What to Wear and Pack on an Aegean Tour: A Season-by-Season List

Three things determine what to wear on an Aegean tour: you will walk for long stretches in the ancient cities, you will take your shoes off on the Pamukkale travertines, and the temperature and wind will change during the day. So comfortable non-slip shoes, a second pair that is easy to take off, layered clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sun cream should be in your bag in every season. In summer add light, light-coloured fabrics; in spring and autumn, a cardigan or windbreaker.

Understanding the tour conditions

An Aegean tour programme takes you through very different settings during the day:

• Ancient cities: At Ephesus and Hierapolis you walk for hours on marble, stone and earth. There is little shade.
• Travertines: At Pamukkale you usually walk with your shoes off.
• Lakeshore: At Salda Lake, the white shore strongly reflects the sun.
• Town streets: Stone and sloping streets in Şirince and Alaçatı.
• Windy peninsula: In Alaçatı and Çeşme, the wind can feel cool even on a hot day.
• Long journey: The hours spent on the coach on programmes from Istanbul.

Basic clothing list

Shoes

• Comfortable, non-slip walking shoes: Essential for the marble paving of Ephesus and the stone streets of Şirince.
• A second pair of easy-to-remove shoes or sandals: Makes it easier to take your shoes off and put them on at the travertines.
• A small cloth bag: To carry your shoes once you take them off at the travertines.

Don't wear newly bought shoes for the first time on this tour; they may give you blisters.

Clothing

• T-shirts and shirts in light, breathable fabrics.
• Trousers you can roll up, or knee-length shorts: useful when crossing the shallow pools on the travertines.
• A light cardigan or windbreaker: for mornings, evenings and the windy peninsula.
• Clothing or a shawl covering the shoulders and knees for religious sites such as the House of the Virgin Mary.
• Something comfortable to wear at the hotel.

Sun protection

• A wide-brimmed hat
• Sunglasses: the white travertines and Salda's shore are dazzling.
• Sun cream: carry it with you to reapply during the day.
• Lip balm

Additions by season

Spring (March, April, May)

Spring in the Aegean is mild but changeable. Mornings can be cool and middays sunny. Dress in layers and add a light jacket or raincoat. Although the water on the travertines is lukewarm, the air can be cool, so a small towel for drying your feet makes things easier.

Summer (June, July, August)

Hot and sunny. Choose light-coloured, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes. Keep your water bottle with you at all times. For free time at places such as the sea in Alaçatı or Cleopatra's Pool, you can bring a swimsuit and a small towel; entry to the pool is charged separately. Reapply sun cream regularly.

Autumn (September, October, November)

September still feels like summer; from October the evenings get cooler and the chance of rain increases. Be sure to have a cardigan and a light raincoat in your bag.

Winter (December, January, February)

Winter on the Aegean coast is mild but can be wet and windy. Inland, around Pamukkale and Salda, it feels much colder. Add a coat, a beanie, gloves and waterproof shoes. Walking barefoot on the travertines can be cold; keep dry socks and a towel with you.

Daypack list

1. Water bottle
2. A hat, sunglasses and sun cream
3. A light cardigan or windbreaker
4. A cloth bag and small towel for the travertines
5. A phone charger or power bank
6. Personal medication
7. Some cash for small purchases
8. Wet wipes and hand sanitiser

For the coach journey

On Aegean programmes from Istanbul, the journey is long. For example, on the 3 nights, 4 days programme, the first night is spent travelling. We recommend bringing a neck pillow, a light blanket or cardigan, headphones and snacks for the journey.

Leave room in your case for the way home

The Aegean is a tempting region for shopping. Şirince's fruit wines and jams, Alaçatı's mastic and olive oil soaps, and textiles from the Pamukkale area are among the most popular buys. For food stops, see our article Çeşme and Alaçatı local food; for things to buy in Şirince, see our Şirince travel guide.

What's on which tour?

The Ephesus, Kuşadası, Çeşme, Alaçatı and Pamukkale tour lasts 3 nights, 4 days, while the Salda Lake, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Kuşadası and Şirince tour lasts 2 nights, 3 days. For a comparison of the two tours, read the article How long should an Aegean tour be.

Extra notes for groups and families

If you are travelling as a group, a few small preparations make things easier for everyone. Keeping a spare set of clothes and a small towel in the daypack for children is a great help if they get wet on the travertines or have an accident at mealtimes. For older family members, shoes with non-slip soles and, if needed, a walking stick give confidence on the uneven ground of the ancient cities. Marking suitcases with a coloured ribbon or tag avoids mix-ups at hotel check-in and check-out. You could also prepare a shared first aid kit for the whole group.

Frequently asked questions

What shoes should you wear to Pamukkale?

As shoes are usually taken off on the travertines, shoes or sandals that are easy to slip on and off make things easier. At Hierapolis, you need comfortable walking shoes.

Can you wear a skirt or shorts to Ephesus?

Ephesus is an archaeological site and there is generally no specific dress code; choose comfortable clothes that protect you from the sun. At religious sites such as the House of the Virgin Mary, clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is preferred.

Do you need a swimsuit on an Aegean tour?

If the programme includes free time for the sea or a pool and you want to swim, you can bring a swimsuit. Entry to Cleopatra's Pool is charged separately.

Can you go on an Aegean tour in winter?

Yes; the ancient cities are quieter in winter. As it can be cold around Pamukkale and Salda, bring warm clothes and waterproof shoes.