Cheap Izmir Holidays and Deals

For those who want lively nightlife, head for the Kordon and Alsancak areas. You’ll find nightclubs to dance until the sun comes out and bars with dizzying cocktail lists. If you want a more relaxed evening, stick to the beach bars, and countless pubs and wine bars which line the resort waterfronts.

Izmir is Turkey’s third largest city, but the lack of beaches mean it can be surprisingly quiet here, even in summer (as long as your visit doesn’t coincide with a cruise ship docking!). Visit Konak Square with its palm tree surrounded clock tower before strolling to the Kordon, a seaside promenade with great restaurants and shops and explore the traditional bazaar.

Pamukkale is a hot spring near Izmir. The hot spring water flows from the top of the hills and collects in the mini plateaux. But on its way down the mountain it also adds layers of limestone to the ancient plateaux. You can take bath in the hot waters which are said to have healing properties.

Turkish cuisine is packed full of flavour and the coastal resorts have some of the region's top restaurants – with great views, of course. Turkish treats include local wine, delicious meze, kebabs, meatballs and ayran, a popular drink made of salty yoghurt. You’ll also find plenty of your favorites from home on the drinks front, so everybody will be happy on a holiday here.

The Aegean Sea was historically an important shipping zone and in spite of its placid looking blue waters, many vessels went down in storms in its depths. Today, these shipwrecks form part of the adventure for tourists. Many dive agencies in and around Izmir will take you scuba diving where you can see few well-known wrecks and the amazing marine flora and fauna. Snorkeling is also possible.

Just 20 minutes’ drive from Kusadasi is the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the world’s best preserved Roman settlements. A highlight is the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Sightsee in the morning, when it’s cooler, on an organised tour.