Turkey has no scarcity of vacationer hotspots and native highlights. The truth is, should 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, similar to Istanbul (as wonderful 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 Greatest in Journey for 2024
I’m in fact speaking about Izmir. A hip, taking place, and vibrant metropolis that was lately added to Lonely Planet’s “Greatest 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 received 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 heart, you don’t must enterprise too far to see the expansive blue. Whereas many cities in Turkey (good day, Istanbul) are likely to have a frenetic and typically irritating 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 possibly can’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.
Full of historical past, seashores, meals, nightlife, and purchasing, it provides all the things you may 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 A Mix of Outdated and New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 contemporary and historical. This a part of Turkey is filled with previous ruins that date again to the earliest Greek rule, but it sits alongside big fashionable buildings, skyscrapers, and the most recent style. You possibly can 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.
Should you’re touring to Izmir with youngsters, the realm can be filled with actions to maintain little ones amused, similar to Lunapark and Alsancak‘s lengthy promenade (Kordon) with loads of inexperienced house for youths to run.
3. Numerous Historical past to Discover
As I discussed, this complete space is mainly an open-air museum and the beautiful ruins of Ephesus are a must-visit. These are situated round an hour away from Izmir metropolis heart however they’re greater than definitely worth the effort to see. Alternatively, you may take a guided tour of Ephesus that can assist 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 you must positively add to your Izmir itinerary.
4. Out of doors 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 outside irrespective of the climate, and in the course of the summer time, you’ll discover the waterfront promenade is filled with individuals merely strolling or simply sitting and absorbing the recent air. There are such a lot of issues to do in Izmir.
Inciraltı Kent Ormanı is a fantastic place to move to throughout sunny days, the place you may benefit from the seashore, have a BBQ, picnic, or just stroll alongside the mountaineering paths. Nevertheless, the primary waterside promenade which stretches from Alsancak all the best way all the way down to Kemeraltı is the primary spotlight, however you’ll need 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 should you’re after a extra cocktail-chilled-out vibe, Konak is a superb spot. The waterside eating places between these two areas are filled with seafood eateries serving the freshest catch and are perfect for having fun with a glass or two of raki with mates.
Should 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 can assist you select.
6. Straightforward Entry to Stunning Seashores
Whereas town heart itself doesn’t have a full seashore, there are some stunning 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 implausible seashore climate, with July its hottest month. Throughout this time, you may anticipate 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 stable 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 current 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 take a look at 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 implausible restaurant on website. You’ll discover that the majority high-quality eating places in Izmir metropolis itself supply a big wine listing that includes many regionally sourced manufacturers. It’s an awesome excuse to provide them a attempt!
8. Unbelievable Purchasing
Izmir is a client’s dream, and whether or not you wish to stroll round an enormous, fashionable mall or haggle in a bazaar, this metropolis has you lined. Kemeraltı Bazaar is a well-known purchasing spot in the course of town, and you may seize many bargains by trying to knock down the value a bit of. It is a significantly great place 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 implausible cities to go to, and Izmir ought to actually be in your must-see listing. With a beautiful mix of historical and fashionable, it is a metropolis that gives a bit of little bit of all the things. It’s additionally a vibrant house that’s much more Westernized than among the cities additional east and within the heart of the nation.
It’s no shock that Izmir is grabbing extra consideration lately, and with a lot to see and do, maybe it’s time you deliberate a go to.