Aegean Region
From Turkey Travel Guide
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[edit] Location
Aegean Region is located in the west part of Turkey, surrounded by Aegean sea on the west, Marmara Region on the north, Mediterranean Region on the south and Central Anatolia Region on the east.
Several Greek islands reside off the coast of the Turkish mainland. They include Chios (Sakiz), Kos (Istankoy), and Samos.
[edit] Provinces
[edit] Geography
The area of Aegean Region is about 85,000 km2.
The region consists of the Turkish coast on the eastern side, with the western side belonging to Greece. In between are majority Greek islands of the cyclades, with several Turkish islands closely off the mainland. Due to the nationalist treaties following the independence of the Greek and Turkish Republics, most islands became a part of Greece, despite their closeness to the Turkish mainland.
[edit] Climate
The climate of Aegean Region is mainly mediterranean, with very hot summers, and a mild fall, winter and spring time. Heatwaves are arid, with low humidity and little rainfall in the summer. On the coastline, there is no snowfall, however, snow is sometimes common inland, as far as Odemis.
[edit] Places to See
The Aegean Region is filled with several breathtaking towns, beaches, and historical sites that should never be missed. Several recommendations are:
Çeşme and Alaçatı
This small port city is becoming a fast developing summer vacation spot for all of Turkey. It hosts several old Greek neighborhoods, modern restaurants, and clothing, food, and souvenir shops. Also, the Cesme Castle is a beautiful historical stop to take right on the water for only a few Turkish Lira.
Ephesus
This ancient Greek-Roman site is one of the best preserved sites in the Aegean and Mediterranean region. Boasting an ancient amphitheater, roadways, and the great library of Ephesus with its enormous statues of the ancient Greeks, this site will leave a hefty impression on you.
Sakiz (Chios Island-Greece)
This beautiful Greek island off the coast of Izmir, is only a 30 minute ferryboat ride away. Deeply rich with Greek and Ottoman history, the island boasts a delicious natural gum, which is used in many of the local dishes, desserts, and drinks. Visiting the island is offered daily by ferryboat at 10am and 5pm, with a roundtrip cost of 40 Euro per person. There is no need to purchase a new Turkish visa when returning unless necessary for extension. Makes for a great day or weekend trip, as you get to explore two cultures and countries, which are both in visual distance of each other.
Alsancak-Kordon
Located on the center point of the Bay of Izmir, this area of Izmir's city is the located right on the beautiful coastline, featuring a wealth of cafes, restaurants, and stores. Alsancak is a great place to watch the sunset over your evening demitasse.
Guzelbahce
This amazingly beautiful district of Izmir means "beautiful garden", and when taking a first glance, you will realize how it got the name. Located right on the outer part of the Bay of Izmir, the luscious greenery combined with the rich blues of the Aegean water make this area a must see.
Kuşadası
Kusadasi is a beautiful resort town on the Aegean coast, popular during the summer months. Sights include:
Kaleici Camii: this Ottoman mosque from 1618 was built by the Grand Vizier Öküz Kara Mehmed Pasha. and is a beautiful example of Ottoman craftsmanship in the Aegean region.
Guvercin Ada: this peninsula at the end of the bay showcases a castle and beautiful beaches for swimming.
Bodrum
This popular resort town was known as Halicarnassus in Ancient Greek, but today is a Turkish port town in Muğla Province, facing the Greek island of Kos. It boasts an international center for tourism with the Bodrum Castle, built by the Crusaders in the 15th century, overlooking the harbor and the International Marina.
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