If the intrepid traveler wanders past the boundaries of Istanbul’s sprawling metropolis to see extra of Türkiye, it’s usually the fairytale chimneys of Cappadocia or the glamorous seashores of Bodrum that steal the highlight. But, perched alongside the Aegean Coast lies Izmir, a vacation spot wealthy in historical past, tradition, and attraction that usually goes unnoticed.
Its close by neighbor of Ephesus, dwelling to one of many Seven Wonders of the Historical World, is a well-liked cease for cruise ship passengers, group excursions, and even non secular pilgrims, because of town’s remarkably well-preserved historic ruins and ties with early Christianity.
However who’s dashing to Izmir (outdoors of those that know it’s a prime vacation spot for marriage ceremony robe procuring)? Izmir might not be on everybody’s bucket checklist, however this charming coastal metropolis provides a refreshing escape and an ideal distinction to the colourful chaos of Istanbul.
It’s a place the place historic ruins meet fashionable vitality. The place the Kemeraltı Bazaar far outshines Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar in its authenticity. The place eating places line the waterfront and chances are you’ll simply come upon pink flamingos dipping their beaks into close by wetlands.
In simply three days, you’ll be able to immerse your self within the area’s millennia-old tales, savor the world’s burgeoning meals and wine scene, and mingle with locals for a deeper, extra significant journey expertise. This Izmir itinerary blends the long-lasting landmarks of the traditional metropolis of Ephesus with the traditional gems of Izmir itself (previously often called Smyrna), and the laid-back vibes of Urla, an enthralling coastal city recognized for its vineyards and artistic delicacies.
3 Day Izmir Itinerary
Whether or not you’re a historical past buff, a foodie, or a traveler looking for one thing totally different, Izmir provides an opportunity to see a aspect of Türkiye that feels each genuine and unforgettable. Right here’s easy methods to spend three good days exploring Izmir and its fascinating environment.
I visited in November with a gaggle of journey writers and spent my time exploring below the educated tutelage of the Neslihan Hurda from Equinox Journey. Even should you discover this area by yourself, I’d extremely advocate reserving a tour of Ephesus with Nesli. Her heat and friendliness are matched by her deep data of historical past and tradition.
Day 1: Uncover the Coronary heart of Izmir
Izmir has a lot to see that it would be best to dedicate a day simply to exploring town’s historical past and tradition. Start on the Agora of Smyrna, an archaeological web site that dates again to Izmir’s days as a key buying and selling hub within the historic world. From there, make your strategy to Kemeraltı Bazaar, a sprawling market the place you’ll be able to wander for hours. Lose your self in its winding alleys stuffed with absolutely anything you’ll be able to think about from recent fish and produce to ornately beaded robes or reasonably priced Turkish textiles.
Don’t miss a cease at Kızlarağası Hanı, a centuries-old caravanserai that now homes tea gardens and craft retailers and you’ll want to seize a boyoz pastry, a neighborhood favourite, at one of many bakeries. In case you had been dissatisfied by the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul (I definitely was), you can be delighted within the authenticity of the fashionable Agora of Izmir.
For lunch, cease at one of many many cafes that line the slender alleys throughout the bazaar, or settle right into a family-run restaurant. We loved a superb meal at Ayşa Boşnak Börekçisi (aka Mezze Home), a Michelin Bib Gormand 2024 restaurant that provides a large assortment of wonderful mezze the place you pay by the load.
Within the afternoon, embrace Izmir’s fashionable aspect. Hire a motorbike or take a tour with Phoenicia Journey and cruise alongside the Kordon, town’s coastal promenade and bike path, stopping to soak within the coastal views and seize a Turkish espresso alongside the best way. For these seeking retail remedy, Izmir’s boutique retailers are the proper place to hunt for a one-of-a-kind costume or handcrafted jewellery. Brides-to-be will likely be enchanted by the rows of designer bridal boutiques discovered downtown.
Within the night, head over to Dario Moreno Road and take the Asansor (elevator) as much as the highest of the cliffs that tower over town. This previously predominantly Jewish neighborhood provides beautiful views of town and the bay and there’s a bar restaurant on the prime of the elevator that might make an ideal sundown spot.
Dario Moreno was a well-known singer and you will see murals and statues devoted to him on this small avenue lined with eating places, making a perfect dinner spot.
Day 2: Step Again in Time in Ephesus
A go to to Izmir isn’t full with out a day journey to Ephesus, one of many best-preserved historic cities on this planet. An early begin means you’ll have time to immerse your self in its storied ruins earlier than the cruise ship teams arrive. Getting there early is particularly vital if you’re visiting throughout the summer time when temperatures will soar over 100 levels Fahrenheit and there’s restricted shade. The opposite possibility is to go late within the day, since throughout the summer time months the location is open late.
As I discussed earlier, getting a personal information to tour Ephesus is nicely value the price. As a result of whereas the handfuls of stray canine and cats that make their dwelling within the historic ruins are pleasant and well-cared for, they don’t make the perfect tour guides.
What struck me upon getting into the traditional metropolis of Ephesus was the scale and scale of the ruins which were uncovered. The truth that solely 20 p.c of town has been excavated is mind-blowing, as is the state of the preservation. With largely-intact mosaics and frescoes, detailed carvings, and well-preserved buildings, it feels unimaginable that this was all constructed over 2,000 years in the past.
Ephesus started below Persian rule and this vital port metropolis was subsequent conquered by Alexander the Nice and grew and flourished below the Greek Hellenistic Interval. When it later was a part of the Roman Empire, over 300,000 folks lived in Ephesus. Its decline started in 270 AD, when an earthquake destroyed many buildings and, with Christianity taking up, the temples and buildings weren’t rebuilt and the folks moved out and deserted town to historical past.
The highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Web site embrace the Library of Celsus, a towering image of Roman grandeur; the Nice Theater, which nonetheless hosts concert events and occasions; the Temple of Artemis, which was one of many Seven Historical Wonders of the World; and the Terrace Homes of the rich, whose intricate mosaics and frescoes reveal glimpses of every day life practically two millennia in the past. Simply observe that visiting the Terrace Homes requires an extra ticket, as does a go to to the Ephesus Expertise Museum, which is an immersive digital reenactment of town’s historical past.
Altogether, plan on taking no less than two to 3 hours to discover the traditional metropolis of Ephesus. After your go to, pause for a leisurely lunch in close by Selçuk. We visited on a Saturday and located a vibrant native farmer’s market and loved freshly made meatballs or kebabs and a very good array of meze at Selçuk Köftecisi.
Non secular guests additionally like to go to the close by Basilica of St. John and the Home of the Virgin Mary, the place it’s believed that Mary lived the ultimate years of her life.
Returning to Izmir within the late afternoon, wind down with dinner alongside town’s stunning waterfront promenade. Seafood is a should—grilled fish, calamari, and meze dishes pair superbly with the view of the Aegean at sundown.
Day 3: Coastal Bliss in Urla
In your closing day, escape to Urla, a coastal city simply 40 minutes from Izmir. Start within the port space, on the full of life fish market, the place the day’s freshest catch is auctioned off. Stroll alongside the waterfront, take within the small farmer’s market should you go to on a market day, and cease for a standard Turkish espresso at one of many many waterfront cafes.
You can even stroll over to the close by Urla Klazomenai Historical Metropolis Olive Oil Workshop, the place you’ll be able to see the place and the way olive oil was produced courting again to the sixth century BC.
From there, it’s a quick drive to inventive city of Urla Sanat Sokagi, a haven for creatives stuffed with galleries, pottery studios, and charming cafés. You’ll want to have lunch and take time to buy and stroll alongside the cobblestone streets, previous colourful homes and trendy retailers. Begendik Abi Lokantasi is an enthralling restaurant with conventional meals and a comfortable setting that looks like you’ve got been welcomed into a neighborhood’s dwelling.
Because the day winds down…it’s time for wine. Enterprise inland to the Urla Wine Path, a set of boutique wineries producing a few of Türkiye’s most interesting reds, whites, and rosés. In case you solely have time for one tasting, reserve a spot on the Urla Vineyard.
This contemporary vineyard has a tranquil setting with a sweeping view of its 700 acres of vineyards. Urla Sarapçilik combines previous wine making customs with a contemporary strategy to supply practically 300,000 bottles yearly. Urla produces wines from endemic and internationally-known varietals from Chardonnay and Cabernet to the distinct Bogazkere, which occurred to be my favourite.
As your journey involves an finish, you can be left needing to see extra of the genuine aspect of Türkiye, past the overwhelmed path, amazed by all of the nation has to supply.
Attending to Izmir
It’s a quick flight from Istanbul to Izmir at simply over an hour. The Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) additionally provides direct flights from main cities in Europe and the Center East. Town middle is just about 11 miles from the airport, however except you might be utilizing a tour information, it would be best to hire a automotive.
Moreover, the Port of İzmir serves as a hub for ferry providers, with boats connecting town to close by islands, corresponding to Chios in Greece, in addition to different Turkish coastal cities like Kuşadası and Çeşme.
The place to Keep in Izmir
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For a central location proper on the waterfront in a contemporary resort, e book a keep on the Izmir Marriott. I discovered the rooms snug and classy. There’s a full restaurant downstairs that hosts a strong breakfast buffet. In case you get pleasure from nightlife, the rooftop pool bar is open seasonally or there are dozens of eating places and bars simply steps away.
Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Writer of We3Travel. A former advertising and marketing government and journey advisor, Tamara is an award-winning journey author and acknowledged knowledgeable in household journey. Tamara is a member of SATW, NATJA, IFWTWA, and the Journey Journey Commerce Affiliation, and serves on the Board of the Household Journey Affiliation. She can be the writer of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Trip Experts journey podcast.
