Türkiye's Coolest Holiday Routes: A Guide to Escaping the August Heat

When a summer holiday is mentioned, what generally comes to mind is the sun, the sea and hot shores. But in July and August, when the temperature rises considerably, not everyone may want to spend time under the scorching sun.

Waking to cool mornings, walking among the forests, resting by a lake or having a holiday where you will need a light cardigan in the evenings can also be one of the summer's loveliest experiences.

Thanks to its high-altitude plateaus, its lakes, its nature routes surrounded by forests and its windy shores, Türkiye offers numerous alternatives to those wanting to get away from the hot weather. The Black Sea plateaus, the Bolu area, Artvin, the Kaz Mountains and İğneada stand out among the areas that can be considered by those seeking a cool holiday in the summer.

Here are Türkiye's coolest holiday routes for those wanting to escape the August heat and spend an airy holiday amid nature.

Where to Go for a Cool Holiday in Summer?

For a cooler holiday in the summer months, high-altitude plateaus, areas surrounded by dense forests, lakesides and the northern shores can be chosen.

As the altitude rises the air temperature generally falls. While wooded areas reduce the sun's direct effect, the surroundings of lakes, streams and waterfalls can also create an airier atmosphere.

But when choosing a cool holiday route it is not enough to look only at daytime temperatures. On some plateaus, even if the weather is mild during the day, the temperature can fall noticeably in the evenings. For this reason, even if you are travelling in midsummer, it will be useful to take a light jacket, a raincoat and closed shoes with you.

Ayder, Pokut and the Rize Plateaus

One of the first areas that comes to mind when a cool summer holiday in Türkiye is mentioned is the Rize plateaus.

The Ayder Plateau can be a suitable starting point for visitors experiencing a plateau holiday for the first time, as there are more accommodation and dining options in the area.

Those seeking a calmer, more natural atmosphere can consider high-altitude plateaus such as Pokut, Sal, Gito, Elevit and Huser.

Mountains appearing through the mist, wooden plateau houses, streams and lush green valleys give the area a distinctive look. You can set out on a nature walk in the morning hours, discover the waterfalls nearby during the day and enjoy the plateau views in the evening cool.

As the weather in the Black Sea can change in a short time, it is important to be prepared for rain even on a day that looks sunny. You should also bear in mind that the roads reaching some plateaus can be narrow and uneven.

Artvin, Şavşat and Borçka

Artvin is one of Türkiye's most striking routes for nature lovers wanting to get away from the summer heat, with its mountains, lakes, forests and high plateaus.

The villages around Şavşat, the Karagöl Sahara National Park, Borçka Karagöl and the Kafkasör Plateau are among the area's standout stops. Most of the Artvin plateaus are known for their clean air, abundant oxygen and cool atmosphere.

You can walk around Borçka Karagöl accompanied by lake views, spend time surrounded by nature in Şavşat's calm villages, or feel the airiness of the high altitude around Kafkasör.

An Artvin holiday appeals more to those seeking nature, photography, walking and calm rather than lively nightlife or crowded beaches.

If you are going to tour the area by car, don't forget that distances can take longer than they appear on the map. Because of the mountain roads, not filling your daily programme with too many stops will let you have a more relaxed trip.

Kümbet and the Giresun Plateaus

For those wanting to experience the Black Sea's cool air, lush green nature and traditional plateau life together, the Giresun plateaus are a lovely option.

The Kümbet Plateau is one of Giresun's best-known plateau routes. The forests around it, the wide meadows and the high altitude offer an airy holiday setting in the summer months.

The Bektaş, Kulakkaya and Sis Dağı plateaus are also among the alternatives that can be added to a trip around the area. On the plateaus you can walk, try local delicacies and get away from crowded city life for a few days.

On the Giresun plateaus the weather can cool noticeably in the evening hours. If you are going to stay, it is recommended that you do not go with only summer clothes.

Lake Abant and Bolu

Abant, relatively easy to reach from İstanbul and Ankara, is one of the routes that can be considered by those wanting to get away from the summer heat without making a long journey.

You can walk around Lake Abant, surrounded by forests, cycle, have breakfast facing the lake views and rest amid nature.

If you are going to spread your Bolu trip over a few days you can also add nearby routes such as Yedigöller, the Gölcük Nature Park and Mudurnu to your programme.

Abant and the Bolu area is an area that can be chosen especially by couples, families with children and those planning a short nature getaway for the weekend.

The greater variety of transport and accommodation options compared with the plateaus also makes the area suitable for people going on a nature holiday for the first time.

The Kaz Mountains

Although they are in the Aegean Region, the Kaz Mountains are one of the favourite nature routes of those wanting to cool off in the summer months, with their dense forests, high sections, waterfalls and clean air.

Around the Kaz Mountains you can stay in stone houses, small boutique hotels, bungalows and accommodation properties surrounded by nature.

Hasanboğuldu, the Sütüven Waterfall, the village of Yeşilyurt, Adatepe and the wooded areas nearby are among the stops that can be added to a trip around the area.

After a nature walk during the day you can have a calm meal in the stone villages in the evening and combine your holiday with both a nature and a gastronomy experience.

Not every spot in the Kaz Mountains is at the same temperature. For an airier stay you can consider properties in the forest or at higher levels rather than places close to sea level.

The İğneada Floodplain Forests

For those wanting to see sea, lake and forest views on the same holiday, İğneada offers a different summer route.

İğneada, within the borders of Kırklareli, draws the interest especially of those planning a short nature holiday from İstanbul, with its floodplain forests, coastal dunes, lakes and Black Sea shore.

You can walk in the floodplain forests, consider nature activities such as canoeing, discover Limanköy and the surrounding area, or spend your day on the shore.

İğneada's location on the Black Sea coast and its dense forest character give the area a different atmosphere from the Aegean and Mediterranean shores. İğneada is shown as one of the routes that stands out with its refreshing breeze in summer and its evening coolness.

When touring nature conservation areas you should take care to follow the designated walking routes and to protect the environment.

Amasra and Bartın

Those who do not want to give up the sea on their summer holiday but want to get away from the intense heat of the southern shores can consider Amasra.

Amasra, on the Black Sea coast, brings culture and a seaside holiday together with its historic buildings, small coves, fish restaurants and streets with sea views.

You can tour Amasra Castle, see the Kemere Bridge, watch the sunset and swim in the coves nearby.

The area's summer weather can be changeable. Weather that is sunny and hot one day can become windy or rainy the next. For this reason it is important to check the weather before travelling and to prepare clothes suited to different conditions.

Amasra can be a suitable route not only for a long summer holiday but also for two- or three-day weekend getaways.

Mount Ilgaz and Kastamonu

Those wanting a calmer holiday amid the forests, away from crowded tourism centres, can turn to the Mount Ilgaz area.

Ilgaz, known for ski tourism in the winter months, can be chosen in the summer season for activities such as walking, nature photography, picnics and camping.

While the mountain's higher sections offer cooler weather in the summer months, Kastamonu's historic centre, canyons and villages can add variety to the trip programme.

The Ilgaz area is suitable especially for holidaymakers wanting to rest in a quiet setting, breathe clean air and get away from city life.

As accommodation options may be more limited than in the coastal areas, it may be useful to plan your trip without leaving it to the last minute.

Uludağ and Bursa's Higher Sections

Uludağ is a mountain route that can be considered not only for a winter holiday but also for escaping the hot city air in summer.

In the high-altitude areas you can take nature walks, spend time in the picnic areas and rest in an airier atmosphere than in the city centre.

After touring the historic and cultural sights in central Bursa, spending a few days surrounded by nature on Uludağ lets you combine a city and a nature holiday in the same trip.

On day trips it is important to check the return time and the transport options in advance, and if you are going to stay in the area, to take clothes suited to the evening cool.

Lake Van and Akdamar Island

Eastern Anatolia's high-altitude landscape offers alternative routes to those seeking a different atmosphere from the summer heat.

Around Lake Van you can have a holiday with lake views, visit Akdamar Island, tour Van Castle and experience the area's rich breakfast culture.

Even if the sun feels strong during the day, the morning and evening hours can be cooler than in the coastal areas. The Lake Van area appeals to those seeking a summer experience different from classic Aegean and Mediterranean holidays.

As distances in the area can be long, you should bear travel times in mind when planning your trip.

What Should You Watch Out for When Choosing Accommodation for a Cool Summer Holiday?

For a holiday in a cool area, the property's location is as important as the destination.

Even within the same district there can be a noticeable difference in weather between the centre at sea level and a high-altitude village. For this reason, check the property's exact location and altitude before booking.

On plateau and forest holidays, find out in advance about details such as the heating system, hot water, vehicle access, parking and the internet connection.

Some nature properties may be far from the centre or from shops. If you are travelling with children in particular, it will be useful to have the basic items you may need with you.

At accommodation surrounded by nature you may encounter insects, damp and sudden changes in the weather. Comfortable walking shoes, a raincoat, a light jacket and sun cream should be in your travel bag.

Who Are Cool Holiday Routes Suitable For?

Türkiye's cool holiday routes are suitable especially for those quickly affected by hot weather, those who love nature walks and those wanting to get away from crowded coastal areas.

Families with children can choose nature hotels around lakes or with easy access. Couples can consider bungalows with views, stone houses and small boutique hotels.

Those interested in photography and nature sports can turn to the Black Sea and Artvin plateaus. Those seeking a short getaway can choose more easily reachable routes such as Abant, İğneada, the Kaz Mountains or Uludağ.

It is important for elderly people, small children and those with chronic health conditions travelling to high-altitude areas to take their own health conditions into account before the journey.

Sea or Plateau for a Summer Holiday?

The answer to this question changes according to what you expect from a holiday.

If you want to sunbathe, swim and have lively evenings, the coastal areas may suit you better. If you are seeking quiet, walking, clean air and cool nights, a plateau or forest holiday may be a better choice.

Those who do not want to give up either can consider routes offering sea and nature together, such as Amasra, İğneada, the Kaz Mountains or the Black Sea shores.

This way you can spend time on the shore during the day and rest in an airier, greener setting in the evenings.

Plan a Holiday Away from the Summer Heat, Close to Nature

You do not have to go to hot shores to have a summer holiday.

From Rize's misty plateaus to Artvin's lakes, from Bolu's forests to the Kaz Mountains' stone villages, an airy, calm holiday surrounded by nature awaits you at many spots in Türkiye.

When deciding your holiday route, bear in mind the transport conditions, the location of the accommodation and the area's changeable weather.

By browsing the nature hotels, plateau accommodation, bungalows and boutique properties on Butikotels.com you can plan the holiday on which you will get away from the summer heat.

This summer, turn your route not to the south but to the green and the cool.

Frequently Asked Questions About Türkiye's Coolest Holiday Routes

Where are the coolest places in Türkiye in summer?

The Rize and Artvin plateaus, the Bolu and Abant area, the Giresun plateaus, Mount Ilgaz, Uludağ, the Kaz Mountains and Eastern Anatolia's high-altitude areas are among the places that can be considered by those seeking a cooler holiday in summer.

Can you have a plateau holiday in August?

Yes. August is one of the suitable periods for a plateau holiday. But in high-altitude areas the weather can cool in the evenings and sudden rain can occur.

Are there places where you can swim on a cool holiday?

Amasra, İğneada and the Black Sea shores can be chosen by those wanting to combine a seaside holiday with an airier atmosphere. By staying around the Kaz Mountains you can also reach the North Aegean shores.

Can you have a plateau holiday with children?

Plateaus with easy access, safe walking areas and accommodation suited to families can be suitable for families with children. The property's distance from a health centre, a shop and the main road should be checked in advance.

What should you take when going on a plateau holiday?

It may be useful to take a light jacket, a raincoat, closed non-slip shoes, spare socks, sun cream, personal medicines and a portable charger.

Is the weather cold in cool areas in summer?

It varies according to the area and the altitude. While the weather may be mild or hot during the day, the temperature can fall noticeably in the evening and night hours, especially on the high plateaus.