Aegean Coast

İzmir, Turkey’s third-largest city and ancient Smyrna, is the main gateway to the Aegean coast. The seafront Kordon promenade and the historic Kemeraltı bazaar are the perfect introduction to the relaxed Aegean way of life, and some of Turkey’s most important ancient sites are within easy reach.

South of İzmir lies Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre and the nearby House of the Virgin Mary. Close by are the port and resort town of Kuşadası and the Ionian cities of Priene and Miletus; further south lie Didim, with the vast Temple of Apollo at Didyma, and Bodrum, ancient Halicarnassus, with its Castle of St. Peter.

To the north are Bergama (Pergamon), with its acropolis and one of the steepest theatres of the ancient world, legendary Troy and Assos, with its Temple of Athena high above the sea. Çanakkale on the Dardanelles is the base for visiting Troy and the Gallipoli peninsula.

The most pleasant time for sightseeing is from April to June and in September and October. July and August are hot and ideal for the beach, and the sea is warm enough for swimming from about June to October.