Istanbul in summer

Summer in Istanbul is rather hot but the presence of the sea and the Princes’ Islands conceals this so-called disadvantage. Thousands of people gather in the evenings by the water in numerous cafes, terraces and restaurants. They smoke hookah, drink, enjoy Turkish tea, talk. And observe, of course. Every scenery in Istanbul is outstanding... A few words about the Princes’ Islands. You should go there namely in summer. The fact is it’s rather cool on small islands which decorate Istanbul in spring and autumn. But summer is the most appropriate. There are 9 islands here chosen by the Byzantine grand people from time immemorial. Well, the Ottoman grand people did the same thing – it was very fashionable several centuries ago to delay all public affairs and sail to the Princes’ Islands to relax and feast. Now there is no nightlife left there but a lot of monasteries and churches and several excellent beaches remained. It’s worth going by ferry from Istanbul to the Princes’ Islands and spending the whole day there. You’ll have to use a bicycle which they rent or a cart. The fact is that cars, motorcycles, trains and everything that goes on petrol, diesel or gas is prohibited on the Princes’ Islands. That’s why the air is clean and fresh here and the verdure is surprisingly tender and bright. This was noted by Trotsky itself who has spent some time after the expulsion of the Soviet Union at the Princes’ Islands.

Many tourists love to visit Istanbul in summer for 2-3 days before their tour to Turkey’s Mediterranean coast and before their beach holiday in Antalya, Kemer, Alanya and other southern resorts of Turkey. They walk around the city, see the sights and then go south to the sea. Such alternative is generally a perfect combination of summer vacation, and the most important thing is it’s very accessible and convenient.