Van
A vast turquoise lake, a church on an island, and the most famous breakfast in Türkiye.
Lake Van is the largest lake in Türkiye, a vast soda lake ringed by snow-capped mountains at over 1,600 metres. Its deep blue water and high-altitude light make it one of the most striking landscapes in the country.
We come for Akdamar Island, the ancient fortress, and the famous Van breakfast — a spread that is almost a destination in itself.
What to see in Van
The places worth your time — and the ones we build a day around.
Planning Van
The practical answers, before you book anything.
June–September. Winters are long and cold.
2–3 days.
Van Ferit Melen Airport (VAN) has flights from Istanbul and Ankara.
Van: common questions
Can you swim in Lake Van?
Yes. The water is highly alkaline and feels soapy, and very little can live in it.
How do you get to Akdamar Island?
Boats leave from the shore near Gevaş and take about 20 minutes.
Which of these is your kind of day?
Tell us what pulls at you and we will build Van around it — the right hours, the right guide, and an honest word on what to skip. How we charge is set out in How we work.