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Izmir is known as ‘The Pearl of the Aegean’ and is Turkey’s third largest city.
Izmir is known as ‘The Pearl of the
Aegean’ and is Turkey’s third largest city.
It is lively and cosmopolitan with
palm-lined promenades backed by horizontal terraces that rise up the slopes of
the surrounding mountains. As the gateway to the Aegean coast, it is a busy
commercial and industrial centre.
Travellers come to Izmir to see the
sights, haggle in the colourful bazaar, and dine on delicious meals at the many
waterfront restaurants. Formerly known as Smyrna, Izmir is ancient, dating from
around 3,000 BC. But today it is thoroughly modern, having been almost
obliterated by a fire in 1922 and rebuilt although there are still plenty of
historical attractions to see.
Izmir is a lively city where culture
and entertainment are mixed. It is renowned for its museums, fish restaurants
along the shore, bars, discotheques and night clubs and for the remains of
ancient civilizations.
It also makes the perfect base from
which to explore the many towns and villages dotted along the Aegean coastline
giving access to numerous beaches such as those at Llica, Alçati, Çeşme, Urla,
Foça, Pamucak and Pirlanta.
The climate is Izmir is a mild one and
in summer the sea breezes temper the sun's heat.
The average monthly temperatures are:
|
°C |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Day |
11 |
13 |
16 |
20 |
25 |
30 |
32 |
32 |
29 |
23 |
18 |
13 |
|
Night |
4 |
5 |
6 |
9 |
13 |
17 |
20 |
20 |
16 |
12 |
9 |
6 |
As with many modern cities, Izmir has
its fair share of shopping centres. A truly international mix of stores can be
found here with the best lining the Kordon Promenades in Alsancak, Karsiyaka
and Cumhuriyet Avenue.
But for a real taste of Izmir you can’t
beat a browse around the atmospheric old district with its narrow streets and
hidden doorways. The Kemeralti historic market district makes shopping a
fascinating experience. You will find shops and stalls selling everything from antiques
and dried figs (for which Izmir is famous), to fine jewellery, hand-made shoes
and a variety of clothing.
When it comes to nightlife, Izmir has
something for just about everyone.
If you are after a bit of culture you
can catch a performance of the Aegean Philharmonic Orchestra. Between June and
July the International Arts Festival takes place followed by the International
Fare in August.
But if you like your entertainment loud
with a lot of dancing, head for Kordon Boyu, Passport Pier and Karsiyaka where
you will find a concentration of bars and clubs that stay open until the early
hours.
Here are a few of the clubs and bars
you might like to try:
·
Cece Bar
·
Kybele Rock Bar
·
Open Air Dance Club
·
Ynside
·
Barcelona
·
Café Barylum
Whilst there are many sights to see and
things to do in Izmir, you might like to take the opportunity to explore the
surrounding area during your stay. Listed below are just a few of the nearby
places you could visit.
·
Ephesus
·
St Mary’s House
·
Pamukkale Spa
·
The ancient city of Hierapolis
·
Pergamum
·
Asklepion
·
Sardis
·
Priene and the Temple of Athena
·
Kusadasi
Altinkum
It is not advisable to drink the tap
water in Izmir, bottled water is widely available. The area is relatively crime
free but you should exercise the usual precautions with your valuables
especially when in crowded areas.