Ephesus is an incredibly well-preserved ancient city located not far from Izmir and Kusadasi (Kuşadası), in the pristine Southern Aegean. One of the original seven churches of Asia, and cited throughout the Bible, Ephesus is a must-see destination for any traveller exploring Turkey! Our local company based in Izmir offers a wide range of accommodation the region including Ephesus Tours!
A cosmopolitan and lively coastal city, Izmir is more Mediterranean than traditional Turkish and the ideal launching pad for visiting the must-see ruins of Ephesus!
Izmir is a beautiful port city in the Southern Aegean and the perfect place from which to visit the magnificent Roman ruins of Ephesus. Originally known as Smyrna, Izmir's history dates back to 3000 BC. The existing city, however, is quite modern, having been built in 1922 when the original city was almost burnt to the ground. With continual expansion and renewal over the years seeing a variety of Izmir and Ephesus hotels crop up around the city, near to the many tourist attractions on offer.
Izmir is Turkey's third largest city and second largest port after Istanbul, and is a well known transport junction. Izmir is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with a population of about 2.5 million, and a commercial hub with modern shopping centres, buildings with glass facades, and broad tree lined streets, ideal for sitting out and enjoying a meal at one of the many Izmir restaurants or cafes. Izmir also has traditional buildings with red tiled roofs, old churches, mosques, and an eighteenth century market. Izmir serves as the passage to the rest of the Aegean Region and perfect to begin one of the many Ephesus Tours.
Visitors often base themselves at Izmir or Kusadasi to visit the historically rich town of Ephesus. Ephesus is one of the most well maintained Mediterranean cities of ancient times. It played a crucial role during the origin and development of Christianity. Exploring this archaeological treasure needs at least half a day, but if you are in no rush spend much longer! Many Ephesus tours explore this ancient city and the surrounding mountains! Ensure you book one of the hotels near Ephesus early, as accommodation in Izmir and Kusadasi can become very crowded in peak season!
There are many exciting things to see and do in Ephesus. A walk along the gracious walkways of Izmir lined with tall palms, and through the green parks and broad avenues that gracefully border the bay is a lovely way to spend a day. Charming terraces line the slopes of the nearby mountains, some of which can be rented out, a great Izmir and Ephesus accommodation option for the perfet holiday in Ephesus.
The city of Ephesus was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC), which was unfortunately destroyed by the Goths in 263. The emperor Constantine I erected a new public bath and rebuilt much of the city, however the town was again partially destroyed by an earthquake in 614. Today's archaeological site lies near the town of Izmir and Kusadasi and is a favorite international and local tourist attraction.
The picturesque landscape of this region is one of the best in the country. The gorgeous coastline, washed by the gentle waves of the Aegean Sea, is dotted with vast unspoilt beaches. Pinewoods, groves of olive, and rugged rocks surround the beaches. There is a variety of aquatic based tours in Izmir to be enjoyed. Charming fishing harbours, remnants of ancient civilisations, well known holiday villages and Izmir and Ephesus hotels are abundant in the region, making it very popular as a venue for conferences, meetings and incentive holidays.
The weather in Ephesus and Izmir is unusually mild and the city is more Mediterranean than traditional Turkish. Visitors to Izmir and Ephesus enjoy the sights, bargain in the multi-hued Izmir shops and markets, and relish the delectable meals served at the numerous sea facing restaurants. There are several good hotels in Izmir which make a great place to explore Ephesus.
There are many places worth visiting in Izmir, and there are many Izmir and Ephesus tours to choose from that will take you to explore the sights. Some of the spots outside the city are historically significant sites that date back to prehistoric times, museums, architecturally significant buildings, and traditional Mediterranean kitchens. Also worth experiencing and looking at are the festivals, cultural events in Izmir, and the handicrafts.
Start your Izmir tour from Konak Square and Konak Street. The well known symbol of the city, the clock tower, is on Konak. The Asansor is also here. One of the many Izmir famous landmarks, the public elevator, connects Mithatpasa Street to the top of the hill at Halil Rifat Pasa. The breathtaking view of the bay and the city from the summit is not to be missed. Some of the other famous sights are the Agora or marketplace, the archaeological museum that houses ancient sculptures among other exhibits, and Kadifekale or the Velvet Castle on top of the 250 m high Mount Pagus. The view of theAegean Sea from the top is spectacular.
One of the best ways to enjoy Izmir is by getting your hands on a map of Ephesus and Izmir walking along the esplanade while enjoying the pleasant evening air. Riding a horse drawn carriage between Alsancak and Konak Meydan is another lovely experience. Shopping opportunities in the Konak area in downtown Izmir can be explored on foot. The Kemeralti or bazaar is part of Konak shopping. Balik kavurma, Izmir's most popular meat dish, and a great variety of the tasty food & cuisine of Aegean can be tasted at Deniz, Izmir's best restaurant.
A charming Turkish village by the sea, Izmir is also called Güzelyali or beautiful waterfront and makes an ideal base from which to explore the magnificent Roman ruins of Ephesus. The city is known for its hospitality and is a great example of the famous Turkish warmth. Experience this for yourself while staying in one of the fantastic hotels in Ephesus and Izmir. Izmir and Ephesus are full of many charms. On the one hand, it celebrates its history and the ancient world, while on the other it is a lively, cosmopolitan, and modern city. Book your Ephesus Hotels and Ephesus Tours with our local company based in Izmir!
Meet Murat Boranalp and the team from "Marjinal Travel" - we are your local connection in Izmir and Ephesus. We want to show tourists who are coming to Turkey a different face of our country - a traditional, historical and cultural face. Visitors should experience more than their expectations. We are actively involved in supporting the local community, and we strongly encourage any visitor to join us, and make your trip even more rewarding. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you experience wonderful Izmir and Ephesus!
