- Akdamar's 10th-century church is the star sight
- Van Fortress was the Urartian capital, Tushpa
- The Van breakfast is a local institution
- Lake Van is a vast soda lake at around 1,650 metres
- Airports
- Van Ferit Melen (VAN), via Istanbul or Ankara
- Best time to go
- May-October
- Type
- Province
Van sits on the eastern shore of Lake Van, Turkey's largest lake, in Eastern Anatolia. Nearly three thousand years ago this was Tushpa, capital of the Urartian kingdom, and its fortress rock still rises beside the lake. The modern city is lively, young and proud of its breakfasts.
For UK visitors, Van is the most rewarding base in the south-east of the region: boat trips to Akdamar, castles, waterfalls and big lake views, with good flight connections. For entry rules and the basics, see our Turkey guide.
Things to do
- Akdamar Island – a short boat ride from the south shore to the Armenian Church of the Holy Cross, built in the 10th century and covered in carved biblical scenes.
- Van Fortress – the long Urartian citadel on a rock by the lake, with cuneiform inscriptions and rock-cut tombs.
- Van breakfast – an enormous spread of cheeses, honey, kaymak, olives, eggs and herbs, served in breakfast streets in the city.
- Hoşap Castle – a dramatic 17th-century castle on a crag south-east of the city.
- Çavuştepe – another Urartian fortress site on a ridge on the way to Hoşap.
- Muradiye waterfall – a popular cascade north of the lake.
- Van cats – the white, often odd-eyed cats associated with the region, cared for at a cat house at the local university.
- Lake Van's shores – swim from beaches in summer; the soda water feels slippery and few fish live in it, apart from the pearl mullet.
Around Lake Van
Lake Van is big enough to plan a loop around it over three or four days. Head west to Ahlat's Seljuk cemetery and the Nemrut crater above Tatvan, then return along the north shore past Mount Süphan and the small towns of Adilcevaz and Erciş. To the north, the road to Doğubayazıt leads towards Mount Ararat and İshak Paşa Palace. The views change constantly, from turquoise water to snow-capped volcanoes.
Where to stay
| Area | Why stay there |
|---|---|
| City centre | Restaurants, breakfast streets and transport |
| Edremit and the lakeside | Hotels with lake views, closer to Akdamar |
Getting there
There are no direct flights from the UK. Fly to Istanbul (about four hours) and connect to Van on a domestic flight of roughly two hours, or fly via Ankara. A train ferry links Tatvan in Bitlis with Van across the lake. Doğubayazıt in Ağrı is a few hours' drive north.
The province borders Iran. Check the latest FCDO travel advice before booking, especially if you plan to drive near the border or towards Hakkâri.
Best time to visit
May to October is best. Summer is warm and dry, though the altitude keeps nights cool. Boats to Akdamar may be limited outside the main season. Winters are cold and snowy.
Go for breakfast late in the morning, with no plans for an early lunch.
Top attractions in Van
Van on the map
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Akdamar Island?
Boats leave from a jetty on the south shore near Gevaş, roughly 45 minutes' drive from the city. The crossing takes about 20 minutes.
Can you swim in Lake Van?
Yes, in summer. The water is highly alkaline, which makes it feel soapy, so rinse off afterwards.
How many days should I spend in Van?
Two or three days covers Akdamar, the fortress, Hoşap and a long breakfast.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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