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 allure that usually goes unnoticed.
Its close by neighbor of Ephesus, residence to one of many Seven Wonders of the Historical World, is a well-liked cease for cruise ship passengers, group excursions, and even spiritual pilgrims, because of the town’s remarkably well-preserved historic ruins and ties with early Christianity.
However who’s speeding to Izmir (outdoors of those that know it’s a prime vacation spot for marriage ceremony robe buying)? Izmir might not be on everybody’s bucket record, however this charming coastal metropolis affords a refreshing escape and an ideal distinction to the colourful chaos of Istanbul.
It’s a place the place historic ruins meet trendy vitality. The place the Kemeraltı Bazaar far outshines Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar in its authenticity. The place eating places line the waterfront and it’s possible you’ll simply bump into pink flamingos dipping their beaks into close by wetlands.
In simply three days, you may 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, a captivating coastal city recognized for its vineyards and inventive delicacies.
3 Day Izmir Itinerary
Whether or not you’re a historical past buff, a foodie, or a traveler in search of one thing totally different, Izmir affords an opportunity to see a aspect of Türkiye that feels each genuine and unforgettable. Right here’s how you can spend three excellent days exploring Izmir and its charming environment.
I visited in November with a bunch of journey writers and spent my time exploring beneath the educated tutelage of the Neslihan Hurda from Equinox Journey. Even in the event you discover this area by yourself, I’d extremely suggest 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 you’ll want to dedicate a day simply to exploring the town’s historical past and tradition. Start on the Agora of Smyrna, an archaeological website that dates again to Izmir’s days as a key buying and selling hub within the historic world. From there, make your method to Kemeraltı Bazaar, a sprawling market the place you may wander for hours. Lose your self in its winding alleys stuffed with absolutely anything you may think about from contemporary 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 make sure to seize a boyoz pastry, a neighborhood favourite, at one of many bakeries. In the event you had been disillusioned by the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul (I definitely was), you’ll be delighted within the authenticity of the fashionable Agora of Izmir.
For lunch, cease at one of many many cafes that line the slim 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 gives a large assortment of fantastic mezze the place you pay by the burden.
Within the afternoon, embrace Izmir’s trendy aspect. Hire a motorcycle or take a tour with Phoenicia Journey and cruise alongside the Kordon, the town’s coastal promenade and bike path, stopping to soak within the coastal views and seize a Turkish espresso alongside the way in which. For these in the hunt for retail remedy, Izmir’s boutique retailers are the right place to hunt for a one-of-a-kind gown 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 Avenue and take the Asansor (elevator) as much as the highest of the cliffs that tower over the town. This previously predominantly Jewish neighborhood affords beautiful views of the town and the bay and there’s a bar restaurant on the prime of the elevator that may make an ideal sundown spot.
Dario Moreno was a well-known singer and you’ll find murals and statues devoted to him on this small road 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 no day journey to Ephesus, one of many best-preserved historic cities on the 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 very vital in case you are visiting throughout the summer season when temperatures will soar over 100 levels Fahrenheit and there may be restricted shade. The opposite possibility is to go late within the day, since throughout the summer season months the positioning is open late.
As I discussed earlier, getting a non-public information to tour Ephesus is effectively price the price. As a result of whereas the handfuls of stray canine and cats that make their residence within the historic ruins are pleasant and well-cared for, they don’t make the most effective tour guides.
What struck me upon coming into the traditional metropolis of Ephesus was the scale and scale of the ruins which were uncovered. The truth that solely 20 % of the 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 unattainable that this was all constructed over 2,000 years in the past.
Ephesus started beneath Persian rule and this vital port metropolis was subsequent conquered by Alexander the Nice and grew and flourished beneath 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 on, the temples and buildings weren’t rebuilt and the folks moved out and deserted the town to historical past.
The highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Website embody the Library of Celsus, a towering image of Roman grandeur; the Nice Theater, which nonetheless hosts live shows 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 day by day life practically two millennia in the past. Simply word that visiting the Terrace Homes requires a further ticket, as does a go to to the Ephesus Expertise Museum, which is an immersive digital reenactment of the town’s historical past.
Altogether, plan on taking a minimum of 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.
Spiritual 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 the town’s lovely 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
To your last day, escape to Urla, a coastal city simply 40 minutes from Izmir. Start within the port space, on the energetic fish market, the place the day’s freshest catch is auctioned off. Stroll alongside the waterfront, take within the small farmer’s market in the event you go to on a market day, and cease for a conventional 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 may see the place and the way olive oil was produced relationship 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. It would be best to have lunch and take time to buy and stroll alongside the cobblestone streets, previous colourful homes and trendy retailers. Begendik Abi Lokantasi is a captivating restaurant with conventional meals and a comfy setting that seems like you’ve gotten been welcomed into a neighborhood’s residence.
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 best reds, whites, and rosés. In the event 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 outdated wine making customs with a contemporary method to provide 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’ll be left wanting 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 affords direct flights from main cities in Europe and the Center East. Town heart is simply about 11 miles from the airport, however until you might be utilizing a tour information, you’ll want to lease a automobile.
Moreover, the Port of İzmir serves as a hub for ferry companies, with boats connecting the town to close by islands, reminiscent of 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 trendy. There’s a full restaurant downstairs that hosts a strong breakfast buffet. In the event 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 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 also be the writer of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Trip Experts journey podcast.