Turkish Aegean

A feast for the senses

Where turquoise waters, sandy beaches and delicious delicacies meet a refreshing sea breeze, where the days follow their own rhythm and pleasure is at home, the Turkish Aegean region is the vacation dream for all travelers in search of something special.

Time travel in the Aegean region

It's no secret that Türkiye knows how to impress with modern coastal towns and small, traditional villages as well as olive groves, orchards and vineyards. In this respect, the Aegean region is no exception. Holidaymakers can also embark on a journey through the eras of thousands of years of settlement. Many cultures have inhabited the region in the west of Türkiye - and left their traces behind. On a walk, you not only wander through archaeological finds, but also through time.

Troia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, comes to life before visitors' eyes, as does Pergamon, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. In ancient Ephesus, well-preserved Roman houses await visitors interested in history. Parts of the famous Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, can also be visited here. Below the ancient city of Hierapolis, the hot water of Pamukkale pours over the white natural terraces into small pools. The spectacle has fascinated people since time immemorial. People were bathing in the mineral-rich thermal water as early as 190 BC.


Modern city vibe: Izmir

Although the region is rich in tradition and history, it is not closed to progress. Izmir, the third largest city in Türkiye, is a lively, modern city. The beauty of the coastal city once enchanted the writer Victor Hugo. "Izmir is a princess adorned with a necklace," he is said to have once enthused. The cultural and gastronomic scene in this city of millions also speaks for itself. Along the promenade, traditional seafood restaurants tempt visitors with freshly caught fish and delicious meze.

Simple and healthy plant-based dishes, whose ingredients come from local farms, play the main role in Aegean cuisine. Wild herbs, served in salads or warm main courses, are another important component. Street food fans are well served with midye dolma (stuffed mussels), gevrek (a type of bagel) or boyoz. The latter is a type of pastry that is prepared exclusively in Izmir according to the original recipe.
In addition to culinary delights, there are also cultural highlights that make a visit worthwhile. From classical music festivals to jazz performances in small venues to nightclubs and street performers, there is a constant vibe of good vibes. The city's cultural calendar is practically never empty.


Calm on the high seas

If you long for a quieter break, you should charter a yacht and head out into the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean. Many secluded bays and lagoons can only be reached by boat. The remains of ancient cultures can be found everywhere. Sparkling blue sailing routes and beautiful marinas await. You can get even closer to the water in Alaçatı, a paradise for windsurfers. Ayvalık and the surrounding islands are considered unforgettable diving spots. Beautiful beaches invite you to relax and leave everyday life far behind.

The Bodrum peninsula is another place where you can do just that. Bougainvillea, mandarins, myrtle and sandalwood combine to create a fantastic fragrance composition that forms the backdrop for an unforgettable vacation. In addition to the wonderful beaches, you can also enjoy pure history here. The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is located here, as is the 15th century castle of Bodrum. Today it is the site of the peninsula's underwater archaeology museum. Fine dining restaurants, numerous nightclubs and luxury hotels promise an unforgettable vacation in every respect.

More information at www.goturkiye.com