Hi, we are going to the west coast of Turkey for 10 days, and would like suggestions for things to do/visit. We are planning to go to Ayvalik, Izmir, Bodrum. We are interested in archaeology and history, beautiful nature (trekking, cycling, snorkeling), but we don\'t care too much about beaches and definitely NOT the over-exploited tourist places. We will do it all by ourselves on local transport, maybe rent a car. Thanks in advance
Reply to this its very good decision to go turkey, you should also visit south coast of turkey especially antalya, for cheap airport transfers u can use
any where ın turkey, Reply to this Hi Ayvalik: Check out Cunda island it's beutiful you can cross by boat. I f you have time go to Altinoluk Kaz mountain it's famous for clear air and perfect forest walk.
Izmir:In city is quite boring. usual facilities like other cities. See is very dirty in City and quite smely. But if you like culture than definitley visit Efes. If you have a time you can go to Cesme as well 1,5 hour drive from izmir. Cesme is a holiday resort. Famous for the wind surf as weather quite windy and night life as there are lots of clubs, bars and restaurants.
Bodrum: people live in the night and sleep in day time. Bodrum town is fun fun fun(if you like drink and dance). But outskirt of Bodrum there are lofs of place to see. 1. Turkbuku lots of little pier in day people sunbath and swim night all pier turning into restaurants. Foods are delicious fish fish fish delicious. If you like snorkeling there lots of place to go like Yalikavak or take boat tour they take you a lots of place.
If I was you think about go to Kas as well it's one of the best place you can ever been. Kas is close to Dalamn airport(1,5 hour drive) and there are lots of things to do. You can see lots of real historical place or you can snorkel in sunken city or go to mountain walk to river and jump from water fall or cave diving and many more check it out you would love it.
anyway hope this info is helps. Have a lovely trip.
Reply to this hi antalya is ok u can get cheap transportation with riviera transfers and go alanya side
Reply to this Thanks for the tips. Amargan, do you know if one can rent bikes on Cunda, it seems to be quite a big island? Again tahnks - most useful. Inga
Reply to this Bodrum is definitely less touristy than Izmir if that is what you are looking for. There are some great ruins in the area that you can drive around and see - they're not refurbished or anything, so it's just pieces of old structures lying in the hills. It was really neat! And the free admission is great 😊
I stayed with my uncle in Bodrum (he has a cottage there) and he drove me around so I don't know exactly where the ruins were, but it was not a far drive.
The Agean sea is very salty! So be prepared!
Reply to this Hi Dafne,
I already did my trip and indeed Bodrum was a nice place to spend a day or two. However, Izmir was my favorite, it is not at all touristy, a city of 3 million people with a fantastic beach front for walking, people watching, coffee and chai. I don't think many tourists go there, although there are some interesting things to see. For example a nice, though not spectacular, archeological museum, the bazaar and nice neighborhoods with cafes and restaurants.
Maybe you confuse Izmir with Marmaris which is south of Bodrum, that is a place ONLY for tourists on package tours. The surrounding area seems worth exploring though. Maybe next time.
thanks for your input although it was late
Best
Inga
Reply to this hi , you must see Pamukkale in Denizli.It is a wonderful city steeped in history . Enjoy you holiday.
Reply to this Some lovely suggestions but bearing in mind the distances between places and your location Kaz is probably the furthest you will get in the time span you have, Bodrum, Izmir are around 20 hours driving from Antalya and Pamukkale would take several days to reach. You will however be nearish to Ephesus which is well worth a visit and is one of the 7 ancient wonders of the world, Troy is also in that vicinity and is steeped in History.
Have fun and enjoy
Reply to this you should rent a car , west side of Turkey very beautiful, nature amazing .. enyoj your holiday.
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