Aegean Coast Travelers Recommend

Modern Izmir is Turkey's third-largest city and, at first sight, may seem a little disorientating and unlovable. Scratch the surface, however, and you'll uncover Izmir's ancient gems: the ruins of Alexander the Great's Castle, remains of the ancient agora (bazaar) and, just outside the city, archeological sites that, in Greek and Roman times, ranked among the world's greatest cities.

Day 1: Izmir Sights Wander through the wonderfully conserved ancient agora, once a bustling Roman bazaar. From here, visit Alexander the Great's Kadifekale castle, which overlooks the agora from atop a hill and has views over the entire city. Put it all together on a visit to the neighboring Archaeological and Ethnographic museums to see the best preserved antiquities from the region's ancient cities.

Day 2: Ancient Ruins Just 50 miles (80 km) from Izmir lie the ruins of one of the world's greatest cities: the ancient Greek city of Ephesus. Classified as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Ephesus' incredible ruins include the Temple of Artemis, the Library of Celsus, the Theater, the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, Church of Mary, House of the Virgin, and the Temple of Hadrian. It only takes just a small amount of imagination to help you imagine what life was like for ancient Greeks and Romans.

Day 3: Thermal Pools Spectacular Pamukkale is another must-see site for visitors to Izmir. These incredible, limestone cascades are created by a natural build-up of calcium carbonate, which make the cliffs look like they've been covered in icing! You can no longer take a dip in the pools at Pamukkale but, visit the neighboring ancient city of Hierapolis, and you can swim in the thermally heated Sacred Pool among the remains of ancient Roman columns.

Izmir has worn numerous guises throughout its millennia of history. Founded by the Greeks, ruled by the Romans, captured by the Ottomans, and today a part of Turkey, the city was known as Smyrna until the 20th century. Izmir hosts numerous ancient landmarks and is well placed for exploring other regional archaeological sites. Here are your top options for archaeological sites in and around Izmir.

Kadifekale

Also known as the Velvet Castle, the hilltop Kadifekale was built in the 4th century BC, during the reign of Alexander the Great. While largely in ruins today, the castle offers a glimpse into Izmir’s past, as well as sweeping views over the city.

Agora

Izmir’s ancient marketplace, rebuilt under Marcus Aurelius following a devastating earthquake, provides an evocative vision of the city’s past. With its colonnades, vaulted halls, and gateway, this open-air museum offers plenty to admire.

Izmir Archaeological Museum

Founded nearly a century ago, the Izmir Archaeological Museum showcases a host of treasures that date back to antiquity, recovered from various excavations in the region. Collection highlights include ancient Greco-Roman statues, utensils, and tools, as well as an array of Bronze Age artifacts.

Sardis

Once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia, Sardis still possesses an air of grandeur today. Just over an hour’s drive from Izmir, the archaeological site is a major regional highlight. Be sure to see the ruins of its decorative synagogue, as well as the Temple of Artemis and the Marble Court of Sardis.

Ephesus

Roughly an hour’s journey from central Izmir, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus is one of Turkey’s most important ancient landmarks and among Asia’s most complete ancient cities. While it remains only partially excavated, there’s still an enormous amount to see. Spend a full day discovering the Great Theatre, Terrace Houses, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and more.

Pergamon and Asklepion

Cited in the Book of Revelation and once the capital of the Kingdom of Pergamon, the ancient healing center of Asklepion now exists in the form of exceptional ruins and monuments. Travel roughly two hours north of Izmir to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site further, and be sure to visit the Roman theater, library, and Temple of Asklepios.

Enjoying a hammam—or Turkish bath—is a must-do while in Izmir. This millennia-old practice developed from ancient Greek, Roman, and Middle Eastern bathing rituals and uses steam and massage to cleanse and revitalize the body. Whether it’s in a deluxe hotel spa or traditional bathhouse, here’s how to get the most from a hammam in Izmir. 

What is a hammam?

A hammam is a steam bath ritual that traditionally takes place in a public bathhouse. Historically, these feature marble interiors, high domes, and cold, warm, and hot rooms through which bathers progress to cleanse, detox, and relax. 

While the hammam experience varies across spas and bathhouses, most have separate areas or bathing times for men and women, and bathers can choose to wear their swimsuits or not. 

Most, however, generally start by changing into a body cloth called a pestemal. Bathers then enter a steam-filled hot room, where marble seats ring a gobektasi—a heated, raised marble platform. After time to relax and build up a sweat to open the pores and release toxins, bathers then lie on the gobektasi for a massage and scrub. An attendant of the same sex as the bather soaks them in warm water, lathers them in soap, and performs a massage and a vigorous exfoliating body scrub that’s designed to remove dead skin and leave the bather feeling tingly fresh.

After rinsing, bathers can relax in the cold room before departing when they wish. Most leave feeling wonderfully relaxed and clean, with soft, smooth, and healthily glowing skin—sensations that can last for several days.

Highlights

• Seize the opportunity to experience an authentic Turkish hammam while in Izmir.

• Choose a classic hammam at one of Izmir’s bathhouses or a more modern ritual at a hotel spa.

• Combine your hammam with a village or food tour to experience a fuller range of Turkish culture.

• Some hammam packages offer extras such as oil massages for the ultimate experience.

• Got for total relaxation with a hammam experience that includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

• Most hammam experiences offer a choice of times to fit your schedule.

• Book a hammam at the start of your stay to feel refreshed while away or later to feel great for your return.