Izmir is the first city in Turkey to be included in European Cycling Route Network. Eurovelo 8 Mediterranean Route connects ancient cities, natural and local values along a 500 km route.
A slow pace city with the most favorable climate, Izmir is an important port city on the western coast of Turkey. The city is well connected through its harbors, modern airport and highways, welcomes visitors with its relaxed Aegean character. Izmir is the third largest metropolis of Turkey with a population of a little over 4 million extended to a larger peninsula including many coastal resorts and inland villages.
Izmir, the pearl of the Aegean…birthplace of the epic poet Homeros, a city with 8500 years of history, latest known as Smyrna. Famous historian Herodot describes Izmir as “a place where the most beautiful sky and climate known on earth”. A coastline of unmatched beauty of over six hundred kilometers is embroidered with magnificent ancient cities, two of which are listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Pergamon and Ephesus
Izmir, as ancient Smyrna, was one of the Seven Churches of Revelation and hosted many important centers of early Christianity. The House of the Virgin Mary is located on the slopes of Bulbuldag, just a few kilometers from Ephesus.
Izmir Province is a jewelry box of natural beauties, beaches, ancient cities, museums, diverse cultural and religious heritage, healthy diet and authentic handcrafts. There are 49 blue-flag beaches in Izmir Province for you to relax following a day on two-wheels.
As you move away from the sea, you pass through the most fertile agricultural areas of the region.
A rich variety of herbs, vegetables and fruits obtained from bountiful agricultural areas of the city are combined with the seafood and authentic Aegean wine locally produced by the region’s wineries. İzmir is a member of the network of gourmet cities “Delice” since 2015.
Traveling on two wheels is not only immersive, it is the best way to discover a region of diverse gems.