Van Tennis Experience

On the shore of Turkey's largest lake, in Van famed for its snow-white cat and its breakfast, tennis turns into a delightful open-air experience in this magnificent geography of the high Eastern Anatolian plateaus, where the sky and the lake are painted blue. Feeling the cool wind blowing across Lake Van as you swing your racket, you live the vast serenity of the east on court. This is not a course; it is a relaxed, social tennis gathering about feeling good. Our aim is not to prepare you for a race, but to help you spend a pleasant few hours in the clear air.

Why play tennis in Van?

Van is a high plateau city built at about 1,700 meters above sea level, on the shore of Turkey's largest lake. Its climate is continental; winters are very harsh and long, summers cool and short. So the golden period for outdoor tennis is late spring, summer and early autumn. In these months Van's high-altitude clear air and lakeside coolness create an unexpectedly pleasant setting for tennis; the summer heat is not oppressive and the air is always clean. Sports facilities in the Ipekyolu and Tusba districts offer spacious courts facing the lake and mountains.

The court and the atmosphere

Playing in this geography where the view of Akdamar Island is felt in the distance adds a whole new vastness to tennis. The courts are usually in open, spacious areas facing the lake or the mountains. The clear air of the high altitude sharpens the light; the sky is so blue that it merges with the lake. The atmosphere is calm and friendly; no one keeps score, everyone is at their own ease. Resting while looking at the lake during breaks brings a peace of its own.

What awaits you in the experience?

A friendly companion welcomes you on court. You first prepare your body with a light warm-up, then get acquainted with the racket and discover at a relaxed pace how to approach the ball. With gently fed balls you make your first strokes over the net and naturally feel the flow of the forehand and the rhythm of the backhand. At high altitude you may catch your breath a little sooner during play, so we keep the pace relaxed. As you feel ready, we move on to short rallies and simple serve attempts. Our aim is not to prepare you for a race but to let you enjoy that pleasant moment when the ball meets the racket. No competition, no pressure; just movement, laughter and a good day by the lake.

Who can you share the experience with?

Someone who has never played and someone wishing to start again after a long break can both join comfortably. For students of Van Yuzuncu Yil University it can be a break between classes, for workers a way to shed the week's stress, and for families a chance to move together by the lake. You can come with a friend, your partner or on your own. Everyone up to intermediate level feels at ease here; no flawless serve is expected.

Best season and hours

The most ideal time for outdoor tennis is from late spring to early autumn; in this period the lakeside coolness and clear air are in perfect harmony. Since evenings cool down even in summer, keeping a light extra layer with you is wise. Winter is long and harsh, so indoor alternatives are preferred then.

What should you bring?

Comfortable sportswear and flat-soled sports shoes are enough; rackets and balls are provided. Because of Van's high altitude, the sun can be strong despite the cool air; so sunscreen and a hat are useful. A light extra layer helps for cool evenings too. Ending the day with a break for the famous Van breakfast or a walk along the lakeshore is the most Van way to finish. Fill your water bottle and leave the rest to us; just enjoy tennis on the lakeshore.