Holiday in Turquoise Aegean

About Turquoise Aegean

The Turkish Aegean is the richest in culture and the most diverse coastal region of Turkey – a coastal strip over 600 kilometers long, stretching from Çanakkale in the north to Bodrum in the south, offering a density of ancient sites, olive groves, vineyards, and stunning bays that is unmatched throughout the Mediterranean. For German travelers seeking more than just beach and all-inclusive resorts, the Aegean coast is the number one discovery region in Turkey. Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city in the world, is located here – with its marble Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Street of the Curetes, it attracts millions of visitors each year. But Ephesus is just the tip of the iceberg: Pergamon, Aphrodisias, Sardis, Priene, Miletus, and Didyma line the coast like pearls on a string. Each of these sites alone would be the main attraction in another country – here they are part of a breathtaking historical landscape. The landscape of the Aegean fundamentally differs from the Turkish southern coast: instead of barren rocky shores, gently rolling hills with olive groves, pine forests, and vineyards dominate the picture. The villages and small towns have preserved their Greek-Ottoman charm – stone houses, narrow streets, and tea gardens shape the streetscape. Culinary-wise, the Aegean is a paradise: the cuisine is based on olive oil, wild herbs, fresh fish, and meze culture and is considered the healthiest in Turkey. Izmir, the metropolis of the region with over four million inhabitants, is significantly more relaxed than Istanbul and offers a vibrant cultural scene, the historic Kemeraltı Bazaar, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Izmir Airport is the main gateway to the region, from where most destinations can be reached in one to two hours. The Aegean can be excellently explored as a road trip – the coastal roads offer breathtaking views and the distances between the highlights are manageable.