Hotels in Izmir

Izmir is Turkey's third-largest city and the heart of the Aegean coast, sweeping around a broad, palm-lined bay. Founded more than 5,000 years ago as ancient Smyrna, the city has a modern, secular feel, with a lively waterfront promenade (Kordon), the labyrinthine Kemeralti bazaar, and elegant neighbourhoods like Alsancak and Karsiyaka.

Beyond the city, Izmir is a launchpad for some of Turkey's biggest ancient sites and beach towns. The UNESCO ruins of Ephesus and the Virgin Mary's House at Selcuk sit just an hour south, the seaside resort of Cesme is under 90 minutes west, and the whitewashed hill village of Sirince and the thermal spa town of Balcova all sit within easy reach.

The local food scene reflects the region's Greek, Levantine, and Balkan influences, from boyoz pastries and kumru sandwiches to fresh seafood and Aegean mezze. A metro, tram, ferry, and suburban rail network make Izmir one of Turkey's easiest big cities to get around.