IzmirTurkey · Ferry Destinations

All About Izmir

Previously known as Smyrna, Izmir is the third most populous town in Turkey, located alongside the Gulf of Izmir. Among the oldest cities in the region, Izmir’s early centuries were a mix of triumphs and defeats. From rising to importance in the 7th century, it lost its standing for almost 300 years after Alyattes, King of Lydia took control. However, Izmir again prospered under Alexander the Great’s rule in the 4th century. The city became a part of the Ottoman Empire in 1425. From 1919 to 1922, it was under Greek rule before Turkey once again took control.

Even with its somewhat tumultuous past, Izmir retained its culture, architecture, and unique heritage, making it one of the most sought-after destinations in Turkey. A contemporary city with a vintage soul, Izmir fascinates and excites travelers with its inviting personality. Its ancient sites, culinary escapades, and infectiously energetic atmosphere are but some of the charms that lure tourists by the thousands to Izmir every year.
 

Routes and Ferries to Izmir

Izmir is a prominent and prosperous town with excellent connections from within and outside the country. Thessaloniki to Izmir is an all-year ferry connection operated by Levante Ferries, which includes a 14-hour overnight journey in comfort. Tourists prefer this route as it saves them from spending the daytime on travel. Ferry tickets to Izmir from Thessaloniki are available via Ferryscanner and cost €81 on average. Additionally, the summer months witness the opening of ferry routes between Izmir and the island of Lesvos.

Travelers flying to Izmir typically land at Adnan Menderes Airport, 16Km from the city center. The airstrip has daily connections from Istanbul, Antalya, and some major European cities. You can take a bus, shuttle, or taxi to the center from the airport.

On land, one can reach Izmir via bus or train. The nine-hour bus from Istanbul includes a short ferry hop. Whereas trains to Izmir from Isparta and Ankara take nine and 14 hours, respectively.
 

Ports of Izmir

The origins of the harbor in Izmir, known as Port of Alsancak, go back to the construction of the first quay in 1869. However, the present-day port really began in 1955. Spread over 902,000 square meters, it handles 2000 vessels annually and can dock up to 18 ships at any given time.

The third largest port in Turkey and an essential economic and industrial hub, Izmir Port has excellent rail and road connections. Moreover, it comprises 24 berths that cater to passengers, roll-on roll-off cargo, and container ships.

Travelers arriving with ferry tickets to Izmir or in cruise ships disembark at a separate terminal next to berths 1 and 2. The terminal is a leisurely 25-minute walk from the center with a café, duty-free shopping, and a taxi station.
 

Best Beaches in Izmir

Izmir is just as much of a metropolitan city as it is a beach destination. However, you must travel a little out of town to truly enjoy the serenity of the Aegean waterfront. Moreover, beaches in Izmir exist in every direction, with many having Blue Flag accreditation.

Yeni Foça Halk Plajı

About an hour north, Foça is a quaint town with plenty of historical and natural marvels. The main beach here stays busy, having free areas and sections with sunbeds that rent for €4.50. A strip comprising stone mixed with sand, Yeni Foça Halk has a lovely promenade, restaurants, discos, and options to take boat rides to Foça Islands.

Kum Denizi Plajı

Kum Denizi is a mostly private pebble beach about 40 minutes from Izmir center. It has shallow and clear waters brimming with vibrant fish making them perfect for snorkeling. Lifeguards on duty and an overall safe environment have made the beach a favorite among families. A modest fee linked with sunbed rental at the beach gives you access to showers and changing rooms.

Altinkum Plajı

Altinkum is popularly known as Golden Sand Beach. It has both free and reserved sections. However, the former tends to be a tad dirty at times. With a lengthy coastline, you can reach the beach by taking an hour-long minibus from the city center. Upon arrival, you’ll discover the waters here to be clear, warm, and welcoming. Food and beverage establishments on the beach charge roughly €5 as an entry fee for sunbed rentals and use of WC and showers.

Karaburun Bodrum Plajı

With a small shoreline, one hour and 20 minutes from the city, Karaburun is one of the best pebble beaches near Izmir for snorkeling. Although the water here tends to be a little cooler, it is swimmable. The beach has a few blue straw umbrellas, which are free to use. An on-site café has showers and rents out daybeds for €1.10. If you wish to scuba dive in the Aegean, there is a diving center nearby. While Karaburun stays relatively crowd-free on weekdays, the weekends are quite busy.

Dikili Plajı

Feel like swimming in the most amazing turquoise waters? Hop into your car and head over to Dikili, an hour’s drive from Izmir. Even though there isn’t any shade or sunbeds here, the beach remains full on weekends. However, early-bird beachgoers can occupy the free umbrellas placed by the municipality. There are plenty of activities for all ages and facilities like changing rooms and WC. When planning your day at Dikili, set aside a few hours for a boat ride from the port to swim in nearby bays.
 

Neighborhoods of Izmir

As one would expect from any cosmopolitan city, the neighborhoods of Izmir hold onto their own identities. Visitors wandering around the district experience an array of cultural insights that spotlight various facets of life in the city.

Alsancak

Passengers arriving with ferry tickets to Izmir will find Alsancak Port and its surroundings to be a vibrant neighborhood with a colorful hipster vibe. On the one hand, Alsancak is home to modern restaurants, hotels, clubs, and cafes. At the same time, older houses and monuments like Turkey’s oldest railway station, dating back to 1856, stunningly juxtapose the contemporary persona of the area.

Bornova

About 5km from the coast, Bornova is home to one of the biggest shopping centers in the city, called Forum Bornova. The mall promises all-around excitement and houses a cinema, Ikea, and other entertainment venues. On Wednesdays and Sundays, Bornova hosts an open market wherein one can purchase local produce, clothes, and handicrafts. The neighborhood is also where you’ll find several parks, the university hospital, and Pınarbaşı Racing Circuit.

Konak

Konak is the oldest part of Izmir and the most popular tourist neighborhood. Packed with shops, cafes, and historical sites, it boasts a dynamic ambiance from morning till day end. When ambling around Konak, a visit to the iconic Kemeraltı Bazaar is a must.

Karşıyaka

A 12km long locality near the coast, Karşıyaka has a high culture quotient. Many tourists visit here to admire the beautifully embellished Laventine mansions. Although the area has business and residential constructions, it also hosts supermarkets, bars, and restaurants. As a lively place, Karşıyaka stays open and busy till late at night.

Eşrefpaşa

Eşrefpaşa is an interesting neighborhood in Izmir because of the many contrasts that one gets to witness here. The main streets consist of tall residential and commercial buildings, which is typically a sign of development and modernity. Continue walking along, and you’ll come across flower shops, food stalls, supermarkets, and banks. Plus, the side streets are all modest and old-fashioned. Dere Sokağı, in particular, is famous for having a flea market. Locals set up stalls selling clothes, household items, and products meant more for regional consumption.
 

Places to Visit in Izmir

Although modern in its outlook, Izmir is steeped in Turkish heritage. To fully appreciate the city and its many charms, it’s worth visiting some of Izmir’s bazaars, historical sights, and museums.

Konak Square

Most tourists arriving with ferry tickets to Izmir disembark at the port and head straight to Konak Square. As the city’s main tourist hub, this courtyard offers beautiful views and acts as a central meeting point for the locals. In the middle of the square is a Clock Tower, gifted by German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1901. Also, in and around Konak are an eight-sided mosque and several government buildings.

Kemeraltı Bazaar

Kemeraltı is the bustling bazaar district of the city with an aura similar to that of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Here, tourists come across numerous shops selling everything under the sun. Divided into sections, different parts of the bazaar has shops selling specific goods, from carpets and spices to clothes and souvenirs. Even if you don’t plan on shopping, Kemeraltı is an excellent place to sit in a café or restaurant and soak up Izmir’s authentic culture and vibe.

Izmir Museums

Izmir and its people are incredibly proud of their history, as reflected through the many museums that dot the city. Among the various options is the Izmir Atatürk Museum which was opened in 1941 by Turkey’s first president. Today, this small museum display’s Atatürk’s bedroom, clothes, vintage furniture, mannequins in a makeshift war room, posters, and historical footage. At the same time, the Izmir Archaeology Museum showcases artifacts from around the Gulf of Izmir. While walking here, you’ll see statues, household items, and tools from the Bronze Age to Greek and Roman times. Started in 2017, the Universal Children’s Museum is a one-of-a-kind theme park where kids come to learn about dinosaurs, climate change, and other essential aspects of our planet.

Ephesus Archaeological Site

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus is among the top attractions in Izmir. Home to Roman and Hellenistic remains, it consists of several monuments, such as the Great Theater, the Marble Way, and the Library of Celsus. These remarkable remnants include the Temple of Artemis, among the ‘Seven Wonders of the Ancient World’. Good public transport makes visits to Ephesus easy, or you can always take organized tours. At Ephesus, visitors can roam independently, use audio guides, or take guided tours. Tickets to Ephesus cost around €11.50. Being a popular sightseeing destination, do book your tickets online beforehand. Furthermore, visit the site in the morning, as afternoons can be hot.

Münire

No trip to Izmir is complete without indulging in local culinary delights. Therefore, one of the best places to enjoy Turkish coffee in the city is Münire. The owner named the place after his grandmother and there is more to this little shop than one might expect. Styled with an array of vintage memorabilia from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, the café serves over 30 varieties of Turkish kazos (soda pop). Moreover, everything you see on display is for sale and changes regularly.
 

Transportation Around Izmir

Just like ferry tickets to Izmir are a popular way to reach the city, boats are also the ideal mode of transport to transfer from one waterfront locale to another. Using ferries is inexpensive and allows you to avoid getting stuck in traffic. From a tourist’s point of view, some of the popular stops on the ferry network are Konak, Alsancak, Karşıyaka, and Bostanlı.

On land, Izmir offers a diverse and expansive transport map covering every city corner. Izban and the Metro are the overground and underground rail networks. At the same time, the Tramway has two scenic routes, Konak and Karşıyaka, along the bay with a total of 33 stops.

Taxis in Izmir are metered, economical, and easy to find. Buses in the city cover most neighborhoods. Simultaneously, you can take the shared minibusses, known as dolmuş which run on fixed routes between Izmir and nearby towns. Payment on a dolmuş is cash only, with the trips costing between €0.16 to €0.27.

Tourists looking for convenience and saving money in Izmir can opt for one of two transport cards. İzmirim Kart costs €0.82 plus top-up and includes usage on all public modes of transportation. Besides the ferries, buses, tramway, and Izban, you can also use it at the zoo and cable car. Top-ups are possible online or at ferry stations and big metro stops. In comparison, the Bilet 35 is a single-use ticket for €1.50 that includes three rides.