Van
Türkiye's largest lake, Akdamar Island and the most famous breakfast in the country.
About Van
Van, at the far eastern end of Anatolia, lives around a 3,700 km² lake of intensely blue soda water, 1,650 m above sea level. On Akdamar Island, the Armenian Church of the Holy Cross (AD 921) preserves unique biblical reliefs carved in pink tuff.
The city is also Türkiye's breakfast capital: Breakfast Street (Kahvaltı Sokağı) serves spreads of twenty small plates with honey, otlu peynir (cheese with mountain herbs) and kaymak cream.
What to See in Van
Akdamar Island
You cross by boat; the Church of the Holy Cross (921) is covered in biblical reliefs carved in pink stone.
Read more about Akdamar IslandVan Fortress
The fortress of the kings of Urartu (9th century BC), with cuneiform inscriptions and the best sunset over the lake.
Kahvaltı Sokağı
Breakfast Street: the Van breakfast table is a national institution, with otlu peynir herb cheese as its flagship.
Must-See Places
Food in Van
The Van breakfast is the most famous in Türkiye: otlu peynir, honey with kaymak, murtuğa and endless tea. For dinner, inci kefali fish from the lake when it's in season.
Practical Tips
- The boat to Akdamar sails if the weather allows: it's confirmed on the day.
- At 1,650 m the nights are cool, even in summer.
- The Van cats, white with eyes of two different colours, even have their own research centre.
Getting There
Van Airport (VAN) has daily direct flights to Istanbul. By road, Hakkari is 3–4 hours away and Doğubayazıt 2.5 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Van
How many days do I need to visit Van?
I recommend spending at least 2 days in Van so you can see the main sights at a relaxed pace. If you have more time, you can combine it with nearby destinations to make the most of your trip.
When is the best time to visit Van?
The best time to visit Van is May to October. That said, every season has its charm, and Türkiye is a destination you can enjoy all year round.
Can I visit Van with an English-speaking guide?
Yes. As a licensed, English-speaking tour guide in Türkiye, I organise private tours and day tours in Van. Every itinerary can be tailored to your interests.
How do I get to Van from Istanbul?
Depending on the destination, you can get there by domestic flight (1–1.5 h), by coach or by private car. On the tours I organise, transport is included and planned to make the most of your sightseeing time.
Can I include Van in a longer tour of Türkiye?
Of course. Van combines easily with other destinations in Türkiye. I design tailor-made itineraries of 7, 10, 12 or 15 days that include this and other fascinating places.
Want to visit Van with a licensed, English-speaking guide? Book your private guide in Türkiye and we'll plan the itinerary together.
Read More about Van
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