Turkey Property | Property in Turkey | Aegean Coast
Here is an overview of Turkey’s Aegean Coast area including lifestyle information attractions and activities.
The Aegean
Kusadasi
Kusadasi is one of Turkey’s largest and most cosmopolitan resorts and a stopping off point for the big cruise-liners. It is a good all round resort, offering great beaches, excellent shopping and some serious nightlife, a perfect place for Turkey property. Kusadasi literally means ‘Bird Island’ and takes its name from the tiny islet known as Guvercin Adasi or Pigeon Island, which is attached to the mainland by a causeway and boasts a 14th century Genoese fort. There are a number of sandy beaches in the area. Kadinlar Plaji or ‘ladies beach’ is central but can get crowded so it is wiser in high season to head a little further out of the centre where the beaches are just as sandy but offer more space. Kaleici is the old centre of the town and is a popular shopping and entertainment area. The Ottoman Kervansaray or traveller’s inn is now in private hands but is an impressive building and a landmark in the town centre. Today’s travellers can find comfort in a full range of accommodation in all categories and of all sizes.
Kusadasi’s setting also makes it a good base for those wanting to visit Ephesus which is only approximately 30 minutes drive away.
It is also surrounded by some of Turkey’s most beautiful national parks including the Kalamaki National Park, which lies on the Dilek Peninsula, about 30kms to the south. Dense pine trees cover the mountains which plunge dramatically down to beaches and crystal-clear sea. Some of Turkey’s rarest wild animals can be found here including the Anatolian cheetah and wild horses. Sundays are often busy with local visitors. Another stunning spot in the vicinity is Lake Bafa which is approximately 80kms south east of Kusadasi.
Ephesus
Ephesus is the most famous of Turkey’s ancient cities. It was the site of the Temple of Artemis, to whom the city was dedicated, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. During Roman times it was the most important port on the Aegean and a commercial centre, which also played a significant role in the spread of Christianity. It has been well excavated and gives the visitor a real sense of the scale of the city and of what life may have been like in Roman times. As well as the grand public buildings such as the impressive Library of Celsus, the theatre and the Temple of Hadrian, the remains include streets, private houses, public toilets and even a brothel. Most of the remains date from the 4th century BC, although there was probably a city on this site as far back as 100 BC. Owning Turkey property near to Ephesus provides a traditional and very cultural location.
The Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days in Ephesus, which was one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse mentioned in Revelations. The other churches too are around this area of Turkey.
Nearby in Selcuk is the Basilica of St. John, dating from the 6th century and a Byzantine citadel.
Pergamum
Pergumum, modern-day Bergama, is another of the Seven Churches. It is one of Turkey’s most impressive sites, the ruins of the ancient city set high on a hillside dramatically overlooking the modern town. It was a great centre of culture with a famous library and the renowned Asclepion, dedicated to the god of heath. The theatre is well-preserved and set into a steep hillside and the other remains include the monumental altar of Zeus, a gymnasium and the agora.
Izmir
Izmir is the third largest of Turkey’s cities and the second largest port after Istanbul. Known in ancient times as Smyrna, it has had a long and illustrious past, and today, has a reputation as a relaxed, cosmopolitan city and cultural centre. It has no beach but it certainly merits a day-trip from any of the resorts nearby. It is good for shopping and there is plenty of cultural and historic interest including the superb Archaeological Museum, the Fine Arts Museum and the Ethnography Museum. Some of the best views of the city are to be enjoyed from the vantage point of the Kadifekale, the ‘velvet castle’, the ruined castle which stands high above the city and was built during the reign of Alexander the Great. The Agora or marketplace is a remnant of the Roman city, and there are a number of significant Ottoman buildings including: the Konak Clock Tower which has become a symbol of the city; the Kizlaragasi Han, a restored travellers’ inn, which is now a craft market; and the Asansor, a working elevator. Buy property in Turkey close to Izmir and explore this fascinating city.
Cesme
Cesme is a charming, sleepy resort town; dominated by the 14th century castle of St. Peter It has two main streets, where shops, restaurants and a couple of bars are situated. Most of the hotels are set on the beaches outside the centre. Ilica is one of the most impressive, with its fine white sand and Altinkum’s golden sandy beach is also renowned. The peninsula has excellent conditions for windsurfing and Alacati beach is one of the best spots for this. Cesme means ‘spring’, named after the natural springs found in the area. Ilica is still a popular centre for thermal treatments. Ferries run between ports in Italy and Cesme as well as between Cesme and the Greek Island of Chios.
Ayvalik
Ayvalik is an attractive port, surrounded by pine forests, with charming stone houses and cobbled streets. It is popular with local Turkish holidaymakers and a great place for those who want to escape the crowds and soak up the authentic atmosphere, there are good sandy beaches approx. 6kms south of the town in the area of Sarmisakli.
Altinkum
Altinkum literally means ‘golden sand’ an apt description of the beautiful beach in this relaxed resort. Popular with families it has a range of accommodation and plenty of restaurants and bars for entertainment, another great place to own Turkey property. There are lots of shops and an attractive street market in the centre. It is popular with both Turkish and International holidaymakers. It is also a good base from which to visit the nearby theatre and Ionic Temple of Athene; Miletus with its 15,000 seater theatre and Baths of Faustina; and Didyma. The impressive site of the temple of Apollo at Didim, ancient Didyma is well worth a visit. It was one of the ancient world’s most sacred places, one of the fore-most oracles of the Greek world. It was originally built in the 7th century BC and then restored by Alexander the Great. The early Christians converted it to a church; it has been well preserved and the head of Medusa is of particular interest.
Foca
The resort of Foca is popular with Turkish holidaymakers living in nearby Izmir. Its historic sites include a Genoese Castle and a small ancient theatre. The resort is split into two bays with beaches in each. Yenifoca or ‘new Foca’ is just 23kms away by boat and has even better and more secluded beaches.
Galipoli
The Galipoli peninsula, which forms the western border of the narrow straits known as the Dardanelles, was the scene of one of the bloodiest campaigns of the First World War. In 1915 the Allied forces (British, Australian, New Zealand, French and Indian) tried to seize the straits, but were fought off by the Turkish army, inspired by the young officer, Mustafa Kemal, later to become Ataturk, who defended the area. 500,000 soldiers lost their lives during the 9 month battle with its bitter trench warfare. The Gelibolu (Gallipoli) National Historic Park is dedicated to those who died and it includes a number of cemeteries, memorials and museums. Most visitors stay in the attractive town of Canakkale nearby.
Pamukkale
The stunning white terraces of Pamukkale and the neighbouring site of Hierapolis are situated inland, close to the town of Denizli. They can be reached from most of the coastal resorts on a one or two day trip but Kusadasi is the closest – approximately 4 hours drive away.
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