Looking for your next unforgettable summer getaway? Picture yourself strolling through ancient ruins, basking on golden beaches, and tasting world-famous cuisine. Whether you’re drawn to Mediterranean charm, breathtaking mountain escapes, or a vibrant blend of East and West, Turkey, Greece, and Azerbaijan offer something for every type of traveler.
In this guide, we’ll explore flights, accommodations, must-see destinations, local food, top sightseeing tips, and car rentals—everything you need to plan the perfect summer holiday in these three stunning countries.
Turkey: A Mediterranean Dream with a Cultural Twist
✈️ Getting There & Where to Stay
- Flights: Major cities like Istanbul, Antalya, and Bodrum are well-connected with international airports. Budget-friendly carriers like Pegasus Airlines and SunExpress make it easy to find deals.
- Accommodation: Choose from luxury seaside resorts, boutique hotels, or unique cave stays in Cappadocia. Prices range from €25 for budget hotels to €200+ for luxury options.
🏖️ Top Destinations
- Antalya – A coastal gem known for its sandy beaches, waterfalls, and ancient ruins like Perge and Aspendos.
- Bodrum – A stylish mix of beaches, nightlife, and historic sights like Bodrum Castle.
- Cappadocia – Iconic for sunrise hot air balloon rides, fairy chimney landscapes, and underground cities.
🍴 Taste of Turkey
- Must-try dishes: Kebabs, mezes, börek, and baklava.
- Street food favorites include simit (Turkish bagel) and midye dolma (stuffed mussels).
- Don’t miss a traditional Turkish breakfast and a cup of strong çay (tea).
🚗 Sightseeing Tips & Car Rentals
- Visit Hagia Sophia, Pamukkale’s thermal terraces, and Ephesus for rich cultural immersion.
- Rent a car to explore the Turquoise Coast—roads are generally safe and scenic. Rentals start at €25/day.
Greece: Sun-Kissed Islands and Ancient Wonders
✈️ Getting There & Where to Stay
- Flights: Major hubs include Athens, Thessaloniki, and direct flights to islands like Santorini and Crete.
- Accommodation: Stay in charming guesthouses, luxury cliffside villas, or beachfront resorts. Prices range from €30 for budget rooms to €300+ for premium villas.
🏖️ Top Destinations
- Santorini – Famed for its blue-domed churches, caldera views, and romantic sunsets.
- Crete – The largest Greek island offering a mix of beaches, mountains, and cultural landmarks.
- Rhodes & Corfu – Perfect for families and history lovers, featuring medieval towns and clear waters.
🍴 Taste of Greece
- Local dishes to try: Moussaka, souvlaki, gyros, tzatziki, and spanakopita.
- Grab a seat at a seaside taverna for fresh seafood and a glass of ouzo or retsina.
- Cool down with a freddo espresso—a summer must.
🚗 Sightseeing Tips & Car Rentals
- Highlights include the Acropolis, Meteora Monasteries, and Delphi.
- On larger islands like Crete, renting a car is essential. Expect rates around €30–€40/day.
Azerbaijan: The Caucasus’ Undiscovered Summer Jewel
✈️ Getting There & Where to Stay
- Flights: Land in Baku, the capital, with affordable connections via carriers like Wizz Air and FlyDubai or Tui Travel.
- Accommodation: Enjoy everything from city-center hotels to cozy mountain eco-lodges. Rates start at €15 for hostels and go up to €100+ for boutique hotels.
🏔️ Top Destinations
- Baku – A futuristic skyline meets ancient charm in the Old City. Don’t miss the Flame Towers, Caspian promenade, and Maiden Tower.
- Gabala – Nestled in lush forests with lakes and hiking trails, it’s a peaceful retreat from the summer heat.
- Sheki – Home to the stunning Sheki Khan’s Palace and traditional crafts.
🍴 Taste of Azerbaijan
- Local specialties: Plov (saffron rice), dolma, qutab (stuffed flatbread), and lavangi.
- Try shekerbura (sweet pastry) with a pot of fragrant Azeri black tea, often served with jam.
🚗 Sightseeing Tips & Car Rentals
- Explore Gobustan’s mud volcanoes, Zoroastrian fire temples, and remote mountain villages like Khinaliq.
- A 4WD is recommended for countryside travel. Rental rates start at €30/day.
✅ Final Thoughts: Where Will Your Summer Take You?
Whether you’re island-hopping in Greece, sailing along Turkey’s turquoise coast, or discovering Azerbaijan’s mountain secrets, each destination offers a unique mix of sun, history, nature, and culture. From affordable stays and delicious food to unforgettable sights and scenic drives in your rental car, these countries are ready to give you your best summer yet.
Don’t get stuck on mobile internet abroad, take an eSIM from Yesim, which has a seamless activation, is reliable, has a stable internet connection and has a dedicated customer support team to assist with any inquiries or technical issues.
Ready to plan your perfect getaway?
Let us know in the comments—which country would you choose first: Turkey, Greece, or Azerbaijan?
