Izmir is the largest Turkish resort on the Aegean coast. A multi-million metropolis with a unique history, gorgeous nature and great entertainment potential – what could be better for a summer vacation? Sights, active nightlife, excellent shopping and the sea in Izmir – this is what you should definitely come here for a vacation.

The territory of Izmir lies on the Aegean coast in the Gulf of Izmir. It is noticeably cooler here than in other regions of Turkey. In summer, the air warms up to 27-30 °, and in winter it will rain here and only 7-10 ° of heat. The people of Izmir themselves speak disparagingly of other resorts, considering them too hot and muggy, and they are right. The city has the most comfortable weather for any type of leisure, especially for active recreation and excursions.

The water temperature in the sea is 25-26 ° in the summer months, in winter the water is quite cold – only 10-15 °. The picture is completed by the windy weather that almost always prevails over Izmir, which makes it suitable for water sports and softens the summer heat.

The swimming season at sea in Izmir is also shorter than in its neighbors and lasts from June to September. Although these data are relative – there are always unpretentious lovers of sea rest who are happy to swim in October and even in November, not to mention May.

The Aegean Sea is very salty, which on the one hand dictates the mandatory shower after each swim, and on the other hand has provided it with a huge number of animals and vegetation, so that the natural world in the reservoir is more than luxurious.

But the beach holiday in Izmir, paradoxically, was not a success. The sea in the city itself is dirty due to the close proximity to the pier and active human activity. Therefore, both citizens and tourists prudently go outside the city, where the situation with ecology and cleanliness is no better.

The coast of the Aegean Sea is mainly sandy, with rare rocky areas. The bottom near the shore is shallow, but there are exceptions. There are no pronounced currents, the waves are medium in size and not very frequent.

Aegean Sea Vacation in Izmir

The main reason why tourists of all stripes flock here is, of course, a seaside vacation in Turkey. For this, you will have to go outside the city, to neighboring Cesme, Kusadasi or Didim, there are also good beaches in Ilija, as well as in Dikili. Guests come directly to Izmir for shopping and the wild resort life that is in full swing in the city.

But this does not mean that the largest Turkish resort is not at all suitable for beach tourism. In the nearest suburb you can find excellent stretches of coast, beautiful, clean and equipped with everything you need:

  • Foca.
  • Karaburun.
  • Urla.
  • Soferihisar.
  • Gümüldur.

Getting to these beaches will not be a problem thanks to the developed transport system. Just a few minutes – and the sea is already splashing in front of you. Many beaches have been awarded Blue Flags for their cleanliness and excellent organization.

Active recreation

Resorts of Turkey offer guests dozens of potential activities and Izmir is no worse. All types of surfing, kiting, kayaking, parasailing, water skiing, snorkeling, fishing, diving, sea cruises, motor boats, jet skis, floating rings, crazy sofas, bananas, pills, bungee jumping, fly boarding – what is there here.

The coast is quite suitable for children – calm and shallow, without currents and with a clean bottom. The impeccable picture is often spoiled by rocky areas, present even on sandy beaches and making it difficult to enter the water. Fortunately, they are few and small in size.

Although the Aegean Sea in Izmir is colder than the Mediterranean, the water near the shore warms up well, swimming here is comfortable and safe. Small fish, crabs and other marine life often swim into the shallow water, you can watch them even while swimming with a mask.

Flora and fauna of the Aegean Sea

The underwater world in these parts is worthy of all kinds of epithets, so diverse is its palette and variety of inhabitants. In addition to corals of all possible shades, sea grass and algae grow on the bottom. Vegetation, caves and grottoes have become a haven for hundreds of species of fish and mollusks. Urchins, crabs, cuttlefish, oysters, jellyfish, starfish inhabit the Aegean expanses.

Stone yellowtail, dogfish, scorpionfish, scorpionfish, cuttlefish, crucian carp, sea anemones, monkfish, octopus, sponges, sharks and dozens of other creatures live here.

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