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Seas in Turkey

What is the sea in Turkey, the country's shores are washed by 4 seas. Mediterranean, Black, Aegean and Marmara. Each sea has its own characteristics.

Turkey is an amazing country located on two continents: Asia and Europe - absorbing the peculiarities of both cultures. The eastern mentality of its inhabitants has many European features, which is the reason why tourists from different countries feel so comfortable on this land. The beautiful nature, 4 warm seas, a unique climate, rich culture, heritage preserved from the times of Ancient Greece, Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire, every year attract foreigners from all over the world.

Seas surrounding Turkey
Turkey is an amazing country surrounded by four seas.

Country location on the map

Most of regions of Turkey lie in south-western Asia. Borders of these regions are in contact with Syria, Iraq, Armenia, Iran, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The European part of the country is neighbouring in the north with Bulgaria and Greece.

The continental climate in some places has features of the tropical, and the surrounding mountains are in favorable geographical position. Turkish territory is washed by Marmara, Black, Aegean and Mediterranean seas, making the country comfortable to stay, even in hot summer.

Climatic features

To people from cold countries, where there is no much sun, and rainy season lasts most of the year, Turkish climate seems to be a paradise: the weather is warm and sunny, there is little rain in winter time, air is not as humid and stuffy as in other parts of Asia like in Egypt or Tunisia. The sultry heat is softened by the coolness coming from the mountains.

Most of the territory falls into the subtropical climate zone with comfortable winters (+13 ... + 15 ° С) and sultry summers (+23 ... + 33 ° С). The water in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas is warm even in winter (+ 17 ° C).

Country location
Turkey is located in two parts of the world at once - in Europe and Asia.

In the west of the Anatolian Highlands, the climate resembles continental: snowy winters (up to -4 ° С) and dry hot summers (+30 ... + 37 ° С).

The eastern part of Turkey is characterized by sudden temperature changes. The climate is sharply continental. In the cold season, the daytime temperature does not exceed -4 ° C. July and August are the warmest months of the year (+26 ... + 27 ° С).

A moderate mountain climate is characteristic of the Armenian Highlands. In summer it is warm here (+18 ... + 26 ° С), in winter it is windy and cold (-8 ...- 15 ° С).

The weather in Turkey is influenced by the warm seas: in summer they humidify the air and lessen the heat, in winter they release the accumulated heat, making the weather softer at this time of the year.

Seas surrounding Turkey

Warm sea waters and more than 7 thousand km of beaches make this country a popular resort:

  • from the west - the Aegean;
  • from the south - the warmest, Mediterranean;
  • from the north - the coldest, Black;
  • inland Sea of ​​Marmara, surrounded merely by Turkish land,

Warmest seas in autumn and winter

All summer, until the first ten days of October, the weather throughout the country is hot. In the second half of October, it changes sharply: precipitation begins. At this time, It is warm and comfortable on the beaches of the Anatolian coast, this period is considered the velvet season there. In regions of Side and Alanya, dry weather prevails till November.

Warmest seas
The warmest winter is on the Mediterranean coast.

The Aegean coast in autumn is cool, but this is the best time of the year to take a trip to Istanbul, and see all the sights of Antiquity, Constantinople and the Ottoman Empire.

Winter in Turkey is mild. In most of the territory, the temperature rarely drops below 0 ° C at this time of the year. The water cools in December, but the weather remains comfortable and conducive to walking, shopping and sightseeing. The warmest winter is in Antalya, on the Mediterranean coast.

Cold season in region near the Black Sea is frosty and snowy. Winter sports enthusiasts can find excellent ski slopes in Samsun.

Features of the Turkish seas

The country has 4 warm seas, suitable for recreation. Moreover, each has its own characteristics: they differ in the degree of salinity, and temperature indicators. The least salty is The Black Sea, but it is also the coldest. The Mediterranean is the warmest, and salt concentration is high.

Description of the seas in Turkey

Resort areas are located along all coasts of the country. Sea water becomes warm enough for swimming in the first week of April. The beach season begins in the Mediterranean, where most of the hotels are located; along Mediterranean coast, there are 5 famous holidays resorts  - Antalya, Belek, Kemer, Side and Alanya. Holidaymakers love clean sandy beaches, scenic nature and mild climate.

The least popular resort, is on the Black Sea coast. Mainly, locals rest there: tired of the heat, they find relief in the relatively cool climate of the Black Sea region.

Black Sea

It is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Basin. The sea is located between Easter Europe and Western Asia. 

Black Sea
Chilly waters of the Black Sea.

The Black Sea is the northernmost and coldest in Turkey. The coastline is 1,598 km long, and is protected by mountains, holding back cold air currents from central Antalya. The climate on the Black Sea coast is comparatively less comfortable, and the period suitable for holidays is shorter.

Resorts located along the Black Sea are preferred by local residents, foreigners are looking for warmer regions. But in these parts of the country, you can feel the special local climate, try traditional food, climb the mountains, or just admire the picturesque nature.

In summer, the temperature on the sea coast fluctuates mainly within the comfortable range of +23 ... + 24 ° С. Even in hot summers, the water warms up to a maximum of + 24 ° C, and this is the Black Sea drawback comparing to the rest of the seas in Turkey. There are no such developed resort areas, ultra-modern hotels and amusement parks, as on other Turkish coasts. 

Small towns with a rich history are the most attractive for tourists:

  1. Rize province, is the main tea producer in Turkey. A special variety "demli" (dark) Rize tea, is grown in its vicinity with a rich aroma, and intense red colour. Beach holidays, mountain tourism, rock climbing and caving tours are favoured here. Lovers of antiquities will find here many ruins of ancient fortresses and mosques.
  2. Sinop or Sinope, is a legendary city with an ancient past. Sinop was a homeland for King Mithridates, and a Greek poet, Diogenes, who was also one of the founders of Cynic philosophy. It has beautiful sandy, and pebble beaches that attract those who try to avoid the stifling heat.
  3. Samsun, is a year-round resort, and ancient settlement of the Amazons. In summer it attracts guests with clean beaches, and in winter - with excellent ski slopes.

Sea of ​​Marmara

The name comes from the Island of Marmara, where a white stone was mined in ancient times. This is the inland sea of ​​Turkey, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea throught Strait of Dardanelles and Strait of Bosphorus. 

Sea of ​​Marmara
The Sea of ​​Marmara is the smallest sea in Turkey.

The sea coast is densely populated, its length does not exceed 1000 km. The shores are mostly rocky and high.

There are few sandy beaches, they can be found in Turkel, Yalova or Tekirdag. The climate in this place is subtropical, the water warms up in summer to + 28 ° С.

Istanbul is the largest city in the country - in the north, it borders with the Marmara Sea, and in the south - with the Black Sea. It is rich in history, architectural monuments and traditions. It is a large trade centre: in Istanbul you can buy all sorts of souvenirs to clothes and Turkish carpets.

The Aegean Sea

Stretches between the Turkish and Greek shores. The name of the sea comes from the name of the Athenian king - Aegeus, who according to an ancient legend, drowned in its waves.

The resorts located here attract not only those who appreciate a comfortable beach relaxation, but also those who like yachting, diving, rafting and mountain tourism. The Taurus Mountains descend directly to the sea, creating incredibly beautiful landscapes. The water in it is crystal clear, in summer it warms up to + 26 ° С and has a beautiful emerald green hue. There are not so many fish species in the depths of the sea (effect of the lack of plankton), but octopuses and sponges are so numerous, that they are harvested on an industrial scale.

the Aegean sea
The Aegean Sea is absolutely clear and beautiful.

The Aegean coast is fantastically alluring: the mountains, the sun, lush vegetation, many bright colours. The coastal part is rich in small picturesque islets (over 2 thousand). Here you can take the most beautiful selfies.

Popular resorts:

  1. Marmaris, is a small cosy city, hidden in a closed sea bay. Must-to-visit place for divers and windsurfers from all over the world. There are no big waves here, and the water is crystal and clean.
  2. Bodrum, is an active and popular youth resort. Night life in Bodrum is full of attractions and entertainment: discos, night clubs and restaurants are open till dawn. There are sandy and pebble beaches. Bodrum in ancient times was knows as Halicarnassus, (Greek city), still preserved ruins, are a place of tourists attraction. Sailing fans love the resort for the calm, predictable winds, and divers love the clean water and abundant marine life. Also Bodrum is rich in mineral and thermal springs.

The summer season in the Aegean Sea begins somewhat later than in the Mediterranean. The best time to relax here is considered the beginning of summer: the water has already warmed up to a comfortable temperature, and the air has not yet had time to heat up. It is hottest in July and August, but the heat does not cause discomfort, since the climate is dry and pleasant.

The beach season ends in October: this time is characterised by frequent rainfalls, and the temperature starts to drop.

Mediterranean Sea

The warmest and most appealing in the country, its coast is often called Turkish Nice or Riviera. Rich infrastructure and clean beaches attract the main flow of tourists from all countries.

Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is the warmest in Turkey.

The most expensive and popular all-inclusive resorts are located here:

  1. Belek - in this small town (only 7 thousand inhabitants), there are more than 50 five-star hotels and the best golf courses in Turkey. Hotels started to be built up here only 30 years ago. Its golden beaches are well maintained area make Belek a pristine destination. Nowadays, known as one of the most convenient and elite beach resorts in the world.
  2. Kemer - is a popular resort, especially among Russian and British people. There are more than a thousand hotels of various quality. The prices are affordable. The average annual temperature is + 21 ° С.
  3. Alanya - is a hot resort. Here water is warm from May to October, many attractions and high service. This place is chosen for recreation by the elderly and families.
  4. Side - is a top resort. Luxury hotels, quality service, turquoise sea and long sandy beaches. You can visit the monuments of ancient culture such as the Amphitheatre and the Temple of Apollo.

The Mediterranean Sea is saltier than the Black Sea. It is easier to teach a child swim in it: water with a high salt content has a higher density and holds the body better on surface.

The holidays season lasts 300 days a year - from April to November, and the coastline attracts with its sandy beaches and citrus gardens. The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean, and the Suez Canal with the Red Sea.

Where is the best place to relax?

On all the coasts of Turkey, vacation days will be eventful and comfortable. At the country's resorts, you can feel the unique flavor of Turkish culture, get acquainted with local traditions, and enjoy the enchanting nature. There are many attractions on all coasts, belonging to different cultures of antiquity. The seas surrounding Turkey, the mountains, the variety of climate and landscape give endless opportunities for interesting and rich leisure - both beach and more active.

When choosing a resort, take into consideration the types of recreation that are common for the place. The Sea of ​​Marmara will give privacy and freedom, the Aegean - the paradise beauty of the surrounding nature, the Black Sea will delight you with the richness of ancient architectural monuments, and the usual cool climate, and the Mediterranean - with the comfort of its hotels and beaches.

Each tourist has his own idea of ​​the best holidays:

  1. Families with small children prefer places with gentle sea access with clean sandy beaches. Children's pools, kids menu, and sandy beaches can be found in Antalya, Bodrum, Didim, Kusadasi and Kemer.
  2. Elder people value comfort and solitude, provided facilities are important to them: showers, comfortable sun beds, lifeguards, etc. The best places for them would be Fethiye, Kemer with its clean pine -scent air and special microclimate, as well as Antalya.
  3. Those who like to spend time actively and are fans of extreme and water sports: banana ride, rafting, paragliding or explore the depths of the sea diving, spend the best time in Marmaris, Bodrum and Dalaman.
  4. Wildlife lovers will appreciate the Black Sea coast, its charming grace, completed by mountains.
  5. City dwellers, who cannot imagine recreation outside the metropolis, will find their place on the beaches of Istanbul, where you can not only swim and sunbathe, but also have fun in the world's famous metropolis.

The main advantage of holidays in Turkey is that, in this diverse country everyone can find the most suitable resort for themselves, depending on their interests, needs, health and financial capabilities.

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