Izmir, Turkey’s emotional city
The city was built in 3000 BC, and was part of the Roman Empire. For the Greeks, Smyrna is a beloved city with which they have many memories and emotional ties. It has been destroyed several times by wars and earthquakes and each time it was rebuilt from scratch. Today it is the third largest city and the second largest port in Turkey. The mix of cultures creates an interesting diversity! You can choose to drink tea, gazing at the sunset over the Gulf of Smyrna, or dance in the clubs in the area near the port.
Where to stay in Izmir?
In every corner of the city you will find big international hotels, smaller ones, and many Airbnbs to stay. The prices are reasonable, lower than those in Istanbul, and you can find quite a few deals. Whether you choose to stay in front of the sea, or in the more traditional part of the city, there are several ways to get around. There is a metro, tram and several buses, while on a 24-hour basis you will also find the dolmus, which are like minivans and a little cheaper than taxis.
The Archaeological site of Ephesus
What shall I visit in Izmir?
The attractions in Izmir are varied and rooted in different cultures, which makes them even more interesting. Really close to the center you will find:
• The Ataturk Museum, which was the residence of Kemal Ataturk.
• The Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum with many objects found in the wider area, washed by the Gulf of Smyrna.
• The Ancient Greco-Roman Market of Smyrna, founded in the 4th BC that today is an open space with columns, gates, temples and corridors.
• Cognac Square and the Clock Tower, which is the most iconic spot in Izmir.
• The Kemeralti Bazaar, the traditional market of the city where you can buy ceramics, clothes, jewelry, and also drink the traditional Turkish tea.
• The Church of Agios Vukolos, which also houses the Museum of Typography.
• The impressive Alsancak Hocazade Mosque with its blue dome and tiles.
• The Historical Elevator Tower (İzmir Tarihi Asansör Binası), which offers an impressive view of the sea.
• The Museum of History and Art (T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı İzmir Tarih ve Sanat Müzesi) has ancient Greek statues and coins.
• The Archaeological site of Ephesus is 80 km from Smyrna. There you will see the Ancient Greek Theater of Ephesus, the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus, the Basilica of Saint John, the Artemision of Ephesus, etc.
What to do in Izmir?
The city is an ideal starting point to explore the surrounding areas. Great archaeological sites as well as tourist resorts such as Cesme and Alacati are easily accessible by road or bus. There are also several tourist offices in Izmir that organize these tours and provide you with a guided tour in English. Many Greeks, as well as tourists, travel to Turkey from the Greek islands, with the most frequent route being Chios - Cesme.
See indicative distances to important attractions and areas around Izmir:
• Izmir – Cesme: 87 km, 1 hour by car
• Izmir – Alacsata: 76 km, 55 minutes by car
• Izmir – Ayvali: 156 km, 2 hours by car
• Izmir – Halicarnassus (Bodrum): 236 km, 3 hours by car
• Smyrna – Ephesus Archaeological Museum: 80 km, 1 hour by car
Other activities you can do are windsurfing, mainly on the beaches of Foca, walks in Izmir's parks such as Kulturpark, and Ataturk Park, and visit Izmir Tarihi Asansör Binası Aquarium and Kent Ormanı İç Yolları National Park.
Izmir Historical Elevator Building
Where are the beaches in Izmir?
You will have to go a little outside the city center and travel north to Foca, which is a province of Smyrna. There you will find green waters next to forests and castles. Small beaches that gather a lot of people, organized and isolated alike, will give you that summer feeling. Canak Koyu is small and unorganized, preferred by many for free camping. Anglais Burnu beach is visited by many caravans and has sheltered waters. If you are looking for organized beaches with blue waters, go to Mersinaki Koyu.
The Canak Koyu beach
When is the best time to go to Izmir?
The mild, Mediterranean climate of the city is perfect for visits all year round. The coldest time of the year is from November to February. If you're the type who doesn't like Christmas, Izmir and Turkey in general is ideal. Another alternative is September, where the International Exhibition of Izmir is held. It lasts 10 days and traders, start-ups and all sorts of businesses participate, while concerts and theater performances take place at the same time.
What will I eat in Izmir?
The queen of oriental cuisine is Turkey. The delicacies of Smyrna that have given and taken influences from Greek cuisine make the city a culinary oasis. Gozleme is something between a crepe and a pita which you can fill with cheese, spinach or anything else you can think of. Seafood caught from the Aegean is always a good idea, especially if you accompany it with Turkish raki. Exclusively in Izmir you will find boyoz which are like pie dough that can be eaten plain or with a filling.
The ancient agora of Izmir
How do I get to Izmir?
You can reach Izmir by plane from Athens and by ferry from Thessaloniki. At the beginning of October, the long-awaited ferry line Thessaloniki - Izmir was launched by Levante Ferries. The trip takes 14 hours and is made with the ferry Smyrna di Levante. This line is very important because it will connect the Balkans and the rest of Europe with Asia. More commercial routes will be conducted, while tourists will reach more unexplored spots.
Conditions for the journey Ismir – Thessaloniki
To travel from Izmir to Thessaloniki and vice versa, you will need an identity card or passport. This applies to residents of Greece, but also of other countries such as Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, and others which you will find on the Levante Ferries website. Tickets for the route Thessaloniki – Izmir and Izmir – Thessaloniki can be found here at Let's Ferry and at travel agencies.
Visit Izmir to see an authentic city that preserves tradition, but opens the window to modern life as well. The sea gives it its calm aura and life flows beautifully in the Turkish city. Book tickets to Izmir through Let's Ferry and discover an affordable, relaxed destination!