Izmir was included in the top ten best cities according to the popular travel guide in the world Lonely Planet. Lonely Planet considers Izmir's coastal location a significant advantage. The city offers a wonderful combination of history and modern culture, delicious and healthy Aegean cuisine and a high quality of life. Attractions such as the historical bazaar, cultural and artistic sites, vineyards, beautiful beaches and ancient ruins make Izmir a must-visit destination. The guide also highlights the international Izmir Festival, which is held annually in the summer, with concerts and dance performances at famous venues such as the Smyrna Agora. Visitors are invited to try local wines in Urla.

Izmir: a relaxing holiday for tourists

Despite being Turkey's third largest city, Izmir has a relaxed atmosphere. It attracts millions of tourists every year, thanks in part to ancient Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Izmir has almost two kilometers of beautiful coastline that extends to the bustling Kemeralt Bazaar. Its location and easy access to charming coastal towns and beaches add to its popularity. Izmir's west coast is full of charming villages and famous coastal settlements from Foca to Urla and from Karaburun to the Cesme Peninsula.

Drawing on the culinary traditions of the Aegean, Izmir and its surrounding areas offer a variety of dishes, fresh seafood and rich mezes. In Urla, famous for its vineyards and Turkish wines, visitors can enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience. In the heart of the Cesme Peninsula, Alacati serves Aegean herbs and seafood. Notably, Izmir will be included in the Türkiye Michelin Guide in 2024, strengthening its position as a rich culinary destination.

Treasures of Anatolia

Izmir is famous for its ancient cities, especially Pergamon and Selcuk. Pergamon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has the second largest ancient library, while Selcuk contains the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the ancient city of Ephesus, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as famous ancient residences such as the Basilica of St. John and the House of the Virgin Mary. Situated on a verdant hillside, Sirince was recently included in the UN World Tourism Organization's list of the world's best tourist villages for 2023.

Izmir is a popular destination for art, culture and history lovers. It hosts various events and exhibits traditional and contemporary art in galleries and museums. The city's newest attraction is the Izmir Culture and Art Factory, located on the site of the restored Alsancak Tekel factory from the late 19th century. The factory also hosts the city's main event, the Ephesus Cultural Route festival. Izmir, ideal for cyclists, offers cycling routes and hotels certified for cyclists. It is the first city in Turkey to take part in EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean Route.

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