Soak up the summer atmosphere — along with some sun — by exploring the culture and creativity that fills these festivals. Among them there are new, old and legendary groups and singers. The city is waiting to hear the famous voices at the concerts and festivals that will gather metal, rock, jazz, pop lovers in Istanbul.

Sonisphere
When: June 19
One of the legendary festivals for metal music lovers, Sonisphere has become one of the most preferred festivals in Istanbul with its stage shows and legendary metal groups. This summer, starting on June 19, the festival will bring Iron Maiden, Slipknot, Alice Cooper, In Flames and Mastodon.

18th Istanbul Jazz Festival
When: July 1-19
Istanbul’s annual jazz festival, which is organized by IKSV, will celebrate its 18th year this summer. The festival will start on July 1 and run until July 19. The Istanbul Jazz Festival will host Joss Stone, Marcus Miller, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Natalie Cole and Buika.

10th One Love Festival
When: July 2-3
During July, apart form the Jazz Festival, festival goers will be attending the 10th One Love Festival. The groups for the two-day festival are of huge interest, as there will be Manic Street Preachers, Suede, Editors, Cake and Nneka will be onstage. One Love will take place July 2 and 3.

Rock’n Coke Festival
When: July 16-17
The Rock’n Coke Festival , on July 16 and 17, will gather Motörhead, Limp Bizkit, 9 Travis, 2 Many Djs, Friendly Fires, Thievery Corporation and Fm Belfast. The festival’s huge attraction is Sonar Mogwai and The Black Lips.

Heavy Metal
On July 10 Istanbul’s Maçka Küçükçiftlik Park will host two legendary heavy metal groups Judas Priest and Whitesnake. Pentagram will also be on stage for this concert. The tickets cost 78 to 154 Turkish Liras.

Joe Cocker
When: June 8
Having signed his name in music history with his hits such as “Unchain My Heart,” “You Can Leave Your Hat On” and “Many Rivers to Cross,” Joe Cocker will be at Maçka Küçükçiftlik Park on June 8.

Jamiroquai
When: June 26
Finally, Istanbul will witness a legendary show. Famous British jazz funk and acid jazz band Jamiroquai will be performing in Istanbul Turkcell Kuruçeşme Arena on June 26th.

Unirock Open Air Festival
When: September 9-11
The end of the summer will welcome the Unirock Open Air Festival. The festival will feature HammerFall, Between The Buried And Me, Opeth, Mayhem, Katatonia and Eluveitie.

After spending a day at one of these beaches, you might reconsider spending the money, time and effort on heading down south of Turkey, when you can have just as satisfying of a beach vacation right here in Istanbul.

True Blue Beach
True Blue Beach has a beautiful view at the sea. You see the islands and the sailing boats from Kalamış Marina and you can watch a beautifull sunset. True Blue has a nice sandy beach, swimming pool, excelent restaurant and bar with live performances. In the middle of the garden the is a nice Bar which serves good cocktails. True Blue is one of the most popular beaches in Istanbul and during the summer there are concerts and live events. True Blue is the most popular beach club in Istanbul, with elite interior design, unique sea view and ambitious menu.

BURC Beach
BURC Beach is one of the most famous beaches located along the Black Sea coast and belongs to Bogaziçi University. With its seemingly never-ending seashore, decorated with beach umbrellas, a beach bar and beach-goers partaking in water-sports of all kinds, BURC will make you feel miles and miles away from the city. We guarantee you won’t get bored here; between enjoying the sea, playing beach volleyball, relaxing over a quick bite and drink at one of the cafes or bar and joining one of the beach parties in the evening, you won’t realize how quickly the time has passed!
Gümüsdere, Kilyos Open everyday from 09.00-21.30.

Dalia Beach
Dalia Beach, another favorite, is located on the Demircikoy cove. This beach is for those who believe a day at the beach should be relaxing and tranquil. Though Dalia is spacious enough to guarantee a bit of privacy and green enough to delight even the most judgmental nature-lovers, you can still enjoy some physical activity if you so choose. There are areas designated for trekkers as well as paddleboats and canoes available for use; beachgoers can also partake in beach volleyball and surfing. The food and drink options have also been thought out with care and attention and is prepared with regional products (the feta cheese comes from Ezine, while the honey comes from Fethiye). The fish menu is also the perfect way to end your day. The Dalia Beach Café provides enough options to satisfy any palate.

Golden Beach
Golden Beach is located in Rumelishisari, where the Sea of Marmara and Black Sea meet. There are plenty of activities at Golden Beach including beach volleyball, paddle-boating, a rock-climbing wall, mini-golf course and walking track. Camping Restaurant, Kir Kahvesi, Snack Bar and Beach Bar will keep you hydrated and nourished throughout the day; you can indulge in international dishes or opt for seafood, both are available. Sipping a cocktail as the sun sets is a must at the Beach Bar. Those who choose to spend the night can stay in one of the 26 bungalows or at a boutique hotel. The beach officially opens at 08.00, but does not close, perfect for those who enjoy late-night swims. Entrance is 15TL during the week and 30TL on weekends.
(0212) 325 55 83
Marmaracik Koyu, Rumelifeneri

Nonstop Beach
This beach lives up to its name: there is nonstop activity here! Water sports, beach volleyball, tennis, basketball, beach parties at night and concerts are just some of the activities you can enjoy while here. The beach has a restaurant, beach bar and terrace bar. Active types will enjoy Jetskiing, banana-boating, canoeing and paddleboating.
(0212) 201 23 05
Kilyos Turban Yolu 4, Kilyos
Open everyday from 08.00-20.00.

Solar Beach
At over 30.000m2, Solar Beach is one of Turkey’s largest private beaches and open-air performance areas. With its expansive seashore, concert and performance stages and endless sports activities, Solar Beach keeps you busy from the minute you arrive till the minute you have to leave. The beach is 1km long, which means it can compete with the best beach clubs of Antalya or Izmir. The beach club also features a Beach Bar, Solar Bar, BBQ Corner, 6 extra bars and 4 extra eating areas used primarily during special performances, Kids Club for families with kids, enough chaise lounges and cushions for 3000 guests, 9 sunbathing terraces and of course showers and dressing rooms. The sporty types can partake in windsurfing, jet-skiing, banana-boating and inner-tubing. Entrance is 15TL during the week and 25TL on weekends.
0212) 201 10 12/ 26 12?
Turban Yolu Caddesi 4, Kilyos
Open everyday from 09.00-21.00.

Uzunya Beach Club
Uzunya used to be known only for its popularity among fisherman; however, in the last few years it has been renovated and word has traveled fast as its now frequently crowded during the summer. We have to mention that Uzunya is the most natural, or undisrupted, beach on this list. The beach umbrellas are made of wicker and you can lay out on either grass or sand. The fish restaurant offers fresh fish daily as well as seafood; the cafeteria has tost and izgara (grilled chicken, meatballs etc.) options. The entrance fee had not been released as of press time.
(0212) 204 07 33
Demirciköy, Kilyos
Open everyday from 08.00-00.00.

Wattabe
We had heard that Wattabe was Turkey’s first natural sports center. This venue is 55 kilometers from the city and built upon a huge estate located right on the river. Nature lovers will enjoy sprawling out on the grass or hiding out under the shade of one of the many trees. There are a handful of unique activities available at Wattabe; mountain biking, ATV-ing, canoeing, surfing, windsurfing and even paintball. What’s great about Wattabe is that you can take advantage of these activities or just lay out on the grass; all types of leisure are welcome. Those who wish to stay the night can set up a tent. The restaurant has grilled meats, salads, breakfast and fresh vegetable dishes in olive oil (zeytinyaglilar).
(0212) 850 80 82
Alkent 2000 Lakeside, Büyükçekmece
Open weekdays from 08.00 and weekends from 09.00 onward.

Poyrazköy
Poyrazköy is a typical fishing village, located on the Asian side, and also one of the closest settlements to the Black Sea. To get there, head past Beykoz; 4km after you’ve passed Beykoz, on the left-hand side, you’ll notice a sign for Poyrazköy-Anadolu Feneri (lighthouse). You’ll then continue through the forest on a narrow, windy road. Heading towards the Anatolian Lighthouse, on the left you’ll see the road sign indicating Poyrazköy, and you’ll head down towards the Bosphorus shore. You’ll turn left without turning into the village to get to the Poyrazköy beach. The beach, which is not very large, is surrounded by small and large facilities. You’ll find a dressing room, restaurant and cafes. Poyrazköy is protected from wind and strong water currents, and is thus ideal for casting anchor. The fine sand on the beach is ideal; chaise lounges and umbrellas can be rented if desired. There is also a separate section for women only at the end of the seashore.

Photo Couple on Bostanci Beach by Cengiz C.

Already some of the highest current temperatures across the country were seen in İstanbul at 21 degrees Celsius, Bursa at 22 degrees Celsius, Ankara at 16 degrees Celsius and İzmir and Adana at 20 degrees Celsius.

Summer is nearly upon us. As the days start to lengthen, thoughts of beach getaways, concerts, picnics, and bonfires become more frequent in our minds, don’t they?

Thankfully, all these activities are within reach if you’re in Istanbul.