Σμύρνη, Smyrna, Esmirna

Izmir Travel Photography Guide

A short and concise guide about Izmir. I’m working as a Professional Photographer in Izmir and around. Now I will share my experiences and photos with you. I hope it goes well. For more information, you can contact me by e-mail.

General Information – All About Izmir – Izmir Travel & Photography Guide

My first impressions of Izmir : Relaxed, but also Noisy and Fun

Language: Turkish
Population: 4,6 million people
Currency: Lira
Visa and Entry: Turkish Visa is required for some non-EU countries. Passport control is smooth.

• History of Izmir, city has more than 3,000 years of recorded urban history.
• City’s name a reference to the name of an Amazon called Smyrna said to have seduced Theseus, leading him to name the city in her honor.
• Architectural structure 7-8 story reinforced concrete apartments in main quarters. Very few old buildings. Slums in suburbs.
• The Greek settlement in Old Smyrna is attested by the presence of pottery dating from about 1000 BC onwards. The most ancient ruins preserved to our times date back to 725–700 BC.
• Smyrna achieved the identity of a city-state. About a thousand people lived inside the city walls, with others living in nearby villages.
• Alexander the Great, re-founded the city at a new location beyond the Meles River around 340 BC.
• The Turks first captured Smyrna under the Seljuk commander Çaka Bey in 1076.
• Izmir’s remarkable growth began in the late 16th century when cotton, fig and other products of the region brought French, English, Dutch and Venetian traders here.
• The first railway lines to be built within the present-day territory of Turkey went from Izmir. Izmir – Aydin railway was started in 1856 and finished in 1867.
• According to the 1893 Ottoman census, 79,000 was Turkish, with 53,000 Greeks, 15,000 Jews, 6,800 Armenians, and 54,000 foreign nationals.
• Prior to the World War I, Izmir hosted more Greeks than Athens, the capital of Greece.
• On 15 May 1919, the Greek Army landed in Smyrna, but the Greek expedition towards central Anatolia was disastrous for both that country and for the local Greeks of Anatolia. By September 1922 the Greek army had been defeated and was in full retreat, the last Greek soldiers leaving Smyrna on 8 September 1922.
• In 2020, the city was damaged by the Aegean Sea earthquake and tsunami.

Best Places to visit in Izmir – Izmir Travel & Photography Guide

1. Enjoy Turkey’s Most Open City – If you are in Istanbul, do not think that Istanbul is the most liberal city of Turkey. Because it is not true. Izmir is known as Turkey’s most proudly liberal city and while it’s also its 3rd largest city. You may shoot some street photos and portraits. It is a good opportunity to pose opposing lifestyles. Conservative and liberal lifestyles. People really seem to enjoy living here and there’s much less tension here compared to Istanbul.

Kordon – It’s an icon of the city and what really makes Izmir special. I can’t imagine Izmir without its Kordon, the long seaside promenade always full of life. Stretching 6 km from Alasancak down to Konak Square, it passes by popular spots like Republic Square (Cumhuriyet Meydani) and Konak Pier. The whole way, though, you’ll pass through plenty of life and interest. You will also walk by bicycle paths, gyms, benches, cafes, bars, fishermen, and the endless view of the Aegean Sea. . Strolling promenades with your camera, while feeling the cool sea breeze is enjoyable.

Explore Jewish History of Izmir – Until 1920s Ikicesmelik and Karatas were important Jewish Quarters if Izmir. In that period 7% of the city’s population was Jews. Today, Karatas is a popular district with its great synagogue, historical elevator and Dario Moreno Street, which takes its name from a famous Jewish musician from Izmir. It offers photographic frames with its cute cafes on the street, the old Jewish hospital, the magnificent view of Izmir Bay from the top of the historical elevator.

Foca –  Foca, also known as Eski Foca (Old Foca), is a lovely seaside town on the Aegean coast, located less than 70 kilometers northwest of Izmir. Nowadays, it is very easy to reach with the suburban system called “izban”. Foca harbors great history, beautiful stone houses, spectacular boats and an impressive geographical setup. It allows you to walk the coastline past a medieval castle & cybele altar and arrive at the heart of the town. The town is V-shaped, meaning you get to witness beautiful buildings and restaurants and the bustling atmosphere from either side of the shoreline. Foca also has 6 small islands that dot the shoreline making for spectacular views and great boat excursions. Sirens’ Rocks mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey. Also, town boasts six Blue Flag beaches that, although are not smack dab in the center, are close by and easily accessible. Ingiliz Burnu, which is located on the coast heading towards Mersinaki happens to be the best spot to watch the sunset

.

Alacati – Alacati is a small town just a hop and skip away from Izmir on the west coast of Turkey. The charming town is a hidden gem that most foreign people haven’t heard of, and the majority of first-time visitors leave Alacati off their Turkey itinerary. Its strong winds make it an ideal spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The boutique hotels in Alacati are beautifully furnished and cosy, with hoteliers, usually escapees from big city life, friendly and hospitable. 

Food in Alacati is also a delight. Alacati has fresh seafood, deliciously grilled, stewed, or served chilled in olive oil. In April, there is the Herb Festival, which brings to the fore many fresh herbs that grow locally and are used in dishes special to the area. Then there are ice cream, cookies and coffee, all flavoured with mastic and all with a unique taste. Alacati is a photographic paradise with its historical mills, stylish, cute and colorful cafes and wonderful beaches.

Ephesus – One of Turkey’s top tourist attractions, Ephesus is the most important and best preserved ancient city. It is an outstanding universal value of the world for all time, and its history dates back to 6000 BC. Ephesus generously offers magnificent photographs with its huge Roman Amphitheater, harbor street, ancient brothel and amazing Celsus Library.

What you Need to Know – Izmir Travel and Photography Guide

Weather in Izmir

In July, the hottest month, the average air temperature is 25 degrees. In January, the coldest month, this figure drops to 6 degrees. The rainiest month is November. In August, the sea water temperature reaches 26 degrees.

Click Here for Izmir Weather Forecast

Places to Stay:

Airbnb is a good choice for renting a house in the center of Izmir. Also, Izmir offers quite a few options for airbnb. If you want to stay in downtown, Alsancak is the favourite place to stay. The average hotel price per night for 2 people in Izmir is around 50 euros. The average price in 4-star hotels is 80 euros/night and 5-star-hotels is 110 euros/night. Hostel prices are between €10 and €20 per night for one person.

Professional Photo Shooting in Izmir

While you are in Izmir don’t you want a Professional Photo Shooting experience? We offer four different location options.

• Konak : Konak Square, Iconic Clock Tower, Kemeralti Bazaar & Kizlaragasi Inn
• Historical Elevator : Karatas District, Dario Moreno Street, Historical Jewish Elevator, Izmir Bay view.
• Alsancak : Kordon Sea Shore, Old French Street (Kibris Sehitleri), Pasaport
• Karsiyaka : Karsiyaka Bazaar, Old Train Station, Girne Park

Rent a Car in Izmir

Izmir Car Rental: There are offices of international companies such as Avance, Avis & Budget, Hertz & Thrifty and Sixth in Izmir Airport’s arrivals ground floor. The roads are comfortable for driving. The city center is 20 kilometers from the airport. It is possible to reach the city by car in 30 minutes. Cesme is 85 km and trip takes 50 min. Foca is 88km from airport, Ephesus is 64km.

Just as this time you can visit around Izmir, Kusadasi is only 80 km and journey takes about 1hour. Pamukkale is 225km and 3 hrs by car. If you like long trips by car, Bodrum is 220km, Marmaris is 245km, Istanbul is 500km it is around 5 hours via motorway.

Direct Flights to Izmir

The closest airport to come to Alacati is Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. There are direct flights to Izmir from many cities in Turkey as well. And also direct flights from ;

Germany, UK, Italy, Switzerland, Ireland, Israel, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Hungary, Finland, Austria, Russia, Greece, UAE, Ukraine, Macedonia, Cyprus, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Lebanon, Jordan and Kuwait

• Amman, Jordan : Pegasus Airlines
• Amsterdam, Netherlands : Sun Express, Corendon Airways, TUIfly Netherlands
• Athens, Greece : Olympic Air
• Baku, Azerbaijan : Buta Airways, Pegasus Airlines
• Basel, Switzerland : Sun Express
• Beirut, Lebanon : Sun Express , Turkish Airlines
• Birmingham, UK : Jet2
• Berlin, Germany : Sun Express Airlines, Corendon Airways, Pegasus Airlines
• Bremen, Germany : Sun Express
• Bristol, UK : Jet2
• Brussels, Belgium : Sun Express, Corendon Airways, TUI Airlines
• Budapest, Hungary : Sun Express
• Cologne, Germany : Pegasus Airlines, Sun Express Airlines, Corendon Airways, Eurowings
• Copenhagen, Denmark : Corendon Airways, Sun Express
• Doha, Qatar : Qatar Air
• Dortmund, Germany : Sun Express
• Dublin, Ireland : Aer Lingus, Sun Express
• Dusseldorf, Germany : Pegasus Airlines, Sun Express Airlines, Corendon Airways, Eurowings
• Edinburg, UK : Jet2
• Eindhoven, Netherlands : Sun Express
• Frankfurt, Germany : Sun Express Airlines, Corendon Airways
• Geneva, Switzerland: Sun Express, Easy Jet
• Glasgow, UK : Jet2
• Hamburg, Germany : Sun Express
• Hannover, Germany : Sun Express Airlines
• Helsinki, Finland : Sun Express
• Kuwait, Kuwait : Kuwait
• Leeds, UK : Jet2
• Liverpool, UK : Easy Jet
• London, UK : Pegasus Airlines (Stansted), Jet2 (Stansted), Sun Express (Luton), Easy Jet (Gatwick)
• Lyon, France : Sun Express Airlines
• Manchester, UK : Sun Express Airlines, Jet2
• Milan, Italy : Sun Express Airlines
• Moscow, Russia : Pegasus Airlines
• Munich, Germany : Sun Express
• Nantes, France : Sun Express Airlines
• Newcastle, UK : Jet2
• Nicosia, Cyprus : Pegasus Airlines
• Nottingham, UK : Jet2
• Nuremberg, Germany : Sun Express Airlines
• Oslo, Norway : Sun Express Airlines
• Paris, France : Sun Express Airlines
• Rotterdam, Netherlands : Sun Express Airlines
• Skopje, Macedonia : Sun Express Airlines, Pegasus Airlines
• Stockholm, Sweden : Sun Express Airlines
• Stuttgart, Germany : Pegasus Airlines, Sun Express Airlines, Corendon Airways, Eurowings, Turkish Airlines
• Tabriz, Iran : Turkish Airlines
• Tbilisi, Georgia : Pegasus Airlines
• Tehran, Iran : Ata Air, Iran Air, Iran Airtour, Turkish Airlines
• Tel Aviv, Israel : Sun Express Airlines
• Vienna, Austria : Sun Express, Corendon Airways, Pegasus
• Zurich, Switzerland : Corendon Airways

Bus and Train Service from Izmir Airport

Bus service runs every 30 minutes. The journey to the city center takes about 70 minutes. Single fare of bus is €2. Tickets can be purchased on board the service.

There is also train system (Izban) from Adnan Menderes Airport to Downtown Izmir. Izban journey takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. You may check its website in here but unfortunately only Turkish.

Cost of Living in Izmir

Restaurants : Meal in an inexpensive restaurant is €5. A Mc Donald’s menu is €3. Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant is €15. Cappucino is €1, Cola (330) is €0,4 and water (0,33) is €0,20

Transportation : One way public transport is €0,3. 1 liter gasoline is €1,50 and taxi starts from €1,50.

Markets : 0,5 liter bottle domestic beer is €1,40. 0,33 liter imported beer is €2. A pack of Marlboro cigarette is €2. Mid-range bottle of wine is €7.

Turkish Cuisine – Izmir Travel & Photography Guide

Izmir does not offer good tastes in terms of Turkish cuisine. The most famous and traditional flavor is Kumru. Kumru, a kind of fast food sandwich, contains sausage, tomato and cheese.

Boyoz, is a traditional Jewish pastry. It may good for breakfast.

Lokma, decadent, and sugar-packed dessert is usually made with a mixture of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt, which is deep-fried and then bathed in syrup or honey. The origin of lokma fritters is ancient but often debated. It is presumed that they first appeared in Turkey.

Tips – Izmir Travel & Photography Guide

• Two days are enough time for a general city visit. But, if you prefer to taste various delicious foods and see the nightlife, you can stay three or four days.
• Watch out for the unbearable heat in summer.
• There are bus and train services from the airport to the city center. You have to buy tickets from the kiosk.
• Local people do not spend the summer months in Izmir. Instead they go to the very nearby sea houses. If you come to Izmir on summer, don’t stay in downtown and explore around.
• Majority of people in Turkey can not speak English well.

Other Travel Guides :

Alacati – Athens – Cappadocia – Dresden – Istanbul – Budapest  – London –  Podgorica – Prague – Skopje – Tbilisi– Thessaloniki – Best Cities for Street Photography  – How to always find cheep flights

Kivanc Turkalp Photography © 2016-2023

Selanik,  Θεσσαλονίκη , Salonica

Thessaloniki Travel & Photography Guide

A short and concise guide about Thessaloniki. I have been many times. I organized many PhotoWalks in Thessaloniki with the Greeks and foreigners. Now I will share my experiences and photos with you. I hope it goes well. For more information, you can contact me by e-mail.

Index

• General Information
• Best Places for Photography in Thessaloniki
• Weather in Thessaloniki
• Thessaloniki Places to Stay
• Greek Cuisine
• Tips
  • Thessaloniki Nightlife

General Information – Thessaloniki Travel & Photography Guide

Thessaloniki… It was the Jerusalem of Balkans before 1912. In Turkish times, Thessaloniki’s (Salonca) Jewish element was the most dominant. However, very little remains of that colorful and cosmopolitan history in Thessaloniki.

Unfortunately, there are not many preserved old buildings in Thessaloniki. What remains are structures that survived the great fire of 1917 and, in a rather skewed way, urbanization. But, the most famous of those, the White Tower, is still standing.

My first impressions of Thessaloniki : Quite Relaxed, Noisy and Fun

Language: Greek
Population: 1 million people
Currency: Euro
Visa and Entry: Schengen Visa is required for non-EU. Passport control is smooth.

• Founding date of the city is 315 BC.
• The original name of the city was Thessalonike. It was named after the princess Thessalonike of Macedon. It means “Thessalian victory”, from Thessalos, and Νike ‘victory’.
• Architectural structure 6-7 story reinforced concrete apartments and tents in every balcony. But very few old buildings.
• Thessaloniki came under Turkish rule in 1379. After 500 years, in 1912, the Greeks occupied the city.
• October 26, 1912, the victorious Greek cavalry rode into Thessaloniki, the richest and most cosmopolitan city in the Ottoman Empire. The city’s vast wealth created centuries earlier by powerful Levantine dynasties. Its factories teemed with Turks, Jewish, Greeks, and Bulgarians. Together, they had created a majority Jewish city that was unique in the christian Balkans. But to the Greek nationalists, Salonica was a city of infidels. Finally, Greek troops descended on Salonica. They rampaged first through the Turkish and Jewish quarter, and then throughout the rest of the city.
• In August 1917, a suspicious fire broke out, according to Western press. Especially Turkish and Jewish quarters were burned in the fire. After that, a formative component of redevelopment was to establish Thessaloniki as a clearly ‘Hellenic’ city. In other words, it was devoid of its Ottoman past and dominated by ethnic Greeks.
• Turks were subjected to forced migration from Thessaloniki in 1922.
• In 1925, government destroyed all the minarets of the city ,except Rotonda. Because it evokes Turkish sovereignty.
• In 1931, an antisemitic riot, led by Nationalist Greeks, took place in Campbell. It was a Jewish hood and was completely burned. As a result, Leaving 500 families homeless and one Jewish resident dead.
• The city was occupied by Germany in 1941.
• In 1997, Thessaloniki was the European Capital of Culture.
• It was the European Youth Capital in 2014

Best Places for Photography in Thessaloniki – Thessaloniki Travel & Photography Guide

In every city we have one question : How to instagram #thessaloniki 🙂

1. White Tower – It was built by the Turks in the 15th century by order of the famous ruler Suleiman, the Magnificent. It is a small copy of Rumeli Fortress of Istanbul. The tower, which was painted white in 1891, is still called the White Tower, although it is not white. After that, Greeks demolished the walls around it. The tower is a museum today and offers a 360-degree view of Thessaloniki. Admission is 3,- euros. English audio guide is free.

2. Ladadika – The Ladadika hood, close to Thessaloniki Port, takes its name from the olive oil warehouses found in the past. Previously, the area where Jewish traders were located. But, totally changed in the 1980s. Also, Former bordello of Thessaloniki was in this district. A Muslim place of worship has also been converted into a “cafe and bar”. In conclusion, Ladadik is so nice place for Photo Shooting. Address : Fasianou Street, 3

3. Tsinari : The district’s name was Çınar Mahalle (plane tree in Turkish) before the Turks were subjected to forced migration from the city. Now, it called Ano Poli (upper city). Tsinari is one of the rare neighborhoods in the city where you can find history before the 1970s. Above all, It is worth seeing with its old-style houses, mansions and fountain of Murat II. (Address : Agiou Nikolaou,3 Upper City)

A piece of Istanbul and a piece of Izmir

4. Yedi Kule -At the top of the city stand the Yedi Kule (seven towers) , known by its Turkish name, with panoramic Thessaloniki view. the Eptapirgio Castle, which, despite, its present-day tranquility, ranks as one of the city’s most storied and colorful monuments. Yedi Kule is one of the best area for Photography. Especially, for sunrise or sunset times. Adress : Trigonio Tower

A piece of history and beautiful landscapes

5. Hamza Bey Mosque – This Ottoman mosque is in the center of city. Just, in front of old municipality building. (Venezelou Street, 39) Temple is still, the biggest mosque in Greece. It built in 1467 by Lady Hafsa. But In 1925, The minaret of the mosque was demolished. And also, the temple was converted into a movie theater called Alkazar. New owner added shops to street side. They demolished its outer walls to expand the display cases. In addition to natural wear, destructions were made due to reasons such as expanding shops, opening windows, and building a warehouse in the basement. The floor was raised for the movie theater. Over time, when things got worse, the temple turned into a movie theater showing porn movies. Then it closed.

Restoration, which has not been completed for 15 years, still continues. But for sure, it will not reopen as a temple.

6. Agia Triada – Agia Triada was one of the richest hood in Turkish times. Formerly it was famous with seaside mensions. Before 1912, it is a district (former Hamidiye) where especially donmehs lived.

Donmeh were a group of Sabbatean crypto-Jews in the Ottoman Empire who converted outwardly to Islam. But, retained their Jewish faith and Kabbalistic beliefs in secret.

The biggest Donmeh Temple (Hamidiye Cami or Yeni Cami) is still standing. Now it is a part of Archeological Museum. (Archeologikou Mousiou, 30)

So, when you visit the structure, you may notice that the temple resembles a synagogue more than a mosque. But the Government destroyed the minaret of the mosque and converted mosque into a museum.

Also, you can see some old Turkish mansions that have managed to survive in this district.

What You Need to Know – Thessaloniki Travel & Photography Guide

Weather in Thessaloniki

In July, the hottest month, the average air temperature is 25 degrees. In January, the coldest month, this figure drops to 6 degrees. But, the rainiest month is November. In August, the sea water temperature reaches 26 degrees.

Click Here for Thessaloniki Weather Forecast

Thessaloniki Places to Stay:

Airbnb is a good choice for renting a house in the center of Thessaloniki. Also, Thessaloniki offers quite a few options for airbnb. The average hotel price per night for 2 people in Thessaloniki is around 70 euros. But the average price in 4-star hotels is 90 euros/night and 5-star-hotels is 150 euros/night. Meanwhile, Hostel prices are between €15 and €30 per night for one person.

Rent a Car in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki Car Rental: There are offices of international companies such as Avance, Avis & Budget, Hertz & Thrifty and Sixth in Thessaloniki Airport’s arrivals ground floor. The roads are comfortable for driving. The city center is 13 kilometers from Thessaloniki Airport. It is possible to reach the city by car in 17 minutes. Halkidiki is 57 km and trip takes 50 min.

Just as this time you can visit around Thessaloniki, Dojran (Macedonia) is only 90 km and journey takes about 1hour. Skopje is 250km and 290km. If you like long trips by car, Tirana (Albania) is 400km, Bulgarian capital Sofia is 300km, Also, Istanbul (Turkey) is 580km.

Thessaloniki Flights

Companies operating domestic flights (Kalamata, Heraklion, Athens, Mytilini, Mykonos) in Greece are Aegean, Sky Express and Olympic. Also, airport provides international flights. Swiss (Zurich), Lufthansa (Frankfurt, Munich), Turkish (Istanbul), Ryan (Venice, Katowice, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Warsaw), Aeroflot (Moscow), Wizz (Vienna, Kutaisi), Austrian (Vienna), Transavia (Amsterdam) and Eurowings (Hamburg, Cologne) operate international flights.

Bus Service from Thessaloniki Airport

Bus service runs every 30 minutes. The journey from airport to the city center takes about 40 – 50 minutes. Single fare of bus is €2. Tickets can be purchased by vending machines on board the service also.

Thessaloniki Port

The Port of Thessaloniki is right next to the center and is easily accessible by car, taxi or bus. Although there are several bus services from the city center to the port. You can take bus 15 and get off at the stop Limani (“port”), which is less than a 3-minute walk from the port’s main gate. If you like walking, it should take you maximum 20-25 minutes to get to the port on foot. Also, there are Frequent ferry connections are Alonissos, Andros, Heraklion, Crete, Skaithos and Skopelos.

Cost of Living in Thessaloniki

Restaurants : Meal in an inexpensive restaurant is €10. A Mc Donald’s menu is €7. Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant is €35. Cappucino is €2,75, Cola (330) is €1,25 and water (0,33) is €0,50

Transportation : One way public transport is €1. But, 1 liter gasoline is €1,50 and taxi starts from €3,50.

Markets : 0,5 liter bottle domestic beer is €1,40. 0,33 liter imported beer is €2. A pack of Marlboro cigarette is €4,60. Mid-range bottle of wine is €7.

Greek Cuisine -Thessaloniki Travel and Photo Guide

The most famous and traditional flavor is Bougatsa. So you know, Cheese Pastry. It is a good choice for breakfast.

Since frappe is a coffee unique to Thessaloniki and originated from here. And, it is possible to find iced frappe everywhere. Turkish Coffee is another option for a cup of drink. But, Greeks call it Greek coffee.

Greek Ouzo can be good choice. You can enjoy the Thessaloniki cuisine, which is a fusion of Mediterranean and Eastern cuisines, at long dinners called Halara. In Halara, which is used to mean relax, no need to rush, the meal doesn’t come on time, don’t get angry if you wait for your drink! So you know, some people can be lazy.

Tips – Thessaloniki Travel and Photo Guide

• One day is enough time for a general city visit. But, if you prefer to taste various delicious foods and see the nightlife, you can stay two days.
• Watch out for the unbearable heat in summer.
• There are bus services from the airport to the city center. Though you have to buy tickets from the kiosk.
• The city is a bit dirty and noisy. But so funny.
• Beware of theft and snatching.
• There is no need to pay for public transport (except airport bus) as there is no ticket control.

Thessaloniki Nightlife

To thedro sto bar (Το δέντρο στο): This is an old mansion type building with high ceilings, old wood covering, and a large staircase. Live Greek music available.

Thessaloniki nightlife, Thessaloniki restaurants, what to eat in Thessaloniki, where to go in Thessaloniki

Pastaflora darling: Located in the center of the city on Zefxidos Street, this place is famous for its coffee and cocktails.

Pulp: A variety of colorful beers. This is the best place for beer lovers.

Coctail Bar : Interesting music, nice people and cocktails. Cocktail prices are between 7 and 10 euros. It might be a little pricey, but it’s a nice place.

Other Travel Guides :

Alacati – Athens – Istanbul – Izmir – Budapest  – London –  Podgorica – Prague – Skopje – Tbilisi– Best Cities for Street Photography  – How to always find cheep flights

Kivanc Turkalp Photography © 2016-2023