İZMİR
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.
- 300 days of sunshine and seven months swimming opportunity
- Rainy winter, hot and humid summer
- Spring and fall are the best for sportive activity
- The high temperatures are usually between 30 and 36 °C in summer
- Maximum temperatures during the winter months are usually between 10 and 16 °C
- İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ABD) is situated 14 km south of city center.
- Turkish Airlines, Sunexpress, Pegasus, Corendon, Easyjet are the main airlines to/from this airport.
- It’s possible to take “İzban” commuter rail trains or the buses from airport to downtown.
- İzmir Airport can be reach via D550 route by car.
- 3, 4, 5 star hotels in holiday regions Çeşme, Alaçatı
- Small towns along the coastline such as Urla, Foça, Karaburun offer a selection of small hotels, and B&B’s, mostly stone houses built in local architectural style.
- Healthy, tasty, sustainable Aegean cuisine
- A rich variety of local products
- The traces and tastes of many civilizations
- Olive and olive oil, endemic herbs, vegetable dishes cooked in olive oil, viticulture and winemaking, dairy products, fresh seafood, salty and sweet pastries
Izmir is home to Izmir International Fair; Turkey’s first trade fair founded in 1923.
Locals of Izmir love to get together and celebrate.- Izmir Jazz Festival, Music Festival, Puppet Days, Theater Days, Youth Festival, Sefarad
Cultural Days, Book Fair, Movies Festival, as well as many gastronomical celebrations in local towns.
