Turkey’s Aegean coastline is dotted with paradise beaches, while all within striking distance of historic ruins, nature and buzzing nightlife. Wise Traveller takes you on a quick spin through the region.
Izmir is often overlooked as a potential holiday centre to enjoy. Maybe it’s the big city that puts tourists off as they alight from their planes and set their compass for everything south of Turkey’s third city.
Alacati
This is a beautiful former Greek fishing village that has switched from sleepy to trendy in a matter of decades, and many Izmir citizens now view it as a perfect weekend getaway. It has buckets of boutique hotels, narrow streets, and snazzy bars to keep guests entertained and entranced. It is also well-renowned for its high-quality food sold. The town even has its own food festival in spring.
Çeşme
Further down the coast, on the western tip, is Çeşme, famous for hosting some of the best surfing experiences due to its constant breeze. If the sea doesn’t tempt you, then the town certainly will with its imposing 16th-century castle-turned-archaeological museum. It offers an excellent base to discover quaint towns and the Urla wine route, offering a series of vineyards.
Foça
A classic village where time seems to have stopped as the world whirls on by. It is one of the cittaslow towns for its slow and sustainable approaches to living. Geared towards the fishermen’s life, Foça wraps around a horseshoe bay with a beach setting 20 minutes away.
Sunday is the main day when the village comes alive, with it being market day, while taking a boat trip enables travellers to see less-visited bays and islands.
Selçuk
A historic town which is probably more famous for being located close to a treasure trove of ruins that draws thousands of visitors each year. If history is your thing, then the Roman city of Ephesus, with its preserved Library of Celsus and the House of the Virgin Mary, which is believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary, will be firmly on your radar. Selçuk has its own, attractions, such as the Ayasuluk Fortress, offering panoramic views of the local area. Otherwise, the town has a typically laidback air with cobblestone streets and local markets.
Kuşadası
Standing proudly on the Aegean, Kuşadası is a fantastic family destination packed with historic charm, a buzzing port area, and several beaches to kick back and watch the world go by. Throughout the summer, the port is a major stopping off point for cruise vessels and thousands of passengers. It plays host to popular beaches, such as Ladies Beach, Long Beach and Kustur Beach. Modern-looking shops sit shoulder to shoulder with historic venues. Kuşadası’s bustling town centre enables you to disappear down alleyways full of shops, while its nightlife is a major pull for the younger crowd. For nature, the Dilek Peninsula-Büyük Menderes Delta National Park is also on the doorstep.
Didim
Another town that most travellers skirt past as they head for the glitzier charms of Bodrum. However, many holidaymakers have become long-time expats, having been struck by the old Turkish charm of Didim on the Aydin coastline. Packed with traditional shops, a modern marina for luxury living and a laidback night scene, Didim will tug at the heartstrings to stay a little while longer. Wander to the edge of town and be charmed by the Temple of Apollo, one of the best-preserved ancient structures in Turkey. As for beaches, Didim has an excellent selection, including Altınkum and Third Beach, both of which are Blue Flag beaches.
Andy Probert is an independent journalist who writes about global travel news, airlines, airports, and business. His work has appeared globally on the BBC, and in many national newspapers and magazines.
