Destination Turkey: Summer 2025
There’s something about Turkey that feels like a storybook coming alive.
Maybe it’s the golden light brushing over centuries-old rooftops. Maybe it’s the smell of warm, buttery simit bread filling the streets. Or maybe, it’s just the way the country wraps you in a hug the moment you arrive.
This summer, if you’re dreaming of a place that offers a little magic, a little adventure, and a lot of heart, Turkey might just be calling your name.
Must-See Places in Turkey This Summer
First things first, you can’t come to Turkey without standing under the breathtaking domes of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
It’s not just a building. It’s a whole world of history and wonder stitched into stone. As you step inside, look up and let yourself be awed by the endless expanse of mosaics, colors, and echoes of ancient prayers. It’s a moment that humbles you, even if you’re not usually the “history” type.
Special Mentions:
Cappadocia: Glide over fairy chimneys in a sunrise hot air balloon.
Pamukkale: Soak your feet in cotton-candy-colored natural springs.
Ephesus: Wander through marble streets older than memory itself.
Good Eats: Flavors You’ll Remember
Turkey loves to feed you — and not just your body, but your soul too.
Start your culinary adventure with a meal at Mikla Istanbul.
It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. Perched above the city skyline, Mikla serves modern dishes with ancient roots — think lamb that melts like butter, and desserts that taste like pure sunshine. See more on their Instagram.
And beyond Mikla?
Sip sweet apple tea offered by friendly hands at local bazaars.
Try a juicy kebab at a street stand — no fancy plates, just pure flavor.
Share a tableful of meze (small dishes) with laughter and new friends.
Here we see the elegant interior of Mikla Restaurant in Istanbul, Turkey. The dining area exudes a modern, upscale atmosphere with clean lines, warm lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer sweeping views of the city skyline and Bosphorus.
Credit: Mikla Restaurant
This vibrant image showcases a traditional Turkish meze spread. It is a colorful array of small, flavorful dishes typically served as appetizers or shared plates. Set against a neutral-toned table, each bowl is brimming with rich textures and bold colors, from creamy hummus topped with olive oil and herbs to spicy red pepper dips and refreshing yogurt-based blends. Stuffed vine leaves, grilled vegetables, pickles, and fresh greens offer a mix of tangy, smoky, and earthy flavors. The presentation is rustic yet inviting, with fresh garnishes like lemon wedges, dill, and parsley adding pops of green.
Where to Stay: For Dreamy Nights and Lazy Mornings
After a day filled with wonders, you deserve a place that feels like a slice of heaven.
If you want to treat yourself (and you absolutely should), book a stay at Lujo Hotel Bodrum.
Imagine waking up to the sound of soft waves and the salty scent of the Aegean Sea. Days here slip by in pools of sunlight, spa days, and long, lazy breakfasts with the freshest cheeses and olives you’ve ever tasted.
Why Lujo Hotel Bodrum Is Worth the Hype
1. The Aegean Views Hit Different
Tucked along the sparkling turquoise coast, Lujo offers uninterrupted views of the Aegean Sea. Not the kind you just look at, the kind that quiets your mind. Every room feels like it’s been designed to draw you closer to the water, with sunlight pouring in and terraces that make morning coffee a spiritual experience.
2. All-Inclusive, But Make It Luxurious
This isn’t your usual buffet-and-bracelet setup. Lujo’s “Art & Joy All Inclusive” concept means curated meals, signature cocktails, wellness rituals, live music, and even art workshops — all seamlessly folded into your stay. You don’t just get more; you get better.
3. A Spa That Hugs Your Soul
Yes, the spa is a whole world of its own. Think Turkish hammams, Balinese massages, aromatherapy rooms, and treatments that make you forget what stress even felt like.
4. Design That Feels Like Art
Every corner of Lujo whispers aesthetic pleasure — warm wood, soft stone, art installations, and floor-to-ceiling windows that make the outside part of the inside.
5. Three Beaches, Three Vibes
One of Lujo’s best-kept secrets? Its trio of private beaches. Whether you want a serene, adult-only beach to do absolutely nothing, a lively shore with music and cocktails, or a family-friendly stretch where the kids can play safely, you’re covered. Each beach is curated with a different mood in mind, so you can match your energy to the sand beneath your feet.
5. It’s Family-Friendly Without Compromise
Traveling with kids? There’s a whole world for them too — from supervised kids’ clubs to adventure parks — all while you sip wine by the pool or sneak in a yoga session. Everyone gets a vacation.
Special Mentions:
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus: Sleep steps away from the Bosphorus.
Argos in Cappadocia: Stay in a luxury cave suite!
Nightlife and Evenings Out: When the City Sparkles
Taksim Square
Head to Taksim Square, where the night is alive with music, chatter, and bright-eyed energy.
Whether you’re sipping coffee at a buzzing café, catching street performances, or dancing the night away in a rooftop bar overlooking the Bosphorus, Turkey’s nights are full of stories waiting to happen.
Beyoğlu
When the light of the sun winds down, Beyoğlu wakes up in full color. By night, this district becomes Istanbul’s heartbeat blending a heady mix of old-world charm and electric modern energy. Wander down İstiklal Caddesi, where street performers, neon lights, and music spill out from tucked-away jazz bars and rooftop lounges. Turn into side alleys and discover everything from underground clubs to historic wine houses, each one telling its own story in flickering candlelight and clinking glasses. Whether you’re sipping raki with locals, dancing in a hidden courtyard, or catching live indie music, Beyoğlu at night is a sensory adventure — vibrant, layered, and undeniably alive.
Smart Travel Tips: A Smoother, Happier Trip
Currency: Bring some cash in Turkish Lira (TRY) for smaller shops, markets, and taxis.
Packing Tip: Summers are warm; pack breathable clothes, comfy walking shoes, and a scarf for visiting mosques.
Local Touch: Turks are famously hospitable. A heartfelt “Merhaba!” (hello) or “Teşekkür ederim” (thank you) opens many doors.
Souvenir Idea: Pick up a Nazar Boncuğu (evil eye charm) — a beautiful little reminder of Turkey’s spirit.
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