Izmir Holidays
Izmir Holidays – A fantastic all-rounder, with sun, sea and city life!
Izmir is a jewel in Turkey’s tourism industry. Loved for its amazing beaches, there’s something for every taste, from the serenely empty stretches of sand at Candarli and Cesme to the windsurfers’ heaven Alacati with its constant breeze. Kusadasi delivers acres of perfect white sand and safe, shallow waters, a favourites with families. And the city of Izmir itself has everything you could want, from superb restaurants and friendly bars to souvenir shops and the Grand Bazaar, a traditional market jam packed with spices, locally woven carpets, lamps and local crafts.
Izmir is Turkey’s third largest city and its waterfront is known for its beauty with its palm trees, pier and smart waterfront promenade. And the ruined city of Ephesus is a world-beating treat for history lovers. All of which makes it popular with every age, taste and budget, whether it’s a romantic city break or a beach-based holiday.
When to go
The fabulous Turkish climate means Izmir is a big hit most of the year. If you’re a windsurfer it’s a highly desirable destination all year round. It’s hottest in July and August but the sea breezes keep things cooler than in many of Turkey’s fantastic resorts. There’s always something going on, with an annual European Jazz Festival in March, the International Izmir Festival in June - July and all the hustle and bustle, excitement and action you’d expect from a large city all year round. It’s generally cheaper either side of the school summer holidays, when it’s also quieter and a little cooler… but only a little!
The weather in Izmir
Package holidays to Izmir are a joy, with 300 days of glorious sunshine a year making the weather virtually perfect. Right from early spring, when it’s still grotty over here, until late autumn you’ll enjoy long hours of sunshine and very little rain. In the peak summer months of July and August temperatures in the summer hit the early 30s and although it can also get very humid, the area’s famous cooling sea breezes are delicious. If you travel in spring or autumn you’ll still enjoy great weather. In May it’s around 26C daytimes, 14C minimum at night, and in September 29C with balmy 17C nights.
Getting the best deal
If you don’t mind crowds, choose a peak summer break complete with all the fierce heat you can take. But expect to pay a little more for it, with more expensive accommodation and flights. Either side in May and June, September and October, things calm down a little and prices drop accordingly. But you can find bargain deals all year round if you know where to search! You’ll discover some of the very best Izmir deals available right now, below. Or you can explore our special late deals and last minute offers and see what’s what.
Airport and transport need to know
You’ll arrive at Izmir airport, also called Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB), home to a smart, modern terminal built in 2006 as well as the capacity to handle thousands of milling holidaymakers calmly, quickly and efficiently. The airport facilities are good too, with everything you’d expect on tap. You can fly direct to Izmir from a choice of airports in the UK including London Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow, Heathrow and Stansted.
It’s just 11 miles from the city centre and there are regular shuttle buses leaving from the airport, setting off three times an hour from outside the Turkish Airlines office. There are also regular bus services run by ESHOT, the number 200 and the 240 which takes you to the main city bus terminal. From there frequent local buses (called dolmus) run to nearby resorts. It’s equally easy to reach central Izmir by road, an interesting drive on the right of the road with locals whizzing about all around you at top speed.
