Izmir: Scent of the East
Izmir is not any city out of many.. it’s a beautiful eastern gem that will enchant you at first glance with its unique identity and secret charms. It’s the third biggest city of Turkey, an area inhabited all around since 3.000 B.C. according to archaeologists. The harbor of the city is one of the most important ones in the country. The current population comes up to 5.000.000 people. Izmir will deceive you at first as a big urban city with lots of traffic but if you decide to get to know it, its secret corners will show you the real charms of this city! There’s no better way to do this than getting to know the city on foot, walking all around and exploring!
Izmir is a must-walk city! To discover its secret corners, to feel the spicy fragrances in the air, to hear the eastern sounds, your glance to be captivated by everyday scenes and people all around. Downtown Izmir you will find the Exhibition Center, a busy noisy area full of life. Underneath the Exhibition Center, in narrow long alleys expands the bazaar. An endless bazaar of all sorts of garments, shoes, Turkish coffee and traditional pastries, souvenirs, jewelry, spices and everything else that comes in mind!
There’s no doubt that the most beautiful image of the city comes by the sea, on the beach area with the local name Kordon. Enjoy there a long walk by the beach and let the sea breeze relax all your senses. The promenade of Izmir is beautiful so make sure you enjoy it to the full by drinking a coffee as well, one with the best of views!
Experiences:
Food is Izmir is something special! The Turkish cuisine has its very own personality of special flavors and fragrances and Izmir is the ideal place to enjoy them all at great restaurants available all over the city! Everything here is cooked the eastern way! Their recipes are unique and based on spices that the Turkish people love! Even the bread served at all restaurants is different here! Their dishes of lamb and young goat are prepared in such a way that all flavor and moisture of the meat stays within along with the fantastic taste! Even the spicy salads are a true treat, same as bourekia (small cheese pies) and the local pies (Turkish bread).
As for the Turkish coffee.. its fame requires no introduction! It is served at tiny cups, always accompanied by a tasteful piece of Turkish delight. The coffee has the most strong aroma and flavor that stimulates all your senses and can even cure last night’s hang-over!
You will feel the taste of the East at the very first sip you take along with the unique aroma. Coffee is served all around; you will find it in every corner of the city!
It’s obvious by now that Izmir is a city mostly for the ones who know how to enjoy life to its fullest! To those who love traveling and gaining unique experiences of different color and images, to those who enjoy rich flavors, long walks, new sounds, the sun and the sea! Izmir is there for all of us, ready to spin its webs of enchantment and reveal its secrets! Don’t miss on the opportunity to discover them all!
