Izmir - Smyrna - Travel & Tourism Guide Izmir - Smyrna - Turquie

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Izmir is the second largest port of the country (after Istanbul) and the third most populated Turkish agglomeration (over 4 million inhabitants). If the periphery has many unattractive buildings, the center is charming. The beautiful Izmir as the Turks call it is a sunny city and pleasant to visit. In 1922, a serious fire ravaged the city, causing the death of 2,000 people and destroying three quarters of its houses. The reconstruction was entrusted to two French town planners, René and Raymond Danger, and it explains in large part the modernity of Izmir with its wide arteries lined with palm trees. It is very pleasant to walk on the long promenade along the Aegean Sea. Izmir, in spite of a turbulent history, has not denied its temperament open to outside influences. The bazaar of Kemeraltı, the fortress, the museums are worth a visit. The city center is very lively with its stalls and restaurants. Take time to stroll through the Alsancak district and observe the refinement of the colorful traditional houses. This district, one of the only ones that were not destroyed by the fire of 1922, gives a more accurate idea of the ancient Smyrna of the beginning of the 10th century.

What to visit Izmir - Smyrna?

MUSÉE ETHNOGRAPHIQUE

BELEDIYE ET TOUR DE L'HORLOGE

KADIFEKALE (FORTERESSE DE VELOURS)

KARŞIYAKA

MUSÉE ARCHÉOLOGIQUE

1888

OD URLA

KARACA

HOTEL BAYLAN BASMANE

SARAY HOTEL

ANTIK HAN

HOTEL OBA

HOTEL KILIM

MYHOTEL

TEMPO RESIDENCE COMFORT

HOTEL BAYLAN YENISEHIR

MET BOUTIQUE HOTEL

GUZEL IZMIR OTELI

LEYLAK BOUTIQUE HOTEL & BRASSERIE

ANTIK HAN HOTEL - SPECIAL CLASS

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When to go to Izmir - Smyrna?

The high tourist season in Izmir, as in the rest of Turkey's tourist spots, begins at the end of June and ends in August. That is why the best time to travel to Izmir is in May or from September to October, when the climate remains very suitable and prices are mild. The low tourist season corresponds to winter. Many Turkish tourists also travel at the time of the Bayrams, the religious holidays, which take place after Ramadan. At that time, prices increase and reservations for long-duration transport are necessary. In addition, the Izmir International Fair takes place in September and attracts a large number of visitors. The hotels are then full.

Weather at the moment

Weather all year round

The weather in Turkey is very variable depending on the region. While in the north the Black Sea region experiences heavy rains in both summer and winter, the Mediterranean and Aegean regions enjoy a mild winter and a warm summer. In Izmir, the winter is quite mild and rainy, very rarely snowy, the spring is getting milder and sunnier over the mild weeks from mid-March. From June to September it is summer, hot and dry, the breeze blows and sometimes the meltemi, a more violent wind and heat peaks are frequent. Autumn is a very pleasant time. The sun is generous until mid-October and tourists are rare while all infrastructure is functioning. It is therefore in spring and autumn that you will enjoy your stay the most.

Budget

The local currency is the Turkish lira, but many hotels and traders are happy to accept euros. Turkey is a country where two worlds coexist. Izmir is one of the "rich" cities in the country. The prices are similar to those in Europe. However, you can eat for very little and find very affordable pensions.

Procedures

No visa required for tourists from EU Member States. A valid identity card or passport (at least six months from the date of entry into Turkey) is sufficient for a stay of less than 90 days. For Quebecers, a visa is required and can be obtained in two ways: at the Turkish Consulate in Montreal (at least three weeks before departure) or by arriving at the airport at the visa office. The second option is the simplest and most advantageous, cheapest, and the passport is stamped in one minute before the last checkpoint.

Health

No vaccine is required to go to Turkey. However, make sure that your D.T. vaccines Polio are up to date. It is also recommended to get vaccinated against influenza during transmission periods. In addition, vaccines against typhoid, rabies and hepatitis B are only recommended if you are staying for a long time or if you go to places where sanitary conditions are precarious. This will not in principle be the case in Izmir. In any case, prefer bottled water.

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How to go to Izmir - Smyrna? Our advice & tips

Izmir is not the most offered destination of Turkey by the travel agencies. However, short stays in this port are proposed in all inclusive which are generally not reduced to the only seaside offer. One comes to Izmir to walk around, visit the heritage of the city or simply to make a stopover of two or three days during a stay on the Aegean coast.

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination

You arrive at Adnan Menderes Airport, the international airport attached to the city, 18 km south of Izmir. You can reach the city by public transport or by cab. There is no difficulty in finding accommodation in the city. As for eating, there are plenty of choices, from small restaurants to gourmet restaurants. Fish dishes are particularly popular. Pick up a map of the city at the tourist office. The points of interest are noted.

Ferries also provide a maritime link between Izmir and the entire Aegean Sea and Gulf of Izmir coast. Using this means of travel is ideal for those who want to enjoy a nice boat ride. And because enjoying nature is definitely one of the best things to do when visiting Izmir, many car rental agencies offer cars for private individuals. The surrounding road network is quite correct.

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