Cheap flights to Izmir
Theme parks, archaeological sites and beaches to die for are just some of the tourist treats waiting in store for those who choose beautiful Izmir as their next holiday destination. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Aegean’, Izmir is the perfect choice if you’re looking to combine a city break with that longer beachside holiday you’ve been after. While it might be Turkey’s third largest city, it still retains the holiday resort vibe of smaller towns along Turkey’s turquoise Aegean coast. A bay packed with palm-lined promenades, seafront restaurants and cafés as far as the eye can see make this city a popular holiday choice with tourists.
And with more than 5,000 years of history, you can expect to be bombarded with archaeological goodies at every turn, both inside the city and close by. Oh, and did we mention the beaches? Not many cities can boast sandy stretches and waters of this quality right on their doorstep, or the top quality beach resort of Kusadasi just down the road.
July 2012
This gift shop nestled in historic Kızlarağası Han - a former inn turned shopping centre - specialises in Turkish towels, bathrobes and peshtemals, the flatweaved towels used in Turkish baths, or hamams. Organic honey and Turkish delight round out what's on offer (Ali Baba Gift Shop, 871 Sokak No 19, P-40 Kızlarağası Hanı, Hisarönü, tel: 0232 483 03 04).
June 2012
25th International Izmir Festival (tel: 0232 482 00 90, iksev.org). From June 20 through July 21, the Izmir Foundation for Culture, Arts and Education will host a variety of jazz concerts in and around the city, including one in the famous Celsus Library at Ephesus and another at the historic Cesme Castle.
July 2012
Balcova Thermal Hotel. More than a hotel, this sprawling complex is home to numerous hiking trails and several thermal spas and pools, all of which are open to the public for a nominal fee (16 Vali Huseyin Ogutcen Cad., Balcova, tel: 0232 259 0102, balcovatermal.com).