Travel Guide Izmir - Smyrna
Founded by the Greeks under the name of Smyrna, Izmir is a Turkish city on the west coast, in the hollow of a gulf of the Aegean Sea. Conquered by the Romans and then rebuilt by Alexander the Great, it was finally incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Today it is the third largest city in Turkey and the country's second largest commercial port after Istanbul. This dynamic city is a major stop on a trip along the Aegean Sea. Among the must-see sights of the city are the Saat kulesi tower (clock tower) on Konak Square, the Yali mosque (1755), the Asansör, a historic tower built in 1907 on the side of a cliff to house an elevator for transporting goods. Among the museums: the archaeological museum and the Key museum dedicated to the automobile. You can't avoid the Kemeralti market, a huge bazaar spread over several streets where you can find clothes and jewelry. Families will enjoy visiting the zoo with its giraffes, meerkats and exotic birds. As a bonus, there is a wide choice of gourmet discoveries, whether you want to enjoy meatballs or Turkish delight. At nightfall, climb up to the corniche to marvel at the glittering bay. Leave Izmir in the early morning to explore the nearby wilderness. Climb the Yamanlar mountain for beautiful views and have a picnic by a lake. And most importantly, take your tour guide with you so that you don't miss anything about this unique destination.
What to visit Izmir - Smyrna?
Suggested addresses Izmir - Smyrna
When to go to Izmir - Smyrna?
The high tourist season in Izmir, as in the rest of Turkey's tourist spots, begins at the end of June and ends in August. That is why the best time to travel to Izmir is in May or from September to October, when the climate remains very suitable and prices are mild. The low tourist season corresponds to winter. Many Turkish tourists also travel at the time of the Bayrams, the religious holidays, which take place after Ramadan. At that time, prices increase and reservations for long-duration transport are necessary. In addition, the Izmir International Fair takes place in September and attracts a large number of visitors. The hotels are then full.
Weather at the moment
The weather in Turkey is very variable depending on the region. While in the north the Black Sea region experiences heavy rains in both summer and winter, the Mediterranean and Aegean regions enjoy a mild winter and a warm summer. In Izmir, the winter is quite mild and rainy, very rarely snowy, the spring is getting milder and sunnier over the mild weeks from mid-March. From June to September it is summer, hot and dry, the breeze blows and sometimes the meltemi, a more violent wind and heat peaks are frequent. Autumn is a very pleasant time. The sun is generous until mid-October and tourists are rare while all infrastructure is functioning. It is therefore in spring and autumn that you will enjoy your stay the most.
The local currency is the Turkish lira, but many hotels and traders are happy to accept euros. Turkey is a country where two worlds coexist. Izmir is one of the "rich" cities in the country. The prices are similar to those in Europe. However, you can eat for very little and find very affordable pensions.
No visa required for tourists from EU Member States. A valid identity card or passport (at least six months from the date of entry into Turkey) is sufficient for a stay of less than 90 days. For Quebecers, a visa is required and can be obtained in two ways: at the Turkish Consulate in Montreal (at least three weeks before departure) or by arriving at the airport at the visa office. The second option is the simplest and most advantageous, cheapest, and the passport is stamped in one minute before the last checkpoint.
No vaccine is required to go to Turkey. However, make sure that your D.T. vaccines Polio are up to date. It is also recommended to get vaccinated against influenza during transmission periods. In addition, vaccines against typhoid, rabies and hepatitis B are only recommended if you are staying for a long time or if you go to places where sanitary conditions are precarious. This will not in principle be the case in Izmir. In any case, prefer bottled water.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Izmir - Smyrna? Our advice & tips
Izmir is not the most offered destination of Turkey by the travel agencies. However, short stays in this port are proposed in all inclusive which are generally not reduced to the only seaside offer. One comes to Izmir to walk around, visit the heritage of the city or simply to make a stopover of two or three days during a stay on the Aegean coast.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationYou arrive at Adnan Menderes Airport, the international airport attached to the city, 18 km south of Izmir. You can reach the city by public transport or by cab. There is no difficulty in finding accommodation in the city. As for eating, there are plenty of choices, from small restaurants to gourmet restaurants. Fish dishes are particularly popular. Pick up a map of the city at the tourist office. The points of interest are noted.
Ferries also provide a maritime link between Izmir and the entire Aegean Sea and Gulf of Izmir coast. Using this means of travel is ideal for those who want to enjoy a nice boat ride. And because enjoying nature is definitely one of the best things to do when visiting Izmir, many car rental agencies offer cars for private individuals. The surrounding road network is quite correct.
