Guide to Urla, İzmir
Urla, nestled in the province of İzmir, has emerged over recent years as a premier tourism destination. It is flanked by towns such as Güzelbahçe and Seferihisar to the east, Karaburun to the northwest, and boasts proximity to the stunning Çeşme to the west, overlooking the mesmerizing Aegean sea. Even though Urla is about 35 km away from İzmir’s city center, its strategic location places it at the heart of touristic attractions.
Tracing back to antiquity, Urla was formerly known as Klazomenai. Perched around Liman Tepe, it stands as one of the 12 iconic Ion cities, boasting a 4000-year rich history. Various empires, including the Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, Anatolian principalities, and eventually, the Ottoman Empire, have ruled this city.
Urla pier
Weather and Local Gastronomy
Experiencing a Mediterranean climate, Urla enjoys dry and hot summers, while the winters are characterized by occasional rainfall and mild temperatures. With an average annual temperature hovering around 14°C, Urla promises a pleasant visit regardless of the season.
Urla’s cuisine stands out with dishes rich in olive oil and seafood. The region boasts a plethora of salads and herbs and is renowned for its authentic specialties like stuffed artichokes and Çalkama.
Çalkama is a famous borek from Urla, İzmir
Must-Visit Places in Urla
Karantina Island
- Karantina Island: Situated half a mile off the Urla beach, this island is linked by a road constructed by Alexander the Great in 225 BC. The road shielded the island from epidemics, ensuring its preservation.
- Malgaca Spa: Just 10 km from Urla’s center, this spa, with its 22°C water, is a hub for health tourism. The water is especially recommended for gastrointestinal issues.
- Ancient City of Klazomenai: Located on Limon Hill in the city center, remnants like the palace and early Bronze Age ruins alongside Middle Bronze Age furnaces are evident. The Zeytinyağı Spa, dating back to the 6th century BC, also finds its home here.
- Necati Cumalı Memory and Culture House: This house commemorates the famed writer Necati Cumalı, offering insights into his life and era.
- Bademler Village: Unique in Turkey, this village is renowned for its theatre established in 1969, which remains operational today.
- Çeşmealtı: Merely 5 km from the city center, Çeşmealtı attracts mainly local tourists with its authentic streets and natural edifices. Yacht and boat tours are popular during the summer.
- Port of Demircili
- Art Street: This street showcases 19th-century stone houses transformed into art galleries and various workshops. A shopper’s paradise, it’s famous for its eclectic range of souvenirs.
- Barbaros Village:
Demircili Beach
Festivals
Urla comes alive with various festivals throughout the year. The International Artichokes festival in mid-April spans three days. The Urla Herb Festival is celebrated on March 24th and 25th, while August sees the Urla Harvest Festival. From October 27th to 29th, the Urla Art Days Festival captivates art enthusiasts.
The Oyuk Festival in June sees a vibrant display of regional cuisines and colorful garments.
Reaching
Situated just 35 km from İzmir, Urla is easily accessible by private or public transport. İzmir can be reached by train, flight, or coach.
