URLA, a prominent holiday resort town by the sea, about half an hour from IZMIR
URLA is a most prominent holiday resort town by the sea, about half an hour from IZMIR, in Turkish Aegean. You can start your trip from Izmir towards Çeşme driving parallel to the highway and moving away from the bay.
After a very comfortable drive of half an hour from Izmir you can arrive in Urla and enjoy a picturesque place with breezes coming from the sea, houses reminiscent of the past, beautiful romantic coves, Daffodil flowers unique to the region, Lighthouse, delicious fish dishes.
You can start your trip from Izmir to Çeşme. It’s running parallel to the highway, starting to move away from the Bay. The architectural texture which is very much similar to Izmir, continues all the way to URLA. The breeze from the sea caresses your face and you smell the scent of reeds and citrus in the texture of the environment.
URLA is one of the first escape points of citizens living in Izmir people. You can come across some attractive coves on the Urla-Karaburun road, as well as picnic areas that embrace those who escape the heat all day long.
URLA which owes its name to the plant called “Vourla” (Mule-tail skirting) is a place where picnickers stop to meet their in its bazaar / shopping area. Therefore it may be a bit problematic to find a parking place for your car.
The harbor area is considered to be one of the most frequented places for Greek tourists who come to see the old Greek houses. Tourists enter the historic coffee shop in the Iskele quarter on the Square and take pictures. There are several authentic buildings/houses in the area. The outer circle of the harbor where yachts and fishing boats are connected is surrounded by restaurants to eat while watching this beautiful view.
In alleyways of the town one can see houses dating from the 18th century, historical mosques, and ruins from Seljuk time. During the excavations underwater investigations, Klazomenai, an Ion city and valuable artifacts and remains were found. Stores belonging to the oldest olive oil workshop in Anatolia have been unearthed.
Among important crops grown in and around Urla one can see artichokes, okra, grapes and olives.
Among dishes unique to Urla are Urla stew, Urla ravioli, artichoke stuffed with olive oil, churning with local herbs, thyme pickles, packet pastry, fish steamed, calamari pan and groom halva.
