Budge Travel to the Turkish Aegean 2024

The Turkish Aegean coast, stretching from Çanakkale in the north to Marmaris in the south, offers visitors a beautiful mix of natural wonders, ancient history, and lively coastal towns. This region of Turkey attracts visitors from all over the world, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, clean beaches, and lovely seaside villages.

Marmaris is a busy resort town with a lively harbour, a mediaeval castle, and plenty of chances to enjoy water sports and Blue Cruises on traditional Turkish gulets yatchs. Nearby, you can visit Marmaris National Park, which has cool hiking trails and hidden bays perfect for a quiet picnic. If you go further south to the Bodrum Peninsula, you´ll find whitewashed houses, exciting nightlife, and historical sites like the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. 

Did you know that Bodrum is also famous for its underwater archaeology museum, which is located in Bodrum Castle? It’s definitely worth a visit.

The Datça Peninsula is a more peaceful coastal town with untouched beaches and quiet fishing villages, perfect for a relaxing getaway. The almonds grown in Datça are famous and quite delicious. The easiest way to get there from Bodrum is by taking the Bodrum Ferribot, which is an inexpensive ferry service. 

If you love history, then you should definitely visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This location reveals the region’s rich Greco-Roman history. The nearby town of Kuşadası is a great starting point to explore Ephesus, and you should also check out the beautiful Dilek Peninsula National Park. 

Not far from Ephesus, you can also visit the House of the Virgin Mary, which is a pilgrimage site believed to be where Mary spent her last days. I also like the Selcuk Castle, which is located in the town of the same name, is located just a few minutes by taxi from Ephesus. 

Izmir, one of Turkey’s largest cities, is a lively and modern place with a lovely waterfront area called the Kordon. It’s also home to the ancient city of Smyrna, which has many museums and shopping spots. Izmir’s Kemeralti Bazaar is a must-see destination for anyone who loves local markets and delicious street food. For me, the people of Izmir make it worth visiting. They are extremely friendly and open-minded.

The small holiday resort of Çeşme, which is located west of Izmir, is famous for its beautiful beaches and thermal springs. It’s a popular spot for windsurfing, and there’s a charming marina with lots of cafes and restaurants. The Çeşme Castle offers excellent views of the town and sea.

Kuşadası, another exciting spot, is known for its lively atmosphere and as a gateway to Ephesus. It has wonderful beaches, a bustling port for cruise ships, and the nearby Güvercinada (Pigeon Island), which has a cool fortress and offers stunning sunset views.

Whether you’re interested in the region’s natural beauty, historical sites, or lively coastal towns, the Turkish Aegean offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you amazed. Also, don’t miss out on trying some of the local and inexpensive Turkish kebabs while you are there, such as “Çökertme Kebab” from Bodrum, which is a tasty combination of marinated meat, yoghurt, and fried potatoes.