Most individuals assume they know Turkey. In spite of everything, it’s simply Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, and some seashore resorts, proper? WRONG! Turkey is a large nation, and there are such a lot of small cities and resorts to go to, lots of which fly proper below the radar. I’ve spent years residing and touring round Turkey. In the event you’re searching for a chilled-out, stunning, and cultural spot to go to, I’ve bought the proper place for you.
Why This Lesser-Identified Gem in Turkey is a High Vacation spot for 2024
With no scarcity of gorgeous locations to go to in Turkey, it’s straightforward to be spoiled for selection, however Urla ought to positively be in your record of locations to not miss. This chilled-out seashore location has every thing you would presumably need for a break within the solar, with an enormous dose of tradition for good measure. Forbes named Urla as top-of-the-line locations to journey in 2024, and I agree; let’s try why.
1. Wine, Wonderful Wine!
Urla sits proper in the midst of considered one of Turkey’s greatest wine areas; in truth, there’s even a wine route referred to as Urla Bağ Yolu, which takes you to some top-quality spots for wine manufacturing. Urlice is among the finest wineries across the space, in a ravishing setting with a incredible restaurant on website. USCA Vineyards is a specific favourite of mine, providing free wine tasting, and MMG Vineyard gives some gorgeous views over the countryside past.
You may not have thought that Turkish wine was a factor, however belief me, it’s scrumptious. Most of it’s distributed domestically, so it’s not one thing you’re more likely to discover exterior of the nation. However that simply means you can purchase a number of bottles to take dwelling.
2. A Chilled-Out Seaside Vacation spot
A lot of Turkey’s high seashore resorts develop into extraordinarily busy through the peak summer time months, however if you happen to favor a extra stress-free and serene seashore day, Urla suits the invoice. Akarca Plaji is a superb spot, with impossibly clear water and delicate sand; I’d advocate this seashore for households particularly as as the ocean is calm and shallow. Yat Limani Seashore and Akkum Plaji are different high seashores to spend a number of hours.
The summer time climate positively helps invite you to the seashore – Urla’s hottest month is July, with a median of 31°C/89°F; making a day splashing within the sea a must-do. Nonetheless, in my expertise, regardless of the ‘common’ temperature quoted, it usually feels rather a lot hotter because of humidity, so all the time keep in mind solar safety.
3. A number of Native Festivals
Annual festivals are a good way to study extra concerning the tradition of an space, and Urla has a lot all year long. The Artichoke Competition may sound like an odd one, nevertheless it spans over three days throughout April and it’s an actual crowd-pleaser; I’m not the largest fan of artichokes, however I loved the group vibe regardless. The Grape Harvest Competition and the Urla Jazz Competition are different noteworthy occasions so as to add to your calendar.
There are additionally typical, yearly celebrations that happen, comparable to New Yr’s Eve, and non secular Bayram festivals to attend. Throughout these occasions, the entire city comes collectively to rejoice and there’s such an fulfilling vibe within the air. I’d advocate you guide your resort early to keep away from disappointment, nevertheless it’s greater than value it for the expertise.
4. Superb Meals
Urla is legendary for its artichokes, therefore the yearly competition devoted to the vegetable. That is one of the best place in the entire of Turkey to strive conventional artichoke dishes, comparable to stuffed artichokes and lamb. In fact, you may also discover genuine Turkish meals in Urla, and since it’s much less touristic, you’ll have a greater probability of having fun with real, native fare.
Urla can also be a high spot for contemporary fish and also you’ll discover loads of native eating places to strive. I went to Sahil Restaurant and had a tremendous meal, together with a few of the finest shellfish I’ve ever had. Every little thing is freshly caught that day and the view is gorgeous.
5. A Nice Base for Exploring Additional
Urla is simply half an hour away from Izmir, which means you possibly can have a chilled-out seashore break mixed with metropolis enjoyable. You possibly can take a guided tour of Ephesus, which is simply an hour away, and also you’re simply 25 minutes away from stunning Alaçatı. I’d positively advocate you head to Ephesus on the very least; it’s considered one of my favourite locations on this planet and it feels such as you’re proper there within the second.
All of which means that Urla is a superb spot to base your self and discover the world additional if you happen to select. In fact, you may resolve to stay round and benefit from the calm vibe in Urla itself, however no less than you have got the choice ought to the temper take you. However if you happen to ask me, the temper ought to take you …
6. The Native Paintings
Urla’s Sanat Sokağı, or Artwork Avenue, is a superb place to discover native art work and buy souvenirs to take again dwelling. Visiting this avenue is a good way to help native artists and acquire one thing actually genuine in return. Right here, you will discover native pottery, pictures, work, handmade jewellery, and even do-it-yourself cleaning soap merchandise and if you happen to haggle, you’ll get them cheaper.
This isn’t a spot for enormous malls and big bazaars, which implies procuring in Urla typically is a extra laid-back expertise. However, for anybody who enjoys genuine merchandise and particularly artwork, it’s a vacation spot to run towards.
7. The Highway Much less Traveled
Urla is an up-and-coming space, which implies it’s neither crowded nor bustling; that’s what I loved most about it. Most individuals head to Izmir itself or go to Çesme or Alaçatı, and whereas these are incredible spots too, Urla gives a extra genuine and stress-free expertise.
It’s not off the overwhelmed observe per se, nevertheless it does provide you with a style of the ‘actual’ Turkey, moderately than the vacationer model. For that motive, Urla is a superb place to go to—earlier than everybody realizes how nice it’s and the key will get out.
In Conclusion
Turkey has many hidden gems, and I rely Urla as considered one of them to not be missed. A incredible space for wineries, nature, gastronomy, and seashore life, Urla will present you a slower tempo of life, which is a superb aid from any on a regular basis stresses and worries.
Whilst you may not discover it on a daily search of the most well-liked locations to go to in Turkey, it’s not more likely to keep that means for lengthy. So, I like to recommend you propose your journey now, when you can benefit from the genuine vibe in whole peace and quiet.
