If you’re in Izmir, make sure to take your surf and swimming suit, as we have more than six months of summer here! Be ready for great food, mystical places and a holiday full of palms and relaxation. Here are my top six must-dos in Izmir!
UNSPLASH Tolga AhmetlerWhat comes to mind when you think of Turkey? Cosmopolitan Istanbul, beaches of Antalya, ruins of Efes or perhaps Cappadocia? If you don’t like crowds and overpriced vacations, those might not be the best choices for your visit to Turkey.
In recent years, more and more people are discovering the hidden beauties of Turkey, exploring places where you can enjoy local cuisine, amazing nature and cultural heritage without breaking your budget. One such place is Izmir, one of the most Western and Westernized cities in Turkey, but this doesn’t mean you won’t have the chance to experience local culture and spirit of hospitality.
1. Dine on Exquisite Fish at Akin’in Yeri Balik Restaurant
35430 Özbek, Urla, İzmir, Turkey (map, website)
Akin’in Yeri Balik might as well be the best fish restaurant in Izmir! The fish is caught fresh from the sea every day in front of the restaurant; the appetizers are made of all organic fresh products and everything reminds you of home, but with exquisite gourmet quality. The wines, plus locally produced aniseed alcohol drink, such as Raki, simply go hand in hand with the lovely variety of seafood and quality this restaurant has to offer. Eating fish in Izmir is not just a choice; it’s a part of the journey to fresh, Turkish authenticity. Dining on savory fish at Akin’s a splurge that you won’t soon forget and you’ll be telling your friends about for years on end!
2. Taste Delicious Urla Wines
And if that’s not enough, you’ll want to treat your food receptors just a tad bit more and go on a delicious local wine tour! The local wineries in the small town of Urla are exceptional and always welcome guests. The white wines are absolutely exceptional and very inexpensive.
Here are my top three vineyards that you must visit in Urla for an unforgettable experience: Urlice, USCA and Urla Winery.
3. Shop Local Goods at Kemeralti Bazaar
Konak Mh. 35250 Konak, Izmir, Turkey (map, website)
Most Turkish towns have a closed bazaar that offer a dive back into time – a time without malls, a time of flexible prices and personal connections. Still, to this day, at those bazaars, the price and quality of what you buy depends very much on your charisma and ability to be interesting and likable.
In Izmir, this bazaar is called Kemeralti and it’s a huge network of covered and uncovered streets full of shops where you can find everything from wholesale combs to rare herbs and designer jewelry. If you want to soak in the atmosphere of the area, make sure to stop by Kizlaragasi Hani, where you will find unique designer clothes, leather goods and silver jewelry, not to mention eat at one of the famous fish or pastry restaurants in the area. The best thing you do in Kemeralti is to get lost and try to find your way around by asking locals. There’s nothing more fun than doing that!
4. Explore Alsancak Disctrict for Incredible Nightlife
35220 Konak/İzmir, Turkey (map)
The nightlife in Izmir is like nowhere else in the world! It’s mostly located in the Gazi Sokaklar area of the central district of Alsancak. It’s also another area where getting lost is highly recommended! You’ll find specialized fish restaurants, art and vintage shops and bars, not to mention unique and surprising concepts and people from all around the world.
5. Enjoy a Lovely Walk at Kordon
Izmir is a city situated by a bay. I honestly can see the opposite side of town from the beach in my neighborhood, which sets the mood for wonderful walks by the beach. Unfortunately, Izmir doesn’t have a city beach but there is an amazing street full of restaurants with breath-taking views in the central district of Alsancak, called Kordon.
Walking on Kordon by sunset is something you do not want to miss! Start at the historical clock tower, see the oldest mosque in Izmir and take a stroll towards Alsancak’s ferry station. On the way, you might meet little kids asking for spare change and swimming in the sea by the ships, luxurious fish restaurants, old ladies offering to read your palm, and fancy bars full of loud friends. Be sure to enjoy, stroll along and sit at any of the nearby bars for a taste of local hookah.
6. Visit the Ruins of Teos
Sığacık, 35460 Seferihisar/İzmir, Turkey (map, website)
Just south of the city center lies another small suburban town that is a favorite weekend destination for locals. Sagcik, located next to Seferishisar, boasts a handmade art and crafts market every Sunday, plus has one of the most amazing ruin cities I’ve ever seen, Teos.
Teos is unlike any other ruin city in that it is completely empty. There are almost no people in the ruins, even on Sundays, which make it the perfect destination for snapping photos and offer a relaxed afternoon far away from the noise of town and windy beaches. Teos is an ancient Greek town that has been partially restored and covers a huge swathe of area. It’s great for exploration and adventures!
One thing that might surprise you is that I didn’t mention beaches. Izmir is a city on sea after all, right? What about beach time? Well, don’t get me started! For those of you who prefer spending a day on the beach rather than sightseeing, head south of Izmir to Cesme and you won’t be disappointed. Cesme is a holiday town that offers many outdoor activities, such as windsurfing, diving and beach surprises for you, so make sure not to miss out on you next visit to Izmir!
Article written by ANTONIYA ZORLUER, owner of pErix. Follow pErix on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
