About Izmir area
Flights to Izmir touch down on Turkey’s Aegean Coast, where star billing goes to Kusadasi. Set in a scene-stealing bay just north of Bodrum, this holiday hub packs in plenty of must-sees. For starters, there’s the Grand Bazaar – a treasure trove of little shops and stalls. Then there are the beaches to consider. A 15-minute walk from the centre, Ladies Beach is loud and lively at one end and pin-drop peaceful at the other. But you’ll find the main attraction just inland from the coast. Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, and it’s just minutes from Kusadasi. Plus, when you book a flight to Izmir you can explore the modern port city itself. Cue palm-lined boulevards, sleek boutiques and a harbour that was made for fine dining.
Fast Facts
- Soak up the sun at the ever-popular Ladies Beach in Kusadasi. This stretch of sand is peppered with loungers and backed by cafés and bars.
- Delve into the Grand Bazaar in Kusadasi. A crazy mix of American shopping mall and Arabic souk, it sells everything from carpets to necklaces.
- Taste local favourite, ‘borek’. It’s a feather-light filo parcel that’s usually stuffed with feta, spinach or minced lamb.
- Don your gladrags for a trip to Bar Street. Kusadasi’s aptly-named hub is teeming with bars, so it’s a great choice for some pre-club cocktails.
- Step back in time with a visit to Ephesus. The trump card of this ancient city is the façade of the Library of Celsus, although there’s plenty in the way of temples and theatres, too.
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