Your complete guide to exploring Izmir - from ancient ruins to vibrant bazaars and stunning Aegean beaches. Discover where to stay, eat, and explore in Turkey's third-largest city.ContentsCity of Izmir (Turkey)
Izmir (İzmir) is a city in western Turkey, located on the coast of the Aegean Sea. It is the third-largest city in the country (after Istanbul and Ankara) and the second most important port. Izmir is a dynamic, rapidly growing metropolis with a rich history and a large youth population. This city has a unique European-Mediterranean atmosphere for Turkey, where modern glass facades and wide boulevards coexist with traditional red-tiled roofs and ancient mosques.
Izmir is an ancient city founded over three thousand years ago. In antiquity, it was known as Smyrna. This vibrant city of olives, figs, and grapes boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage shaped by ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Izmir is an excellent destination for leisure: beaches and sea, clubs and bars, landmarks, and ancient monuments. It is a youthful city with numerous universities, brimming with energy and constant movement.
Geography & Weather
Izmir is located in western Turkey, in the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea. The city is built around a large bay at the mouth of the Meles River. The terrain consists mostly of low mountains and hills. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Snowfall and frost are rare.
Average Temperatures:
The best time to visit Izmir for beach holidays is from June to September. If the main goal is exploring the city and its landmarks, May-June and September-October are ideal.
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The Aegean coast of Izmir features several beaches near the city center: Foça, Dikili, Urla, Seferihisar, and Çeşme.
Izmir is a city with a rich history, experiencing periods of prosperity and decline. Over three thousand years ago, the ancient Greeks founded Smyrna, home to one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse (seven early Christian churches in Asia Minor). In 133 BC, the Greek settlement was conquered by Rome. Under Roman rule, Smyrna reached its peak. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city belonged to Byzantium, lost its significance, and declined.
In 1076, Smyrna was conquered by the Seljuks, but Byzantium regained control in 1102. After the fall of the Byzantine Empire, Smyrna was seized by the Knights of Malta and later ruled by Genoa. In 1402, the city was conquered by Tamerlane. In the 16th century, Smyrna was taken by the Ottomans.
Despite becoming part of the Ottoman Empire, Christians remained the majority. After the Ottoman Empire’s defeat in World War I, the city was occupied by Greece. The Treaty of Sèvres granted it to Greece, but Mustafa Kemal and his supporters rejected the treaty. On September 9, 1922, the Turkish army entered the city, leading to its burning and mass killings of the Christian population. The city was renamed Izmir in 1928.
Izmir is one of Turkey’s largest transport hubs, accessible by car, bus, train, and plane. The airport, located 20 km south of the city, is one of the country’s largest, with daily flights to Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, and major European cities.
Izmir has two train stations: Basmane (central, serving regional trains) and Alsancak (intercity and suburban trains). Basmane is connected to the metro.
The small Konak Pier mall is on the waterfront (Kordon). The large Forum shopping complex is in Bornova. The historic Kemeraltı district offers souvenirs and traditional goods, including a bustling bazaar.
The Alsancak district features many cafes and bars in old Ottoman houses.
Izmir offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. High-end hotels like Hilton Izmir line the Aegean coast, often with private beaches, entertainment, and car rentals. Budget options are concentrated downtown.
Konak Square is the heart of Izmir, a lively and fascinating area.
The Clock Tower, a 25-meter marble structure built in 1901, is Izmir’s symbol.
Yali Mosque, an elegant 18th-century mosque with colorful tiles and a slender minaret, stands on Konak Square.
Nearby is Kemeraltı Bazaar—a chaotic, authentic district with shops, workshops, tea houses, and eateries.
Hisar Mosque, Izmir’s largest, was built in the 16th century amid bustling market streets.
Asansör, a historic elevator tower built in 1907, now serves as a viewpoint.
Kadifekale Castle, ruins of an ancient fortress on a hill, dates back to Smyrna.
Agora, the ruins of an ancient Greek and Roman marketplace, features reconstructed colonnades and arches.
Kordon, the seaside promenade, stretches from Konak Square to Alsancak.
Ephesus, one of Turkey’s most famous sites, features stunning ancient ruins. Highlights:
Pergamon, a UNESCO-listed Hellenistic city, features temples, a steep theater, and a library.
Şirince: A charming village with narrow streets and old houses.
Birgi: A quaint ancient town with stone houses.
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