Places To Visit in Aegean, Turkey For Their Regional Cuisines And Traditions

Aegean is home to some of the most stunning landscapes, cuisine, traditions and much more. Speaking of cuisines and traditions, some of the ideal places to have fun at or at least spend a day are the beaches and nightclubs.

For those who love to travel by road, have often travelled from Istanbul to the Datca peninsula. So, if you are planning to visit the city, you should plan your vacation between the months of March and November. So, what are you waiting for? Make a list of all the places to visit in Aegean and have the best vacation.

8 Places To Visit In Aegean For Their Rich History And Culture

Not as famous as it’s Mediterranean counterpart, Aegean Turkey does have several stunning places worth visiting. When it comes to exploring each corner of the town, one can drive down and enjoy the stunning landscapes, small villages and beaches for sunbathing and swimming.

In case people are not comfortable beginning with a road, they can always fly into Bodrum airport for a short break. On the other hand, if they have limited time on their hands, what are the attractions that stand out?

• Izmir City
• Ephesus
• Selcuk
• Sirince
• Miletus
• Priene
• Apollo Temple
• The Cotton Castle of Pamukkale

1. Izmir City

Have you visited Izmir yet? Nested on the northern coast of Turkey’s Aegean region, Izmir is a stunning metropolitan city surrounded by mountains to the south. With sunshine throughout the year, it is one of the many places to travel in Aegean. The touristic paradise is home to a stunning coastline, beaches, mountains, plateaus, thermal springs, forests, and agricultural produce.

Izmir offers a glimpse of modern and ancient worlds steeped in history, along with a cosmopolitan and colorful city. There are a few archaeological and historical sites like the ruins from the Greek, Roman and Byzantine periods. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and visit the city.

Best Time To Visit: May- August

Famous For: Mountains, plateaus, thermal springs and forests

2. Ephesus

One of the stunning ancient cities of the world, Ephesus was constructed in 10BC by Attic and Ionian Greek colonists. It is one of the most important UNESCO world heritage sites.  The city is known for the temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. Ephesus was one of the 7 churches of Asia Minor.  It is one of the stunning tourist attractions in Aegean found sitting a couple of km away from the archaeological excavations.

One of the greatest outdoor museums of Turkey, rumors have it that there is a connection between the city and the amazons. The myth has survived throughout history. There are a million things to explore in the city and so, when you planning to visit?

Best Time To Visit: April, May, October, November

Famous For: Temple of Artemis

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3. Selcuk

Home to the remnants of the Greek and Roman empire, the old city of Ephesus and the library of Celsus, Selcuk is one of the places to visit in Turkey. A simple farming town with a produce market and ploughs, people can visit the market and explore some of the stunning attractions like the Roman/Byzantine aqueduct arches and the ruins of the Basilica of St John and Acasuluk Fortress.

Did you know besides some of the stunning ruins and other attractions, the city has storks? The birds have found their homes on the pillars of the Old Roman aqueduct, the minaret of a mosque and the column of the Artemision.

Best Time To Visit: September- December

Famous For: Storks, Markets and Ploughs

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4. Sirince

The cute village has a fun history, stunning views, fantastic cuisine, hospitality and much more. Sirince is the ideal blend of a Turkish and Greek village, people should explore at least once. Tourists are given the opportunity to discover the architecture and the surroundings of the village.

One of the many things to do in Turkey is to explore the architecture of the buildings, walk around the cobbled streets that will give you a feeling of going back in time. The homes and streets look like they’ve come straight out of a painting. In case people are wondering what to do, then they can visit the Sirince bazaar. People can buy all kinds of trinkets, souvenirs, jewelry, soaps, dried fruit and handmade clothing.

Best Time To Visit: October

Famous For: Architecture and the Sirince Bazaar

5. Miletus

The ancient Greek city, Miletus is found nestled close to the mouth of the Maeander River. Proof of occupation goes back to the Neolithic period, which was around 3500- 3000 BC when small settlements were inhabited. It is one of the places to go in Aegean for its rich history.

Flourished as a Mycenaean stronghold, the city was once upon a time conquered by the Hittite King Musilli 11.  So, when it comes to planning a vacation, Miletus is the ideal place to have the perfect vacation.  So, what are you waiting for? Make the most of it and have the best time of your life.

Best Time To Visit: April

Famous For: The Maeander River

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6. Priene

Known for its dramatic setting, the old city of Priene overlooks the broad expanse of the Meander River flood plain with Mount Mykale.  The well-preserved theatre and bouleuterion are worth visiting and the remains of the grand temple of Athena is worth visiting.

Some of the other ruins tourists should get a glimpse of the gymnasium, stadium and Byzantine church. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in the middle east. The Greco- Roman place is amazing to explore, with its pine trees offering shade. So, when are you planning a holiday to Priene?

Best Time To Visit: June

Famous For: Well preserved theatre and Bouleuterion

7. Apollo Temple

The ruins of the temple of Apollo are seen at the entrance of the Aegean resort of Didim. Despite there being several temples dedicated to God, the temple of Apollo is one of the most popular sanctuaries and oracles in the world. The temple wasn’t always in its original structure as it was once destroyed in an earthquake.

Alexander the great began the reconstruction of the temple shortly afterwards but was never completed. All the history buffs should explore the temple while on vacation in Aegean. What more can anyone ask for?

Best Time To Visit: 4 pm- 7 pm

Famous For:  Sanctuaries and Oracles

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8. The Cotton Castle of Pamukkale

Pamukkale in Turkish means “cotton castle”, which is true to its name. The unique white waterfall was a natural phenomenon used as a large basis used for bathing. The natural site has been around for over 2000 years and is close to the ancient city of Hierapolis.

For years, Pamukkale has been one of the most stunning tourist attractions in Turkey and back in 1988, was said to be a UNESCO world heritage site. So, when are you going to visit this cotton castle? Visit the place soon with family and friends.

Best Time To Visit: April- May

Famous For: Rich thermal waters

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Aegean is one of the most stunning places to explore for its food and course its tradition. Known for its natural beauty, tourists should plan out this city on their bucket list of places to explore. With so much tucked away in each corner, ensure you visit the city during November- October.

So, plan your holiday according to the Turkey holiday package and book your flight tickets right away. What more can you ask for? It is a beauty to witness.

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