Sitting on the Aegean Coast, Izmir is one of Turkey’s top beach destinations, with year-round glorious sunshine, clear waters and a fantastic waterfront promenade – known as the Kordon – which is packed with traditional cafes, shops and restaurants where visitors can pick up all sorts of goods or enjoy a Turkish coffee.
Several beaches can be found within a short distance of the city centre, so if you plan on staying in the area for more than a day then it’s definitely worth visiting a few of these, although anyone just passing through as part of a cruise will still be able to get a flavour of the place just by spending a few hours chilling by the sea.
Those who would prefer to stretch their legs and explore, meanwhile, will definitely want to check out the Kemeralti bazaar, where you’ll be able to browse through market stalls selling all manner of traditional local handicrafts. Alternatively, the Kadifekale castle makes for a terrific day trip, while Konak Square is the central hub of the city and is home to monuments like the Konak Yali Mosque and clock tower.
Sitting on the Aegean Coast, Izmir is one of Turkey’s top beach destinations, with year-round glorious sunshine, clear waters and a fantastic waterfront promenade – known as the Kordon – which is packed with traditional cafes, shops and restaurants where visitors can pick up all sorts of goods or enjoy a Turkish coffee.
Several beaches can be found within a short distance of the city centre, so if you plan on staying in the area for more than a day then it’s definitely worth visiting a few of these, although anyone just passing through as part of a cruise will still be able to get a flavour of the place just by spending a few hours chilling by the sea.
Those who would prefer to stretch their legs and explore, meanwhile, will definitely want to check out the Kemeralti bazaar, where you’ll be able to browse through market stalls selling all manner of traditional local handicrafts. Alternatively, the Kadifekale castle makes for a terrific day trip, while Konak Square is the central hub of the city and is home to monuments like the Konak Yali Mosque and clock tower.
