Izmir
Aegean, Turkey 25 tours visit here
Izmir is Turkey's third-largest city and the country's main Aegean port, spread around a long sheltered gulf on the western coast. Known in antiquity as Smyrna, it has been inhabited for over 3,000 years, and Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman layers remain visible across the centre. Most visits begin at Konak Square with its Ottoman clock tower, then continue into Kemeraltı, the bazaar quarter of narrow lanes, coffee houses, workshops, old hans and mosques. Just inland stands the Agora, the Roman-era marketplace of Smyrna, with its colonnades and vaulted galleries. The hilltop fortress of Kadifekale looks out over the bay, while the Kordon seafront promenade is where the city gathers in the evening, especially at sunset. The atmosphere is modern, secular and relaxed, and Izmir works best as a base rather than a single-sight destination. Ephesus and Selçuk lie to the south and Pergamon (Bergama) to the north, both within day-trip range, and the Çeşme peninsula sits west along the coast. The centre itself is usually covered in half a day on foot. Summers are hot and dry; spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for combining the old quarters with the ancient sites.
