Izmir among Top 10 cities to visit in 2024

(Patria) - Izmir has been included in the list of the ten best cities to visit in 2024 compiled by travel magazine "Lonely Planet".

The magazine publishes a list of world travel destinations every year, starting in 1973, categorized by country, region, city, ecological sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

Ideal Location

Izmir earned its place, according to the magazine, thanks to its location, beaches, and distinctive gastronomy.

Izmir's greatest advantage is its ideal location, "Lonely Planet" states.

The city offers a blend of historical and contemporary culture, the flavors of healthy Aegean cuisine, and a high quality of life.

A visit to the historic bazaar, cultural sites, wine routes, beaches, and ancient ruins is recommended.

Among the events, the magazine highlights the annual Izmir International Festival between June and July, which includes concerts and dance performances at famous venues such as the ancient site of Smyrna Agora.

The magazine also recommends tasting local wines in Urla, one of Izmir's wine routes.

Although it is Turkey's third-largest city, Izmir has a relaxed atmosphere that contributes to a high quality of life, and although it is visited by millions of tourists every year due to the protected UNESCO ancient city of Ephesus, a World Heritage site, Izmir "has not yet been fully discovered," writes "Lonely Planet".

Izmir's west coast is dotted with picturesque villages and seaside settlements from Foça to Urla and from Karaburun to the Çeşme peninsula.

In Urla, known for its vineyards and Turkish wines, visitors can enjoy delicious farm-to-table dishes in restaurants, while Alaçatı, the heart of the Çeşme peninsula, offers Aegean herbs and seafood.

Izmir is a rich gourmet destination, as confirmed by the inclusion of Izmir restaurants in the Michelin Guide this year.

Treasures of Anatolia

The largest part of Izmir's ancient treasures is located in Bergama and Selçuk. Bergama is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the second-largest ancient library.

Selçuk houses the remains of the Temple of Artemis, considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, as well as ancient settlements including the Basilica of St. John and the House of the Virgin Mary.

Şirince is a village known for its fruit wines, and as it is built on a green slope overlooking the Selçuk mountains, it has been included in the United Nations World Tourism Organization's list of "Best Tourist Villages in the World 2023".

Izmir is also a destination for art, culture, and history. The city's newest attraction is the Izmir Culture and Art Factory, opened in a renovated 19th-century Alsancak Tekel factory.

The Culture and Art Factory also hosted the Ephesus Culture Route Festival, the most important event in the city, which took place this year from October 28 to November 5.