Izmir guide for lifestyle, entertainment and attractions

Izmir: A View

Izmir Summary
Izmir is located on the Aegean coast, in western Turkey. On the west side it meets the sea, enclosing the Gulf of Izmir.

The closest towns to Izmir City are Alacati, seventy two kilometres east, Cesme, eighty-five kilometres to the west, Foca, seventy kilometres to the northwest, and Kusadasi, 109 kilometres south.

Izmir Adnan Menderes International Airport is ten kilometres south of the city, and offers some direct flights from the UK, although in the winter months you may need to travel via Istanbul.

The area boasts some beautiful beaches and breezes suitable for sail sports. The climate is mild in the winter, and reaches over thirty degrees in the summer.

Almost four million people live in the area, which is rich in diversity. From Izmir City's youthful buzz, to breezy Alacati, to Foca's Mediterranean seals and Kusadasi's camel wrestling, there is something suitable for anyone dreaming of a Mediterranean lifestyle.
Izmir Average Property Prices:
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Izmir Population:
Off Peak:
(Winter)
4000000 Peak:
(Summer)
4800000

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Izmir Average Temperatures
Months: Jan - March April - June July - Sep Oct - Dec
Average Temperature: 20° 28° 15°

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Izmir Nearest Airport:
  • 60 km to Foca
  • 80 km to Alacati
  • 85 km to Cesme
  • 130 km to Kusadasi
  • 180 km to Izmir City
  • 200 km to Cesme
  • 240 km to Foca
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Izmir Nearest Marina/Port:
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Izmir Beaches: Izmir has numerous sandy beaches and bays that are popular with the many visiting tourists. Izmir's beaches combine with forests and hills to create harmonious and stunning surroundings.

  • 15 km to Cesme
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Izmir Main Attractions:
  • Alacati lifestyle
  • Although small, Alacati has a surprisingly high number of good restaurants along its main streets
  • Alacati's wind farms
  • Alacati's winds aren't just good for windsurfers, a large wind farm on a neighbouring hilltop provides energy for the area
  • Ancient city of Notion
  • This is your chance to see an excavation in progress
  • Beaches
  • There are a number of beaches around Kusadasi
  • Beaches around Izmir
  • You won't find a beach at the city centre, but you can take a dolmus to many nearby swimming spots
  • Belevi Mausoleum
  • If you have a fascination with all things morbid, head to the Belevi Mausoleum
  • Cesme Castle
  • Cesme town is dominated by Cesme Castle
  • Cesme Museum
  • Located in Cesme Castle, the museum opened in 1965 and was originally a gun museum, with guns brought over from Istanbul's Topkapi Museum
  • Chios
  • The Greek island of Chios is just a short distance over the sea
  • Davutlar
  • 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, powdery sands of its beach
  • Devil's Baths
  • Around two kilometres from Foca you'll find the interestingly-named Devil's Baths
  • Dilek National Park
  • This beautiful protected area just fifteen minutes from Kusadasi is a fantastic spot for walking and picnics
  • Ephesus
  • Internationally-renowned Ephesus is like an open-air museum
  • Foca's Mediterranean seals
  • These seals are extremely endangered, with only around 400 in existence
  • Guzelcamli
  • This seaside town is twenty-three kilometres southwest of Kusadasi
  • Ilica thermal springs
  • A large resort five kilometres from Alacati, Ilica is famous for its thermal springs, some of which are in the sea itself
  • Izmir International Fair
  • Held in Kulturpark, this summer fair is the oldest tradeshow in Turkey, and is accompanied by musical and cultural events
  • Izmir's delicious kumru
  • 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 else in Turkey
  • Izmir's elevator
  • This was built by a Jewish businessman in 1907 to help residents reach the districts on top of the hill
  • Kemeralti Bazaar
  • This is enormous bazaar is over 400 years old
  • Konak Square
  • Famous for its clock tower, Konak Square is a popular gathering place for the locals
  • Kulturpark
  • This is Izmir's centre of art and culture - and it also has an amusement park
  • Kusadasi fish market
  • Here you can find the freshest catch of the day
  • Kusadasi International Golf Resort
  • 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 of the green to cater to all levels
  • Kusadasi's water parks
  • There are three water parks around Kusadasi, and two of these are among the largest in Europe
  • Monastery of Kursunlu
  • This secluded monastery looks out over Kusadasi and Davutlar from its perch six hundred metres above sea level
  • Nightlife in Kusadasi
  • In Kusadasi you'll find different music from all over the world, and a range of pubs and bars to suit everyone
  • Ottoman Caravanserai
  • Just a few steps south of the castle is a beautiful sixteenth century Ottoman caravanserai
  • Pigeon Island
  • This striking island is a symbol of Kusadasi
  • Shopping in Cesme
  • Along the main streets you'll find a number of shops and stalls
  • Shrine to the Virgin Mary
  • 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
  • Sirince
  • This charming Orthadox village is twelve kilometres away from Ephesus and thirty kilometres from Kusadasi
  • St John's Basilica
  • This great Ephesian church is built over the believed burial site of the St John, the ancient apostle, evangelist and prophet
  • Teleferik cable car
  • The Teleferik cable car carries passengers 423 metres above sea level for a beautiful view of Izmir
  • The Grotto of the Seven Sleepers
  • This romantically named site is located on the northern slopes of Mount Pion, near Ephesus
  • The Sirens of Foca
  • A handful of islands face Foca
  • The Velvet Castle
  • Kadifekale means 'the velvet castle', and is the name of both the fortress and the hill on which it stands
  • Underwater city of Neopolis
  • 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
  • Wining and dining in Cesme
  • Cesme has plenty of discos, bars and cafes, many of which are open all night
  • Wining and dining in Foca
  • There are many restaurants and bars around Foca that cater to every taste
  • Wining and dining in Izmir
  • Head down to the Alsancak at the waterfront for a night out
  • Wining and dining in Kusadasi
  • When the sun goes down, the picturesque cafes and restaurants along the palm-lined boulevard start to wake up
  • Wrestling camels in Kusadasi
  • Yes, you read that right
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Holiday Homes in Izmir
Rating: 6/10

Investment Property in Izmir
Rating: 6/10

Permanent Homes in Izmir
Rating: 6/10

Izmir holiday home: The Izmir region is packed with gorgeous beaches, historical sites and activities for everyone. It's some distance to the airport, but if you don't mind the drive then our top picks are: the stylish, elegant spa town of Cesme; and Kusadasi, which is packed so full of things to do you could spend every summer here and still not have time to fit it all in.

Izmir investment property: This up-and-coming area is attracting more tourists each year, including Turkish tourists. Our top tip for Izmir investment is Izmir City, which has a vibrant young population who are in need of rental properties.

Izmir permanent home: Izmir's temperate climate makes it a lovely place for a permanent home. You'll find an established expat population already enjoying the year-round lifestyle. We think Izmir City, with its big-city facilities, rich cultural life and links to the Cesme Peninsula is the best bet.


Izmir Regions Property Rating:
 Holiday
Homes
Investment
Property
Permanent
Homes
 Izmir6/106/106/10
 Alacati6/106/105/10
 Cesme7/107/106/10
 Foca6/106/106/10
 Izmir City4/107/107/10
 Kusadasi7/105/106/10
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Featured Properties
Alacati Villa 50 metres to Beach 4 Bedrooms
Alacati £350,000 / €420,000
beds
from sea
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