Cheap flights to Van

Quick summary

Remote eastern Turkey

Visit Lake Van, then stay for breakfast

Those who visit Lake Van discover a corner of eastern Turkey about 100 km from Iran, where four things define the trip: the lake itself, Turkey's largest, a turquoise soda lake; Akdamar Island and its 10th-century Armenian church; the Urartian citadel of Tushpa; and a breakfast so famous that the city is said to stand out for it rather than for kebabs. Add a cat breed of its own, and you have a city perched at around 1,700 m.

From Tushpa to the modern city

Van is the old Tushpa, capital of the kingdom of Urartu from the 9th to the 6th century BCE. The city had a large Armenian population until the early 20th century, and the modern town was rebuilt next to the old one. A powerful earthquake struck the region in October 2011.

The lake

A soda lake at 1,640 m

The world's largest soda lake

Lake Van covers more than 3,500 km² at an altitude of 1,640 m and reaches 451 m at its deepest. Its water is alkaline, with a pH of around 9.7, and several sources call it the largest soda lake in the world. It formed when eruptions of the Nemrut volcano blocked its outlet, and the Süphan volcano rises on its northern shore. The lake rarely freezes.

The pearl mullet, the lake's only fish

The only fish historically recorded here is the pearl mullet, inci kefali or darekh, which swims up the rivers to spawn during the spring floods. You can swim, boat or camp by the lake, although the heavily mineralised water is not ideal for a proper swim; August is often cited as the best month.

Akdamar Island

The Church of the Holy Cross on its island

The Holy Cross Church was built between 915 and 921 for King Gagik I Artsruni of Vaspurakan by the architect Manuel. Its outer walls are covered with reliefs of biblical scenes and about 30 animal species. From 1116 to 1895 it was the patriarchal seat of the Catholicate of Aghtamar. Restored in 2005 and run as a museum since 2007, the church hosted its first Christian service in 95 years in September 2010.

Getting to the island

Take a dolmuş from Van to the Gevaş landing stage (about 40 to 45 km, to be checked), then a boat makes the 20 to 30 minute crossing; the island is generally open from 8 am to 5 pm. Allow 2 to 3 hours in total. The church ticket and the boat fare are paid separately. In spring, the island is covered in almond blossom.

Tushpa

Van Fortress, capital of Urartu

From the 9th to the 6th century BCE, the rock of Van was Tushpa, capital of the kingdom of Urartu. The lower walls are unmortared basalt, the upper ones mud brick, and a rock-cut chamber known as the royal stable measures 20 by 9 m. A trilingual cuneiform inscription of Xerxes I, from the 5th century BCE, is still crisp. The fortress lies about 5 km from the centre, is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm and is free with the Müzekart.

The Old City below

South of the rock spreads the Old City of Van, occupied from the 13th to the 20th century and on Turkey's UNESCO tentative list. There are no information panels on site, so bring a guide or read up beforehand. Take a dolmuş signed 'Kale' and walk the last stretch.

Kahvaltı

Turkey's most celebrated breakfast

A Van breakfast is a long, generous spread: herbed sheep cheese (otlu peynir), murtuğa, crispy eggs with walnuts and honey, clotted cream (kaymak), honey, rose jam and the local bread roll, Van çöreği. In 2014, the city set a Guinness record for the most crowded breakfast table, with 51,793 people seated in front of the fortress. To try it, head for Kahvaltıcılar Çarşısı, the breakfast street.

The Van cat

The Turkish Van cat is white with colour on its head and tail, and it may have one eye of each colour. Yüzüncü Yıl University runs a Van Cat House conservation programme; check its location before going, as sources differ.

Van Museum

The Urartu museum near the fortress

The Van Museum, founded in 1945, is devoted above all to Urartu, the kingdom that ruled here some 2,700 to 2,800 years ago: weapons, everyday objects and stelae with cuneiform inscriptions, plus Stone Age items, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman pieces and a fine collection of kilims. A new building near the fortress opened to the public in 2019.

Before you go

Guides list it as open Tuesday to Sunday, but hours and fees change, so check the official Turkish museums website (muze.gov.tr) before setting out. It pairs easily with the fortress in the same half day.

Day trips

Citadels, a waterfall and crater lakes around Van

A hire car or a taxi for the day is the most practical way to reach these sites; distances are approximate and worth checking.

Getting there

Ferit Melen Airport, 5 km from the centre

Taxis wait outside arrivals; check direct-flight schedules, which vary by season.

Getting around

Dolmuş, taxis and a hire car

The centre of Van is walkable, but the fortress and the lake shore call for a vehicle. Dolmuşes (shared minibuses) and taxis cover everything beyond walking distance; you pay the driver as you board, usually in cash. For Akdamar, take a dolmuş to Gevaş, then the boat.

For day trips

Hoşap, Çavuştepe, Muradiye and Ahlat are easiest by hire car or a taxi for the day, as public transport there is sparse.

When to go

Cold winters, mild summers

Trip planning

How many days, what budget, what formalities

Recommended length

Two to three days: one for the city and its fortress, one for Gevaş and Akdamar, and one more for day trips.

Cost level

Moderate (to be checked): meals, dolmuşes and taxis stay affordable; accommodation and full-day excursions are the main expenses.

Entry rules and common sense

Depending on your nationality, an e-visa or an exemption applies: check the official site evisa.gov.tr and your own authorities (to be checked). Eastern and southeastern regions may carry specific travel advice from some governments, so consult your country's official guidance before you travel. The region is seismically active, so follow local instructions. In mosques and churches, cover shoulders and knees.

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In pictures

Van in pictures

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