With its deep blue sea, lush green nature and calm atmosphere, Urla is a favourite of vacationers, especially in summer. A great destination for those who want to enjoy the sea and plan a cultural trip, Urla stands out with its routes full of nature and history.
Whether you are planning a short weekend getaway or a long vacation, we have compiled the places you should visit and see in Urla.
So, what to do in Urla? And where to visit in Urla?
Here are 10 must-visit places👇
Urla İskele, one of the most central points of Urla, is home to the ruins of the ancient city of Klazomenai. It offers views of the Gulf of Izmir, coastal walks and nearby Sand Beach and Gelinkaya. Local produce such as Urla's famous pink tomatoes can be found at the organic market on Sundays.
Art has an important place in Urla and Arkas Art Urla is one of the best examples of this artistic atmosphere. Filled with more than 2000 paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries, a collection of 3,000 books and busts of Roman emperors, this art gallery also houses historical items such as weapon collections, carpets and armour. Located close to the centre of Urla, Arkas Art Urla offers a rich museum experience that sheds light on different periods throughout history.
Source: Arkas
The Art Street is one of the places you should visit while exploring Urla. Located on Zafer Street, this historical street draws attention with its 19th-century architecture and artistic atmosphere.
Handicraft workshops, artisan stands, antique shops and art galleries are lined up along the Art Street. In addition to specially designed products that you can buy as gifts for your loved ones, you can also encounter exhibitions and events organised from time to time on the street. There are also various cafes and restaurants along the street, making it an ideal stop not only for sightseeing but also for relaxing and enjoying yourself.
Source: Tripadvisor
Bademler Village, located about 10 km from the centre of Urla, is known for hosting the first village theatre in Turkey. Founded by Alevis of Turkmen origin, the village has been keeping a cultural heritage alive with the theatre plays staged by the village people for more than 80 years.
In addition to the theatre, there is also a children's museum and a library that has become a symbol of the village. With its traditional stone houses painted in white, flower-decorated streets and quiet, peaceful atmosphere, Bademler Village is a great route for those who want to experience culture, art and nature together.
Source: Gezipedia
Malgaca Bazaar, one of the popular spots in Urla, has a structure similar to the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul. Close to the center, it offers visitors a variety of shops. It also draws attention with its proximity to Urla Art Street. Here, you can taste Urla's famous katmer and have a great shopping experience for those looking for natural products.
One of the places you should definitely visit in Urla is the vineyards. In this region known as the “Tuscany of the Aegean”, especially around Kuşçular, wine producers and vineyard houses are lined up. The most well-known of these vineyard routes is the Vineyard Road.
Here you can take vineyard tours and taste the wines of different producers. On this road, which is a paradise for wine lovers, you can enjoy nature while discovering wines that suit your taste. You also have the opportunity to buy quality wines at more affordable prices, as you can shop directly from the producer.
Located in the homeland of olives, Köstem Olive Oil Museum is the perfect stop to discover the journey of olives in Anatolia. On 20 thousand square meters, you can find all kinds of information about olives. During your visit to the museum, you can taste different olive oil flavors, buy souvenirs and relax in the cafeteria.
Source: Yapı Dergisi
Çeşmealtı, located 5 km from the centre of Urla, is famous for its cafes, restaurants and patisseries. Surrounded by summer houses, this area attracts attention with its aesthetic streets and walls decorated with colourful flowers. It also has popular beaches such as Yolluca Beach and Mavi Beach. Güvendik Hill, which offers a wonderful view, is one of the important places to visit in the region. Çeşmealtı is an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts.
Source: Hopi
Klazomenai Ancient City, one of the historical riches of Urla, draws attention with its 6,000 years of history. This ancient city, where excavations are still ongoing, spreads over a large area and contains important ruins such as ancient theater and temples. This historical site, which is free of charge for visitors, also has basic facilities such as rest areas and restrooms. Easily accessible, Klazomenai is one of the must-see places in Urla.
Source: Visit İzmir Hakkında
Quarantine Island in Urla is a historically impressive place. The island, which was used to isolate infectious diseases until the 1950s, was an area where sailors were quarantined against plague and cholera epidemics in the 18th century. The island is dotted with buildings from the Ottoman period and was built by the French. Wandering the streets of the island offers a very impressive experience in terms of seeing the traces of the past.