Surfing in Turkey

Turkey is a transcontinental country located in both Europe and Asia. The country is famous for its amazing ruins, ancient mosques, huge markets and cultural heritage that helps the country to be the sixth most-visited tourist destination in the world. Turkey is not particularly famous for its surfing culture, but the country has many spots where people can surf and enjoy the gorgeous turkish beaches. With good exposure to both the Mediterranean and the Black sea, Turkey has an enthusiastic and growing surfing scene. Most of the well known surf spots are located in the Black Sea coast, but the Mediterranean coast also offers a large number of breaks. Although the swells can be small and inconsistent, surfing in Turkey does have its own charm and it’s probably an ideal place to learn how to surf, since there are no obvious threats like sharks or sharp reefs.

Climate in Turkey

The climate in Turkey may vary according to the area of the country. There are great differences in the weather patterns and even some microclimates due to the different exposure of slopes and coasts.Generally speaking coastal areas have a mild climate, but the coast of the Black Sea is colder than that of the Mediterranean. The inland areas have a continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers, though nights remain usually cool. Summer is dry and sunny along the entire country, except on the north-east coast. The best time to surf in Turkey would be winter and spring. Spring because it’s not too busy and early winter for areas such as the Black Sea region when water temperatures are pleasant.

Best surf spots in Turkey

The best surf spots in Turkey are Alanya, Suma Beach, Kerpe, Aglayan Kaya, Merkez Sile, Kumcagiz and IgneAda.

Budget Planning

Meal price range

Simple meals start at $2 USD. Mid-rang meals start at $7 USD. Dining & drinking at high-end restaurants can cost anywhere from $40-70 USD.

Equipment rental

There is one of two places where you can rent, depending on where you choose to surf. Boards start at $30 USD. 

Prepaid SIM cards

Turkcell is a good choice. SIM cards can be purchased from airports, shops, kiosks.  

Prepaid packages start at $28 USD. 

Public transport

Virtually all Turkey is covered by public transport, including long-distance buses, domestic flights, minibuses and ferries. The aging train network is being overhauled, with new high-speed lines linking the capital Ankara with İstanbul, Konya and Sivas.

There are a number of public transport options in all major and touristic cities, including suburban trains, local buses, subway, trams, minibuses and taxis. In larger towns, the main means of transport are city buses.

Yellow city taxis are everywhere and they are metered, rates are very responsible. 

Rental cars are anywhere from $30-80 USD a day. Depending on the season. 

Gas prices  

$0.73 USD a liter.  

Types of risks

Inconsistent waves. Earthquakes. 

How to prepare

Visa

Citizens from 78 countries, including all of the EU and UK, can enter Turkey without a visa for anywhere from 30-90 days. Citizens from 29 countries, including the US and Australia, need to apply for an eVisa online for free before travel. The duration of stay for an eVisa is anywhere from 30-90 days.   

Vaccines

Although it's not mandatory, it’s recommended that you have been vaccinated for hepatitis A & B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, Tdap, chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, measles, mumps and rubella.

Things to know

Language & Currency

Turkish is the official language. English is widely spoken. 

The currency is the Turkish lira (₺).

Best time to go

The best time to surf in Turkey would be winter and spring.

Checking Surf forecast 

Checking the forecast about a week before your trip is always a good idea. Understanding what the waves will be like and knowing what gear to pack is essential. You can check the forecast for the waves here.

Do I need pack a pharmacy kit

You should bring a basic kit. Including ear drops, eye drops, bandaids, ear plugs, gaze, alcohol, mosquito repellent and broad spectrum antibiotic ointment.

Travel/Surf Insurance

World Nomads has great travel insurance packages that are not super expensive and they cover surfing.

Emergency

Dial 112.

Check surf pictures of Turkey at #surfingturkey