The Turkish Aegean is characterized by 2,808 kilometres of coastline and a variety of ancient sites. A history over 2000 years old awaits you here on the Turkish Aegean. Centrally located in this region is Izmir, Turkey's third largest city, which is also known as the "Pearl of the Aegean".
The ancient cities of Ephesus, Troy and Pergamum located here are world-famous. The cities of Marmaris and Bodrum are also located here with their beaches that invite you to relax.
The large city of Izmir, located directly on the coast, with the nearby seaside resorts of Cesme and Kusadasi is well known. The climate on the Turkish Aegean is significantly milder than on the Turkish Riviera. Popular travel months are May to October, and July is recommended for bathers.
Iztuzu Beach in Dalyan: Natural beauty. This jewel in Dalyan in the province of Mugla in the southern Aegean is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey and one of the most beautiful natural beaches in the world: it has already been officially named the most beautiful beach in Turkey.
The Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz is considered the place with the most beautiful beaches in Turkey. That's exactly why the seaside resort on the Lycian coast is probably one of the best travel destinations for sun-hungry tourists.
Most of the region's olive oil is produced in Ayvalık and Edremit. There are several sugar factories in Afyon, Kütahya and Uşak, although there is also a sulfur factory in Kütahya.
The city of Denizli is the region's main textile centre and exports most of its products abroad. Carpet weaving is particularly present in Demirci, Gördes, Kula, Simav and Uşak. There are significant deposits of marble in Afyon, so production facilities have been set up on site. Cotton weaving is widespread in Aydın, Denizli, İzmir, Nazilli and Uşak.
Every year there is a well known event near Selcuk / Izmir when the camel fighting championships take place. There is a two-day carnival in the town during which many male camels fight for trophies, money and the honour of being the best in the competition.
The cute Aegean town of Urla is located about 38 km west of the city center of Izmir and stretches about 11 km parallel to the main road towards Izmir.
Ortakent is located at the crossing of all the village roads. That's why it is one of the most important centres of the Bodrum Peninsular.
It was a quick decision during our stay in Izmir to take a day off for visiting to the new opened İzmir Wildlife Park.
The Agora in the Namazgah district of İzmir dates back to Roman times (2nd century AD) and was built by Hippodamos near the centre, an impressive three stories high, according to the Roman city plan.
Bodrum peninsula is situated on the west coast of Turkey. The city of Bodrum lies on the south coast of the peninsula. The sea around is strewn with islands.
Gümbet stretches to the west of Bodrum and there is just a distance of about 3 kilometres between the centre of Bodrum and Gümbet. The region developed rapidly and became an alternative entertainment centre to Bodrum.
Akyarlar, the village of fishermen and formerly of the notorious sponge divers with its traditional whitewashed houses, is located just 22 kilometres from Bodrum.
Turgutreis, a small town on the west coast of the Bodrum peninsula, is probably just known for its most famous inhabitant, the pirate and later admiral of the Ottoman fleet, Turgut Reis. The naming of the town is at least based on his person.
Midway along the north shore of the peninsula, Göltürkbükü nestles in a pretty bay surrounded by hills. The once separate fishing hamlets of Türkbükü and Gölköy came together a short time ago. It is 20 kilometres away from Bodrum on the northern side of peninsula and is a good spot for a quiet relaxing holiday.
Situated 16 km southwest of the city of Bodrum and surrounded by two hills, its 500 metre-long fine sandy beach is one of the best in the area. It is cooled by the north wind blowing in the summer. This cove is one of the most popular stopping points for boat tours.
On the north-eastern coastline along the Bodrum peninsula lies the small town of Torba, well hidden in a charming little bay that offers protection and is only 6 kilometers from the city center of Bodrum.
Gaziemir is a district of İzmir Province in the Aegean region of Turkey. It is one of the metropolitan districts of Greater İzmir and is situated to the south of central İzmir (Konak) on the road to the İzmir harbour,
The construction of Bodrum Castle was begun in 1406 by the Knights of Saint John. It was built on top of the old Turkish and Byzantine castles and given the name of Saint Peter. The construction of the castle continued until 1522.
Bodrum Museum is the biggest and most important archaeological underwater museum in the world and the only one in Turkey. A great majority of the relics on show consist of those raised during underwater excavations and those brought to the museum by sponge divers, now on display in the museum located in Bodrum Castle.
The ruins of ancient Hierapolis follow the 1200 metre long and 6 metre wide road which is lined with columns all over the travertine terraces of Pamukkale from north to south.
Bagla nestles 14 kilometres away from the city of Bodrum in one of the most beautiful coves on the southern peninsula. The dazzling cove to the west of Bağla Cape with its beautiful beaches is popular with boat tours and the region is an excellent place to camp.
This sleepy and outstanding hamlet nestles in a very beautiful bay and is one of the oldest settlements on the peninsula od Bodrum. The original Lelegian city of Myndos once stood southeast of here.
Our visit to Izmir this time was also to take us to Karşıyaka, one of the two largest districts of Izmir, because we accepted our friend Mehmet's invitation for tea, after our last meeting was almost 6 months ago.
Turkey is the most important producer of bathing sponges. In May, the men of the villages around Bodrum set sail on their narrow boats along the western coast for five months to look for sponges.