. Although the tourist infrastructure is poorly developed, there are quite worthy hotels, restaurants and architectural monuments.
Abana;
Amsara;
Samsun;
Sinop;
Trabzon;
Yakakent;
Gerze;
Kurukasile;
Rize;
Fatsa;
Hamsilos;
Giresun.
Entertainment
There is no developed infrastructure on the Black Sea, but still you can always find entertainment to your liking.
Active rest. For lovers of extreme sports, there is rafting, canoe rental and the opportunity to enjoy winter sports in the mountains;
Hunting and fishing. Along the coast of the Black Sea there are many places where you can hunt. In any port you can rent a boat to fish;
Sights. The history of the Black Sea coast of Turkey is very ancient, many seaports are even older than the Egyptian pyramids.
The Marble Sea
The city of Istanbul is located on the shores of the Sea of Marmara. In this bustling city, you can buy almost anything. However, the Sea of Marmara is not ideal for beach vacations as it is frequented by dozens of ships daily.
General Information
Climate continental, with subtropical features;
The temperature of water in summer reaches +24 °С;
Beaches are rocky, very narrow and surrounded by rocks. Only in Tekirdag and Yalova are sandy beaches;
Popular resorts
These cities along the coast of the Sea of Marmara are considered resort towns. However, in terms of service level, they do not match the popular cities on the southern coast.
Izmit;
Bursa;
Princes' Islands;
Tekirdag;
Yalova.
Entertainment
The tourist infrastructure in the region is not as developed as in the southern part of Turkey. However, thanks to good transportation connections, you can easily reach any region of the country.
Shopping. There are many bazaars and shopping malls in Istanbul, where you will find any goods at good prices.
Excursions. Popular tours to the island of Marmor, where you can see the process of quarrying marble;
Ancient monuments. This region of Turkey has a rich history, and along the coast of the Marmara Sea you will find ancient palaces, museums, mosques and the ruins of ancient fortresses.
Leisure on any of the four seas of Turkey is unique and distinctive, offering unforgettable experiences even for the most seasoned traveler. The key is to venture beyond the confines of the hotel in search of adventures.
