Izmir is Turkey’s the third biggest city. It is a city that offers an amazing history to discover, areas to visit, enjoy the sunlight, wines to taste, local festivals to visit, and needless to say, exquisite bays and beaches to haunt. Izmir is a spectacular holiday destination that is put to be on your list of places to visit.
Izmir, formerly known as Smyrna, is the biggest coastal city of the Turkish Aegean, The fact that almost half of its population of 4 million are under the age of 30, makes Izmir a city full of life.Izmir is often said to be the most modern and European city in Turkey. Making your way through the Kemeralti Bazaar, with its countless coffee houses, shops and vendors, and glittering distractions this seems like a bold statement. Yet, spend a few minutes walking and you’ll end up at Kulturpark, with its open-air theater, amusement park with the highest observasion wheel,parachute tower and art museum and the hip neighborhood of Alsancak which offers shoppers extravagant boutiques, and more than 500 bars and pubs. It is a beautiful city to discover and make your own. A climb on top of Kadifekale hill with its ancient ruin of the Kadifekale castle, a bit of window shopping at the Konak Pier shopping centre, and an evening stroll along the beatiful Kordon are just a few of the things that are possible while visiting Izmir.
Some Places to see in Izmir:
Ephesus
Ephesus (Greek: Ἔφεσος Ephesos”; Turkish: Efes) is a large archaeological site in Aegean Turkey and one of Turkey’s major tourist attractions.Izmir sites some of the most important and best-preserved classical sites in the world. The Library of Celsus, the amphitheatre and the Temple of Hadrian are sure to impress even those who normally cannot muster much interest for ruins. Visitors can amble in the shade of monumental columns and on ancient pavements, and it does not take much imagination to repopulate these ruins with the hustle and bustle of Roman life.And if that does not convince the hard-boiled holdout, Ephesus is also the site of one of the ancient world’s seven wonders, the temple of Artemis – all in all, well worth a visit. The ancient Greek city of Ephesus was famous for its Temple of Artemis (near present-day Selçuk), which was recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. After a messy period of conquest and reconquest and after the population was moved from Selcuk to the the present site, Ephesus became a Roman city in 133 BC.
Sirince
Greek immigrants built their picturesque houses there and the village is nowadays well-known for its wine, cuisine. Sirince is an adorable village (A pun! Şirin means ‘adorable’ in Turkish). You can remember the name from news reports in 2012 when it became the centre of attention. A number of people believed that it was the only safe haven from the apocalypse which the end of the Mayan calendar indicated for 2012. The idea that Sirince could be a haven for the end times does not seem farfetched once you visit it.Cesme, Kusadasi, Foca, Ozdere Beach of izmir is one of the best places for all kinds of beach entertainment. The beaches of Izmir, Turkey have white sand and warm water. You can experience a memorable trip by walking and walking along these beaches. In the evenings you can also enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of its beach cafes and restaurants.It is true that Izmir is a commercial and industrial city, but its nature and beautiful beaches are only a short drive away. The beaches of Izmir are very beautiful. There are also protected beaches on the beaches that families and water enthusiasts can enjoy.
Urla
Izmir, one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey, also draws attention with its fertile vineyards and wines. Do you like tasting and trying new flavors in a stylish atmosphere? Would you like to spend a day walking around the bunch of grapes, learning on the spot how that grape turns into wine, and then tasting that wine? Then these wineries are for you!During the Roman Empire, the wine of Urla was so famous that the Roman Emperor Domitianus ordered the Urla vineyards to be burned because his own wines could not compete. Afterwards, those who could not resist the wine succeeded in dissuading the emperor. Now, winemaking is on its feet again in Urla. There are 8 manufacturers. The best part is that you can visit their facilities and taste them.
Alaçatı
Situated on the Cesme peninsula the village Alaçatı looks decidedly photogenic. Traditional stone houses with colourful balconies line the narrow streets and sandy beaches invite you to stay. The village is famous for its lively inhabitants and special local festivals. Every year in spring, the most famous festival of Alaçatı, Alaçatı Herb Festival is being held. The area is known for its various herb cultivation and locals compete in cooking herb-based dishes. As a visitor it would surely be impolite not to try at least some of them. If you are planning your trip for summer, then experience the Alaçatı Kite Festival where over a thousand kites colour the sky. What is also great is that buses to Alaçatı and Çesme are free of charge during the festival. If it is July and you are there, do not miss the Surf Festival where Turkey’s most famous surfers are braving the waves.
