TURKEY – Magnificent, chaotic, complex cuisine … unique!

Turkey’s densely layered cityscapes, magnificent classical ruins, chaotic bazaars, and rich, complex cuisine testify to the country’s unique position at the crossroads of Asia and Europe.

Venture to Izmir, embracing more than 8,000 years of history from her perch on the Aegean, and visit Ephesus, which legend says was founded by a tribe of female warriors in the 10th century BC. Travel to Bodrum and explore fourth-century Bodrum Castle, built partly with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Wander through the ruins of once-mighty Kaunos and discover the nesting sea turtles of Iztuza Beach.

Inland, even geologic wonders have cultural depth. The cascading mineral pools of Pamukkale once fed royal baths. Discover the marvelous Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia that are honeycombed with centuries-old subterranean homes and churches, while floating over the stunning landscape in a hot air balloon. And Turkey’s food is revered as one of the world’s great cuisines: chicken with apricots and almonds, slow-roasted eggplant with garlic and lemon, lamb shish kebab, honey pastries and lots of yogurt.

Attend Local Festivals
Urla hosts Artichoke Festival, Kite Festival, Traditional Grape Harvest Festival and Village Theater Festival every year. Don’t forget to check out your calendar for any of these events.

Explore Urla Wine Route
Urla Wine Route is one of the top recommendations to experience. This great wine route is a route where there are several award winning wineries. You can walk in the vineyards, go down to the cellars and taste the delicious local wines. The route is waymarked, all you have to do is following the signs to find the wineries.

Try Aegean Flavours
With its many seafood restaurants, delicious appetizers, super fresh fruits, vegetable and meat dishes, Urla is one of the best places to try Aegean flavours and specialities. The good news is that you can get a mixed plate to taste them, but whatever you decide, make sure to try at least one artichoke speciality. Also, if you want to spend time in excellent farm to table restaurants, Urla is the right place for that.

Walk the Art Street
Somewhere else you need to experience when you come to Urla is the Art Street. With its street vendors selling handicrafts, boutiques selling souvenirs, and also other shops selling art related products, it is one of the liveliest places of the town. The street is also a great place for a drink or bite to eat.

 And so much more ot discover  …