Izmir
The third largest city in Turkey is Izmir, which the main commercial port on the Aegean coast with a population of over three million people. Despite the size and importance of the port, Izmir remains an ideal holiday location for a variety of visitors. Cosmopolitan and lively, with scenic with palm-lined promenades lining the bay, backed by graceful avenues and attractive horizontal terraces rising up the slopes of the surrounding mountains. Visitors come to see the sights, haggle in the colourful bazaar, and dine on delicious meals at the many waterfront restaurants. Formerly known as Smyrna, Izmir is ancient, dating from around 3,000 BC, but today is thoroughly modern, having been almost obliterated by a fire in 1922 and rebuilt. There is still some worthy sightseeing to be done in the city, however, like the 19th century clock tower, the 18th century Konak Cami mosque, and an archaeology museum. A must-see is the city's landmark public elevator, linking Mithatpasa Street with the summit of the hill at Halil Rifat Pasa, from where there is a stunning view across the city and the bay. The best way to enjoy Izmir is to stroll along the esplanade in the balmy evening air, or jogging along in a horse-drawn carriage, between Konak Meydan and Alsancak.
Izamir has a vast range of shopping centres, like many modern cities is it home to the best stores in the region, which are to be found lining the Kordon Promenades in Alsancak, Karsiyaka and Cumhuriyet Avenue. Visitors, however, do better to head for the atmospheric old district with its narrow streets and hidden doorways. Shopping here is a fascinating experience, and you can buy anything from antiques and dried figs (for which Izmir is famous), to fine jewellery, hand-made shoes and a variety of clothing.
Izmir's seafood restaurants are famed for delicious cuisine, however the area also caters to a vast range of international palates and there are some extremely affordable good eateries, particularly along the Kordon Boyu Promenade. The local speciality is the delectable fish, Cipura, so popular that it is farmed and served up in dozens of city restaurants. It is best enjoyed grilled, with a salad of fresh greens and herbs sprinkled with olive oil. Reputedly Izmir's top seafood restaurant is the Deniz, while for traditional Turkish, spiced up with belly dancing, it is hard to beat the Sini Sofrasi restaurant.
Izmirs nightlife is so varied it offers everything from a tranquil drink in a pavement cafe, to a flamboyant night in one of the thriving bars or clubs open until the early hours in the Kordon Boyu, Passport Pier or Karsiyaka. More cultural entertainment is on offer too, like performances of the Aegean Philharmonic Orchestra. The city is particularly lively during the annual International Arts Festival, which takes place between June and July, and the carnival-like International Fare at the end of August.
The history of the city can be discovered in one of the many museums or archaeological sites and for relaxing after a cultural or historical exploration the cities parks offer a scenic escape into a natural environment. Kulturpark, site of the annual International Fair, provides a good day out all year round with its amusement park, zoo, restaurant and tranquil gardens. There are numerous opportunities for excursions out of the city. Just a short dolmus (mini-bus) ride away to the west is the beautiful Cesme Peninsula with its stretches of sandy beach, where visitors can enjoy water sports or take a boat trip along the coast. Various local operators offer day trips into the surrounding countryside, taking in a variety of interesting destinations from thermal baths and fishing villages to the famous Roman ruins of Ephesus.
