Izmir guide for lifestyle, entertainment and attractions
Displaying 43 attractions of 43
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| Although small, Alacati has a surprisingly high number of good restaurants along its main streets. The local market operates on Saturdays, near the ce... |
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| Alacati's winds aren't just good for windsurfers, a large wind farm on a neighbouring hilltop provides energy for the area. The wind farm is a stunnin... |
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| This is your chance to see an excavation in progress.
Located on top of a hill by Ahmetbeyli Beach, the city covers a large area over two hills. T... |
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| There are a number of beaches around Kusadasi. City Beach is close by, just a short stroll from the central action. Pigeon Island's beach is a private... |
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| You won't find a beach at the city centre, but you can take a dolmus to many nearby swimming spots. Try Foca, Dikili, Urla, Seferihisar, or Cesme.
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| If you have a fascination with all things morbid, head to the Belevi Mausoleum. The gigantic structure is thought to be the second-highest and second-... |
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| Cesme town is dominated by Cesme Castle. No one seems to know exactly who constructed the castle - the arguments tend towards the Turks or the Genoese... |
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| Located in Cesme Castle, the museum opened in 1965 and was originally a gun museum, with guns brought over from Istanbul's Topkapi Museum. However, wh... |
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| The Greek island of Chios is just a short distance over the sea. There are regular ferris that leave from all over the peninsula for anyone wishing to... |
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The pretty town of Davutlar is just fifteen kilometres south of Kusadasi, it's worth heading to this small town for its old-town feel and the white,... |
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| Around two kilometres from Foca you'll find the interestingly-named Devil's Baths. This is actually a tomb cut out of the rock at the foot of Can Hill... |
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| This beautiful protected area just fifteen minutes from Kusadasi is a fantastic spot for walking and picnics. No fires are permitted here and you can'... |
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| Internationally-renowned Ephesus is like an open-air museum. Formerly an impressive ancient city, much of it has been preserved so visitors can experi... |
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| These seals are extremely endangered, with only around 400 in existence. They reside in the caves and coves around Foca, where they bring up their you... |
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| This seaside town is twenty-three kilometres southwest of Kusadasi. It offers a peaceful seaside atmosphere that belies its almost three-thousand year... |
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| A large resort five kilometres from Alacati, Ilica is famous for its thermal springs, some of which are in the sea itself. The springs are well-known ... |
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| Held in Kulturpark, this summer fair is the oldest tradeshow in Turkey, and is accompanied by musical and cultural events. The latter events came firs... |
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| A warm sandwich may not sound so special, but this Izmir speciality is absolutely delicious and you will have great trouble tracking one down anywhere... |
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| This was built by a Jewish businessman in 1907 to help residents reach the districts on top of the hill. It originally operated with a water-driven me... |
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| This is enormous bazaar is over 400 years old. If you enjoy shopping, you can wile away half a day there, getting lost in the labyrinthine twists and ... |
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| Famous for its clock tower, Konak Square is a popular gathering place for the locals. The clock tower was built in 1901, and is considered a symbol of... |
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| This is Izmir's centre of art and culture - and it also has an amusement park. Wander round the green spaces and see many different kinds of trees and... |
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| Here you can find the freshest catch of the day. Whether it's mackerel, octopus, sea bass, gray mullet, red mullet, anchovy, sea bream or squid you're... |
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| Kusadasi International Golf Resort will open in May 2010 and aims to offer a challenging fairway for advanced players, while also allowing a good part... |
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| There are three water parks around Kusadasi, and two of these are among the largest in Europe. What better way to cool off from the summer sun is ther... |
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| This secluded monastery looks out over Kusadasi and Davutlar from its perch six hundred metres above sea level. It's believed to be a Byzantine orthod... |
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| In Kusadasi you'll find different music from all over the world, and a range of pubs and bars to suit everyone. Inside the old quarter, Kaleici, you'l... |
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| Just a few steps south of the castle is a beautiful sixteenth century Ottoman caravanserai. This roadside inn was built by Suleyman the Magnificent an... |
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| This striking island is a symbol of Kusadasi. Beloved of migrating birds (hence the name), Pigeon Island lights up each evening as the sun sets, highl... |
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| Along the main streets you'll find a number of shops and stalls. Make sure you haggle for a bargain. Sunday is market day, and a good time to stock up... |
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| Located on the top of Mount Bulbul, nine kilometres from Ephesus, the Shrine of the Virgin Mary is hidden in a green and peaceful spot.
It is said... |
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| This charming Orthadox village is twelve kilometres away from Ephesus and thirty kilometres from Kusadasi.
The village was once called Cirkince ('u... |
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| This great Ephesian church is built over the believed burial site of the St John, the ancient apostle, evangelist and prophet.
Legend has it that S... |
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| The Teleferik cable car carries passengers 423 metres above sea level for a beautiful view of Izmir. If you have some money to spend, have a wander ar... |
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| This romantically named site is located on the northern slopes of Mount Pion, near Ephesus. The grotto is of interest to those of both Muslim and Chri... |
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| A handful of islands face Foca. Intriguingly, two of them are the known as the Sirens' Rocks, thought to be the place where beautiful but deadly women... |
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| Kadifekale means 'the velvet castle', and is the name of both the fortress and the hill on which it stands. Built in the fourth century BC, the walls... |
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| Near Pigeon Island, this ancient city was once ruled by the Ionians, who used its useful location to control the trade between the region's cities. Ne... |
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| Cesme has plenty of discos, bars and cafes, many of which are open all night. There is much live music action - and karaoke too, if that takes your fa... |
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| There are many restaurants and bars around Foca that cater to every taste. The nightlife heats up when the sun goes down and there is plenty to occupy... |
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| Head down to the Alsancak at the waterfront for a night out. You'll find all kind of bars and restaurants there. And if you're a music lover, you'll b... |
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| When the sun goes down, the picturesque cafes and restaurants along the palm-lined boulevard start to wake up. Linger over an aperitif and watch the c... |
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| Yes, you read that right. The Selcuk Camel Wrestling Festival is held in Kusadasi in December or January each year. This is the camels's breeding peri... |
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