THE AEGEAN REGION

Heredotus, the father of history, claimed that the Aegean coast is the most beautiful and has the best climate in the world. The bays and peninsulas, coves and golden beaches that stretch the length of these beautiful shores certainly substantiate this claim. Countless events of mythology took place in this region and visitors will encounter the theatres, temples and agoras of ancient cities at almost every turn. Ephesus, one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world, Troy, immortalized by Homer, and Pergamum, the art and cultural centre and capital city of one of the most powerful kingdoms of the day, are all located in this part of Turkey. The Aegean Region is also home to some of Turkey’s leading beach resorts, including the ever-popular Marmaris, Bodrum and Oludeniz with its famous Blue Lagoon.

The region is served by three international Airports: Izmir to the north, Bodrum and Dalaman, which is used by those traveling as far east as the resorts of Kalkan and Kas in the Mediterranean Region.

Highlights of the Aegean Region

The South Aegean

The South Aegean is the most popular part of Turkey for UK holidaymakers and the area boasts a range fantastic beach resorts. First up is the pretty, white-washed harbour town of Bodrum. The mausoleum of King Mausolos one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and was located here, although very little of the structure remains. Lively Gumbet and the windsurfers haven of Bitez are perhaps the best known of the beach resorts in the area. Further along the Peninsula, sleepy hamlets sit side-by-side with fishing villages that have been transformed into up market resorts, popular holiday haunts of the Turkish rich and famous.

Marmaris, with its modern marina surrounded by its lush mountains and hills, is an alluring holiday getaway. It has everything you would expect to find in a modern resort, hundreds of shops and restaurants and plenty of bars and discos to keep night owls occupied. The best beaches however are a little further away. Icmeler is a firm family favourite which in addition to its beach also boasts a couple of aquaparks. Turunc and Datca are an altogether more laidback holiday prospect and a world away from the hustle of bustle of Marmaris itself.
Next along is Dalyan, home of the much-photographed rock tombs and famous mud baths. The protected Iztuzu beach is a nesting ground to the endangered caretta caretta turtle and development here is strictly controlled.

Visitors to Fethiye too can marvel at Lycian Rock Tombs, the most impressive of which is the Tomb of King Amintas which overlooks this pretty harbour town. Oludeniz is without a doubt the most famous of the beaches in the area, with it’s stunning blue lagoon and the nearby resorts of Hisaronu and Ovacik cater specifically for tourists with a wide range of accommodation and choice of shops, restaurants and bars.

The North Aegean

Situated on the southern coast of the Edremit Bay at the meeting point of the health-giving springs of Akcay and a fragrant pine forest is the small resort of Ayvalik. The town is renowned for its olive oil production and accordingly the area has become known as the "Olive-grove Riviera". Traveling south, the next resort of note is Foca, famous for the heroic Turkish sailors based here. Historic sites include a Genoese fortress and small ancient theatre. The ancient sites of Troy and Pergamum are located in the North Aegean.

Izmir and Surroundings

Located on the bay of the same name, Izmir is a modern city brimming with life. It is also a bustling commercial centre and shopping in its busy markets is a shopaholics idea of paradise. The peninsula of Cesme with its brilliant waters, superb beaches and thermal springs lies to the west of Izmir. Sardis, the capital of the wealthy Lydian king, Croesus, can be reached by way of a short inland diversion. The bustling port of Kusadasi is one the most established of Turkey’s beach resorts. Pigeon Island

Ephesus

Among the most famous cities of the ancient world, Ephesus was one of the most significant cities of the Roman era. A treasury of all the riches of Ionian culture, Ephesus had a reputation for philosophy and critical thinking. The Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, as well as countless statues, theatres, libraries, markets and smaller temples were all architectural symbols of the city's fame. The city is incredibly well-preserved and the most prominent remnants of the bygone era are the imposing Library of Celcius and the impressive ancient theatre.

Further to the south you will see the ancient city of Priene, built according to a geometric plan designed by the great architect of Miletus, Hippodamos. Miletus was a great centre of commerce and thought in the ancient world and important developments, scientific and otherwise, took place here. The nearby Didyma, though not one of the ancient cities, is still famous for its magnificent temple dedicated to Apollo, the impressive ruins of which can still be explored today. Nearby is the popular resort of Altinkum, best known for its long, sandy beach.

Pamukkale & Aphrodisias

On the Izmir-Antalya road, Aphrodisias (Geyre) was an important cultural and art centre famous for its training in sculpture. On the same road is found the iconic Pamukkale. The plentiful calcium-rich thermal waters flowing out of the mountain have, over time, created extraordinary rock formations and Pamukkale or “cotton castle” is an unmissable attraction. Here one may take a bath in the health-giving waters while gazing at this natural phenomenon, which is unparalleled in world geography. The ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis lie behind this calcium terraced mountain.