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Izmir is Turkey's third
largest city, a busy port (2nd biggest in Turkey), commercial centre and a gateway to the Aegean
Region. In spite of its size (population around three million) and importance it still remains to have enough holiday ambience to draw visitors.
Holiday resorts such as Cesme,
Kusadasi and historical sites such as the
Ephesus and
Virgin Mary are only 1 hour drive
distance to Izmir.
Izmir is a lively and
scenic city with palm lined avenues along
the Izmir bay, backed by graceful boulevards and attractive terraces
rising up the hills of the surrounding mountains. Visitors of Izmir come to see
the sights, shop in the colourful bazaar, and dine on delicious meals
and seafoods at the many shore restaurants.
 Izmir (ancient name Smryna), dates back to around 3000 BC. Today Izmir is
mostly modern, after the unfortunate fire in
1922 and because of this had to be rebuilt. However, there is still some worthy sightseeing in
the city like the 19th century clock tower (Konak Square), the 18th century
Konak Mosque, and an archaeology museum. The Antic Agora is an important
ancient area to visit in Izmir. The Agora was the largest of its kind in the world. It was established in 333 BC by
Alexander the Great on the slopes of Mount Pagos. The excavations and restorations are still continued. Inscriptions indicate the existence of a church and the manager of
the digs. A must-see is the city's
landmark public elevator, linking Mithatpasa Street with the summit of
the hill at Halil Rifat Pasa, from where there is a stunning view across
the city and the bay. One of the best ways to enjoy Izmir is to join the
promenaders in the evening air strolling on the esplanade, or
jogging along in a horse drawn carriage between Konak Square and
Alsancak.
 Nightlife in Izmir can be as wild as you wish. Most of the after dark
action for visitors is centred on the Kordon, Alsancak, Pasaport Pier and
Karsiyaka where nightclubs and bars stay open until the early hours of the day.
More cultural entertainment is on offer too, like performances of the
Aegean Phillharmonic Orchestra. The city is particularly lively during the annual International Arts Festival, which takes place between June and July, and the carnival-like International Fare towards the end of August.
There are numerous
opportunities for excursions out of the city. Just a 1 hour drive
away to the west is the beautiful Cesme Peninsula with its many
sandy beaches where visitors can enjoy watersports or take a boat trip
along the bays around. Various local operators offer day trips into the
surrounding countryside, taking in a variety of interesting destinations
from thermal baths and fishing villages to the famous
Roman ruins of
Ephesus. |
