View of a tall, slender, richly decorated clock tower made of light-coloured stone with a broad, octagonal base featuring arches and niches, which can be seen on a square in the centre of the picture. Palm trees are on both sides of the tower and behind it. A few people can be seen in the square. The slightly cloudy sky glows in warm orange tones in the sunset.

Izmir –
Aegean adventure

Published: 19 September 2024, 09:30

Izmir is a fascinating combination of modern flair and traditional charm. Imposing skyscrapers characterise the city’s skyline and reflect the vibrant city life. At the same time, historical sites such as the ancient Agora and the Hisar Mosque invite visitors to immerse themselves in Izmir’s rich cultural heritage. The city has an exciting mix of mosques, lively bazaars and traditional cafés creating a special atmosphere.

Numbers, data, facts

Time difference: + one hour
Population: 4.4 million
Official language: Turkish
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)

Five highlights of Izmir

View of an archaeological site comprising several remains of walls and light grey columns. A city on a hill can be seen in the background.

The Agora, the centre of the Roman-antique city of Smyrna, today’s Izmir, in the 2nd century, is located in the heart of the metropolis. © Kayihan/stock.adobe.com

View across a green lawn surrounded by a low metal fence to a square with a bright, tall clock tower in the centre. The square is lined with palm trees and benches, with several people strolling around.

The central Konak Square and the Saat Kulesi clock tower are among the city’s most important landmarks. © efired/stock.adobe.com

View of a castle wall amid battlements and a defence tower next to an open brick city gate and a cobbled street. Parts of a town and the sea can be seen through the open gate. A flight of steps leads up to the right in front of the gate. There are trees in the foreground. The sky is blue.

Kadefikale Castle is located at the city’s highest point and offers a wonderful view of Izmir and the coast. © saiko3p/stock.adobe.com

Night shot of a colourfully illuminated city from a bird's eye view. A floodlit street can be seen on the right-hand side of the picture, while the skyline with numerous illuminated skyscrapers can be seen in the background.

From Bayrakli Hill you can enjoy a marvellous view of the skyline. The city seems enchanted, in particular in the evening and at night. © kenan/stock.adobe.com

View of an inner courtyard surrounded by a reddish-brown and white wall with windows. The dome and a high minaret of the mosque are visible in the background, with a Turkish flag hanging in front of it. The inner courtyard is covered by an arched roof and awnings on the sides. In the background, the slightly cloudy sky glows in the sunset.

The Hisar Mosque dates back to the 16th century and is one of the oldest and most important mosques in Izmir. © nejdetduzen/stock.adobe.com

Discover the Aegean coast

The Aegean coast around Izmir is of interest to both history buffs and holidaymakers. Visitors can look forward to beautiful beaches, picturesque coastal towns and important historical sites. The ancient ruins of Ephesus are among the most important archaeological sites in the world. The seaside resorts of Çeşme and Alaçatı offer crystal-clear water and ideal conditions for relaxation and water sports. Off to the Aegean adventure!

Five daytrip recommendations from Izmir

View of an ancient archaeological site overlooking a cobbled street. On the right side of the picture is a building with columns and an arched entrance. Some of the columns are complete, others in fragments. Further remains of walls and buildings can be seen to the left and in the background.

The important archaeological site of Ephesus is located one hour from Izmir - one of the most important and best-preserved ancient cities in the world. © JackF/stock.adobe.com

View down a cobbled alleyway, with two-storey stone houses on either side. The houses on the right are adorned with wooden bay windows. A small square with planters and a wooden gate is visible in the foreground.

The charming village of Alaçatı is famous for its well-preserved stone houses and is known as a surfing hotspot due to favourable wind conditions. © nejdetduzen/stock.adobe.com

Aerial view of an urbanised headland surrounded by the blue sea. A fortress wall and a harbour with several small boats can be seen in the foreground. The houses are light-coloured with red roofs, with many trees visible in between. The town continues behind the headland and merges into hilly mountainous terrain. The sky is blue.

The beautifully situated coastal town of Foça, once a Greek settlement dating back to the 11th century, attracts visitors with its fortress and beautiful beaches. © uskarp2/stock.adobe.com

View of a cliff by the sea at sunset. There is a white lighthouse on the cliff. Two white houses with bright red roofs can be seen to the left of the lighthouse. Behind the cliff. you can see the sea.

The Sarpıncık lighthouse is idyllically situated on the Karabrun peninsula, north-west of Izmir. Karabrun offers a varied landscape for hiking and exploring. © Samet/stock.adobe.com

View of a hotel complex by the sea with a bar, numerous palm trees, lawns and a pool, the edge of which is visible on the right of the picture. On the left side of the picture, a jetty juts out into the sea. Folded parasols stand on the beach. A hilly landscape is visible on the horizon. Although the sun has already set the sky is still orange.

The popular seaside resort of Çeşme is located to the west of Izmir and is famous for its white sandy beaches and historical sights. © yulia/stock.adobe.com