Aegean Region and Nearby Places to Visit
The Aegean Region is one of the most fascinating corners of Turkey with its ancient cities lying in the shade of olive trees, turquoise blue sea and warm Aegean people. In this magnificent geography where history and nature are intertwined, a new discovery awaits you at every step. Wandering through the streets flavored with the unique flavors of the Aegean, seeing the traces of thousands of years of history and the purest forms of natural beauty will refresh your body and soul. If you are ready, let's embark on a pleasant journey into the magical world of the Aegean.
Izmir
Izmir is undoubtedly the first city that comes to mind for a vacation in the Aegean... Izmir, the pearl of the Aegean, is one of Turkey's most special cities with its historical richness, cultural diversity and fascinating natural beauties. Surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea, this city offers unforgettable memories to every visitor with its stories dating back to ancient times, lively streets and hospitable people. While watching the sunset in Izmir, it is hard not to be captivated by the magic of this beautiful city.
Ancient City of Ephesus
Ephesus, which has been home to many civilizations throughout history, is one of the most important commercial, cultural and religious centers of the ancient world. It offers an unforgettable experience to its visitors not only with its historical ruins, but also with its fascinating atmosphere and impressive landscapes. While exploring this ancient city, you will embark on a fascinating journey into the depths of history. Ancient city famous for its important buildings such as the Library of Celcius, the Great Theater and the Temple of Artemis.
Sirince
Located close to the ancient city of Ephesus, Şirince offers visitors a journey through time with its traditional architecture, stone streets and vineyards. One of the most striking features of Şirince is its historical stone houses inspired by Greek architecture. These houses are lined up along the narrow and stony streets of the village, and their whitewashed walls and red-tiled roofs are mesmerizing. St. John the Baptist Church: Built in the 19th century, this church is one of the most important historical buildings in the village.
Izmir Clock Tower and Konak Square
An important meeting and tourist center located in the heart of Izmir and known as one of the most iconic spots in the city. Izmir Clock Tower is an elegant example of Ottoman architecture. It dazzles with its four-story structure and ornate details.
Konak Square is one of the most vibrant and lively squares of Izmir. The square, which is crowded at all hours of the day, has an atmosphere intertwined with both its historical texture and modern city life.
Kemeralti Bazaar
Kemeraltı Bazaar is the oldest and largest open-air bazaar in Izmir. Dating back to the 17th century, Kemeraltı is located in the center of Izmir with its rich cultural texture, lively atmosphere and various shopping opportunities. This historical bazaar is one of the most important touristic and commercial centers of the city, visited by local and foreign tourists. You can shop in the historical bazaar and taste local delicacies.
Cesme
Surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea, this beautiful district is famous for its historical texture, natural beauties and vibrant nightlife. Çeşme is flooded with local and foreign tourists during the summer months. A popular holiday destination with its beaches, thermal waters and historical castle.
Pergamon Ancient City
Pergamon, one of the most important centers of the Hellenistic period, has shown a great development especially in science, art and architecture. Pergamon, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, fascinates its visitors with its impressive structures that carry the traces of the ancient period to the present day.
Where and What to Eat in Izmir?
Breakfast
Submarine Cafe
Karşıyaka is an ideal place to have a nice breakfast by the sea. Famous for its breakfast and sea views.
Reci's Place
Alsancak Popular for its rich breakfast menu and especially its homemade jams.
Street Flavors
Kumru
Kumrucu Şevki is one of the best places to eat Izmir's famous kumru.
Kumrucu Ömür is the place to go for a traditional kumru sandwich.
Boyoz
Alsancak Dostlar Bakery is one of the most well-known bakeries to taste Izmir's specialty boyoz. It offers boyoz varieties with various fillings.
Stuffed Mussels
Kordon Midyecisi is a popular place to try fresh and delicious stuffed mussels.
Seafood
Veli Usta Fish Restaurant is famous for its fresh seafood and appetizers. It attracts attention with its view and quality service.
Another place famous for its fresh fish and seafood from the Aegean Sea is Yengeç Restaurant.
Olive Oil and Aegean Cuisine
Topçu Restaurant is an ideal place for olive oil dishes and flavors made with Aegean herbs. It is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Kordon Balıkçısı is known for its olive oil appetizers and fresh fish.
Dessert
Sevinç Patisserie is one of the oldest and most famous patisseries in Izmir. It is especially famous for its gummy custard and Izmir bomb dessert.
Dinner in the evening
Octopus is an ideal place for dinner, especially with its seafood and appetizers.
Traditional Flavors
Shambali Dessert
One of the best places to taste shambali dessert unique to Izmir is Meşhur Hisarönü Şambalicisi.
Grilled Meatball
Köfteci Salih Aras is famous for its delicious grilled meatballs. You should try the meatballs flavored with local spices.
Where to stay in Izmir: https://www.kucukoteller.com.tr/izmir-otelleri
Muğla
Muğla is definitely the second most preferred city for those who will vacation in the Aegean. Bodrum is the most touristic point of this city. Bodrum, which is flooded by foreign tourists as well as domestic tourists, is the point where millions of vacationers spend their holidays during the summer season. One of the tourism capitals of Turkey, this city attracts thousands of visitors every year with its warm atmosphere, deep blue sea and natural beauties. It promises a summer vacation full of Muğla's historical richness, natural habitats and unique beaches.
Bodrum Castle
Bodrum Castle is one of Bodrum's most iconic landmarks with its magnificent view surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Aegean. This castle, which has become the symbol of Bodrum, is also known as St. Peter's Castle. It draws attention with its rich history and magnificent structure dating back to ancient times. Although the castle was once built for defense purposes, today it is an important cultural and artistic center of Bodrum.
Marmaris Castle
Located at the entrance of Marmaris Bay, this castle has a magnificent sea view. Historical artifacts are exhibited in the Marmaris Castle Museum located in the castle.
Dalyan
Dalyan is famous for its magnificent natural beauties, ancient cities and caretta carettas. Take a boat trip on the Dalyan River and explore the rock tombs, Iztuzu Beach and thermal waters in Dalyan.
Gocek Bays
Göcek is a marina famous for its unique bays and turquoise sea. You can take a boat tour in the bays of Gocek and have a swimming break accompanied by magnificent views
Oludeniz
Oludeniz, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, is one of the most popular touristic spots in Muğla. It is also preferred for activities such as the Blue Lagoon and parachute jumping from Babadağ.
Datça Peninsula
Datça Peninsula, which has unique natural beauties, is an ideal route for nature lovers with its clean air and virgin bays. You can visit the ancient city of Knidos and enjoy the sea at Palamutbükü Beach.
Fethiye Rock Tombs
The ancient city in Fethiye is famous for its rock tombs. These tombs, also known as King Tombs, contain important artifacts from the Lycian period.
Saklikent Canyon
Saklikent Canyon, located close to Fethiye, is an ideal route for trekking and adventure enthusiasts. You can hike in the icy waters of the canyon and enjoy the natural beauties.
Where to Eat in Mugla?
Olive Oil
Muğla's olive oil dishes have an important place among the local flavors. Olive oil dishes such as stuffed artichokes and zucchini blossoms are worth trying. Classical Ottoman Cuisine is famous for its traditional olive oil dishes, you can try olive oil dishes here.
Fish and Seafood
You can find fresh seafood along the coastline of Muğla. Fish such as sea bass, sea bream, red mullet and seafood such as mussels and shrimps are famous. Çardakaltı Balık Restaurant isa fish restaurant famous for its fresh seafood and delicious appetizers. Here is an address where you can taste the most delicious fish of the Aegean.
Village Breakfasts
You can have rich breakfasts prepared with local products in the villages of Muğla. Köy Kahvaltı Evi is known for its rich breakfasts prepared with local products.
Meatball and Kebab Varieties
You can find delicious meatballs and kebabs in every corner of the Aegean. Aşk-ı Memnu Kebab Restaurant is famous for its traditional Turkish kebabs, here you can taste delicious kebab varieties.
Dessert
Among the desserts of Mugla, especially the dairy desserts and baklava stand out. Hafız Mustafa isa well-established dessert shopfounded in 1864where you can find traditional Turkish desserts as well as world desserts.
Where to stay in Mugla: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/mugla-hotels
Balıkesir
Balıkesir is the pearl of the Aegean with its streets full of history, natural beauties and delicious cuisine. Bearing the traces of the past in every corner, this city fascinates its visitors with its historical buildings and mystical atmosphere.With its thousands of years of history and rich cultural heritage, Balıkesir is almost like an open-air museum. It enchants its visitors with its streets smelling of history, magnificent natural beauties and delicious local flavors.
Ayvalık
Ayvalık district of Balıkesir, which generally receives visitors from neighboring cities, especially those residing in the Marmara Region, is one of the most peaceful spots for those who want to have a vacation in the Aegean. Ayvalık conquers the hearts of those who will spend a vacation in the Aegean with its friendly people and magnificent nature as well as its easy accessibility. You can take a ferry from the city center to Ayvalık Cunda Island, where you can explore the historical buildings of Greek architecture.
Cunda Island
If you want your Aegean vacation to be unforgettable, you should visit Cunda Island, which has been eulogized and which everyone wants to visit once again. Cunda Island, which stands out with its unique culture and delicious seafood cuisine, is one of the first places that come to mind when it comes to places to visit in the Aegean. Cunda Island has a peaceful atmosphere with its houses adorned with Greek architecture and exquisite sea views.
Mount Ida (Ida Mountains)
Kaz Mountains, one of the natural beauties of Balıkesir, attracts the attention of nature lovers with its lush green nature and clean air. You can go trekking in the Kaz Mountains and enjoy the magnificent views with nature walks.
Edremit Gulf
Edremit Bay, one of the most beautiful gulfs of the Aegean, is famous for its natural beauties and beaches. Here you can swim in the sea, do water sports or taste local delicacies in the restaurants on the shore.
Altinoluk Beaches
Altınoluk, the seaside resort of Balıkesir, is an ideal place for summer vacations with its long sandy beaches and crystal clear sea. In Altinoluk, you can swim in the sea, enjoy the sun and cool off in the beach cafes.
Zeytinli Island
Located off the coast of Ayvalık, Zeytinli Island attracts attention with its natural beauties and calm atmosphere. Here you can take nature walks, enjoy the island view and spend a peaceful day.
Where and What to Eat in Balıkesir?
Ravioli with fringe
It has a special place in Turkish cuisine and is a specialty of İvrindi district of Balıkesir. This type of ravioli is made with thin dough and usually filled with minced meat, onion, spices and served with yogurt and tomato paste sauce. It is one of the indispensable flavors of dinner. You can try it in local restaurants or eateries.
Balikesir Tava
Balıkesir's famous pan dish is prepared by frying meat with special spices. You can taste this local dishat Mehmet Usta Balıkesir Tava .
Eggplant with Cheese
Eggplant with cheese is preferred as a light and delicious appetizer or main course. Mega Yıldız Family Restaurant in the center of Balıkesir is one of the places where you can try eggplant with cheese.
Bigadiç Casserole
Bigadiç casserole is a popular dish that is usually made on special occasions or invitations. Kardeşler Butcher Grill and Casserole Hall is one of the places where you can taste this delicious dish.
Where to stay in Balıkesir: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/balikesir-hotels
Aydın
Aydın is a city full of historical and cultural richness that integrates with the warm climate of the Aegean. This beautiful city, which has a great agricultural potential, dazzles with its olive groves, fig groves and ancient cities.With its ancient cities bearing deep traces of history, fig groves hidden among the fragrant olive trees and stunning coasts, Aydın is a city full of treasures waiting to be discovered.
Didim
Speaking of Aegean vacation, it would be impossible not to mention Aydın. With its clean sea and beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, it is a place that should be preferred by those who want to have a vacation in the Aegean.
Kusadasi
Those who will have a vacation in the Aegean, which has a magnificent geography, can have an unforgettable holiday experience in Kuşadası, Aydın. Kuşadası is frequently preferred by those who want to have an Aegean holiday due to its proximity to many places on the list of places to visit in the Aegean, especially the ancient city of Ephesus.
Ancient City of Miletus
Miletus, one of the most important ancient cities of the Aegean, has a great importance in terms of history and architecture. It fascinates its visitors with its ancient theater, stadium and agora.
Priene Ancient City
Priene, located in Söke district of Aydın, draws attention with its ruins from the ancient Greek period. It is known for its structures such as the Temple of Athena and the theater.
Didim - Temple of Apollo
The Temple of Apollo in Didim district is one of the most important sanctuaries of antiquity. It amazes its visitors with its great ruins and impressive architecture.
Aydin Museum
This museum, which exhibits the history and cultural heritage of Aydın, has a rich collection. Archaeological artifacts, ethnographic objects and works of art are found here.
Dilek Peninsula-Büyük Menderes Delta National Park
One of the most important natural areas of Aydın, this national park is home to a rich biodiversity. It attracts nature lovers with its hiking routes, beaches and bird watching areas.
Where to Eat in Aydin?
Sümer Pide
One of the famous local flavors of Aydın. This special type of pita, which is usually served in pita shops in and around Aydın, is a flavor made on thin dough and enriched with various ingredients. The pita is usually cooked in stone ovens and served hot. One of the most distinctive features of Sümer Pide is the variety of toppings. Pita is usually prepared with various fillings such as meat, sausage, cheese, mushrooms and vegetables. There are also varieties such as Sümer Pide with meat, Sümer Pide with sausage and Sümer Pide with cheese. It is served with yogurt and tomato paste and eaten hot.
Değerlioğlu Kuyu Tandoori
After the fire is lit in the well and the fire is extinguished, the lamb tandoori is cooked for hours with the heat inside. The meat is soft and very tasty due to the heat and lamb fat.
Keşkek
Keşkek is one of the traditional dishes of Aydın. Prepared by cooking wheat and meat for a long time, this delicious dish is usually served on special occasions such as weddings and mass events. You can try keshkek at local restaurants.
Olive Oil
Aydın has large areas covered with olive groves and therefore olive oil production is quite common. Local delicacies such as leaf rolls with olive oil, artichokes with olive oil, stuffed peppers with olive oil offer the rich taste of olive oil.
Where to Stay:https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/aydin-hotels
