From Lake Van to Actamar

Van is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in eastern Türkiye, especially in the summer because of its proximity to Iran. Visitors can enjoy the turquoise waters of Lake Van, Türkiye’s largest lake, which is very suitable for boating and rest on its spectacular beaches. Visiting the island of Actamar with the Holy Cross Church offers a unique look at the rich heritage of the area. In the Land Travel Guide to the Van, you can find out more about how to visit these fascinating destinations.

On the hot and warm summer days, travelers of the famous local cuisine of the van are experiencing a vibrant street life of that city. Summer is a good time to discover the best sights in the summer, and in this article we will introduce some of them.

• Address: Van and Beitlis Provinces, 2 km southwest of Van, Lake Van
• Price in year 2: About $ 2 Cost of Tutorials to Island

Akdamar Island, located in Lake Van in eastern Turkey, is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage and is one of Van’s tourist attractions in Turkey. The island was developed in the tenth century as a royal residence under the rule of King Gagik I of the Armenian kingdom of Vaspurakan and had a collection of palaces, gardens and docks.

The island of Aktamar later became a religious center and remained one of the most important religious centers of Armenian until the year 6; But after the Armenian genocide during World War I, monks were killed and buildings were destroyed.

Photographer: NIHAL ERGINCAN / Google Maps

Today, the island of Actamar has become a popular destination for the Turkish Van in the summer. Tourists often go to the city of Guevas with a minibus from the city to the island by boat. The Holy Cross Church has been rebuilt and now operates as a museum, attracting visitors with its own wall paintings and highlights. The natural beauty of the island creates a quiet and spectacular environment by Lake Van. The presence of a large number of seafood is also one of the attractions of the area.

Actamar Island is a symbol of Armenian cultural heritage and medieval art that attracts travelers, especially in the summer, to visit this ancient heritage and beautiful scenery.

• Address: Van and Beitlis Provinces, Van City
• Price in year 2: Free

Van Lake, one of the most famous sights in Van in the summer, is Türkiye’s largest lake located in the eastern Anatolian region. Van is a salty and alkaline lake that is about 2.5 meters above sea level and covers an area of ​​about 2.5 square kilometers. Lake One has no natural output and due to rapid evaporation in the arid climate of the area, its water is very alkaline.

Lake Van was formed more than 2.5 years ago by tectonic activities and is located between the mountains and volcanic cones. The volcanic lava flow blocked the lake’s main outlet and turned it into a closed lake.

Lake Van is not only one of Van’s tourist attractions in the summer, but it is also a vital cultural and economic source for the region. This lake is only a habitat for the Darekh fish that resembles European white fish and has been able to adapt to its saline and alkaline water. The lake beaches host several cities and villages, including the city of Van, Tatvan, AHLAT and Arjis (ERCIS) and have famous islands such as Actamar.

Photographer: Mustafa Ongor / Google Maps

Transparent and rich in Lake Van’s minerals are known for their healing properties for skin diseases and attract many tourists in the summer. The pristine natural beauty, historical sites and unique ecosystem of Lake Van have made it one of the sights of Van in Türkiye in the summer.

• Address: Van and Beitlis Provinces, 2 km from Van, Lake Van
• Price in year 2: About $ 2
• Working hours: 1 to 2

Visiting Van Castle in summer is a wonderful experience that combines ancient history with stunning natural beauty. The castle is located over a long rock overlooking the Blue Lake and Van Lake, built by the Urartu King, the “Sarduri I) in the ninth century BC, offering a wide range of panoramic views of the lake and the city of Van.

Summer months are a good time to visit the Van Castle; Because the castle is open for a longer time and provides enough opportunity to explore different parts of the castle, such as visiting the inscriptions of Xerxes in warm weather and flat sky. The path to climbing the steep castle but very valuable; Especially near the sunset, which illuminates the golden light of the landscape and turns it into a paradise for photographers.

As you walk along the ancient walls, you can imagine the adventurous past of the castle from the Urartu to the Ottomans and understand its strategic importance over the centuries. Make sure you have water and care for the sun; Because climbing the castle in the summer heat can be difficult; But the unforgettable scenery and the sense of history make every step valuable.

Photographer: Mai Yamamoto / Google Maps

• Address: City of Van, Sherhat neighborhood, Republican Street
• Working hours: 1 to 2
• Website: vanavm.com.tr

Visiting one of the most famous Van shopping malls, Van AVM, is a enjoyable summer experience, especially for those who are interested in shopping and leisure. This large shopping center, one of the best sightseeing in the summer, hosts a variety of popular Turkish and international brands scattered on several floors, making it a great destination for three to four hours among stylish stores (Tripadvisor).

In addition to shopping, Van VMM has good cafes and restaurants that visitors can relax and enjoy seasonal drinks and snacks. The center also has recreational and cinema sectors that keep tourists away from summer heat.

Photographer: Ismail Kilicaslan / Google Maps

• Address: Van Province, 2 km north of Moradieh Village, West Side of Dogobyazit
• Price in year 2: Free

Visiting Muradiye Selalesi, like Iran’s cool destinations in the summer, will give you an unforgettable experience. Located about 2 kilometers from the city of Van, in the Moradieh area, the waterfall flows from a high altitude of the Fish River and is surrounded by lush vegetation that creates a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Visitors can use hiking paths leading to several smaller waterfalls and crossing the sustainable bridge. The area also has a picnic location, tea house and a small market that makes it ideal for a summer trip to the Turkish Van. (Tripadvisor)

Photographer: Umut Tuprak / Google Maps

• Address: Van city center
• Working hours: About 1 to 2

Visiting Cumhuryet Caddesi, one of the most spectacular places of Turkey in the summer, brings you an exciting and attractive experience. There are many modern shops, cafes and restaurants on this busy main street. You can buy local and international goods on Republic Street and enjoy local cuisine.

The long summer days provide a lot of opportunity to walk on the sidewalks, enjoy the open space of the cafes, and watch the lively lives of the residents of Van. The street is also easily accessible to Turkey’s spectacular places in the summer, making it a perfect spot for touring in the city. (Tripadvisor)

Photographer: Unknown / Tripadvisor

• Address: Mellen Street, Sumbul Street
• Price in year 2: About $ 2, children under the age of 5 free
• Working hours: 1 to 2

Visiting the Van Museum is a cultural and productive experience that offers a deep insight into the rich history and archeology of the region. The museum, one of the most spectacular places of Turkey in the summer, is shortly away from the Van Castle. The museum has a large and organized space and offers instructive exhibitions in Turkish and English that cover the geological, archeological and anthropological heritage of the area. Tourists can spend about two hours visiting various exhibitions with ancient artifacts. (Tripadvisor)

Photographer: Nur Kayahan / Google Maps

If you’ve ever had a summer trip to the Turkish Van, share your experience with Van’s sights in the summer with us and other companions.

Cover Photo Source: Araratadventures.com, Photographer: Unknown