Visiting Izmir

Turkey’s third largest city İzmir, lies on the coast of the Aegean Sea, and was historically named Smyrna. It is one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean world and has been an important location for human history for about 5000 years. İzmir has always fascinated its visitors with its history and beauty. Some places to visit and see in İzmir are the clock tower, the ancient bazaar of Kemeraltı, where you can find Turkish handicraft products and souvenir shops, the historical elevator where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of İzmir in one of the cafes and restaurants on the terrace, the ancient ruins of the Agora of Smyrna, as well as museums and seaside restaurants and cafes. In addition to all these, there are also a lot of sites worth visiting close to İzmir. Here are some suggestions.

Located only a half an hour drive away from İzmir, Urla is a destination definitely worth a visit not only due to its beautiful coast but also because of its vinaries, excellent restaurants, historical areas and nature.

Sığacık is a seaside town within Seferihisar. It is 5 km away from Seferihisar and 45 km from İzmir. The town of Sığacık is located within an ancient castle near the Teos Marina and is one of the most picturesque small towns in the area with its streets full of flowers, colorful houses, little shops, restaurants and cafes.

Alaçatı is one of the most popular holiday spots in Turkey and is located 45 minutes away from İzmir, close to Çeşme. It is definitely worth a visit with its traditional stone houses, boutique hotels, quality venues, vivid entertainment life, beautiful bays and beaches. Alaçatı bay is also one of the world’s leading windsurfing centers thanks to its winds throughout the year and its wavy and shallow waters.

Şirince is a beautiful village which lies across a hill about 12 km from the ancient city of Ephesus, and a one-hour drive from İzmir. It is a beautiful village thanks to its old traditional Greek and Ottoman style houses settled among wonderful nature. It is a popular tourist attraction.

Selçuk is a one hour drive away from İzmir and is one of the most visited tourist destinations within Turkey, known for its closeness to the ancient city of Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary, and Seljuk works of art. The 6th century Basilica of St. John the Apostle, is also inside the town. It has been claimed that the basilica was a most sacred and honoured place in Ephesus. The ancient city of Ephasus is one of the most popular touristic spots in Turkey, which is visited by 1.5 million tourists every year. The ancient city dates back to 6000 BC and used to be a major port city during ancient times and was the main gate between East and West. The ruins of Ephesus are one of the best-preserved ancient ruins and walking on the ancient streets of Ephesus is like a journey back in time.