Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey and it sits on the western coastline, where the land meets the dazzling blues of the Aegean Sea. Once known as Smyrna, the city has scars of civilisation from thousands of years ago. It has been under Persian, Roman and Ottoman rule, though a 1922 fire engulfed many historical treasures of Izmir and left priceless artefacts in piles of ash. The devastation, however, paved the way for a new and modern Izmir. Today the city astonishes with pristine public squares, contemporary centres of culture and a pleasant seafront promenade that is dotted with green spaces, trees and cafés, at which you can enjoy a cool drink and savour the views of sea, sand, city and the soaring mountains that surround Izmir.
There are many excellent hotels in Izmir, with styles and prices to suit every kind of visitor. It's easy to combine a city and relaxing sunshine break here as there are plenty of lovely beaches within easy reach and public transportation is good. You could stay in the city and take day trips to the beach. Hiring a car is good value in Turkey and there are a number of great destinations within an hour's drive. The gorgeous architecture and prime windsurfing beaches of Alacati are to the west, as is nearby Cesme, where alluring aquamarine seas wash across the sands. You can catch a ferry here for a visit to the lovely Greek island of Chios.
It also takes only an hour to drive to the ancient city of Ephesus - one of Turkey's star attractions. Founded by the Greeks but driven to prosperity by the mighty Roman Empire, the city is famed as the home of the one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Temple of Artemis.
There are plenty of ways to fill your days here and you can find cheap holidays to Izmir with TravelSupermarket. Simply use the search tool and we will compare prices on Izmir holidays for you. All you need to do is find a great deal and then pack your bags. What kind of clothing will you need for your holiday? Read on to see our handy weather guide for Izmir.
