July is an excellent time to visit Turkey, a country blessed with historical landmarks and natural attractions. Summer is an ideal time for traveling to Turkey because with the climate of the Mediterranean Sea, the warmer part of the year starts from here. In this article we discuss the top things to do and places to visit in Turkey in July whether you are a history geek, a beach worshipper or simply a travel fanatic. This guide will help one to visit the ancient sightseeing of Turkey and also the beautiful beaches that will make his or her tour full of fun.
1. Unveiling Ancient Ruins: A Historical Journey
a. Ephesus: Ephesus is one of the popular ancient cities in Turkey and every history lover should visit this place. This historic city lies to the west of the modern town of Selcuk and boasts some of the best preserved ancient remains globally. While strolling through these magnificent grounds, visitors are able to appreciate the beauty that is found in the ruins such as the library of Celsus, the theater of Ephesus and Temple of artemis which is one of the seven wonders of the world.
The Library of Celsus is one of the most magnificent landmarks where the stony gate and sculptured pillars take your breath away right in the heart of Ephesus. It is a theater that can sit up to 25,000 spectators which gives a glimpse into the cultural life of the city. While wandering the cobblestoned walkways, you will also be able to appreciate fragments of the Temple of Artemis, which is considered a historical site.
b. Troy: Visiting Troy is one special scene you must enjoy once you are in Turkey. Troy is an archaeological site near the modern city Canakkale and is widely known as the setting of Homer’s ‘The Iliad’. Visiting the ruins of Troy provides a historical view of the legendary city which has remained in the minds of different generations.
The site is divided into several zones, and every zone depicts different periods of the historical development of the city. As you explore the ruins, you’ll encounter remnants of ancient walls, the famed Trojan Horse replica, and the ruins of several significant buildings. A visit to Troy allows you to walk in the footsteps of legendary figures like Hector and Achilles, immersing yourself in the myths and history of ancient Greece.
c. Pamukkale: Pamukkale which literally translates to ‘Cotton Castle’ in Turkish features a spectacular chain of white travertine basins. These terraces which are formed over a period of time by the mineralised hot springs offer a breathtaking scenery of naturally formed waterfalls and white calcium formations.
Pamukkale, other than being a picturesque sight, is also an archaeological site where the ancient city of Hierapolis lies. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of this ancient city that boast a majestic theatre, Roman baths, and a sprawling cemetery area. When you are through exploring the relics of the past, you can relax on the thermal pools regarded to possess curative qualities.
2. Turquoise Beaches: The words "Sun, Sand, and Serenity" go hand in hand.
a. Oludeniz: Oludeniz which translates into Dead Sea is one of the most famous beaches in Turkey commonly known as Blue Lagoon. Situated off the coast of the town of Fethiye, this basin is known for its transparent water and blue colors. They include the location of the lagoon amidst green hills to indicate it is a suitable place for relaxation.
This beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and all the water activities you would want. Paragliding is also here for those who want to enjoy the bird’s eye view of the lagoon and the area in general. Beach lovers have countless options, whether they choose to sunbathe on the sandy coast of the beach or dive into aquatic adventures, Oludeniz is worth a visit for a great beach experience.
b. Antalya: Antalya – a dynamically developing city on the South Aegean coast of Turkey, famous for its beautiful coast and rich historical past. The coastal area of the city has been nicknamed the Turquoise Coast and features a line of beautiful natural beaches which are framed by the sea.
Konyaalti Beach and Lara Beach are two of the most famous attractions in Antalya. Konyaalti beaches feature a broad portion of the pebbled shoreline with beautiful infrastructure and engaging beach bars. Lara Beach on the other hand has fine yellow sand as well as a number of innovative vacation resorts that helps make it a popular destination for tourists interested in luxury hotels.
c. Bodrum Peninsula: The Bodrum Peninsula, located in southwestern Turkey, is a renowned destination for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. The peninsula is home to several stunning beaches, including Bitez Beach, Gumbet Beach, and Yalikavak Beach.
One of the famous beaches is Bitez beach which is quite famous for its calm sea and sandy shore, most suitable for families with children. Gumbet Beach is more commercialized with a number of bars & restaurants stretching along the shoreline. Yalikavak beach offers the visitors a different flavor, a more refined feeling in its marina and luxury accommodation options.
3. Traveling Tips for Turkey in July
a. Weather and Packing Essentials: The weather in July is generally hot and dry all over Turkey with averages between 25 and 35 Degree Celsius/ 77 to 95 Degree Fahrenheit. Since the climate is warm, loose clothing and many sunscreens are recommended so as to avoid skin burns. Do not forget to take a hat, sunglasses to protect you from the sun and a water bottle to keep you well hydrated.
b. Accommodation and Transportation: Tourism accommodation in Turkey also spans across economical hotels, luxury hotels, beach hotels, and every other type of accommodation one would imagine. In the main tourist destinations like Antalya, Bodrum, and Fethiye one can find many options that can meet your choice. It is advisable to book well in advance, more especially during the festive season that includes summer.
The transportation services in Turkey entail internal flights, buses, and car hires. If visiting archeological sites, it is advised to hire a car or enlist the services of a tour company to maximize the time on trip.
c. Cultural Etiquette and Local Customs: Although Turkey is a hospitable country to visit and tourists are warmly welcomed there are some things that should be avoided or observed. Do not wear revealing clothes when entering religious places and try to adhere to the local customs. People should respect the cultural practices of the community they are visiting especially if it is a beach, concerning the dress code in the water and even when swimming.
4. Conclusion: Choosing Turkey in July means you can spend your time viewing historical sites and enjoying the sea on the best beaches in the world. From the historical richness of Ephesus and Troy cities up to the beautiful blue water of Ölüdeniz beach and the city of Antalya, Turkey offers a myriad of attractions for the wonders of any traveler.
Whether you’re delving into the rich history of ancient civilizations or soaking up the sun on pristine shores, Turkey promises an unforgettable adventure. So pack your bags, embrace the summer sun, and get ready to experience the magic of Turkey in July.
Ready to explore Turkey? Contact Viz Travels today at +91-7042917770 or email us at sales@viztravels.com. Let us plan the perfect Turkey tour you've always dreamed of.
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