İzmir, a stunning city in Turkey’s Aegean region with coastal charm, has been named one of the ‘Best Cities’ for 2024 by Lonely Planet. With its ancient cities, beautiful beaches, scenic landscapes, unique cuisine and undeniable charm, İzmir has rightly earned its place among the guide’s top recommendations.
Coastal and cultural riches
Lonely Planet highlights İzmir’s coastal location as a major advantage, offering a delightful mix of historical and contemporary culture, delicious Aegean cuisine and a high quality of life. The guide suggests exploring İzmir’s historic bazaar, cultural and artistic venues, vineyard routes, beautiful beaches and ancient ruins. Don’t miss the annual İzmir International Festival, held in June and July, where you can enjoy concerts and dance performances while sampling local wines produced in Urla, one of İzmir’s vineyard routes.
Unexplored delights
Despite being Turkey’s third largest city, İzmir retains a relaxed atmosphere that contributes to its high quality of life. While the ancient city attracts millions of tourists each year, according to Lonely Planet, İzmir is still waiting to be fully discovered. The city offers a comfortable living experience, with nearly two kilometres of beautiful coastline stretching to the vibrant Kemeraltı Bazaar. İzmir’s exceptional location also provides easy access to picturesque seaside towns and beaches, including Foça, Urla, Karaburun and the Çeşme peninsula. These areas offer unique experiences, from farm-to-table dining in Urla to exploring Aegean herbs and seafood in Alaçatı. İzmir’s culinary scene is further recognised by its inclusion in the Michelin Guide this year.
Ancient treasures and heritage
For those interested in ancient history, İzmir offers the archaeological sites of Bergama and Selçuk. At Bergama, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors can explore the region’s history dating back to prehistoric times.
The town of Selçuk is famous for the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as well as the ancient city of Ephesus, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other important sites in Selçuk include the Basilica of St John and the House of the Virgin Mary. Şirince, known for its fruit wines and recognised by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, is also worth a visit. Situated on a green hillside with stunning views of the Selçuk mountains, Şirince offers a charming experience.
Art, Culture and Modern Attractions
İzmir is a vibrant destination for art, culture and history. The recently opened İzmir Culture and Arts Factory, housed in the restored late 19th century Alsancak Tekel Factory, is a notable attraction. This is also the venue for the Ephesus Cultural Route Festival, İzmir’s most important event, which will be held from 28 October to 5 November this year. In addition to galleries and museums showcasing traditional and contemporary art, the city hosts a variety of events.
Cycling Paradise
İzmir is the first city in Turkey to be chosen for the EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean route. With its cycling routes and ‘Bicycle Friendly’ certified hotels, İzmir is an ideal destination for travellers who want to explore the region on two wheels.