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From Эzmir to Kuюadasэ
like Homer's Odyssey
Known in Turkish as "Beautiful Izmir", the city
lies at the head of a long and narrow gulf furrowed by ships
and yachts. The climate is mild, and in the summer the constant
and refreshing sea breezes temper the sun's heat. Behind
the palm-lined promenades and avenues which follow the shoreline,
the city, in horizontal terraces, gently ascends the slopes
of the surrounding mountains. A cosmopolitan and lively
city, galleries, theaters and cultural events give Izmir
its special vibrancy. The original settlement was established
in the third millennium B.C. and represented the most advanced
culture in western Anatolia at that time. Over the years
this thriving city and the surrounding area had come under
the suzerainty of the Hittites, Ionians, Lydians, Persians,
Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans.
Levent Marina provides an excellent place to begin a yachting
adventure. Sailing in and around the beautiful Gulf of Izmir
will prepare voyagers for the wonderful sites that lie ahead.
At Urla Iskelesi, the small islands that dot the coast will
certainly charm you. Beautiful beaches and excellent moorings
with swimming, snorkeling and diving are all available in
the area.
From Urla Iskelesi sail on to the Karaburun Peninsula.
At Karaburun, pleasant hotels, tea gardens and fish restaurants
sit between the beautiful mountain backdrop and the clear,
clean water. Voyage out of the Gulf of Izmir around the
Karaburun Peninsula to the Cesme Peninsula, a spit of land
lapped by the waters of the Aegean Sea. Çesme , meaning
"fountain", derives its name from the many sources
of water found in the area. A 14th - centuary Genoese fortress,
restored and enlarged by the Ottomans in the 16th century,
dominates the small port of Cesme. Around Cesme, the large
Altin Yunus Setur Marina complex and the berthing places
of Ilica and Dalyan are all noted for their safety. In town,
the 16th century caravanserai built by Suleyman the Magnificent
near the fortress, has been converted into a hotel. Excellent
shopping s 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. In July, Çesme's
International Song Contest attracts world famous performers
who add glamor and excitement to the town. The thermal baths
in the area, along with the natural springs found right
off the coast and which mix with the sea water in Ilica
Bay, provide soothing relaxation.
Southeast of Çesme, beautiful bays offer splendid
scenery and tranquil night moorings in complete safety from
the winds and waves. Soon you will arrive at Sigacik, where
a picturesque marina rests beneath fortifications that date
from the Genoese period. From here, the antique site of
Teos, noted for its temple of Dionysus, the god of wine,
is conveniently close. It is also an excellent area in which
to sample some of Turkey's superb wines.
The Kusadasi Gulf opens to the south and southeast with
some of the most enticing beaches, bays and coves on the
Aegean coast.
Activities
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