Turkey has no scarcity of vacationer hotspots and native highlights. In actual fact, in the event you wished to see all of them, it will take a substantial period of time. But regardless of that, individuals have a tendency to stay to the identical locations, comparable to Istanbul (as superb as it’s) and the south coast’s sun-drenched resorts. However Turkey is a lot greater than that; in actual fact, one in every of its largest cities is making renewed waves within the tourism world.
8 Causes This Turkish Metropolis Was Voted Finest in Journey for 2024
I’m in fact speaking about Izmir. A hip, occurring, and vibrant metropolis that was just lately added to Lonely Planet’s “Finest in Journey” listing, and you may’t get extra respected than that. Izmir is one in every of my favourite locations, and as Turkey’s third-largest metropolis, it’s obtained greater than sufficient to maintain even the fidgetiest traveler busy for various days.
1. Seaside Location with a Metropolis Vibe
Izmir is lapped by the nice and cozy waters of the Aegean, and even once you’re within the metropolis middle, you don’t must enterprise too far to see the expansive blue. Whereas many cities in Turkey (hey, Istanbul) are likely to have a frenetic and typically hectic vibe, Izmir doesn’t.
At any time when I’m in Izmir, I by no means really feel rushed, and the tempo of life is relaxed and sluggish. You’ll be able to’t say that about many cities. But, regardless of that, it’s massive and as a key college metropolis, has a big inhabitants of over 3 million as of 2023.
Filled with historical past, seashores, meals, nightlife, and procuring, it gives all the pieces you could possibly presumably need, and naturally, the picture alternatives with the Aegean within the background are fairly epic.
2. A Mix of Outdated and New
For me, the wonderful thing about Izmir is its mix of recent and historic. This a part of Turkey is full of previous ruins that date again to the earliest Greek rule, but it sits alongside enormous fashionable buildings, skyscrapers, and the newest style. You’ll be able to simply discover a museum or a set of ruins after which buy groceries in an enormous mall or go to a cocktail bar within the night.
When you’re touring to Izmir with youngsters, the realm can be filled with actions to maintain little ones amused, comparable to Lunapark and Alsancak‘s lengthy promenade (Kordon) with loads of inexperienced house for teenagers to run.
3. Numerous Historical past to Discover
As I discussed, this complete space is principally an open-air museum and the beautiful ruins of Ephesus are a must-visit. These are situated round an hour away from Izmir metropolis middle however they’re greater than definitely worth the effort to see. Alternatively, you could possibly take a guided tour of Ephesus that will help you study extra.
However that’s not all. The Agora Open Air Museum, Historic Elevator Constructing, Hisar Mosque, and Kemeraltı Market are some notable websites it is best to undoubtedly add to your Izmir itinerary.
4. Outside Actions Aplenty
When you arrive in Izmir you’ll discover that it has an actual outdoorsy vibe, and that’s all the way down to its seaside location and younger vibe. Most individuals sit open air irrespective of the climate, and through the summer season, you’ll discover the waterfront promenade is full of individuals merely strolling or simply sitting and absorbing the contemporary air. There are such a lot of issues to do in Izmir.
Inciraltı Kent Ormanı is an attractive place to move to throughout sunny days, the place you’ll be able to benefit from the seashore, have a BBQ, picnic, or just stroll alongside the mountain climbing paths. Nevertheless, the primary waterside promenade which stretches from Alsancak all the way in which all the way down to Kemeraltı is the primary spotlight, however you will want comfy footwear!
5. A Vibrant Gastronomy and Nightlife Scene
Izmir’s youthful vibe means there’s loads of nightlife to select from, with a stage that’s appropriate for all. If you wish to get together in nightclubs, head to Alsancak or Bornova, however in the event you’re after a extra cocktail-chilled-out vibe, Konak is a superb spot. The waterside eating places between these two areas are full of seafood eateries serving the freshest catch and are perfect for having fun with a glass or two of raki with mates.
When you’re into native delicacies, Izmir köfte and kumru are two native delights that fall into the road meals class. Kemeraltı is likely one of the greatest areas for conventional kebabs, and also you’ll discover that employees are more than pleased that will help you select.
6. Straightforward Entry to Lovely Seashores
Whereas town middle itself doesn’t have a full seashore, there are some lovely choices very shut by. Inciraltı Kent Ormanı has a small, rocky seashore, however the beautiful resorts of Çesme and Alaçatı are simply an hour away. This provides you the selection to dip out and in of full-on metropolis life as you see match.
Izmir additionally has improbable seashore climate, with July its hottest month. Throughout this time, you’ll be able to count on a median excessive of round 32°C/90°F with little or no likelihood of rain—good for chilling on the seashore. January is the coldest month in Izmir, with a excessive of round 11°C/52°F, nevertheless, there are nonetheless 4 strong hours of sunshine daily on common.
7. An Upcoming Wine Scene
The realm round Izmir options a number of high-quality wineries, and town has grown into fairly a wine hotspot over latest years. İsabey Bağları & Bağevi is a well-known vineyard within the space, which dates again to 1942. It’s very near town itself, and you may take wine excursions and check out their scrumptious merchandise for your self.
Alternatively, drive round 45 minutes to Manisa and go to Nif Bağları which is a sprawling vineyard with a improbable restaurant on web site. You’ll discover that almost all high-quality eating places in Izmir metropolis itself provide a big wine listing that includes many domestically sourced manufacturers. It’s an important excuse to provide them a strive!
8. Incredible Procuring
Izmir is a consumer’s dream, and whether or not you wish to stroll round an enormous, fashionable mall or haggle in a bazaar, this metropolis has you coated. Kemeraltı Bazaar is a well-known procuring spot in the course of town, and you may seize many bargains by trying to knock down the value slightly. This can be a notably great spot for textiles, spices, souvenirs, and handmade jewellery.
Alternatively, if you wish to hit the mall, Optimum Mall Izmir is the place to go, together with Discussion board Bornova, and Mavibahce. These spots all have bars, eating places, cinemas, and play areas, together with extra outlets than you’ll ever be capable to get round. You’ll want comfy footwear as you’re certain to rack up the steps.
In Conclusion
Turkey has many improbable cities to go to, and Izmir ought to actually be in your must-see listing. With a beautiful mix of historic and fashionable, this can be a metropolis that gives slightly little bit of all the pieces. It’s additionally a vibrant house that’s much more Westernized than among the cities additional east and within the middle of the nation.
It’s no shock that Izmir is grabbing extra consideration as of late, and with a lot to see and do, maybe it’s time you deliberate a go to.