What to do in Izmir or how to explore the entire Aegean region of Turkey in a matter of days. Izmir, or ancient Smyrna: what is interesting about the city Temple of Artemis in Ephesus

I circled Greece and approached Izmir in the morning.

We sailed for a long time to Izmir along a long and wide bay. Izmir lies on the mountainous shores at the neck of this bay. Seagulls flew over our ship. The sea was calm and majestic. The weather, despite the middle of November, is almost summer, sunny, but not hot.

From Izmir, an excursion to Ephesus was organized for cruise participants. But we had already been there, so we decided to devote time to getting to know the city.

The city of Izmir is large (the 3rd city of Turkey with a population of 2.8 million people) and is located on the site of the ancient Greek Smyrna, one of the large cities of antiquity. According to legend, the city was founded by an Amazon queen named Smyrna 3 thousand years ago. But little remains from those times. The city has gone through a very turbulent history. And earthquakes have repeatedly destroyed it completely.

Now it is a modern metropolis with a metro station and a diverse industry.

We arrived at the port, quickly disembarked the ship and walked along the embankment. Our goal was the local archaeological museum.

We walked along the Ataturk embankment for a long time, but did not regret it at all. The embankment is well-maintained, the sea looks clean (but only in appearance - you can’t swim in the city), there are few people.

We walked through Republic Square, Cumhuriyet in Turkish, with the inevitable monument to Ataturk.

Along the way, we exchanged 20 euros for 60 liras at an ATM-type device. The kind Turks helped us with this.

We watched a funny scene. An elderly Turkish woman in a long dress and a dark scarf was feeding the seagulls with bread. When the bun ran out, she shook the crumbs from the bag into the sea. The empty package went there too. Although the trash cans were nearby.

And the embankment is clean. The dogs lounging importantly on the embankment have yellow tags in their ears. This means that these are not stray dogs, but registered and received documents.

In our presence, the sea was cleared of debris using a special large net.

We walked along a viaduct built over a wide highway to Konak Square.

On the square stands the Saat Kulesi clock tower, which is a symbol of the city.

Saat Kulesi

The clock, which still regularly shows time, was given to the Turks by the German Kaiser. And the Sultan in return presented the Kaiser with many ancient marbles. This is how the Sultan assessed his friend the Kaiser: “I have a German friend. Good, just rustic. I am worthless stones to him, and he is such a wonderful watch to me.” Once the 25-meter tower, built in 1901, seemed tall, but now it seems miniature against the backdrop of modern buildings.

Nearby stands the miniature Konak Jamia Mosque, decorated with blue tiles.

Izmir metro station

park near Konak Square

Archaeological Museum

We admired these symbols of Izmir and went to the Archaeological Museum. We walked along the underground passage to the place where it is marked on the map. But finding the entrance to it turned out to be not so easy.

Izmir Archaeological Museum

Following the tips of a local woman, we went to another museum - the Fine Arts Museum. The Turks, the museum employees, were happy to see us, and when asked: “How to get to the Archaeological Museum?”, they answered: “Here’s a museum for you, come to us, what difference does it make to you!” Maybe they didn’t say exactly that, but that was the meaning.

We finally approached the Archaeological Museum, only from the back. Through the fence we see some sarcophagi, the remains of columns.

But - not a single person. Along untrodden paths, along a roadway without a sidewalk, we reached the entrance. We bought a ticket for 10 liras.

The museum is good, the building is new, the illumination of the exhibits is arranged correctly. Only there are almost no people in it.

Although, when we left, they brought schoolchildren on an excursion.

Kemeralti Market

Kemeralti Market in Izmir occupies an entire block.

Although we went through it on a tangent, we bought something. Prices seemed to be much lower than in Istanbul.

Well, we bought a glass of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice. When we were in, we really liked it. There it cost from 3 to 4 liras. And here there are only one and a half.

While I was buying, some old man came up. He asked if I was Russian. I confessed. He says in broken Russian: “Do you speak Russian?” I answered: “Well, of course. What else should I speak!” I see the seller returns my money and pours me 2 glasses of juice. I didn’t understand, but the seller explained that the old man was paying for me. This is the attitude towards Russians in Izmir. True, this was before the incident with the Su-24.

Agora

Agora is the second place after the Archaeological Museum that we wanted to see in Izmir.

There are signs to the ancient Agora, and the Turks showed the way.

A ticket to the Agora costs 5 liras. This is a relatively small fenced space in which what remains of ancient Smyrna is concentrated.

There was not much left, mostly columns and some basement rooms with vaulted ceilings, but they were not allowed there during our visit.

To be honest, the marble columns lying side by side are a joyless sight. It is felt that the monuments of ancient culture are on the periphery of the interests of the Turks. It’s good that schoolchildren are taken to the Archaeological Museum. Although it is not known how the artifacts are presented to them ancient civilization. Maybe they say: “Look, children, what a disgrace was happening on this land before the Muslims came here.”

Inspecting the Agora did not take much time, and we moved on.

Izmir authentic

Authentic Turkish quarters begin behind the Agora. And this is the part of our walk that I liked the most. The houses here are low, the streets are narrow, often covered with wild grapes. People are sitting on the streets, children are playing. There is also trade here, including manufactured goods, meat, and all sorts of other trades. Here, taverns offer visitors simple food. Real, non-tourist Türkiye.

It should be noted that many streets in Izmir do not have names, but are indicated by numbers on the map. However, you quickly get used to this numbering.
We wandered around a bit and even got lost in these quiet streets and came out to the railway station.

Izmir railway station

Park of Culture

And from there - to the Park of Culture (just like ours in the Soviet years). They went right through him. Nice park, beautiful, with ponds, alleys, attractions and catering. Almost no different from ours. Are there palm trees growing instead of linden trees?

A small crowd of refugees, probably from Syria, consisting of men, women and children, was seen in the park. They are disheveled and confused, dressed warmly out of season, and dragging some things. Where are they going? A policeman approached them and asked something. And he fell behind.

Cumhuriyet Boulevard

We passed the park and found ourselves in a modern multi-storey area, similar to all modern areas of modern cities with shops, offices, McDonald's and so on. The crowd is not much different from Europe. Except that you come across a lot of women in black scarves and long dresses. But now there are many such people in Europe.

And here is the nice Cumhuriyet Boulevard (Republic Boulevard). It runs parallel to the Ataturk Kadesi embankment.

And now we can see the port with our cruise ship Magnifica towering above it.

We visited almost all of them tourist sites Izmir. The important ones were not in the Kedifkale fortress (or the Velvet Fortress), in the old Jewish quarter (the Turks once sheltered Jews expelled from Spain) and on the Roman aqueducts (but they are far away, outside the city).

Izmir is not a tourist destination, but I liked it. It's probably not bad to just live there. Yes, and there is something to see. You may not be able to go to this city specifically, but visiting it during a cruise with a one-day stopover is just right.

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Izmir, Mh. Turgut Reis, S

The word “asanser” almost exactly copies the French term and is literally translated from Turkish as “elevator”. Asansor in Izmir is one of the most “postcard” attractions. Perhaps this fame is greatly inflated, since, for example, urban

The history of Izmir goes back several thousand years, and there is a lot of interesting things for the curious tourist. First of all, these are the ruins of ancient cities and archaeological finds exhibited in Izmir museums. It’s definitely worth a trip to Ephesus and Bergama (Pergamon) to imagine the former power of the civilization that built such cities even before our era. And in Izmir itself there is something to see: here is one of the best preserved agoras in the world.
The Great Fire of Smyrna (the former name of Izmir) in 1922 destroyed many historical buildings, so the Old City of Izmir does not exist as such. The architectural appearance of the city is also unlikely to amaze the sophisticated traveler. But among the numerous city museums, there will certainly be several that can interest and surprise.
Of course, you cannot miss the Izmir market, Kemeralti, a huge trading platform where you can buy anything without overpaying and treat yourself to the most authentic Turkish coffee.
The Archaeological Museum is located in the Konak district, in the heart of Izmir, near the waterfront. Finds not only from ancient Smyrna, but also from Iasos, Pergamnon, Kima, Ephesus, Larissa, and Teos are exhibited here. The collection is divided into three large sections: stone products, ceramics and jewelry. There is a similar division in the Museum of History and Art, but it is even larger and occupies three whole buildings in the Central Cultural Park. The park also houses a museum of art and sculpture, which displays paintings, statues and pottery. Adjacent to the Archaeological Museum is the Museum of Ethnography: it is easily recognized by its picturesque round turret of the 19th century.
Of course, the city could not do without the Ataturk Museum, where the personal belongings of the first president of the republic are exhibited. Also worth a look are the Seljuk Yasar Art Museum, the Commercial History Museum (the first in the country), the Railway Museum opposite Alsancak Station and the brand new Yumran Baradan Toy Museum.
For those looking to spend more time outdoors, check out a few of the city's iconic spots. First of all, this is Konak Square, the very heart of the central district of the same name. Here stands one of the symbols of Izmir - the clock tower, beautifully decorated in the Ottoman style. Another equally iconic and original building is Asansor, a public street elevator that is still in operation: on the upper platform there is a cafe with a beautiful view of the bay. And, of course, you can’t miss the Izmir market, Kemeralti, a huge trading platform where you can buy anything without overpaying and treat yourself to the most authentic Turkish coffee. In Kemeralti there is also the most great mosque city, Khizar, one of the oldest city buildings, which dates back to the 16th century.
Walking on foot, you can look into the Alsancak district, where many hotels are located, and numerous restaurants and cafes can be found on the coastal Cordon Street. Havra Street near Kemeralti is also interesting, whose name translated from Turkish means “synagogue” - many of them were built here. Worth visiting is the Church of St. Polycarp, the oldest Christian church in the city, built in 1625 at the request of the French King Louis XIII. The outside of the church is not too pompous, but its interior is worth attention. And the most tireless can climb Pagos Hill, where stands Kadifekale, the old Velvet Fortress, which was rebuilt many times by the Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans.
Finally, nature lovers can be advised to start by visiting the Izmir Zoo, located not far from the city, in the town of Sasali. Not so far from the zoo is Bird Paradise, nature reserve, where you can spend the whole day admiring flamingos and other birds in their natural environment. Those who came to enjoy a holiday at sea can choose to their pleasure: the nearest good beaches near Izmir are located in Foca, Cesme, Alaçatı and Seferihizar.

TOURISTS' ANSWERS:

If, by the will of fate, you happen to visit Izmir and want to get to know this city better, then I want to tell you a little about what to see and where you can go.

The first thing that will probably catch your eye is the Kadifekale fortress, which means Velvet Castle, towering over Izmir. It was built by Lysimak, who was one of the subordinates of Alexander the Great, back in the fourth century BC and served as a defensive structure for a long time. The centuries-old history of this fortress is quite interesting and varied. One of the stories says that in Kadifekale the Romans tortured to death in 155 BC the local bishop Polycarp, whom they first tried to burn, but the fire did not touch the saint, after which he was simply stabbed to death. The Church of St. Polycarp is considered the oldest in Izmir. The walls of this fortress have seen quite a few events and battles, one of which took place at the beginning of the fifteenth century, after which Kadifekale was captured by Tamerlane. In the 16th century, the city and the fortress itself were conquered by the Turks. Near the fortress there are remains of a water tank, which was built by the Romans and supplied the city with water for a long time. During the first excavations on the territory of the fortress, a huge number of underground casemates were found, but later they were littered with various debris. Kadifekale and the Church of St. Polycarp are located at Konak, Kadifekale.

The Agora market square, which is located in the Namazgah quarter, also dates back to the era of Alexander the Great. The market square played an important role in the life of the inhabitants of ancient Smyrna, where various buildings were located and used as trade pavilions. However, after a strong earthquake, all buildings were destroyed. In the second century AD, during the time of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, the Agora buildings were rebuilt. During excavations in the first half of the last century, many statues and fragments of various sculptures of Ceres, Diana and Neptune were discovered. In 1996, excavations resumed again, and partially continue to this day. When visiting the Agora, you can see the remains of the gate, preserved columns of buildings and fragments of sculptures.

You should definitely visit the central square of Izmir, which is called Konak Meydani. In the center of the square there is a clock tower, also called Saat Kulesi and is one of the symbols of Izmir. It was built more than a hundred years ago by an architect from France, Raymond Charles Peret, and is 25 meters high. The clock that adorns the tower was given by German Emperor Wilhelm II.
The square is considered one of the main tourist areas of the city, since in addition to access to the Gulf of Izmir, where the boat piers are located, there are other city attractions, such as the Archaeological Museum, which displays exhibits found during the excavations of Smyrna and Pergamon. Marble sculptures, amphorae and sarcophagi, objects made of glass, bronze and ceramics are exhibited on two floors of the museum. Also here you can see statues of Artemis, Paseidon, Demeter, made of marble. Next to the Museum of Archeology is the building of the Museum of Ethnography, where household items, carpets, copper products, fabrics and National costumes different periods. The interiors of an ancient pharmacy, printing house and Ottoman house were also recreated here.

In the square near the governor's mansion there is the octagonal Yahlı Mosque, that is, the “coastal” mosque, which was built with the money of Ayşe Hanım, the wife of the wealthy Izmir landowner Katipzade Mehmed Pasha in the eighteenth century. There is also a museum here Visual arts, where paintings by contemporary Turkish artists and the Museum are exhibited contemporary art. As you can see, this square is of comprehensive interest not only to tourists, but also local residents, so it is always crowded and lively.

For guests of the city, especially those of Muslim faith, it will be interesting to visit the largest and oldest Hisar mosque, which was built back in the 16th century. The architecture of the building in the form of columns supporting the dome of the mosque and small domes around the main one is of considerable interest.

It is also worth visiting one of the favorite places of city residents, which is the Park of Culture and Recreation. Here, on an area of about thirty hectares, there are various children's and playgrounds for golf, tennis, parachute towers and swimming pools. There is even a small zoo, an Archaeological Museum and a Museum Agriculture. You can spend your leisure time by visiting a theater or a summer cinema, although the repertoire of both will be different. Turkish. If you happen to be between August 20 and September 20, you can become a visitor to the International Izmir Trade Fair, which has been held annually during this period for more than eighty years. Representatives from all over the world come here with their products, so it is of great interest and has International status. The park often hosts various cultural events and festivals, especially during the fair period, to further attract visitors. In the cafes and restaurants located in the park you can have a pleasant time tasting national Turkish cuisine and various drinks. And the pearl of the Park of Culture and Recreation is rightfully considered to be a picturesque artificial lake with an island. In terms of the amount of vegetation, the park is considered one of the greenest places in the city.

And perhaps finally, it’s worth visiting the Asansor lift, which is located in the Jewish quarter and connects the lower streets with the upper ones. This lift was built over a hundred years ago with the money of Nessim Levi, a wealthy local Jew. One of the elevators, as it has been since its construction, is powered by steam. The height of the lift is 51 meters and on the upper terrace there is a restaurant where you can have a good time and admire the surrounding beauty from above. The houses in the Jewish quarter were restored and this moment appear before tourists in the form in which they were originally built.

Of course, these are not all the places in Izmir that are interesting to visit, but in my opinion, those that I have listed deserve attention in the first place. I think that no one will regret spending time but sightseeing in Izmir, one of the ancient and most beautiful cities in Turkey.

Is the answer helpful?

Smyrna and Izmir - cruel twists of history.

The Turkish province of Izmir is the Turkishized name of its strictly Greek name - Smyrna. Until 1922, the region was dominated by Christian and Jewish populations. There was no Turkish majority in the city itself. The Turks called him "Guyar Smyrna". The city was absolutely cosmopolitan and secular. There were 36 printing houses, 30 casinos, 57 hotels, one and a half hundred schools, many pharmacies, hospitals, pubs, and 15 newspapers and magazines.

In 1915, it was Smyrna that became the site of the Armenian genocide. Of the 2.1 million in the Ottoman Empire, according to the estimates of German diplomats, at least 1.5 million were killed, but everyone died, Greeks and Jews and Bulgarians. In 1919, the city was occupied by the Greeks and the civilian population died again, although not on such a terrifying scale (1 thousand dead). And in 1922, when the Turks returned, the city was again massacred (25 thousand dead) and then the Armenian and Christian part of the city was simply set on fire. The remnants of the non-Muslim population, about 200 thousand, were deported from Smyrna. But this is all in the past. In 2013, with money from private investors, the Cathedral of St. John. There are 7 Christian churches in total.

Beaches.

It’s definitely not worth vacationing in Izmir itself. But there are excellent beaches near Izmir, but not in the city itself. These are three sections: Kuşadası, Çeşme and Alaçatı. The first is located near the port of yachts and cruise ships. The second one is on the peninsula of the same name, where many Turks live all summer after escaping the city. And the third is considered ideal for surfing, it is quite windy there.

Modern Izmir: industry and face of modern Turkey.

Today, Turkish Izmir is a rapidly developing city with a population of 3.5 million. It is considered the most modern and least religious city. By the way, more than 90% of the population lives in cities in Turkey. The birth rate is high and therefore there are many young people. In Turkey, school education is transferred to 13 years, there is a minimum wage of approximately 3.5 euros, and if the pace of development is not interrupted by the religious government, the country will become one of the first few most developed countries in the East. Compared to neighboring Greece, Izmir leaves a much better impression of the country and the hard work of its people! The easiest way to get to Izmir is by airlines. In Turkey, in addition to the state-owned airline, there are many low-cost private airlines; air carriers from other countries also fly here. But the city itself is huge and densely populated.

Modern neighborhoods, villa neighborhoods, industrial areas and ports, high-rise neighborhoods and the historical center - in general, this is a huge metropolis. Works in Izmir exhibition complex, a huge cargo port, industry and the huge Efes brewery are located here. There are 6 universities here, including the famous University of the Aegean. The city has a good metro and subway system. Izmir is connected to the entire country by a system of highways. This is important, since most archaeological sites are located outside the city and it is better to buy excursions there. An alternative would be to rent a car.

What to see in Izmir itself.

However, even in Izmir, tourists have somewhere to while away their time. Within the city limits lie the ruins of the Greek Agora market square, and not far from the central square of Konak Meydani there is an archaeological museum with archaeological finds from Ephesus and Pergamon. There are active Muslim temples here, for example Khizar. Firstly, this is the oriental bazaar Kemeraltı, where tourists love to buy gold trinkets. Famous Turkish baths also worth a visit in Izmir.

The main attraction of Izmir is the city from different angles.

An important attraction in the city is the view of the city itself. In the city itself, the Asansör public elevator tower still operates. At the beginning of the century, it was erected for charity by a Jewish banker in order to facilitate the ascent from one street to another. Near the university there is the Teleferik cable car. It is also good to look at the city from the heights of Belkahve. Excellent Turkish cuisine awaits tourists near the high-mountain lake Spertal. But it’s even better to look at the city and the bay by going to the ancient fortress of Kadikale. The fortress has already been described on the portal and there is no point in repeating it. Sometimes tourists are also taken to see the salt mining sites of Çamaltı or Lake Karagol on Mount Yamanlar.

Turkish leather goods.

One cannot fail to mention leather goods, since trips to factories are no less popular than religious and archaeological sites. Many world brands order tailoring from Turkish leather here. However, the quality of tailoring and leather is roughly seven different categories and you need to understand leather very well, even if you buy products directly from the factory.

Ancient Greece - ruins of cities and perfectly preserved Ephesus.

Tourists go to the outskirts of Izmir not only for the view of the city itself, Turkish leather, inexpensive gold in the bazaar or food. The fact is that there is a concentration of ancient monuments and Christian shrines here. Of the seven churches of the Apocalypse, two are located here, 75 km to Ephesus and 105 km to Pergamon. The Germans took the altar and much more to Berlin and the Museum on the Island of Museums is called Pergamon. And Frederick II gave the Turks a clock; it is still installed in the central square of the city. So, of the 2 possible excursions, Ephesus will be more interesting. There are also the ruins of the Ionian city of Clazomena near the town of Urla, the Ionian Phocaea, the ruins of Theos, the ruins where the oracle of Apollo Claros lived, just 20 km away are the famous rock reliefs, the ruins of Erythra, the ruins of the Ionian town of Metropolis and the remains of the temple of Artemis, considered one of the wonders of the world from from which the tower (tempel) of Artemis collapsed.

Christian shrines near Seljuk.

There are two pan-Christian Catholic shrines here: the House of the Virgin Mary and the grave of St. John, on the site of which the Basilica of Justinian was erected in Ephesus. Its remains are located inside the Turkish fortress.

Despite the fact that the ruins of Ephesus, the Tower of Artemis, the tomb of John and the house of the Virgin Mary are located around Seljuk, everything is quite inaccessible without a car or an excursion, and if you choose one, then Ephesus is of course the most interesting. But all these objects are certainly worthy of a separate discussion.

Izmir is a metropolis on the eastern coast of the Aegean Sea. An ancient port city with a rich history and unique monuments architecture attracts guests from different countries. The popular resort is famous for its picturesque landscapes, beach holidays in the vicinity of Izmir, excellent cuisine and a lot of entertainment.

Izmir is not only about ancient mosques, fortresses and museums. People come here to shop. At the famous Kemeralti bazaar you can find everything your heart desires. The city hosts business forums, trade fairs and exhibitions. Tourists can combine relaxation with successful shopping.

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general information

Izmir is a unique city. Luxury hotels and ruins of ancient cities, souvenir shops and modern shopping malls with glossy shop windows peacefully coexist here. From wealthy neighborhoods you can easily enter a world where they do not know what luxury is.

Tourists have a place to turn around. The main advantages of the popular resort:

pleasant climate, long tourist season;
excellent beaches near the city;
fantastic landscapes;
large selection of water activities;
a lot of attractions and excursion routes;
developed tourist infrastructure.

Guests will be pleased with:

a large number of good hotels;
a huge number of stores of different categories, all kinds of souvenir shops, boutiques and large shopping centers;
an abundance of restaurants and cafes with delicious dishes;
interesting events, shows, parties and concerts;
reasonable prices for many types of goods and services.

Izmir is a major tourist center. The territory is divided into several districts, many of which the Russians came from far and wide. Shopping at reasonable prices and the opportunity to get a good price reduction at the famous bazaars is a bonus when traveling to Turkey.

In the metropolis, fashionistas are attracted not only by markets and shops. Outlets have been built in different areas - large shopping centers where you can buy things from famous brands at significant discounts all year round. During the sales season, savings reach 60% of the cost. Stylish items from Prada or Dolche&Gabbana from past collections are very cheap.

Popular outlets:

Mango outlet– women's clothing.
Optimum outlet gaziemir– fashionable clothes, shoes, cosmetics, electronics and other goods.
Selway outlet park– women's and men's clothing and footwear, optics, cosmetics, jewelry, electronics.
VS Outlet– various categories of goods.

Visit the corners of the resort where there is something to see:

Kemeralti shopping area. In addition to the famous bazaar, there are many shops and boutiques of various directions. In Kemeralti you can find everything from oriental sweets to sophisticated electronics.
Guzelbahce. From here you have a stunning view of mountain range Catalcaya. The area is home to seaside attractions.
Karsiyaka. A picturesque place that can be reached not only by land, but also by sea. Guests will be interested in parks, wide alleys, shops, historical mansions, a cute little market, places for cycling and picnics, and sports grounds.
Konak. In this area there is famous square with the same name, well-groomed embankment, many good hotels. The historical area with museums and architectural monuments is often visited by tourists. In the evenings, the area bustles with life in bars and nightclubs.
Bornova. An area with a lot of young people. A university was built here. In summer, this corner is cooler than Karsiyak. Cafes and pubs have been built, a nice park has been laid out, there are many shops and a large shopping center. There is a bus station in Bornovo.
Baku. Tourists come here who dream of seeing ancient sights.
Balkova. Be sure to visit this part of the metropolis. Here you can not only spend your money wisely, but also relax in one of the hot springs. Balkovo has three modern shopping centers and wonderful thermal baths.

It’s hard to imagine the colorful city without its embankment and seaport. For residents of Izmir, the port area is closely connected with the life of the city. Cruise ships with thousands of tourists arrive here.

There are eight berths on the embankment. Boutiques of Turkish and global brands are open in the port area of Alsancak. Travelers who do not want to move away from the port when cruise ships are docking come here.

One day, ten thousand tourists traveling on snow-white liners arrived at the port in one day. This area is an excellent place for good shopping and contemplating the beauty of the Aegean Sea from the embankment.

Photos of Izmir in Turkey are the best visual aid for tourists.

Weather

The climate in Izmir is favorable for recreation. In summer it is hot and dry. The temperature stays at +28C…+31C. The sea warms up from +23C to +25C. Hours of sunshine per day: 13–14. It almost never rains.

In mild, cool winters the temperature does not drop below +12C. Snow is rare, and it melts quickly. The tourist season begins in May and ends in October.

If you don't like the heat, come here in September (air +28C/sea +23C) or October (air +22C/sea +21C). It’s still quite warm, it rarely rains, and nature plays with bright colors.

Airport

Flights arrive at Izmir International Airport from major cities in Turkey, the Middle East and Western Europe. From air gate to the city – 25 km.

There are two ways to get to the central areas:

By bus or minibus. The road is laid in a mountainous area; serpentine roads with endless turns make travelers somewhat tired.
By train. Trains depart along the railway line every hour. This route is much more convenient and enjoyable, especially in the summer heat. Economy class train tickets cost YTL 4.50. You will have to pay a little more for the comfort of an air-conditioned carriage with reclining seats.

A bus transfer to the city from Havas costs YTL 10. A city bus ride costs YTL 6.50. If you don't like public transport, you can order a taxi to the center at the airport. Maximum price taxi drivers appoint at night.

The average bill for a trip is from 30 to 50 YTL. Many taxi drivers are not averse to receiving YTL 60 from tourists. They use eloquence, supported by expressive gestures. And so that you can better navigate, we suggest taking a look at the map:

Metro

High-speed transport connects the center with the Bornova district, located in the northern part tourist center. The city has one metro line and 17 stations, and construction of an additional line is planned.

More details:

Metro operating hours: from 6:00 to 0:00;
fare – 1.75 YTL. A one-time ticket is valid for 90 minutes;
The interval of trains in the metro is from 5 to 15 minutes.

In areas where there are no metro stations, you can get around the city by minibuses or buses. Route taxis– dolmushi (ticket price 1.25 YTL) are not as crowded as buses.

Attractions

What to see in Izmir? Interesting places worth visiting in the city founded around three thousand plenty of years ago.

Inspect:

Ethnographical museum with a rich collection of artifacts and recreated interiors of an ancient Turkish home. The entrance ticket price is only 1 YTL.
Archaeological Museum near Konak Square, which contains unique items from different eras. The garden next to the museum displays columns, bronze statues, sarcophagi, friezes and other valuable exhibits. Many artifacts are more than a thousand years old. Entrance – 10 YTL.
Valuable exhibits and personal belongings of the “Father of Turkey” in Ataturk Museum. The fee is purely symbolic - 0.5 YTL.
The symbol of the city - the ancient Saat Kulesi tower and clock, counting down time for more than a hundred years. The elegant tower was presented to the city by the great Sultan Abdulhamid.
Famous Konak Meydani Square. In this area there are cultural centers, government institutions, and shopping districts begin nearby.
Kadifekale Hill– one of highest points cities. From here Izmir is clearly visible. At the top of the hill there are fortifications that are more than six thousand years old.
brick tower in the Jewish quarter. The Asansore lift takes guests to the restaurant with an outdoor terrace.
Archaeological complex Agora– a monument from before the Ottoman period. The skill of the ancient builders is amazing. The gutters, canals, and tall columns have still survived.
Hisar City Mosque, built in the 16th century. In addition to this mosque, others were erected in the Kemeralti quarter places of worship later periods.
City Park of Culture. A popular holiday destination is located in the central part of the city. Here guests will find swimming pools, restaurants, picturesque lake, tea gardens, parachute tower, theaters and concert venues.
Aquapark. “Water Tale”, which has no analogues in European countries, opened in the summer of 2014. The huge center, in addition to slides, swimming pools and other familiar attributes, is equipped with unique equipment. There are elevators that quickly take guests upstairs, special slides for the disabled, climbing walls, real rivers and a water disco. Adult ticket – 38 YTL, child ticket (from 7 years old) – 20 YTL.
Worth a visit with children local zoo. It is better to get there by taxi or bus. The number of animals and landscaping of the area is amazing. Most of the inhabitants are in their natural environment. Animals are separated from visitors by ditches, glass fences, and small ponds. The animals are well-fed and happy. Admission for adults – 3 YTL, children’s ticket – 1 YTL.

Resorts and tours

You can relax in different ways. Some tourists spend most of their time on excursions, others laze on the beach or enjoy water activities, while others “have a blast” in bars, restaurants and discos. Shopaholics are a separate issue. They cannot be lured out of the whirlpool of fashionable boutiques and luxurious oriental bazaars.

A holiday at one of the best beach resorts in Izmir will bring you many vivid impressions - Fan Beach Club. Fun reigns here and active life is in full swing. Vacationers are welcome during the day extreme entertainment: kiting, windsurfing, jet skis. In the evenings there are noisy parties, dance shows, and performances by popular artists.

Guests can rent one of the comfortable bungalows. Tourists will be pleased with clean sand, warm sea, comfortable sun loungers, a cozy bar, and beach volleyball courts.

Many companies offer to buy excursion tours to Izmir. The choice of this popular resort is not accidental. The unique city offers many opportunities for meaningful recreation. There are many places for excursions and entertainment on the territory of the popular resort.

Ordering a last-minute ticket will help you save money. The cost of a vacation is significantly lower, and the quality of services does not suffer from this. Representative offices of tour operators organizing tours to Izmir are open in different corners Russia.

The average cost of a tour for two from different companies is about 50 thousand rubles for 8 days/7 nights. Includes flight, accommodation in a 3-4* hotel with breakfast. Departure from Moscow.

If you don’t have a week to relax in Turkey, but want to see as many interesting places as possible, choose a special three-day tour. You will have time to visit:

Turkish museums;
surroundings of Seljuk;
ruins of ancient cities;
the famous city of Pergamum;
Archaeological Museum;
remains of Ionian settlements.

There are so many architectural monuments that it is impossible to see all the sights of the ancient city and its surroundings in a day. Organized tour- an excellent solution.

A sightseeing tour of the famous metropolis lasts six to seven hours. The tourist group has time to visit the bazaar, the Velvet Castle (Kadifekale Fortress) and the ethnographic museum. Cost – 770 YTL.

From Izmir you can go in an organized group on an excursion to Pergamon or to the city of “sleeping people,” which is better known as Ephesus. The issue price is about 1000 YTL. The journey will take half a day or a day. Group trips to other ruins of ancient cities are organized less frequently.

Advice - be sure to take a guide with you, otherwise the ruins will not tell you anything.

Be prepared to stop by a leather goods factory along the way. Perhaps you will find the right thing for yourself. As they say, combine business with pleasure.

Hotels

In Izmir there are hotels to suit every taste and budget. Perfect sand and azure waters can be found some distance from the metropolis. Modern buildings were built here hotel complexes various categories.

The center also has many 4 and 5 star establishments. High-rise buildings made of glass and steel with comfortable rooms provide maximum comfort. The average cost of living is from 3900 rubles.

There are many good Ottoman-style hotels in Izmir. Accommodation in cozy establishments in rooms decorated using ethnic motifs allows you to immerse yourself in the original atmosphere of Turkey.

Beaches

For a pleasant holiday, choose popular beaches outside the city. Most beach hotels are located not in the city, but in its surroundings. Many city beaches are not well maintained.

Visit the resort village of Gumuldur with great beaches. The Altinkum recreation area is famous for its excellent conditions for windsurfing. Ilinca Beach is famous for thermal springs, hitting from the seabed.

In the village of Chemshe, 80 km from Izmir, there is popular beach with clean sand. 90 km away resort town Kusadasi. Many people come here to soak up the famous Long Beach.

Izmir is the most interesting and beautiful city Turkey. This is what the residents of this colorful country think. Book a tour to Izmir and see for yourself. Have a nice holiday!

Video review

An entertaining video will show even more interesting corners of the multifaceted resort of Izmir.

Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey with a population of about four million people, the second largest port after Istanbul and an excellent transport node. It is a rapidly developing Turkish city on the central Aegean coast.

Former ancient city Smyrna, Izmir, surrounded by bays and mountains, is a modern, developed commercial center. Wide boulevards, glass-fronted buildings and modern shopping centers are topped with traditional red tiled roofs. Despite the presence of an 18th-century market, old mosques and churches, the city retains an atmosphere of medieval Europe rather than traditional Turkey.

You can book a hotel in Izmir on the website, and you can see if there is a more attractive price somewhere. An alternative option is to rent an apartment or room from local residents; you can search for such offers, for example.

How to get there

By plane

Adnan Menderes International Airport ( IATA:ADB ICAO: LTBJ), 16 km south of the city center, operates several daily flights to, Ankara and Antalya ( Antalya). You can find air tickets on various search engine sites, or, for example,.

Iz Air is a local carrier operating from Adnan Menderes International Airport and offering many other local flights.

Adnan Menderes Havaalanı International Airport, +90 232 274-21-87 (fax: +90 232 274-20-71).

You can travel from the airport to the city by any of three types of public transport:

Express bus ( Havas) meets arriving flights and goes to the city and back for 10 liras. Make sure you get off in the city center as it then goes north to Tersan ( Tersane).
Public buses from the ESHOT transport department is much cheaper than buses from the Havaş organization. The fare for them is 4 liras per person.
Re-opened in August 2010, the restored and updated commuter train (İzban, ) links the airport with Aslancak Station in the city center and Konak Square in the north. The train runs every 15 minutes from 6.00 to 23.30. You can take the metro to Halkapinar station (which is the terminus for several types of public transport).

Tickets can be purchased at the kiosk (" gise"). The price depends on how many trips you take. There are transport cards for local residents, but you can purchase a "3-5 Ticket" for a minimum cost of two trips. For 6.5 liras or 15 ,2 lira you will get 2 or 5 trips respectively.You can buy a local travel card for 6 lira. When you put money on this card, you can use any bus, train or ferry for 2 lira for 90 minutes. take the train to Halkapınar - 30 mins, then use the metro to get to Konak - 15 mins, then you can take the ferry to Karşıyaka - 20 mins, then return for free to train to the airport.

By train

There are two stations in Izmir (Basman ( Basmane) in the city center, serving local trains and metro, and Alsancak ( Alsancak) in the north, receiving intercity trains) and İZBAN - the railway connection between Izmir and the suburbs.

Main international destinations: ( Ankara) (fastest train Mavi Tren arrives in 14 hours), Denizli ( Denizli) (3 express trains run daily, 5 - 6 hours), Isparta ( Isparta) (9 hours). Trains to Istanbul are connected to the ferry in Bandirma ( Bandirma).

Basman station, +90 232 484-86-38.

Aslancak station, +90 232 458-31-31.

Basman is reached by a metro line (which has a separate station) going to Konak in the west and Bornova in the east.

By bus

Bus station, or otogar, is located six kilometers northeast of the city, although there are many dolmuş, which will take you there from the center. The bus station is huge, it has an Internet cafe, many places where you can eat and quench your thirst, as well as a huge number of agencies that sell tickets for intercity buses and always notify passengers via loudspeaker about their departure. There is also a paid toilet inside.

By ferry

The ferry from Istanbul to Izmir is closed on weekends. Ferries run between Venice and Izmir every one to two weeks. All ferry berths are located at the Aslancak ferry terminal, two kilometers north of the city center.

Alsancak Yeni Liman (terminal), +90 232 464-88-64 / 89 (fax: +90 232 464-78-34).

Cruise ships call at the port of Izmir all year round at Aslancak. The city center of Konak is located two kilometers south of Aslancak. After leaving the pier, turn right towards the coastline and walk towards Konak, it will take you about 25 minutes.

Clue:

Izmir - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 0

Kazan 0

Samara 1

Ekaterinburg 2

Novosibirsk 4

Vladivostok 7

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Izmir's dry and sunny summers are so hot and humid that if your room doesn't have air conditioning, you'll have a hard time sleeping, at least on the first night. It doesn't matter whether the window is open or not. However, in the evening you will be refreshed by a light breeze from the sea, especially if you live near the port. In windy and rainy winters, temperatures can drop to zero, but snow in these latitudes is a rather unusual phenomenon, occurring only once or twice a decade. Ready-made tours from Russia to Izmir, with flights, hotels, transfers and insurance, can be viewed.

Izmir - weather by month

Clue:

Izmir - weather by month

Main attractions. What to see

Due to a big fire in the 1920s, there are not many historical sites left in Izmir. Especially if you calculate the age of the city (more than 5,000 years).

Konak Square

Main square downtown. It is famous for its tower clock, which is one of the unique symbols of Izmir. The tower was built in 1901. Also near the square there is the Konak Yali Mosque ( Konak Yali Mosque) and Kemeralty bazaar /( Kemeralti Bazaar).

Asansör (Elevator)

It was designed by a Jewish businessman in 1907 with the goal of making it easier for residents to get to their mountaintop neighborhoods. The elevator used to operate on a hydraulic drive mechanism. The city council then restored it and it now runs on electricity. The restaurant located at the top offers a bird's eye view of the city.

Alsancak

Small streets with a lot of bars in houses from the Ottoman Empire, where you can drink tea or beer and try a variety of hookahs.

Karsiyaka

Literally meaning “opposite side”, it is located on the opposite side of the Gulf of Izmir with beautiful views to Konak and Aslancak. Karşıyak has a very lively nightlife and is also home to one of Izmir's main shopping streets. It can be reached by ferry or by the Izban commuter train.

Kadifekale

An ancient castle located on a hill in Izmir. This is one of the brightest architectural monuments.

Several ruins remaining from the Roman city of Smyrna can be seen in the Agora ( Agora).

Teleferik (cable car).

It is currently closed and will likely remain closed for a long time. Operating since 1977, it lifts passengers to a height of 423 meters. At the top of the hill there are restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops.

Beaches. Which ones are better

Situated on the shores of the Aegean Sea, Izmir has many beaches that are located close to the city center. Most are connected by public transport to areas such as Foca ( Foça), Dikili ( Dikili), Urla ( Urla), Seferihisar ( Seferihisar) And ( Çesme).

What to see in the area

(Çesme) is a small summer village half an hour's drive east of Izmir.
Alacati ( Alacati). Formerly called Agrilia, it was inhabited by Greeks until 1920. In the 2000s, the village became very popular and attractive to visitors, including many windsurfers.
Selcuk ( Selçuk). You can get there in a few hours by bus or train, heading south from the city. It is a town with many historical attractions, and also serves as a stopover point on the way to the nearby Roman city of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin, which is officially declared a pilgrimage site. The town is close to the beautiful remote village of Sirince, famous for its wines.

Dash ( Tire). Located an hour's drive from the city center, a typical Aegean city. On Tuesday, you can visit Turkey's largest open-air city market, dine on excellent Aegean cuisine in Kaplan and try Tire's famous meatballs.
Manisa ( Manisa). You just need to drive Sabuncubeli Pass(road tunnel). This is a stopover point on the way to Sardis, the capital of ancient Lydia, and Mount Sipylus, which is surrounded by beautiful forest landscapes and where you will find many places associated with ancient myths.

Food. What to try

Fish. Grilled perch and meze ( mezes) (set of snacks). There is usually a lot of fresh fish at any time of the year. Kordon Ümitköy Balıkçısı in Aslancak offers a huge selection of all kinds of fish.
Kumru- a warm sandwich made from special sesame seed bread, Turkish sausages, grilled cheese and tomatoes. There is also a vegetarian option without sausages and with the addition of green peppers. It is unthinkable to miss such a chance in Izmir, because it is impossible to find something similar anywhere else in Turkey. This sandwich is sold everywhere in stalls on the streets. It's best to buy them early in the morning while they're still warm, as they cool quickly. Two sandwiches will be more than enough to satisfy your hunger, and the standard price is around 1.25 lira throughout the city.

Melons are very good, since Izmir has a very warm climate and they are always fresh.
Tulum Cheese ( Tulum Peyniri). This is a special type of cheese produced in Izmir.

Kopsis kebab ( Copsis Kebab) to Topcha ( Topcu), Chankaya.
Restaurant Belkahve. Allows you to enjoy the view of Izmir from the heights of Mount Ataturk, opened in 1922.
Boyoz. Another local pastry, but with more butter than a sandwich kumru. Usually eaten with boiled eggs and tea for breakfast.

Safety. What to watch out for

Izmir is a relatively safe city, but it also has its “dark” sides. Both the city center and the populated outskirts are quite safe during the daytime. But remember to be careful.

When walking at night, avoid dark and narrow streets (which are abundant in Aslancak and Konak). Try to avoid the streets near the main port and railway junction ( Hilal, Halkapinar).
Also try not to book hotels in the Basmane area ( Basmane), which is unsafe even during daytime.
Kadifekale ( Kadifekale), which is the city's most important attraction, is located in perhaps the most dangerous part of the city. We do not recommend going there alone. If you still decide to visit this place, go by car.
Walking is not recommended in areas near the railroad tracks on the south side of downtown.
Remember to be careful and you will be safe. If you find yourself in any unpleasant situation, do not be afraid to call the police (155). The Izmir Police Department has a "tourist police" department where travelers can report lost passports, theft and many other troubles of which they have become victims. The staff speaks English, German, French and Arabic.
Tourist police ( Turizm Polisi), Turizm Şube Müdürlüğü, phone +90 232 489-47-77 (fax: +90 232 441-11-63).

Things to do

Walking around Izmir. You can discover the city from the inside just by walking. The hiking trails in the center are very easy and offer stunning views.

Public ferries are simple and fast, offering stunning views of Izmir. They are preferable to use in good weather. Here are the most popular routes: Konak-Karsiyaka, Alsancak-Karsiyaka, Konak-Bostanli, Karsiyaka-Goztepe.
Walk along the Cordon. A walk along the Izmir Bay embankment, where palm trees grow and rows of apartment buildings rise, and between them and the embankment there are large green lawns and paved streets. Here you can ride a 19th century phaeton.
Kemeralti ( Kemeralti) - this is a must see. Large bazaar where you can buy clothes, gifts, etc. By the way, there are plenty of sun loungers for relaxing.

Kızlarağası Hanı- old hotel ( kervansaray) in Kemeralti, where you can buy carpets and jewelry.

Get lost among the locals and take a boat from Konak to Karsiyak.

Shopping and shops

You can check out Konaka Pier ( Konak Pier) is a small shopping center located near Cordon, which has a cinema, as well as local and foreign boutiques. Another shopping center is located in Bornova and is called “Forum” ( Forum). This is a very large supermarket with many well known boutiques and a Mediterranean style supermarket located in single storey open air buildings. Kemeralti (in the city center) offers a great variety of local souvenirs, all done in a charming local style.

Metro

There is also a metro line connecting the city center, Konak Square and the northwestern suburb of Bornova.

You can use the İzban train, which covers most of the city center.