Turkey's Coolest Summer Vacation Destinations: Special for Those Who Don't Like Hot Weather

For some people, summer means sunbathing by the sea, letting themselves drift in the salty water; for others, the real vacation is not about baking under the scorching sun, but taking a deep breath accompanied by a cool breeze. If you're looking for routes that will refresh not only your body but also your soul with their coolness during those stifling summer days when the concrete heats up and the humidity envelops your lungs, you are not alone. Who knows, maybe sipping your tea on the veranda of a mountain cottage or waking up to the scent of the forest is exactly your idea of a vacation. Turkey is a geography that surprises people not only with its beaches but also with its hidden corners where summer is cool. This summer, for those who want to escape the heat, we will talk about small getaways under shady trees, cool mountain slopes, and places where you won't be able to sleep without a blanket at night.

Turkey's Coolest Summer Destinations

1. DoğadaKal Bungalow
2. Flora Handüzü Resort & Bungalow
3. Şavsat Karagöl Hotel
4. Falez Cafe & Restaurant & Guesthouse
5. Hancıoğlu Çamburnu Forest Houses
6. Foleya Mountain Resort
7. İda Blue Hotel, +18
8. Turkuaz Village
9. Abant Cozy Homes
10. Abant Kartal Yuvası Hotel

DoğadaKal Bungalow

Waking up in the cool, refreshing air of the Black Sea; listening to birdsong filtering through hazelnut trees in the morning; and gathering around the fire by the stream in the evening with friends all of this is possible here. If you want to escape the city’s heat and chaos and rediscover yourself in nature’s embracing silence, DoğadaKal Bungalow is a true breath of fresh air. Located in Rize’s Ardeşen district, these small, cozy bungalows sit by a stream, surrounded by hazelnut groves. They’ve recently become a favorite for those seeking peace and coolness. The rooms are airy, the garden is fragrant, and the nights are cool enough to make you want to pull a blanket over yourself. You begin the day with birdsong and end it with a cup of tea listening to the sound of the stream.

One visitor shared: “DoğadaKal is one of the rare places where you actually feel yourself breathing. Waking up and walking by the stream, lying on a swing and staring at the sky… It’s just you and nature. This year, I felt my best here.” Of course, like anywhere, there are small downsides. Summer evenings can bring mosquitoes, and bringing in outside food and drinks is not encouraged. But if your goal is to immerse yourself in nature and cool off, these details won’t weigh too heavily.

Flora Handüzü Resort & Bungalows

Handüzü is one of Rize’s most beautiful and easily accessible highlands, and Flora Handüzü holds a special place in many hearts for both its location and service quality. Throughout our stay, we felt the warmth and care of the entire staff. Whenever you need an escape from the sweltering heat into the cool calm of nature, Flora Handüzü is waiting for you. Breakfast is varied and plentiful a feast prepared with attention to both taste and presentation. Dinners are even more impressive: not only delicious but beautifully presented, rivaling many fine restaurants. The rooms are warm, comfortable, and designed to make you feel at home. The beds are wonderfully relaxing. But perhaps the most breathtaking moment is waking up to the pristine beauty of the highlands. Here you can go hiking, wander under the endless blue sky, and, if you’re lucky, witness the famous “sea of clouds.” The sunsets are magical as the sun glides slowly toward the horizon and the mist swirls in the air, time itself seems to vanish. At Flora Handüzü, you don’t just find a cool highland retreat; you find a place to truly rest your soul.

Şavşat Karagöl Hotel

Amid Artvin’s endlessly green nature, Şavşat Karagöl Hotel offers a lakeside and forest-view retreat that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into another world. Walking along the lakeshore or sitting on a bench in silence, it’s impossible not to be moved by the beauty nature offers here. Breathing in the fresh air, you leave behind everything you’d forgotten in the city. The hotel’s architecture is modern yet harmoniously integrated with its surroundings. Opening the window of a lake-view room in the morning to watch the mist slowly drift over the water is a joy in itself. Dinner was unforgettable grilled local trout with a smoky flavor, fresh and tender, served with delicious sides. It’s a taste hard to find elsewhere. Later, we strolled the lakeside path in the evening coolness while the sound of a traditional tulum (bagpipe) floated from the hotel. As the sky darkened and the forest grew still, the music blended into nature. It was then I realized how exhausted city life had left me and how deeply places like this allow you to truly rest. The hotel offers 21 rooms some with lake views, others with mountain views. Whichever you choose, every detail, from the morning light to the evening breeze rustling the leaves, draws you closer to nature. Waking here, breathing with nature, and surrendering to this beauty is an indescribable experience. We often think of the sea when it comes to cooling down in summer, but places like Karagöl refresh not only the body but also the soul.

Falez Cafe & Restaurant & Pension

If you’re looking to escape the city heat and breathe in some cool, refreshing air, Falez Cafe & Pension in Arhavi is the perfect hideaway. Perched right above the sea at 55 meters high, it feels both secluded and connected to the coast. This isn’t one of those generic hotels. All the rooms are built from wood, which keeps them naturally cool in the summer no need for air conditioning here. The most magical moment comes at sunset, when everyone gathers on the terrace, sipping tea as the sun slowly sinks into the sea. The rooms are simple but just right nothing excessive, nothing missing. Quiet and airy, they let you fall asleep and wake up to the soothing sound of the waves. In the morning, the cool breeze brushes your face, a joy hard to match anywhere else. Breakfast is authentically Black Sea style: muhlama (cornmeal and cheese), fresh butter, fragrant cheeses… you’ll hardly want to leave the table. Dinner is all about the fish, served with local mezes and beautifully presented. Honestly, I’d return just for that meal. This isn’t a flashy resort; it may not appeal to those seeking luxury, but if you want peace, cool evenings by the sea, and long walks on the Black Sea coast, this is your spot. Sit down once here, and you’ll understand why it’s so hard to leave.

Hancıoğlu Çamburnu Forest Houses

When you open your window at dawn, the first thing that greets you is a cool breeze, along with birdsong echoing from afar. Slowly, the sun peeks through the pine trees, and suddenly the chaos of the city feels worlds away. Hancıoğlu Çamburnu Forest Houses is tucked away in Sürmene, Trabzon, where yellow pine forests meet the sea a rare and stunning setting. The road may be winding, but every turn feels worth it, as if your tiredness is being lifted step by step. The atmosphere is simple, warm, and genuine. Opening your window to cool air, watching the forest blend with the deep blue sea, you realize how beautifully simple life can be. This area is home to the Black Sea’s first Blue Flag beach. Is the water cold? Absolutely but for those escaping the summer heat, it’s perfection. Meals are prepared with traditional Turkish flavors, using fresh, local ingredients that connect you with the land. At sunset, enjoying these dishes with the view in front of you is an unforgettable experience. A stay here isn’t just about resting; it’s about becoming one with nature. This place is truly “hidden from sight, yet close to the heart.” If you’re seeking serenity and coolness this summer, Hancıoğlu Çamburnu deserves a spot on your list.

Foleya Mountain Resort

The cool highland air of Erikbeli Plateau is a true savior for anyone escaping the suffocating heat of summer. A gentle breeze carries freshness all day long, while the crisp evenings guarantee a restful night’s sleep. Foleya Mountain Resort is designed in harmony with nature, surrounded by greenery and silence that transport you to another world. The spaces are private, intimate, and thoughtfully arranged. There are several dining options an à la carte restaurant, Doruk Restaurant, and a café. At any time of day, you can sit in one of them, sip your coffee, and simply enjoy the view. There’s also a small market showcasing handcrafted products made by women’s cooperatives in Tonya reasonably priced and definitely worth a visit. At Doruk Restaurant, sampling local flavors was a real highlight. The saç kavurma and another regional specialty became our favorites. Portions may not be huge, but every bite speaks of quality and care. And honestly, enjoying such flavors in the heart of nature makes the experience priceless. Here, every detail from the cool air to the local touches invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and let the highlands refresh your soul.

İda Blue Hotel (+18)

Set in the tranquil embrace of nature, İda Blue Hotel is a perfect escape for those who long to leave the city behind and breathe in the cool air of Mount Ida. Here, both your body and soul find renewal as you reconnect with nature’s peace. Nestled in the heart of the Kazdağları, in the historic village of Adatepe, time seems to slow down. İda Blue Hotel is a collection of four lovingly restored Greek houses, each designed to preserve their authentic charm. Rooms are named after plants from the garden, creating a warm, personal atmosphere. This isn’t just a hotel; it feels like an invitation to a journey. Right next door, Refika Café serves local flavors in the morning, offers coffee throughout the day, and turns into a cozy spot for dinner in the evening. Surrounded by olive groves and pine forests, the village provides a timeless experience, enriched with fresh, organic flavors born of its ancient flora. The harmony of comfort and tranquility makes this place truly special. From the moment you arrive, a sense of inner calm takes over. For those looking to reconnect with nature and escape the summer heat, İda Blue Hotel is an unforgettable choice.

Turkuaz Köy

By the gentle flow of the Gökçay River, surrounded by vibrant wildlife, Turkuaz Köy offers a retreat into pure serenity. Turtles glide through the water, birds call across the trees, and the entire atmosphere is alive yet deeply calming. Among orange groves and wide, open spaces scented with blossoms, you’ll find 11 elegant bungalows on the riverside. Each is designed simply yet comfortably, immersing you in nature. Guests are welcome to pick fresh oranges and lemons straight from the garden, savoring nature as if they were at home. Breakfasts are a highlight, featuring homemade citrus jams, fresh cheeses, and garden vegetables it feels like sitting at a warm family gathering. For swimming, you have both the nearby sea (just 1 km away) and a natural pool in the river. At sunset, the air fills with Mediterranean scents, wrapping you in peace. With its welcoming restaurant and intimate atmosphere, you never really need to leave. For anyone wanting to escape the city heat and spend summer in harmony with nature, Turkuaz Köy is an idyllic choice.

Abant Cozy Homes

Abant Cozy Homes feels like a warm embrace simple, rustic, yet equipped with the comforts of modern life. Tucked away in Bolu’s lush greenery, this is where you breathe in fresh air, spend evenings stargazing, and rediscover the joy of slowing down. Each home blends rustic style with modern comfort, making you feel at home the moment you walk in. Equipped with private kitchens, they give you the freedom to cook your own meals and enjoy them in the open air of your garden. For those who prefer not to cook, a fresh breakfast option awaits each morning. Little details like quality olive oil, freshly ground coffee, and warm hospitality add to the charm. Here, summer’s heat feels far away, replaced with cool air, peace, and the sense of truly belonging in nature.

Abant Kartal Yuvası Hotel

When the city heat becomes overwhelming, Abant Kartal Yuvası Hotel offers a refreshing retreat. Surrounded by forest, with the sound of birdsong and a nearby stream, it’s the perfect place to clear your mind and breathe deeply. The cool air around Abant Lake makes even a simple walk feel revitalizing. You can ride horses by the lake, explore the forest paths, or, for the adventurous, try paragliding, trekking, or canoeing. Every moment here is about freedom in nature. I’ve stayed here myself, and the way time in nature restores and renews you is unforgettable. For anyone seeking refuge from the summer heat, this is without a doubt the right address.