If you are in Izmir, one of the most beautiful cities of the Aegean, or if you want to stop by here for a short time, you can find routes close to the city to spend some peaceful time. You can also explore the beautiful coasts where those who live in Izmir want to get away from the city crowd and spend a peaceful time by making daily escapes. Here are some routes for a day-trip away from the city yet close…
Urla
Located 52 km to the centre of Izmir, Urla is at a point where you can reach it in 40 minutes by driving. It’s one of the favourite spots for those who want to escape from the crowd and seek serenity. One of the most beautiful routes, as it is very close to Izmir. It really deserves this attention with its magnificent nature, peaceful beaches and Aegean restaurants that serves delicious flavours. You feel that you are getting away from the city as you stroll through the streets of Urla, full of beautiful stone mansions. If you come across the village market, you should buy fresh vegetables grown in this environment. For those looking for an exciting activity, we must say that Urla is an important point for kitesurfing. In the city, which is famous for its mastic artichokes, the International Urla Artichoke Festival is held every year in April-May.
If you have time, you can stroll around the Urla Vineyard Road and choose among the Urla hotels while having a bite at the restaurants here.
Kavacik Village
Located 35 km to Izmir, Kavacik takes 50 minutes from the centre. At the end of the road, accompanied by the view of Izmir Bay, you reach this village, which is affiliated with Karabaglar. It has an amazing nature surrounded by lush pine forests. Here is a cute 200-house settlement built on the Kizildaglar, which preserves its grandeur and natural beauties.
You should arrive here early to make the most of the organic breakfast option. While making a short tour among the stone houses of the village, you can also witness the ancient ruins and historical headstones in the vicinity. Famous for its vineyards, the village is known for its Kavacik Grape. Kavacik Grape Festival, which is held every year, gives a magic touch to this place.
If you want to walk a little around Kavacik village, you can reach Kavacik Waterfall in half an hour, which is 2.5 km away from the village centre. There is also a camping site in this area.
Ildir
One hour away from Izmir, Ildir is a fishing village affiliated with Cesme. On a day-trip route, you can first visit the Ancient City of Erithrai. You can observe the finds of the temple, basilica, ancient road, sarcophagus and ruins while wandering around with the magnificent view of the ancient city that features remains from the Copper Age. After visiting the ancient city, you need to come to the village centre and stroll around the streets of this friendly and warm place. While walking around the streets of the village, there are places where you can buy the homemade delicacies of the locals. Since Ildir is a coastal town, you can take a nice walk along its shores where fishing boats are located. You can have a nice dinner and enjoy delicious seafood before leaving here.
You can also add Barbaros and Balikliova villages around Ildir to your list.
Ozdere
Ozdere, a town in Menderes district, is located 67 km south of Izmir and can be reached in 1 hour from İzmir. It’s a very nice holiday destination with its green nature, blue waters and peaceful beaches. Ozdere is famous for its world-renowned Satsuma mandarin. When the most beautiful shades of blue and green are adorned with the orange colour of these delicious fruits, a great many natural images emerge. You can find magnificent bays for sunsets on the 40-kilometer coastline. You can come prepared and have a small picnic here while watching the sunset against the spectacular view. Zindancik, Kuyubuku, Cukuralti, Maydanoz and Gol Yatagi beaches are among the beautiful bays of Ozdere.
Dikili
Dikili, one of the most beautiful districts of İzmir, is 123 km away from the centre and can be reached in 1.5 hours. Surrounded by the blue waters of the Aegean Sea, this magnificent place has Bergama in the east and Balikesir in the north. One of the favourite spots of summer holidays, is a place where people living in İzmir often visit for an escape. You can enjoy peaceful moments away from the crowds in this beautiful place where clear waters meet with lush nature. Having a deep-rooted history dating back to 5000 BC, this beautiful district also features various natural beauties with its waterfalls, hot springs and volcanic lakes. It’s also an important for thermal tourism with its facilities.
Dikili, which has the title of “the town of love, peace and fraternity”, is a district that should be visited by those who want to be in touch with nature. Since you’re here, you should definitely try the flavours made with Aegean herb such as roasted wild radish and blessed thistle.
