A popular spot

The Izmir area has attracted visitors looking for All Inclusive Turkey holidays for many years, with the draw of ancient Ephesus pulling in the crowds. In contrast, Izmir itself is a modern and cosmopolitan coastal city, with a chic nightlife and stylish boutiques. So, it doesn’t matter if you’re a culture vulture or city slicker, you’ll never get bored on holiday in Izmir.

Beach lovers will also be spoilt, with quiet sandy coves or long stretches of golden sands – complete with lively beachside bars and an array of watersports. Heading away from the city and the coast, the inland area is home to lush pine forests and lakes, very cooling in the hottest summer months.

Families will find everything they need for a fun-filled Turkey holiday in the former fishing village of Kusadasi, with its two waterparks, a modern marina and a quaint old town with traditional bazaars lining cobbled streets. The nightlife is also very vibrant. For holidaymakers looking for a more relaxed vibe, Seferihisar and Ozdere offer a peaceful stay, plus, with much less traffic than other Izmir resorts, walking is encouraged, which means less money on transport.

There really is something for everyone, from luxury breaks to All Inclusive Izmir holidays and even if you’re on a strict budget, there’s a huge range of affordable hotels and activities for cheap Izmir holidays.

Back in time

Izmir holidays offer so much, but the history you can see firsthand is definitely one of the best bits. The excavation of the city of Ephesus has unearthed many structures from Greco-Roman culture. Indeed the area is Europe’s most complete, classical metropolis and there’s still more to be discovered. In its time, Ephesus was a hub for sailors, traders and pilgrims, a diverse city with over 250,000 inhabitants. And today it’s one of the most well-preserved Roman settlements in the world. And if all this wasn’t enough, Ephesus is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis.

A short, low-cost bus journey will have you exploring these sights in no time. There’s a variety of tours and admissions available for the grounds, so you can see which suits your budget best.

Nightlife

If you’re seeking a lively evening, the obvious choice is Kusadasi’s nightlife or the modern city of Izmir itself. There’s a vast array of options to suit all tastes and budgets, so it really is the perfect destination.

Izmir’s a bustling city – and the bustle continues long after the sun goes down. The most popular areas for slipping into your night-time groove are found in the Alsancak and Konak areas.

For an authentic Turkish experience head to Nektar, or find cheesy Europop at the Club En Velo. For true partygoers, the best club in town is Outside, where the strong party vibe lasts into the small hours.

With a seemingly endless array of bars and restaurants inviting you to let your hair down in Kusadasi, it’s just as good a pick. Bar Street is home to the liveliest nights with the biggest, busiest and best nightlife. The music ripples out onto the streets and the drinks flow until at least 4am.

On the other hand, the Ladies Beach area offers a more relaxed atmosphere, while an authentic Turkish evening can be experienced in a nearby old Ottoman Castle.

Life's a beach

The beaches in Kusadasi are particularly renowned and a big draw for people scouting out cheap holidays to Izmir – it’s no hidden hack that lazing on the beach ticks both boxes of relaxation and low cost! The sands are golden and set against deep turquoise water and lush green palms, so it’s really not a hard view. Kusadasi has shaped itself as a family favourite and the beaches are well equipped with sun loungers, parasols, watersports and an array of beach bars.

The sandy bay at Ozdere is also a welcoming haven for families because of its calm, shallow waters. Some watersports are available but on a whole the area is much less commercial than Kusadasi. It’s the perfect place for a day of family relaxation and a fun picnic.

Those seeking a more rugged coastal experience should retreat to the Dilek Peninsula National Park.

Food, glorious food

Eating out in Izmir will give you a real idea of Turkish cuisine. Based by the glorious Aegean Sea, it’s no surprise that many of the coastal restaurants have menus with a large selection of seafood, including grilled cipura – sea bream – anchovies and octopus.

Of course, Turkish cuisine is also famed for the kebab, but you could also try an iskender. This is the traditional way to enjoy succulent lamb pieces – with flatbread, yoghurt and tomato sauce. Sounds good, right?

Many of the restaurants also have a distinctly mezze theme, serving lots of small plates filled with regional delicacies – perfect for sharing with family and friends.

You’ll plenty of All Inclusive hotels in Izmir where you can indulge as much as you like, but there’s also plenty of Self-Catering options too. Self-catering can be super handy when trying to enjoy a cheap holiday in Izmir – or even if you just like the flexibility of being able to pick meal times nad cook exactly what you like. Maybe you can try your hand at cooking a Turkish recipe.