For those who dream of going to Turkey, but do not like the summer heat - we are talking about a vacation in Izmir in 2021. Find out how tourists assess the resort on the Aegean Sea, what beaches there are and which hotels are worth staying in. Food prices and travel features with children.
Reviews of tourists about Izmir
The streets and neighborhoods of Izmir line a spacious bay on the east coast of the Aegean Sea. The third largest city in the country is a large and developed resort. In the agora of Smyrna, everything breathes with the ancient past, and the noisy oriental bazaar of Kemeralti introduces Izmir's guests to the unique Turkish flavor.
According to the reviews of tourists, the rest in Izmir is liked by fans of excursions. It is convenient to get from the city to the ancient cities - Ephesus, Troy and Bergama. Due to the large port, the sea in the city is dirty. Vacationers go swimming and sunbathing in resort villages 40-80 km from Izmir.
Savl: "Izmir is the former ancient Greek Smyrna, a big city, but not too touristy. There are few really interesting places here. There is no point in going here on purpose, especially from afar."
Top hotels in Izmir
Most of the hotels in Izmir have no stars. These are budget hotels, private pensions and hostels, where young people prefer to stay. A large selection of inexpensive 2 * hotels, double rooms in which cost 120-360 TRY.
Budget hotels in Izmir with the best traveler reviews:
- Piano Hotel
- White House İzmir
- Spil Suites
Hotels 4 * and 5 * "all inclusive" in Izmir with the best reviews of tourists:
- Club Resort Atlantis 4 * (50 m from the sea)
- Club Cactus Paradise Hotel 4 * (50 m from the sea)
- Club Yali & Resort 5 * (100 m from the sea).
Ultra All Inclusive Hotels in Izmir with the best travel reviews:
- Labranda Lebedos Princess 4 * (100 m from the sea)
- Notion Kesre Beach Hotel & Spa 4 * (50 m from the sea)
- Euphoria Aegean Resort & Spa 5 * (150 m from the sea).
Level.Travel and Online Tour - all tours to Izmir.
Beach holidays in Izmir
The Aegean Sea in the Izmir Bay is not very clean, so beach lovers leave for neighboring resort villages. According to tourist reviews for 2020, the best sandy beaches of Izmir are located in Cesme, the town of Urla, the picturesque resort town of Gumuldur and the town of Foça.
There are restaurants and cafes near the beaches. There are diving clubs and water attractions for children. Renting two sun loungers and a sun umbrella for a day costs TRY 25-30, while diving equipment rental costs TRY 100-120.
DrKerimoff: "Pirlanta Beach - entrance per person 20 lira, two sun loungers and an umbrella. The sand is dirty, the sea is clean. I do not recommend this beach, three stars only for the clear water."
Panorama of the beach in Cesme
Food prices
The big city has Turkish cuisine establishments and restaurants serving dishes from all over the world. According to tourists, Izmir has a large selection of fish and seafood dishes. Seasonal fruits - cherries, apricots, peaches and apples are sold for 3.5-5 TRY per 1 kg.
LediKira: "I recommend the Konok Bazaar area, there is a whole fish street. Mussels 25 USD 1 kg. Fish from 2 USD and more per 1 kg, fresh, they do everything with you."
Cheap street fast food - Turkish bagels is popular among vacationers simits, local pastries boyosis, sweet round donuts lokma, honey baklava, kebabs and dolma... A hearty three-course lunch in cheap places for Turks costs 18-20 TRY. The average bill in cafes and restaurants in the tourist area is 30-40 TRY. Dinner in expensive restaurants along the bay will cost you 70-110 TRY.
Details about food prices in Turkey.
Vacation with children
According to reviews, Izmir is not very good for a beach holiday, but there is enough entertainment for children in the resort! In the warm season, there is a large water park here. There are many modern attractions in the amusement park. Take your child to the Toy Museum and visit the zoo, which is 20 km from the center of Izmir.
785olesiak: "An excellent zoo. It is interesting both to observe animals and just to walk. It is very clean, the territory is well-groomed, there are many places for recreation, playgrounds for children, cafes, toilets."
When is the best time to go
The temperate Mediterranean climate allows you to relax in Izmir all year round - as in many resorts in Turkey. Winter at the resort is rainy and cool, but the thermometer does not drop below + 3 ° С. The high season starts in April, and they start swimming in the sea in May.
Most tourists come to Izmir in the second half of June, when the sea water warms up to +22 ... + 23 ° С. Summer on the coast of the Aegean Sea is not as hot and stuffy as in the south of Turkey. In July and August, the air temperature is + 32 ° С, and the sea water temperature is +25 ... + 26 ° С.
Tourists with small children and older travelers prefer their holidays in Izmir during the velvet season - in September and October.
Viktor Nepomniachtchi: "The Turkish October weather is unpredictable. Either hot or cold: in the daytime up to + 26 ° C, at night no more than + 15 ° C, and windblown in the evenings. The water in the sea cools more slowly and is equal to + 23 ° C" ...
Conclusions: is it worth a vacation in Izmir
Holidays in Izmir in 2021 are suitable for everyone who likes big resorts. The Turkish city is a paradise for shopaholics. It produces and sells inexpensive leather goods, excellent Turkish textiles and delicious fruit wines.
There are many attractions in Izmir and its immediate surroundings: the Moorish-style Clock Tower, the agora of Smyrna, the Asanter lift, the ruins of ancient Aphrodisias, the Genoese fortress and interesting museums. From here it is convenient to get to the ancient sights of Turkey.
The main disadvantage of the resort is the dirty sea. According to tourists, a full-fledged beach vacation in Izmir is possible only in neighboring resort towns and villages.
