Westward Bound: The Aegean Coast of Turkey

The Aegean coast of Turkey does not garner as much fame or admiration as its counterpart, the Mediterranean coast. Yet, assuming the Aegean coast is ugly or has no soul is wrong. Located along the western coastline of Turkey, the Aegean Region boasts of ancient history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture.

The Aegean Coast of Turkey stretches from the northern Dardanelles Strait to the southern Marmaris. Along this impressive coastline, you will find beautiful beaches, masses of olive groves, crystal clear waters, and abundant ancient ruins showcasing the region's rich history. Exploring the Aegean Coast of Turkey leaves lasting memories of unforgettable experiences, from soaking up the sun on pristine beaches to retracing ancient civilisations.

Whether relaxing on beaches, exploring ancient ruins, or indulging in local culture, the Turkish Aegean Coast has something for everyone. This article will uncover the many attractions, luxury accommodations, activities, and destinations that make Aegean Turkey popular.

Visiting the Aegean Coast of Turkey

Airports to Fly Into

If you plan to start your Aegean coast holiday at the Northern tip, use the Istanbul airport. Otherwise, open for international and domestic flights in summer; the award winning Bodrum (Airport code is BJV) host millions of visitors every year. Operating all year round for domestic and international flights, Izmir Airport also underwent extensive modernisation to accommodate millions of passengers yearly. Ranked as the fourth busiest in Turkey, its airport code is ADB. You can also fly into Dalaman airport, although the transfer time is longer.

Best Time to Visit Turkey's Aegean Coast

The best time to visit the Aegean Coast of Turkey depends on your interests. The summer months of June, July, and August are peak tourist seasons, with long sunny days and warm temperatures. However, this is also the busiest time of year, with crowds and higher prices. For cooler weather, visit in spring or Autumn. April, May, September, and October offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds. November through March can be chilly and rainy, but there are lower prices and fewer tourists.

Vibrant Culture of Aegean Turkey

Visiting local markets and bazaars uncovers old traditions and cultures behind closed doors. Also experience Aegean culture by staying in traditional Turkish guest houses, known as a pansiyon, or indulge in traditional Turkish baths and shaves, or visit local tea houses. The Aegean Region is renowned for delicious and diverse cuisine. Seafood is a staple of Aegean cuisine, with fresh catches from the Aegean Sea. Grilled or fried fish, calamari, and octopus are popular choices, often served with fresh lemon and drizzles of olive oil. Called Aegean cuisine, restaurants serve fresh fish and seafood dishes, eaten with traditional Turkish mezes and slow consumption of raki. Evenings spent like this are typical examples of when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Historic Sites from the Ancient World

Ephesus: Ephesus ancient site, as it stands today, is the result of just over 100 years of excavation projects from the ancient world. Over 1 million people flock to the ancient Greek and Roman ruins yearly, including the Celsus library, Roman terraced houses, Hellenistic theatre and state agora. However, historians still have much more work to do since estimations say only 60% has been uncovered. As one of the Seven Churches of Revelation mentioned in the Bible, Ephesus and nearby Christian landmarks, like the cave of seven sleepers, are popular on religious tourism routes.

Pergamon: Perched on a hill overlooking the modern town of Bergama, Pergamon was an important centre of culture and learning during the Hellenistic period. Today, visitors on guided tours explore the impressive Acropolis ruins, Zeus Temple, and Pergamon Theatre. The Hellenistic city of Pergamon features heavily in travel guidebooks, primarily because of the steep hillside amphitheatre carved. But, unfortunately, Pergamon's main claim to fame, the altar belonging to the temple of Zeus, sits in the Berlin history museum.

Ancient Troy: The Aegean Region is also home to old Troy, the legendary site of the Trojan War. Visiting Troy allows you to imagine legendary heroes and explore the remnants that have captivated generations' imaginations.

Miletus and Priene: Dating from the same era as Ephesus and within close distance of each other, the small cities of Miletus and Priene once enjoyed lucrative success as sea-trading ports. The holding cells and walkways under the half-circle amphitheatre of Miletus perfectly portray ancient cities and life as a Roman gladiator or senate member.

Private Beach Destinations and Clubs

Several private and gorgeous beaches and beach clubs exist in popular resort towns like Bodrum, Kusadasi, and Cesme. Secluded beaches are typically owned and operated by hotels or resorts, offering exclusive beach life access to guests staying at the property. For example, try the Mandarin Oriental in Bodrum for a luxury resort in a secluded cove with stunning Aegean Sea views.

Another high-end hotel in Bodrum, the Kempinski, is accessible only to hotel guests. Enjoy various water sports like scuba diving with clear waters and soft sand. D-Hotel Maris five-star resort in Marmaris, and Altin Yunus Resort & Thermal Hotel, in Cesme, are two other options for private beach resorts to stay overnight. Other choices include Xuma Club in Bodrum, Kefi Beach & Suites in Cesme Resort and La Plage Beach Club in Kusadasi. 

Top Attractions Along the Aegean Coast of Turkey

Pamukkale: Sitting in Denizli Province, Pamukkale boasts unique travertine terraces from mineral-rich hot springs. These striking white terraces provide stunning backdrops for Hierapolis, a city that dates back to the 2nd century BC. The countryside views are also excellent. Most tour shops sell guided tours of Pamukkale.

Sirince Wine Village: Another must-see destination along the Aegean Coast is the charming village of Sirince. Nestled in hills near ancient Ephesus, beautiful Sirince features well-preserved traditional houses, lush vineyards, and delicious fruit wines. Visiting Sirince offers opportunities to experience panoramic views and rural Turkish life in beautiful and idyllic settings.

Island Hopping: For genuinely unique experiences, consider island hopping on the Aegean coast. The Turkish Aegean Coast is dotted with picturesque islands, each with spectacular views and charm and character. Some popular options include Bozcaada, its historic Castle and charming village, and Gokceada, the largest island with unspoiled nature and traditional villages. Hire private yachts and sail the Turkish Aegean coast by exploring all the coastal towns and islands. The Turkish Aegean coast makes up one-half of the Turkish Riviera.

Where to Head to for Aegean Coast Holidays

Kusadasi Resort: The local area features beautiful beaches like the ladies' beach, a short distance from the main town, and a lively marina. The well-maintained and large variety of water slides at Aqua Fantasy in Kusadasi attracts families for the day. Still, many stay overnight in the castle-like hotel within the same grounds. Otherwise, covering more than 20,000 square metre's Dilek National Park, on the outskirts of Kusadasi, is home to much flora and fauna. Previously, Irish holiday companies were strong in this region. Still, these days, the nearby ancient ruins of Ephesus, the 2nd most visited attraction in Turkey, lure many nationalities who often dock on large cruise liners.

Izmir Peninsula: An extensive and impressive transport network enables easy travel around this vast region, including the central city of Izmir (3rd largest in Turkey) and surrounding small coastal resorts. Wealthy and influential Turks prefer the villages of Cesme and Foca. At the same time, windsurfing fans head to Alacati, which has modernised and updated its appearance for the influx of youngsters looking for summer fun in recent years!

Northern Aegean: Popular with Turks from Istanbul, most international tourists pass through or only stay for two nights because they aim to see the UNESCO World Heritage site of Troy or the Gallipoli peninsula, where the Anzac landings of 1918 took place.

Family Holidays on the Bodrum Peninsula: With its ability to accommodate rich celebrities and budget holidaymakers, Bodrum town centre is famous. An exceptional nightlife and water sports scene dominates resorts like Gumbet. At the same time, Yalikavak resort town attracts artistic types and has firmly established itself with loyal expat communities. In addition, large amounts of money invested by local businesses and councils into modern and impressive marinas established a firm reputation for Bodrum city centre and the peninsula as a pivotal point on the Turkish Riviera. A popular destination and resort town known for the mausoleum that was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, Bodrum also features the impressive St Peter Crusader Castle.

Delightful Altinkum: Aegean coast holidays in Altinkum will appeal to British holidaymakers since the whole town gears up for that. It is situated between two larger cities, Bodrum and Kusadasi, and popular with tourists who want to enjoy more relaxed and laid-back atmospheres. The main attraction of Altinkum is its beaches. Main Beach, Second Beach, and Third Beach. Main Beach is the most popular, with long stretches of sand and calm, clear waters. The beach is lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars, and plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas are available to rent. Altinkum also has several other attractions for visitors, including the Apollo Temple.

Selcuk: The town is named after the Seljuk Turks who ruled the region in the 12th and 13th centuries. In addition to Ephesus, Selcuk's other attractions include the Castle, Isa Bey Mosque, and St. John's Basilica. The town also has a bustling bazaar where visitors can shop for souvenirs, local crafts, and fresh produce. In the hills, the Virgin Mary's house is also worth visiting. All of this can be done on guided tours.

Visit Gallipoli. The Gallipoli peninsula in north-western Turkey, between the Aegean Sea and the Dardanelles strait, is famous for the Battle of Gallipoli, which took place during World War I between the Allied Powers (mainly British, French, and ANZAC forces) and the Ottoman Empire. Today, Gallipoli mainly attracts Australians and New Zealanders who come to pay tribute to ANZAC soldiers who lost their lives during the campaign. Aside from historical significance, Gallipoli offers beautiful beaches, clear waters, and scenic landscapes. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the area's natural beauty, including Gallipoli National Park.

Datca Peninsula: Datca Peninsula in the south Aegean is surrounded by the Aegean Sea on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other, making the area famous for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. The Datca Peninsula is characterised by its rugged coastline, crystal-clear waters, and pristine beaches. Notable beaches include Kargi, Hayitbuku, and Palamutbuku. In addition, visitors explore the ancient ruins of Knidos, an important city in ancient Greece that was once a centre of art and culture. The town features numerous well-preserved ruins, including a theatre, temple, and monumental gate.

More About Turkey

Our blog is the perfect place to expand your knowledge of Turkey, find inspiration or explore new ideas! With informative and engaging articles about Turkey, there is something for everyone. Whether you're interested in travel, culture, history, food or anything in between, our blog has got you covered. Our expert writers deliver informative content for holidaymakers and house hunters in Turkey.