Destination İzmir...

Destination İzmir is an advertisiment and bussiness development platform for the publicity of İzmir which is constituted by the experienced tourism agent Soner KROMER (soner@kromer-tr.com) as the general coordinator with the participation of Airport operators, Airline Companies, tourism agencies, İzmir Municipality, Çeşme Mayoralty along with Çeşme Tourism Association (ÇETDER), Çeşme Labour Association (ÇESO), Çeşme Life Magazine, and Pamucak Tourism Investors Association (PATUYAB). 

İzmir: İzmir Municipality İzfas Joint-stock Co., TAV İzmir, Sunexpress İzmir, Egepalas Hotel, İzmir Mövenpick Hotel, Jestur (Agency), Turanko (Agency), Sun Tour (Agency)

Çeşme: Çeşme Municipality, Altınyunus Hotel, Babylon Hotel, Ilıca Hotel, Cysus Hotel, Çeşme Life Magazine, Çeşme Tourism Association, Çeşme Labour Association.

Selçuk: (PATUYAB) Pamucak Tourism Investors Association, Aqua Fantasy Hotel, Ephesus Princess Hotel, Richmond Ephesus Hotel, Sürmeli Ephesus Hotel.

Kuşadası: Korumar Hotel, Kuştur Holiday Village, Pine Bay Hotel, Tusan Hotel, Ephesia Hotel.
And Suncrystal Voyages Tourism Agency from Switzerland.

The goal of this platform is to introduce and locate İzmir, Çeşme, Kuşadası, Efes and Pamucak as a new tourism destination.

General İnformation:
Old İzmir city has been founded on the peninsula to the north-east of İzmir bay. In present day, named Tepekule near Bayraklı, first settlement dates back to 3000 B.C. in the old İzmir tumulus.
Turkey’s third largest city, İzmir, is modern, developed and an active trade center.
Alive and cosmopolitan, İzmir is important for the International Art Festival and Fair.
In recent years, İzmir Harbour, second largest port in Turkey, has become an indispensable stop for the cruise ships.

Places Worth Visiting:
Agora: In İzmir’s Konak district, on Namazgah-Tilkilik location, Agora is a gathering place for the public that belonged to the Roman period. With the excavations carried out, discovered work of arts are exhibited both on the place of discovery and in İzmir Archeology Museum.

The Virgin Mary House: On the mount of Bülbül, there is the home of the sacred mother of the Christians, the Virgin Mary. The foundation date for this sacred place, known also as the “Panarya Kapulu”, is predicted to be 4 century A.D.
Kadifekale: Apart from the Old İzmir in Tepekule, Kadifekale (Pagos) dates even back to older times and it is the point on which you can view the city from above. Worth-seeing remains belonging to Helen, Roman, Byzantium, and Ottoman civilizations wait for their visitors in the city founded in the 4 Century B.C.

Kızlarağası Inn: It is the biggest inn in the whole city. The building, on the way to Hisarönü, has been built by Kızlarağası Hacı Beşir in 1975. It has seven doors. Inn’s walls have been bonded with a gorgeous stone craftsmanship.

Pergamon: Pergamon, located 100 kms far away in the north of İzmir in the Bakırçay Basin, is one of the oldest settlements in the history of our country’s civilizaton and has many world-wide famous arts dating back to the prehistorical times. Pergamon is famous for its thermal baths for beauty, famous Kozak Plateu, with the connection to Ayvalık with its beautiful beaches, developed textile and rug (carpet) industry.

Don’t leave without:
Visiting Selçuk-Şirince Village, Birgi Çakırağa Mansion, Kızlarağası Inn, Historical Elevator, İzmir Archeology Museum, İzmir Atatürk Museum, Cordon, Kemeraltı Bazaar, Teleferic Facilities, Balçova and Çeşme Thermal Waters, Ephesus Ruins, The Virgin Mary House, and Çeşme beaches.

Eat&Drink
İzmir and its district have a very rich cuisine as to the variety of foods and it is a unique combination of Agean, Mediterranean and Anatolian cuisenes.
Apart from the flora of the district, the multicultural social structure of the city is crucial for the variety of the foods.
If you feel like eating fish, you can satisfy yourself in luxurious Fish Restaurants in Cordon and İnciraltı with a gorgeous view of the sea.

Shopping:
Kemeraltı Bazaar is the most important shopping center of İzmir. Apart from the vaulted and domed shops of the old times, Kızlarağası Inn, Synagogue Street, Jeweller Bazaar are places worth visiting.

You’d better not forget to visit “Forum” Shopping Center with modern work centers, shops, cáfes and movie theaters.

Çeşme:
General Information:
In the Agean Region, Çeşme, bound to İzmir province, is 80 km far away from İzmir and it is the utmost limit of Anatolia in the west. Its area is 2602 km2. It has an elevation of 5 meters and has one resort and four villages. Çeşme, sorrounded by Urla from the east and Agean Sea from the west and south and Karaburun from the north, is 8 miles far away from Chios which is Greece territory.

Historical Places:
Erythrai: The ancient name for Ildırı Village which is 20 km to the north-east of the city center, is Erythrai. Findings in the city are the proof of settlement in this district since the first Bronze Age. Antique Theater to the north side of the acropol, predicted to be built in the late 3 century B.C., has been partially excavated. Erythrai, which has an archeological worth, has become one of the most important symbol for Çeşme.

Çeşme Castle:
Çeşme Castle, built by Beyazıd the Second in 1508, is known as the most important historical heritage of Çeşme. In front of the Castle, carrying all the specifications of the Ottoman architecture, there is a statue of Hasan Pasha of Algeria who commanded the Çeşme War against the Russians and who has been promoted to the admiral of the fleet in 1770. The Castle, built in 50 different sections, had served as the naval base for the Ottoman Empire. Since 1975, the Statue and the Castle has been among the symbols of Çeşme.

Thermal:
The positive effect of thermal waters to health in Çeşme has been proved because of the special location of the sun and wind. Çeşme thermal water has the salty thermal water characteristic and this kind of water has a high percentage of painkilling in diseases like rheumatism and painful muscle and joint diseases. This healing effect has been approved with the researches of İstanbul University, Department of Hydroclimatology and the U.S Medical Ecology Unit. Çeşme, open to winds at all times, acquires stimulant air, high oxygen pressure and fresh air that make it hold the climate advantage for mountain tourism. When made use of the sun considerably, it has the healing effects of osteoporosis and benefits of raising the development level of children. Sand in Çeşme beaches has the characteristic of reflect the sunlight because of the fine silicon particals it contains. Çeşme is a suitable place for Talassotheraphy which is done by using sea water and sunlight.

The Beaches:
The beaches you can find along the 29 km long shoreline are more beautiful than one another and each of them give you another taste of the sea. They practically embrace you with clean sea, unprecedented smooth sandy beaches and with a sun under which you can tan without sweltering. There are also suitable places for camping on Çeşme beaches in which Agean life style and natural beauties are gathered. Protected from the north winds, the most peaceful beach of Çeşme’s 5 km long Boyalık Cove is the Calm Beach (Aya Yorgi). Çeşme beaches which provide you with the full benefits of the sun and wind during the day turn one by one into huge beach clubs after sunset.   

Alaçatı:
Alaçatı with its beautiful beach, its cove with suitable wind for surfing and village center with stone buildings and cobblestone pavements, is a pleasant and calm cove that can answer for many different interests. As the only resort of Çeşme, Alaçatı, has also wind mills used in the grinding of cereals which were extinct with the new technologies and are now used as restored cafes and restaurants. The most important characteristic of the district, stone houses are built of pumice stone and it keeps cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Surfing:

Among Europe’s surfing areas, Alaçatı is doubtless the most interesting area and it provides many varieties. Current flowing in the same direction with the wind makes surfing easy for the surfers. Alaçatı- Çark beach hosts World and European Windsurf Championships every year and welcomes many sportsmen from all around the world. Apart from windsurf; there is also a Kitesurf Center in Çiftlikköy Pırlanta Beach.
Çeşme Castle
Ilıca Beach
Historical Clock Tower
Kızlarağası Inn
Cumhuriyet Square
Historical Elevator

Selçuk:

In its 8000 years past, Selçuk and its surroundings hosted many civilizations; a lot of historical remains belonging to Ion, Roman, Byzantium, Seljug and Ottoman periods have prevailed to the present day and are visited by millions of people.

Selçuk-Ephesus and Gymnastics Festival are held every year in Selçuk. Traditional Oil Wrestling and Traditional Camel Wrestling Festivals are also the part of festival program in Selçuk.

Places to visit:
There are works of art in the region from every period of its 8000 years history. Antique Ephesus city with its 24000 people capacity Antique theater, streets, hillside houses, agora, Celsus library, Hadrian Temple and with its legendary Seven Sleepers Cave, is by itself an open museum.

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Artemis Temple, Saint Jean Basilica is one of the places in which the Bible is written. The house of Virgin Mary which is thought to host Virgin Mary during the final days of her life is held to be sacred not only by Christians but also by Muslims and visited.

Aqueducts, Ayasuluk (Seljug) Castle, İsa Bey Mosque are some of the interesting places to visit apart form the Goat Castle, Claros, Belevi Mausoleum, Çamlık Steam Locomotive Museum, Public Anatolian Museum which are slightly outside the city.
Şirince Village is an exotic place distinguished with old Greek style houses and with natural beauties that refresh you. Çop Sish special to Selçuk and traditionally
produced fruit wines present visitors with unprecedented tastes.
Ephesus
One of the famous cities of the first age, Ephesus, has gone down the history as a great city with cultivable lands, trade routes and with being an important religious center both during pagan and Christian periods. Ephesus is also known in the world of science and art and has brought up famous persons such as Heraclites, one of the most important of them. History of Ephesus dates back to 6000 B.C.

How to get there:

It is possible to reach İzmir through the İzmir port or Adnan Menderes Airport. From there, you can either take the midibus through the highway or the train from Basmane Train Station to Selçuk. Apart from these options, Selçuk Airfield, near Antique Ephesus City, is also suitable for the use of small planes, private jets and helicopters.

Transport is also available from Seferihisar and Aydın direction with state highways. After reaching Kuşadası through the port, you can also take the scheduled minibus services to Selçuk and Ephesus beach for a 15 minute trip.

Along 11 km Ephesus shoreline, every kind of sea sports can be performed. Located on Ephesus Beach, Aqua Fantasy, Ephesus Princess, Richmond Ephesus and Sürmeli Ephesus Hotel are first class facilities in which you can enjoy your vacation. Besides camping, picnic areas and Turkey’s number one Aqua park also provides visitors with many different activities.  
Historical Selçuk Castle
House of Virgin Mary
Artemis Temple (One of the seven wonders of the world)
Artemis Statue
Kuşadası
Located south, 90 km far away from İzmir by the Agean Sea, Kuşadası has a crucial importance for Agean Region with Mediterranean climate and rich fish species. Today, Kuşadası is among one of the most important tourism centers in Turkey.

Transportation:
It is possible to reach Kuşadası easily by sea, air and higway.
Higway: You can reach Kuşadası from İzmir in 1 ½ hours trip taking the Aydın-İzmir Higway’s 65 km and 25 km of the state highway. You may reach to Kusadasi by bus from Izmir central bus station in every 30 minutes. Besides Kusadasi has bus connections with all major cities and touristic resorts of the country at all times.

By Air:
After arriving İzmir through Adnan Menderes Airpot, you can easily reach Kuşadası by road.

By Sea:
A number of ferries continuously travel to İzmir. Having a big harbour with a double pier, Kuşadası also visited by cruise companies coming from international waters.

GÜVERCİNADA ISLAND
It is a small island located near Kuşadası shoreline. It is tied to land with a jetty and it has a castle on it built in the Byzantium period and fortified by Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha in 1534. It is known as the “Pirate Castle” because of its use against the pirates by the local inhabitants.

OKUZ MEHMED PASHA CARAVANSERAIL
Caravanserail was built for sea trade by Okuz Mehmed Pasha in 1618. With dimensions approximately 28,5 m X 21,6 m, inner courtyard is surrounded on every floor with galleries and rooms. It is used as “Touristic Accomodation Facility” right now. 

DAVUTLAR NATIONAL PARK
Passing Davutlar and Güzelçamlı, you reach the most beautiful natural area of the region. Visiting hours of the national park is within 07.00-20.00. You can spend the whole day. İçmeler, a beautiful cove among the tree shades. Aydınlık cove (5km) with its beautiful beach, Kavaklıburun (7km) with planes, Aydınlık beach (11 km) with beautiful beach are main attraction areas.
It is on the road to Dilek peninsula National Park. The sparkling clear and deep water

CAVE OF ZEUS
inside the cave, forms the unique pool which is an attractive natural beauty.

ARSLANLI CAVE
It is in Kirazlı Village located in Yayla area. You can reach the cave after 30 minutes of walking from Dereboğazı location on a 3 km stabilized road. Also known as “Yaren Cave,” it is 110 meters in length and 36 meters deep.

KARİNA AND DOĞANBEY
How about discovering Karina before leaving Prien and take a turn for Miletos?
There is Karina Antique settlement remains around Karakol point at the frontier of the lake that is tied to Agean Sea with gullets. You can go as far as Three-eyed pigeon cave with a boat you can hire.
Known as Ladies Sea, it is now called Ladies Beach. This name belonged to the times when men and women did not share the same beach and sea. Of course, this issue is over for a long time now. Nowadays, Ladies Beach is swarming with topless. It is the

LADIES BEACH
most popular beach of Kuşadası with palm trees decorating the shore and long sandy beach. According to some researchers, this beach is the place where the sailors trying to reach Troia in Ulysses are attracted by the Sirens and carried on to the rocks.

OTHER BEACHES
Kusadasi has 30 kilometers sandy beach in total. Some of the famous beaches are
Tusan, Pygale Beach: On the Selçuk road, 6 kilometers away.
Public Beach: Located in the center of the town.
Güvercinada Island Beach: A special beach around the island.
Yılancıburnu Beach: A beach located behind Güvercinada Beach
Dilek National Park Beaches: Located 30 kilometers far away from Kusadası to the south-west.
Long Beach: Located 6 kilometers south of Kuşadası.

ACOMMODATION
Kusadası district presents you with the spectacular view of Kuşadası Bay especially the sunset, white beaches, swimming pools, restaurants and impressive attractions for a vacation beyond your imagination. There are 4 five star hotels, 14 four star hotels, 14 three star hotels, 20 two star hotels and 1 one star hotel in Kuşadası. Having 5 Holiday Villages, Kuşadası has a bed cpacity of 42.875.

One of the most important cruise stops of Turkey, Kusadası, has a rich network of shopping. Kusadası is full of excellent sea food restaurants, cafes, beautiful gardens and gorgeous beaches. 

OKUZ MEHMED PASHA CARAVANSERAIL
Caravanserail was built for sea trade by Okuz Mehmed Pasha in 1618. With dimensions approximately              28,5 m X 21,6 m, inner courtyard is surrounded on every floor with galleries and rooms. It is used as "Touristic Accomodation Facility" right now. 

DAVUTLAR NATIONAL PARK
Passing Davutlar and Güzelçamlı, you reach the most     beautiful natural area of the region. Visiting hours of the national park is within 07.00-20.00. You can spend the whole day. İçmeler, a beautiful cove among the tree shades. Aydınlık cove (5km) with its beautiful beach, Kavaklıburun (7km) with planes, Aydınlık beach (11 km) with beautiful beach are main attraction areas.
It is on the road to Dilek peninsula National Park. The sparkling clear and deep water

CAVE OF ZEUS
inside the cave, forms the unique pool which is an attractive natural beauty.

ARSLANLI CAVE
It is in Kirazlı Village located in Yayla area. You can reach the cave after 30 minutes of walking from Dereboğazı      location on a 3 km stabilized road. Also known as "Yaren Cave," it is 110 meters in length and 36 meters deep.

KARİNA AND DOĞANBEY
How about discovering Karina before leaving Prien and take a turn for Miletos?
There is Karina Antique settlement remains around Karakol point at the frontier of the lake that is tied to Agean Sea with gullets. You can go as far as Three-eyed pigeon cave with a boat you can hire.
Known as Ladies Sea, it is now called Ladies Beach. This name belonged to the times when men and women did not share the same beach and sea. Of course, this issue is over for a long time now. Nowadays, Ladies Beach is swarming with topless. It is the

LADIES BEACH
most popular beach of Kuşadası with palm trees decorating the shore and long sandy beach. According to some researchers, this beach is the place where the sailors trying to reach Troia in Ulysses are attracted by the Sirens and carried on to the rocks.

OTHER BEACHES
Kusadasi has 30 kilometers sandy beach in total. Some of the famous beaches are
Tusan, Pygale Beach: On the Selçuk road, 6 kilometers away.
Public Beach: Located in the center of the town.
Güvercinada Island Beach: A special beach around the island.
Yılancıburnu Beach: A beach located behind Güvercinada Beach
Dilek National Park Beaches: Located 30 kilometers far away from Kusadası to the south-west.
Long Beach: Located 6 kilometers south of Kuşadası.

ACOMMODATION
Kusadası district presents you with the spectacular view of Kuşadası Bay especially the sunset, white beaches,      swimming pools, restaurants and impressive attractions for a vacation beyond your imagination. There are 4 five star hotels, 14 four star hotels, 14 three star hotels, 20 two star hotels and 1 one star hotel in Kuşadası. Having 5 Holiday Villages, Kuşadası has a bed cpacity of 42.875.
One of the most important cruise stops of Turkey, Kusadası, has a rich network of shopping. Kusadası is full of excellent sea food restaurants, cafes, beautiful gardens and gorgeous beaches.