Travel in Turkey:  An article about the best of Turkey’s Aegean Coast

According to some articles on foreign media many visitors to Turkey tend to overlook the lesser-known holiday destinations around Izmir in favor of the warmer spots in the south. Some experts highlight their favorites in the Aegean and what tourists miss out on.

One key difference between Turkey’s Aegean region and the glitzy Mediterranean coastline further south became apparent to me during a trip to Cunda Island. The Mediterranean holiday resorts are filled with foreign tourists flocking in through Bodrum and Dalaman. Further north, however, most visitors are Turkish. As a result, the towns and villages that adorn the coastline offer authentic glimpses of Turkish life instead of catering to the needs and desires of European tourists.

Izmir in the Aegean region is often referred to as Turkey’s San Francisco. The places listed below may not all be destinations for a week-long stay, but visiting two or three of them in a week can provide a chance to delve beneath the surface of this extraordinary country.

ALAÇATI

During the weekends in summer, this charming old Greek fishing village is bustling with couples from Istanbul and Izmir who are captivated by its chic hotels in restored Ottoman houses, streets adorned with bougainvillea, and a blend of cocktail bars. One can reach ILICA, a small holiday resort with a long beach, located slightly inland, by car or minibus in just 10 minutes.

Alaçatı is renowned as one of Turkey’s most beloved gastronomic destinations, with its own food festival held in March and approximately 200 scattered restaurants. Many of these restaurants still adhere to the traditional ordering method: no menus. However, one can choose from a variety of cold mezes, fresh fish, or kebabs from the cold bar. A favorite place is Papazz that offers fantastic sourdough and meaty, sharp lamb. Following closely are Fava for delicious traditional mezes and Sota for excellent sushi, ceviche, and oysters.

CUNDA ISLAND

Connected to the charming town of Ayvalık by a causeway, this small island may become your favorite when you visit Turkey. Cunda, which was a Greek fishing village until 1923, has preserved much of its architecture and seamlessly combines a Greek island feel with a flawless Turkish atmosphere. Cunda is quite popular, with its traditional restaurants, olive oil, cheese, and spice shops, making it a preferred weekend getaway for those living in Istanbul and Izmir. This popularity has also led to the emergence of several boutique shops, as well as a range of stylish cafes and cocktail bars.

Cunda doesn’t have its own beach, so it’s more suitable for a few days rather than a week. In the afternoon, one can visit Ayvalık and explore antique shops or take a break for coffee and simit under the grapevines at Kahramanlar Bakery, one of the oldest in town. The best times in Cunda are in the evenings: one can have a great time by strolling through the backstreets to watch the sunset at Taş Kahve on the beach, followed by dinner at Ayna and a cocktail at La Fuga, currently the hippest spot in town.

ÇEŞME

Çeşme, just a 15-minute drive from Alaçatı, has a very different atmosphere. With family-friendly hotels, a long coastline, and many traditional restaurants, it’s a lively resort town that appeals to weekend holidaymakers from the city, especially on Friday nights. Çeşme’s beaches are also ideal for windsurfing. Dominating the town’s skyline is a 16th-century castle that now houses an archaeology museum and overlooks the marina, with views of the Greek island of Chios just 8 kilometers away, reachable by ferries that run twice daily, making it an easy choice for a two-country holiday. Çeşme is also ideally located for exploring the Urla wine route, consisting of seven vineyards, and a few olive oil farms that offer tastings and tours.

FOÇA

Exploring Foça, one of the 22 chosen quiet towns in Turkey, makes one feel like returning to Turkey for the first time in many years. Fishing boats line the shore of the small horseshoe-shaped bay, yachts glide as the sun sets, and one has a high chance of seeing seals in the neighboring coves. While Foça itself doesn’t have its own beach, the beautiful Mersinaki beach is only a kilometer and a half away.

The best way to explore the surroundings of Foça is by taking a boat tour that covers nearby coves and some deserted islands, including Orak Island, which can be seen from the town. On Sundays, the entire town comes together for the weekly market, featuring organic products from local producers, and every day, Foça’s fleet of fishing boats delivers fresh fish and seafood to the town’s restaurants.

ŞİRİNCE

Şirince village, located an hour’s drive into the hills south of Izmir, is a gem. With a backdrop of forested slopes and towering mountains, it comprises a cluster of Ottoman houses with whitewashed walls, terracotta roofs, and green shutters. Şirince’s pedestrianized center, nestled in the heart of Izmir’s wine country, is filled with wine cellars, olive oil shops, craft stores, and cafes where coffee is still roasted in hot sand using traditional methods.

Şirince is only a 20-minute drive from Ephesus, the grandest ancient site in Turkey, which means it can get quite crowded with day-trippers. Staying for one or two nights allows you to enjoy quiet mornings and peaceful evenings, with more reasons to savor the town’s terraced restaurants, many of which offer stunning views. There’s no better place for local cuisine than Şirincem. Artemis, one of the city’s oldest restaurants, offers excellent mezes and a great view.

Note: to view real “BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS OF THESE PLACES” you can visit below link (Turkish article)
https://gazeteoksijen.com/o2/the-guardian-yazdi-turkiyenin-ege-kiyilarinin-en-iyileri-186771?sayfa=2