Weekend Getaways From Izmir

Balcova, on the road to Cesme, is one of Turkey’s largest thermal spas, with excellent facilities for visitors.

The Izmir bird sanctuary is in Camalti, 11km west of Karsiyaka – enthusiasts can spot many species, especially flamingoes and pelicans. Tours of one to four days can be arranged to see several or all of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse, mentioned by St John in the Book of Revelation.

The Cesme Peninsula, lapped by the waters of the Aegean Sea, lies west of Izmir. It is one of Turkey’s most beautiful stretches – surrounded by clear blue sea, with landscapes of cultivated fields of aniseed, sesame and artichokes dotted with fig and gum trees. You can swim in absolute peace in the unspoiled bays. Excellent accommodation, restaurants, sports and entertainment facilities are available for visitors.

The very popular holiday centre of Ilica boasts of an excellent white, sandy beach and he 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, especially those located in Sifne Bay, are very popular. Good and comfortable camping facilities are available in Pasa Limani. In Ilica Bay, the colourful International Cakabey Optimist Yacht Race is held every year in July. Tourists are attracted by the variety of accommodation available in Ciftlik, by its long sandy beach and its camping facilities. Urla Iskelsi offers a marina as wel as accommodation to suit every taste and pocket. Restaurants on top of the Guvendik hill give a splendid view of the bay and its islands.

Ildiri is a quiet seaside village you might like to visit for its beautiful views. Lying 20km northeast of Cesme, it affords a gorgeous view when you climb up the Acropolis as the sun sinks over the bay and islands. If you are sailing the Aegean, anchor at Alcati – it is peaceful and relaxing. There is a good beach southeast of the town.