Turkey has no scarcity of vacationer hotspots and native highlights. In truth, for those who 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, equivalent to Istanbul (as superb as it’s) and the south coast’s sun-drenched resorts. However Turkey is a lot greater than that; actually, considered one 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 after all speaking about Izmir. A hip, taking place, and vibrant metropolis that was lately added to Lonely Planet’s “Greatest in Journey” record, and you’ll’t get extra respected than that. Izmir is considered one of my favourite locations, and as Turkey’s third-largest metropolis, it’s acquired 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 while you’re within the metropolis middle, you don’t should enterprise too far to see the expansive blue. Whereas many cities in Turkey (hi there, Istanbul) are likely to have a frenetic and typically traumatic 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 may’t say that about many cities. But, regardless of that, it’s giant 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 buying, it provides all the pieces 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 A Mix of Outdated and New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 beauty of Izmir is its mix of contemporary and historic. This a part of Turkey is filled with previous ruins that date again to the earliest Greek rule, but it sits alongside enormous fashionable buildings, skyscrapers, and the most recent vogue. You may 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.
If you happen to’re touring to Izmir with kids, the realm can also be filled with actions to maintain little ones amused, equivalent to Lunapark and Alsancak‘s lengthy promenade (Kordon) with loads of inexperienced area for youths to run.
3. Plenty of Historical past to Discover
As I discussed, this entire space is mainly an open-air museum and the gorgeous ruins of Ephesus are a must-visit. These are situated round an hour away from Izmir metropolis middle however they’re greater than well worth the effort to see. Alternatively, you may take a guided tour of Ephesus that will help you be taught 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 right down to its seaside location and younger vibe. Most individuals sit open air regardless 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 contemporary air. There are such a lot of issues to do in Izmir.
Inciraltı Kent Ormanı is an attractive place to go to throughout sunny days, the place you’ll be able to benefit from the seaside, have a BBQ, picnic, or just stroll alongside the mountaineering paths. Nonetheless, the primary waterside promenade which stretches from Alsancak all the best way right 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 for those who’re after a extra cocktail-chilled-out vibe, Konak is a good 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.
If you happen to’re into native delicacies, Izmir köfte and kumru are two native delights that fall into the road meals class. Kemeraltı is among the greatest areas for conventional kebabs, and also you’ll discover that workers are more than pleased that will help you select.
6. Straightforward Entry to Lovely Seashores
Whereas town middle itself doesn’t have a full seaside, there are some stunning choices very shut by. Inciraltı Kent Ormanı has a small, rocky seaside, however the gorgeous 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 seaside climate, with July its hottest month. Throughout this time, you’ll be able to anticipate a median excessive of round 32°C/90°F with little or no likelihood of rain—excellent for chilling on the seaside. 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 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’ll 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 website. You’ll discover that almost all high-quality eating places in Izmir metropolis itself supply a big wine record that includes many domestically sourced manufacturers. It’s an awesome excuse to provide them a strive!
8. Unbelievable Procuring
Izmir is a consumer’s dream, and whether or not you need to stroll round an enormous, fashionable mall or haggle in a bazaar, this metropolis has you coated. Kemeraltı Bazaar is a well-known buying spot in the course of town, and you’ll seize many bargains by making an attempt to knock down the value slightly. It is a significantly 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 of 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 record. With an exquisite mix of historic and fashionable, it is a metropolis that gives slightly little bit of all the pieces. It’s additionally a vibrant area 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 lately, and with a lot to see and do, maybe it’s time you deliberate a go to.
