Foça Travel Guide

On the deep blue shores of the Aegean, Foça, named after the adorable seals that live in the sea, is one of Izmir's most special holiday destinations. Far from crowded tourist centers, this charming fishing village has managed to preserve its natural beauty and history to this day, making it a favorite for those seeking peace and tranquility. Foça emerged as an Ionian city in ancient times and was named Phokaia after the seals that lived in the seas during that period. This name eventually became Foça. Historical ruins can still be found today in these lands, which were one of the important settlements of the Ionians. Did you know that Foça is even mentioned in the works of the famous poet Homer? Seals are not the only symbol of Foça; the rooster, mentioned in mythological stories, is also one of the city's symbols. It is also an island district. There are many large and small islands around it, and it is possible to visit these islands on organized boat tours. Although it is not very developed in terms of tourism, this makes Foça unique. With its designated protected areas, untouched coves, lush green nature, and deep blue sea, it is truly a haven of peace. The friendly people of Foça welcome their guests as if they were their own friends. 

Places to Visit in Foça

• I recommend those going to Foça to definitely take a boat tour and see Atatürk Island.
• When you go to Foça, one of the places to visit is the Persian Monumental Tombs. They are worth seeing, although they are 7 km away from Foça. The oldest theater in Anatolia is also in Foça.
• Those who want to explore Foça's undiscovered blue coves can take a boat tour to visit the coves. You can also visit small and large islands, and even swim in some of them.
• You can see the Windmills. There are only two windmills left today out of the windmills that were active 40 years ago. These windmills were used by Turks and Greeks to grind grains in the past.
• You can visit the Fatih Mosque. The building, which was originally built as a church, was converted into a mosque during the Fatih Sultan Mehmet period. There is a stone minaret and madrasa in its courtyard.
• You can visit the Ottoman Cemetery. This cemetery, dating back to the period of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, is still in use today. It is even possible to come across graves dating back to the year 1059.
• You should also see the Greek Cemetery. It is said that this cemetery, located in the Maşatlık area, belongs to a Greek prince and princess.
• You can go to Frigya Hill. The most beautiful hill of Foça is waiting for you for a romantic sunset view.
• Don't leave without going to the Siren Rocks. These rocks, which are the subject of Homer's famous Odyssey, were formed as a result of the erosion of waves and winds. These small islands near Foça are generally known as the Siren Rocks. Swimming here is prohibited to preserve natural life, as this is also the habitat of famous seals.
• Foça Aqueduct. The aqueduct, built in the Middle Ages to meet the water needs of Foça, still exists today. Finally, don't leave without seeing the Foça Ancient Theater.

Where to Swim in Foça

• Hanedan Beach: One of the most preferred places to swim in Foça among locals. It is a facility with food and beverage service, sun loungers, and umbrellas.
• Voodoo Beach: A beach especially preferred by young people.
• Sazlıca Beaches: Another point where several facilities are located on the same bay, and the color of the water is magnificent. It is located on the road between Old Foça and New Foça.
• Q Beach: It is located in Mersinaki Bay near Old Foça. Q Beach offers guests a quality environment where they can spend quality time within the unique beauty of Mersinaki Bay.

Where to Eat in Foça

1. Foça's cuisine generally reflects the characteristics of the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. Olives and olive oil, salads, and greens are prominent. We can generally say that it is a healthy cuisine for local cuisine. Among the local flavors, artichoke stands out, and you can try dishes such as artichoke stew with sour herbs, yogurt fish, stuffed squid, fish head soup, stuffed fish, fish soup, grilled sardines, and lamb artichokes.
2. You can also taste stewed or salads made with sour herbs such as wild celery, purslane, field pennyroyal, dill, chicory, and turnip greens. Besides all these dishes, due to the touristic features, you may come across street vendors or sandwich shops in the town. You can find restaurants serving grilled meat and chicken products, as well as dishes like kebab, pita, and more.
3. If you wish, you can try fresh seasonal fish, yogurt fish, various olive oil dishes, and different seafood at seaside fish restaurants.
4. Fokai Restaurant: A place we liked for its appetizers and fish.
5. Kavala Cafe & Winehouse: Kavala Cafe is a great spot to watch the sunset.
6. For ice cream: Dörtler Bakery **Liman Restaurant is another fish restaurant. It is favored by the locals.
7. Rosole Ristorante İtaliano, a successful Italian restaurant.
8. Good fish restaurants: Deniz Restaurant and Fokai Restaurant
9. Ege dishes: Kuzina
10. For meat and kebabs, at the entrance of Eski Foça Market: Konya Haranı (delicious Konya cuisine)
11. Grill pub: Foça Biber Ocakbaşı 
12. Mastic Ice Cream: Giritli Nazmi Usta The only place I recommend for both fun and enjoying a drink; coffee or alcohol: Gatsby Foça
13. For home-cooked meals, Çarşı Restaurant is the best. "Volkan's Place Aheste" is by far the best. İzmir who visit Foça every weekend go straight there. The appetizers are unique to this place and can only be found here.

What to Buy in Foça 

When you visit Foça, you can shop at the Foça District Market held on Sundays, which could be described as world-famous. All products here are natural. You can buy fresh vegetables and fruits, dairy products, and fresh or dried herbs. You’ll also find products like winter paste, tarhana, jams, and marmalades. In the town center and shops in Foça, you can find original items, souvenirs, decorative items, jewelry, and ceramic figurines. You can also buy textile products, clothing, hand-embroidered tablecloths, and fabrics.

Events and Festivals in Foça

1. Foça Artichoke Festival: Foça is famous for its Artichoke Festival. In this festival, which is held every year in April or May, local artichoke dishes are served, concerts and events are organized.
2. Foça Sea Festivals: In summer, usually in July or August, Foça Sea Festivals are organized. This event includes sea sports shows, concerts, street theater and other events.
3. Foça Classical Music Festival: This festival, which takes place every year in September, hosts various concerts for classical music lovers.
4. Foça Book Days: Foça Book Days are organized for literature lovers. Writers, poets and readers come together, signing days are organized and literature-related events are held.

How to Get to Foça

 If you are traveling by bus, you can find bus services from almost every city to İzmir Bus Terminal or directly to Foça. If you prefer to fly, you can reach Foça from İzmir by minibuses or buses after arriving by plane. If you wish to drive to Foça, you can use the İzmir-Çanakkale road. Here are some travel details:

1.  The distance from Manisa to Foça is about 70 kilometers and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
2. The distance from İzmir to Foça is about 70 kilometers and takes about 1 hour.
3. The distance from Istanbul to Foça is about 600 kilometers and takes approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes. o The distance from Bursa to Foça is about 360 kilometers and takes about 5 hours.
4. The distance from Ankara to Foça is about 640 kilometers and takes about 9 hours.

Foça Accommodation Recommendations

Foça hotels offer their guests comfortable and relaxing accommodation options. Although there are large accommodation facilities in Foça, it mainly consists of Foça hotels and small hotels. However, there aren't many large holiday villages in Foça. This is why it is a peaceful and tranquil town. Foça hotels are mostly concentrated in the area known as Old Foça. You can find charming hotels by the sea, in the countryside, or even tucked away in the streets. No matter which hotel you choose, you will be quite close to the center. Hotels open for business in April when the summer holiday season begins and continue to operate until almost the end of October. They offer almost all modern amenities. Their restaurants serve Turkish and international cuisine at all hours of the day. Foça hotel prices are quite reasonable compared to many famous holiday resorts. There are accommodation facilities to suit every guest's budget and taste.
There are beautiful options for staying in Foça. For accommodation recommendations, you can check out our Foça Hotels page. Click on the link to see our recommendations.