Day Trip to Ilica Beach

The beaches around Izmir are definitely a well known summer attraction.  We managed to get there before the crowds and enjoy the gorgeous waters.

How to get there:

The buses that go to Alaçatı, Ilıca, & Çeşme leave from Fahretin Altay, which you can get to via bus, metro, or ferry.  We tend to use the metro as it is more frequent and direct.  If using the metro, Fahretin Altay is the last stop, get off and follow the signs toward the "pazar yeri" (a crowd of people will also likely be going this direction).  When you come up to street level, you will see a large parking lot area to your right.  Towards the left of that area there will be a set of stairs leading down to where the buses and dolmuş leave.  The buses to Çeşme and the beaches are the large "Çeşme Sayahat" ones at the very end of the lot.

To get to Ilica, get off at the Ilica Otogar/Migros.  They should announce this stop on the bus.  From there, it is an easy walk to the beaches.  There are several small entrances to the beaches, and a large row of them just past the Sheraton Hotel.

Map showing buses in Fahrettin Altay
(click for larger version)

Map showing Ilica bus station to beaches
(click for larger version)

**TIP FOR DAY TRIPPERS**

If you are returning same day, go inside the building at the Otogar stop before you walk to the beaches.  There is a Cesme Sayahat counter inside the building and to the left.  If you talk to the guy at the counter, you can get the times of the return buses and he will reserve you a seat.  You will still pay the fare on the bus, but this helps to ensure you get a seat at the time you want and that you get seats together.  

Cost:

The bus costs 13TL per seat per way.  Small children who can fit on your lap ride free.

There are free public beaches as well as paid areas that allow you rent chairs and umbrellas.

Changing rooms, showers, and toilets are available for 2,50 TL.

Photos:

 

 

A Day Trip to Ephesus

The ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus are located just outside of Selçuk, Turkey.  While there are a number of tours that will take you to Ephesus, they are by no means necessary as the town is very easy to access from İzmir.  The ruins themselves are very impressive and well worth the visit if you are in the area.

Getting There:

You can take a train directly to Selçuk for only 5TL per adult (children are 3,5TL).  The trains leave from the Basmanı Gar, which you can get to easily by bus or metro.  The trains are comfortable and take about an hour and 30 minutes to get to Selçuk.

Once in Selçuk, you can either take a taxi or dolmuş to the ruins of Ephesus.  In my experience, the taxis in the area were quick to take advantage of tourists.  They will probably charge 20-30TL for the trip, so while they are an option, I do not recommend it.  The dolmuş buses leave from the Selçuk bus station, which is an easy walk from the train station.  They cost 2,5TL per person and drop off at the entrance of the ruins.

Prices:

Be aware that the price to enter the ruins is a bit much.  As of this fall, it was 30TL per person, though young children were free.  Audio guides and access to extra areas were available for an additional fee.

A Day Trip to Eski Foça

If you're looking for an easy day trip from Izmir, Eski Foça (also known as Phocaea) is a good alternative.  It is a small but quaint town with clean, clear waters and ancient Greek roots.  It is known for the local population of the endangered Mediterranean Monk Seals.  Other attractions include a local castle, old windmills, boat tours, and a small public beach.

Getting There:

You can get to Eski Foça from Izmir entirely via public transportation.  It takes about an hour and 20 minutes to get there.

To get there, take the IZBAN metro line in the Aliaği direction (NOTE: watch the trains that come in and do not get on a metro that says "Menemen" - you need to go one stop further than Menemen).  Get off at the Hatundere stop and exit the metro, the 744 bus to Foça will normally be waiting right in front of the platform.  The combined fare for the metro and bus is 4TL one way.

There is also a dolmuş that runs directly from İzmir to Foça, but unfortunately I do not know the prices, times, or locations for this.

Cost:

The bus/metro cost 4TL combined.

The public beach is free, and there a number of other beach clubs in the area

There are also a variety of boat tours that leave from the area, but I do not have pricing information on these.

Photos:

 

 

 

 

Tay Park (Pony Park)

Tay park is another one of Izmir's hidden gems.  As the name implies, the park hosts several ponies and horses, and children are allowed one free ride per visit.

In addition to being able to ride and pet the ponies and horses, there are other farm animals in the park as well.  There are enclosures with goats, ducks, rabbits, and chickens, and viewing areas for pheasants and lizards.

How to get there:
If you are coming from Alsancak or Konak, take the ferry to Karşıyaka.  When you walk out of the ferry station, cross the street, and walk to your left until you reach the Osman Bey Parkı stop.

The most direct route I have found so far is to take the 777 bus.  Get off at the bus stop AFTER the Carrefour.  It should take about 15 minutes.  After getting off the bus, walk up to the stop light and cross the road.  Walk towards the sign that says Tay Park, the entrance is on the left.

Note: The bus comes frequently on weekends (about every 15-20 minutes), but less so on weekdays (about every 45 minutes).  This bus also gets very busy on Wednesdays as it passes by a very popular bazaar.

For the most up to date hours, you can visit the website below, choose 777 from the dropdown, and click "Hareket Saatleri"
http://www.eshot.gov.tr/HareketSaatleri.aspx?TIP=TumHatlar

Cost:
Free

Hours:
I could not find official hours, but some websites have said that you can ride the horses from 8-12 and 1-5

Features:
Playground
Benches
Cafe

More Information:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Taypark-Mavisehir/253351341359539?rf=208791745857407
Article (in Turkish): http://www.karsiyakalife.com.tr/2012/01/tay-park-ziyaretcilerini-bekliyor/

Doğal Yaşam Parkı (Wildlife Park)

If you plan to visit Izmir with children, enjoy zoos, or just want to get away from the city center for a nice outdoor walk, the Doğal Yaşam Parkı is a really great experience.  It is easy to get to, rarely busy, and offers great views of the local wildlife.

If you only have one day in Izmir, the park may not be for you, as there are many other things to see.  But I feel like the animal park is one of Izmir's hidden gems.  I have been to many zoos in the US, and while they have been nice, they are often crowded.  This park is spacious, clean, and well decorated.  I have never seen it crowded, but if you would like to experience it on its least busy times, go in the morning, on a weekday, or on a cool/overcast days.

What keeps me going back to the park though is the amazing views of the animals.  They are frequently active and close to viewing areas.  During our visits, the lions, pumas, tigers, bears, wolves, and hyenas often come within inches of the viewing areas.  In my opinion, these up-close encounters are the best part of the park.

The park is also recognized as having the first and only elephant family in Turkey.  They are also the only Turkish zoo with a rainforest enclosure.

How to get there:
If you are coming from Alsancak or Konak, take the ferry to Karşıyaka.  When you walk out of the ferry station, cross the street, and walk to your left until you reach the Osman Bey Parkı stop.

The 777 bus will take you to the animal park.  It takes about 25 minutes to get there, but it is very easy to find as the animal park is the last stop.  The bus comes frequently on weekends (about every 15-20 minutes), but less so on weekdays (about every 45 minutes).  Note: this bus gets very busy on Wednesdays as it passes by a very popular bazaar.

For the most up to date hours, you can visit the website below, choose 777 from the dropdown, and click "Hareket Saatleri"
http://www.eshot.gov.tr/HareketSaatleri.aspx?TIP=TumHatlar

Cost (as of 2014):
When you get off the bus, you will walk to a ticket office.  They will give you a coin that will act as your ticket.

3TL for adults
1TL for students
Small children are free

Note: there are separate lines for adults and students.  The people at the gate will help you though.

Hours:
Opens: 9:00am
Closes: Varies seasonally
             Winter (October 25 - March 1) - 4:30pm
             Spring (March 2 - March 30) - 5:30pm
             Summer (April 1 - September 21) - weekdays 6:30pm; weekends and holidays 7:30pm
             Fall (September 22 - October 24) - 5:30pm

Features:
Playgrounds
Benches
Cafes
Outside food allowed

Map:
Coming soon

More Information:
Park Website: http://www.izmirdogalyasamparki.org.tr/

Photos:

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Welcome to Izmir

I get the sense that Izmir is often overlooked.  People pass through it on their way to Ephesus or Çeşme.  They spend a day of their cruise here and take a guided tour.

My goal here is simply to share some of what I have experienced while exploring Izmir on my own.  I moved to Izmir in 2014 and have slowly been discovering all that the city has to offer.

This is by no means a complete guide, but I hope that this helps people find some of the great and often overlooked things that Izmir has to offer.