Where to stay in Izmir
Vacation house with a pool or hot tub in Izmir
Pet friendly vacation homes in Izmir
Where Is Izmir in Turkey?
Gloriously situated on the western edge of Turkey, the city of Izmir lies at the Turkish point where Asia and Europe connect, and the Black Sea kisses the Mediterranean. The most easterly point of the West and the most westerly point of the East, the country’s third-largest city. One of its largest ports sits at the head of the enclosed Gulf of Izmir on the coast of the Aegean Sea.
What Is Izmir Known For?
Despite its legendary historical significance, the third-largest city in Turkey is proudly enlightened and profoundly cultivated. Garlanded by its eponymous azure-hued bay and vibrant seafront promenade that’s still as appealing as it once was when this ancient Aegean city was a Greek port, Izmir has been the home of Greeks, Armenians, Jews, and Turks through the centuries. It is precisely this vibrant cultural and ethnic diversity throughout the ages that have given the city its unique place in the world. Along with the rich and delicious multicultural cuisine, other compelling features include fascinating history museums, vibrantly diverse collections of art, and impressive bazaars. Exotic and sumptuously elegant, this picturesque city is steeped in history, yet rooted in modernity.
Places to See in Izmir, Turkey
- Kemaraltı Market: One of the best-hidden markets in Izmir, the Kemeraltı Market is a mecca for foodies, where gourmet and gastronomy groupies can drop some lira and sample a gamut of local food specialties. If you don’t feel like filling your bellies, simply walk around and witness the majestically diverse sights of this exotic market, where merchants smile and beckon all to inspect their wares. Turkish merchants are always happy to chat and share a cup of Turkish tea.
- İzmir Museum of History & Art: The İzmir Museum of History & Art is expertly spread over three pavilions, showcasing some of the most extravagant collections of ancient artifacts in the country. Home of several treasures from the civilizations of ancient Smyrna, Teos, Miletos, and Pergamon, the expansive and utterly splendid collection is always a treat to see no matter how many times you go.
- Izmir Agora: Named after the traditionally named Roman-Greek marketplace, the Izmir Agora is where you can be transported back to when Izmir was a bustling trade place on the Silk Road. An ancient monument in the city center, the Agora is just another majestic spectacle among the imposingly tall skyscrapers, busy market streets, and hilly residential neighborhoods.
Popular Destinations Near Izmir
- Ephesus: The country's most important ancient and expertly preserved cities, the city of Ephesus, is situated 55 kilometers from İzmir. A UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, Ephesus is the best place in the Mediterranean to get a feel for what life was like in ancient times. The heart of the Aegean, this history-drenched city was once a popular stop on the Silk Road, where people from all over the world sailed to the port and traded exotic spices and fruits with skilled Turkish cloth-makers. One can stroll for hours along its streets, passing grand temples, ornate theaters, packed libraries, traditional houses, and expertly crafted statues.
- Şirince: The traditional village of the olive groves and vineyards, Şirince lies across a hill about from Izmir. From afar, the village looks like a painting, and its homes are as enchanting from far away as they are from up close. Connected through narrow, winding cobblestone lanes link houses together in a complicated maze that makes you feel like you're traveling back in time to a bygone world of the past. In the town centre, friendly shopkeepers wave hello and proudly show off their artisanal products and petite elderly women in traditional dress call to each other from open doorways.
Best Neighborhoods in Izmir
- Kordan: As the heart of the city, it’s difficult to imagine life in İzmir without the iconic neighborhood of Kordon. The waterfront promenade that is the epicenter of all activity, the Kordon provides a leisurely walkway along the heart of the city, with trendy bars and cool cafes persistently packed with locals that flock here at the end of the day to meet with friends, relax on the grass and watch the pretty sunsets.
Home-types in Izmir
Izmir has a variety of property types for you to consider when booking a trip. Here are the most popular property types in Izmir:
Points of interests in Izmir
Izmir has several popular points of interest for you to check out when visiting the area. Here are the most popular points of interest in Izmir:
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