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The Environs of Izmir
Balçova, on the road to Çesme, is one of Turkey's
largest thermal spas, with excellent facilities for guests.
Çamalti, 15 km west of Karsiyaka, is an area of
coastal marshes and salt fields that is preserved as an
important bird sanctuary - the Izmir Bird Paradise. Enthusiasts
can spot many species, including flamingos and pelicans.
The Yamanlar Çamligi, a pine forest near the lovely
Karagöl 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 favourite haunt of Atatürk's, it is now the
site of the largest statue in his honour.
The Seven Churches of the Apocalypse, mentioned by St.
John in the Book of Revelations, formed separate and distinct
communities, and are all found in Turkey : Izmir (Smyrna),
Efes (Ephesus), Eskihisar (Laodicea), Alasehir (Philadelphia),
Sart (Sardis), Akhisar (Thyatira), and Bergama (Pergamum).
Tours of one to four days can be arranged to see several
or all of the churches.
The Çesme Peninsula, lapped by the waters of the
Aegean Sea, lies west of Izmir. The name 'Çesme',
meaning fountain, refers to the many springs found in the
area during the 18th and 19th centuries. 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. In the unspoiled
bays you can swim in absolute peace. Visitors will find
excellent holiday accommodations, restaurants, sports and
entertainment facilities.
A 14th century Genoese fortress, restored and enlarged
by the Ottomans in the 16th century, dominates the small
port of Çesme, 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 Süleyman the Magnificent, has been
converted into a hotel, while the 19th century Church of
Hagios Haralambos has been restored as the Emir Çaka
art gallery. Thermal baths offer a health-oriented escape
from modern life. Excellent shopping - the finest quality
carpets, leather goods, as well as souvenir items are 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. Çesme hosts an annual International Song
Contest in the summer. Also, weekly ferry lines run from
Çesme to Venice. ·· The very popular
holiday centre of Ilica boasts an excellent white, sandy
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; Paça Limani has a campsite which offers
campers comfortable facilities. In Ilica Bay, the colorful
International Çakabey Optimist Yacht race is held
every year in July.
Ildiri, a quiet seaside village 20 km northeast of Çesme,
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 Gerence Gulf is a pristine
inlet northeast of the Çesme Peninsula which can
be reached by yacht or car.
The natural surroundings offer relaxation while the bay
is ideal for water sports. In Dalyan, a fishing village
built on a sheltered deep water inlet just north of Çesme,
some of the region's best fish restaurants border the quay
of the lively marina. Tourists are attracted by the variety
of Çiftlik's 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 Alaçati, a delightful
and typical Aegean town. Alaçati lies to the south
inland from Ilica and the coast; a couple of kilometres
to the south is a good beach. Many lovely bays, accessible
only by yacht, are to be found along the coast southeast
of the town and ensure peaceful and relaxing anchorage in
this popular sailing region.
Known in ancient times as Clazomenae, Urla Iskelesi offers
a marina as well as plentiful accommodation in all price
ranges. Restaurants on the top of Güvendik hill afford
a marvellous view of the bay and its islands.
The prosperous little fishing village of Çesmealti
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 Foça coastline opposite,
and the entrance to the Gulf of Izmir.
On the southern side of the Çesme Peninsula, near
the town of Seferihisar, is the small picturesque marina
of Sigacik. This important yachting centre is surrounded
by fortifications dating from the Genoese period and is
a good point from which to visit the Temple of Dionysus
at the antique site of Teos as well as the lovely Akkum
beach.
Gümüldür has excellent tourist facilities
- beautiful beaches, restaurants and hotels. Near Ahmetbeyli
(Claros) to the east, stands the Apollo Temple and the remains
of the colossal statue of Apollo; here you can also enjoy
a good fish meal or a swim at the town's wide beach. A winding
panoramic coastal road leads from Ahmetbeyli south to Pamucak
beach.
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