Things to Do in Van: A Guide from Akdamar Island to Nemrut Crater Lake
Set on the shores of Lake Van, one of the largest soda lakes in the world, Van lies in Türkiye's far east. It is a little-known yet deeply impressive destination that combines history and nature. The region spans Urartian civilization, Seljuk architecture, a thousand-year-old church in the middle of the lake and a volcanic crater lake, making it a true land of discovery for travelers who like to venture beyond the classic tourist routes. Here are the places you shouldn't miss in Van and the practical information you'll need.
Akdamar Island and the Armenian Church
Without a doubt, Van's most iconic stop is Akdamar Island. Rising from the deep blue waters of Lake Van off the coast of the Gevaş district, this small island is reached by boat after a pleasant ride of about 15 to 20 minutes. At its heart stands the Akdamar Church of the Holy Cross, commissioned in the 10th century by King Gagik I of Vaspurakan. The reliefs adorning the church's exterior depict scenes from the Bible and everyday life and are considered among the finest examples of Armenian architecture. The island also offers peaceful paths for strolling among the almond trees and a small tea garden where you can relax and take in the lake views.
Ahlat: Seljuk Gravestones and Tombs
Located on the northwestern shore of Lake Van, Ahlat holds great historical importance as one of the first areas of Anatolia conquered by the Seljuks. The Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery is effectively an open-air museum and one of the largest Islamic cemeteries in the Middle East, home to thousands of upright gravestones finely carved with geometric and floral motifs. Close by, tombs dating from the 13th to the 15th centuries, such as the Emir Bayındır Tomb and the Great Tomb (Ulu Kümbet), showcase some of the most striking examples of Seljuk stonework. Watching the sunset from this spot overlooking the lake is one of the most unforgettable moments of any visit to Ahlat.
Nemrut Crater Lake (Tatvan)
Not to be confused with the famous statues of Mount Nemrut in Adıyaman, this Nemrut lies southwest of Lake Van within the Tatvan district. It is a spectacular crater lake formed in the caldera of an extinct volcano. Sitting at an altitude of around 2,200 meters, the lake also contains a small hot spring pool, and together with the surrounding greenery it creates an almost surreal landscape. In summer, you can enjoy the cool air and gaze out over Lake Van and the surrounding highland pastures from the crater's rim. For photography enthusiasts, sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit.
Van Fortress and the Shores of Lake Van
Rising above the ruins of Tushpa, the capital of the Urartian Kingdom, Van Fortress traces the city's history back to the 9th century BC. Its rock-cut tombs carved into the rocky hill, cuneiform inscriptions and fortress walls make it an ideal vantage point for watching the sunset over Lake Van. The ruins of the Old City of Van at the foot of the fortress still preserve the historic fabric abandoned after 1915. Head down from the fortress to the lakeshore and you'll also have the chance to swim in soda waters unlike any others in the world; the beaches along the shore are especially popular with locals and visitors alike during the summer months.
How to Get to Van? A Ready-Made Package Tour
A trip to Van means planning transportation, accommodation, opening hours and your route. With our ready-made package tour, we take care of all these details so that you can simply enjoy the journey.
- A tour with transportation, route and itinerary all planned
- Sightseeing accompanied by a guide who knows the region
- The assurance of a TÜRSAB-licensed agency
- Choose between a group tour or a private tour with a vehicle for your family
We tailor the dates, itinerary and price of your Van trip just for you. Contact us or message us on WhatsApp, and let's plan your route together.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Van is during the summer months, from June to September. During this period, temperatures are ideal for sightseeing, the roads up to Nemrut Crater Lake are fully open, and boat trips to Akdamar Island run regularly. Winters are very cold and snowy, which can make access difficult, especially to the high-altitude Nemrut area. May and September offer excellent alternatives, with fewer crowds and generous scenery.
Local Flavors: Van Breakfast and Herbed Cheese
No trip to Van is complete without trying the famous Van breakfast. Served with dozens of varieties of cheese, honey, clotted cream, olives, jams and freshly baked flatbread, these breakfast spreads have become a well-known brand across Türkiye, but they can only be enjoyed in their most authentic form in Van itself. The region's signature herbed cheese (otlu peynir) is made with local herbs such as sirmo and mendo, giving it a sharp, distinctive flavor. Alongside breakfast, be sure to try other specialties of Van cuisine such as goose meat and herse.
Practical Tips
Since the schedules of boats to Akdamar Island may vary by season, it's a good idea to check the latest times at the pier. While it is possible to visit Ahlat and Nemrut Crater Lake on the same day, the long distances in the region mean that setting off early will make your trip much more comfortable. As the weather can change suddenly in the high-altitude Nemrut area, we recommend bringing a light jacket. If you'd like to explore the region with us, you can reach out for a private Van tour tailored to you, and if you wish to extend your journey through Eastern Anatolia, you can combine your route with our Kars Erzurum Tour.
