The Yamanlar Camligi, a pine forest near the lovely Karagol Lake
40 km. northeast of Karsiyaka, is a popular picnic spot that also provides
restaurants and a swimming pool.
A Hittite bas-relief is carved into the
rock at Kemalpasa (20 km from Izmir) which lies in the Karabel Pass.
On the highest point above Izmir, Belkahve overlooks the Gulf of Izmir and is
a relaxing spot to enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee. A favorite haunt of
Ataturk's, it is now the sit of the largest statue in his honor.
The Seven
Churches of the Apocalypse, mentioned by St. John in the book of
Revelation, each formed a separate and distinct community and are all
found in Turkey -- Izmir (Smyrna), Efes (Ephesus), Eskihisar (Laodicea),
Alasehir (Philadelphia), Sart (Sardis), Akhisar (Thyatira), and Bergama
(Pergamum). Although some of the sites are better preserved than others,
tours of one to four days can be arranged to see several or all of the
churches.
The Cesme Peninsula, lapped by the waters of the Aegean Sea,
lies west of Izmir. Cesme, meaning fountain, derives from the many
sources of water found in the area. It is one of Turkey's most beautiful
stretches -- surrounded by clear blue seas, with landscapes of cultivated
fields of aniseed, sesame and artichokes dotted with fig and gum trees. In
the unspoilt bays you can swim in absolute peace. Visitors will find
excellent holiday accommodations, restaurants and sports and
entertainment facilities.
The very popular holiday center of Ilica boasts an excellent white
sand beach and the outstanding facilities of the Altin Yunus Marina and
Holiday Complex. The bay here is ideal for water sports, especially
windsurfing and sailing. The thermal baths around Ilica are very popular;
the best being located on Sifne Bay. Pasa Limani has a camp site which
offers campers comfortable facilities. Every July on Ilica Bay, the colorful
International Cakabey Optimist Yacht race is held.
Ildiri, a quiet seaside
village 20 km. northeast of Cesme, was ancient Erythrai. Those who climb
up to the Acropolis at dusk are rewarded with beautiful views as the sun
sinks over the bay and islands. Nearby is Gerence Gulf, a pristine inlet on
the northeast Cesme peninsula which can be reached by yacht or car. The
natural surroundings offer relaxation while the bay is ideal for water
sports.
Dalyan, a fishing village, built on a sheltered deep water inlet just
north of Cesme, has some of the region's best fish restaurants which
border the quay of the lively marina.
Tourist are attracted by Ciftlik's
many accommodations and by a long, sandy beach (Pirlanta Plaj) just
outside of town to the southwest. Camping facilities are available to the
south and nearby stretches one of the area's best beaches, the Altinkum
Plaj (Golden Beach).
Windmills, some of which have been converted into
attractive restaurants, dot the hill above Alacati, a delightful and typical
Aegean town. Alacati lies to the south inland from Ilica and the coast; a
couple of kilometers to the south is a good beach. Many lovely bays,
accessible only by yacht, stretch along the coast southeast of the town and
ensure peaceful and relaxing anchorages in this popular sailing region.
Known in ancient times as Clazomenae, Urla Iskelesi offers a marina as
well as plentiful accommodations in all price ranges. Restaurants on the
top of Guvendik hill afford a marvellous view of the bay and its islands.
The prosperous little fishing village of Cesmealti is notable for its
simple yet excellent fish restaurants.
As you drive along the panoramic
Karaburun peninsula coast road, you pass several peaceful bays and quaint
fishing villages -- Balikliova, Mordogan and Karaburun. At Karaburun,
pleasant hotels, tea gardens and fish restaurants sit between the
beautiful mountain backdrop and the clear, clean water. From Manastir
Mountain you can enjoy an unforgettable view of the Karaburun coast, the
Foca coastline opposite and the entrance of the Gulf of Izmir.
A 14th century Genoese fortress, restored and
enlarged by the Ottomans in the 16th century, dominates the small port of
Cesme, 80 km from Izmir. Today, the town is a popular holiday resort
with excellent accommodations and restaurants; the 16th century
caravanserai near the fortress, built by Suleyman the Magnificent, has been
converted into a hotel while the Church of Agios Haralambos has been
restored as an art gallery. Thermal baths offer a health centered escape
from modern life. Excellent shopping -- the finest quality carpets, leather
goods, as well as souvenir items -- is available; at night a lively, fun
atmosphere pervades, especially in the restaurants, cafes, bars and discos
along the promenade. Yachts can be hired to explore the peninsula's
splendid coastline. Cesme hosts an annual Internadonal Song Contest in
July.
