Everything About Turkish Aegean Region

The Aegean Sea occupies the western half of Turkey, including the western coast (Aegean Sea coast) and some interior areas. It has some of the most magnificent views in the country along its shore. The Aegean Sea’s clear water covers the beautiful shoreline, which is framed by olive groves, rocky crags, and pine trees. This region, with picturesque fishing bays, popular vacation communities, and ancient civilization ruins attesting to a heritage of more than 5,000 years of history, culture, tradition, and mythology, provides a vacation for everyone especially nature lovers, photographers, sports enthusiasts, sailors, and archaeologists. Along the entire length of the beach, there are accommodations to suit every taste and budget.

The climate of the Aegean coastal plain is extremely mild, with soft, green springs, hot summers, brilliant autumns, and pleasant. The summer months are good for sunbathing and aquatic sports, while the spring and fall months are ideal for exploring ancient ruins and stunning landscapes. Even in January and February, the Aegean region provides a wonderful escape from the rigors of a northern winter.

Where is the Location of the Aegean Region in Turkey?

The Marmara, the Mediterranean, and the Anatolian region surround it, and it has eight provinces with a population of over nine million people. The Aegean coast is both attractive and historically significant. The Aegean Region of Turkey is one of seven geographical areas in the country.

What are the Geographical Features of the Aegean Region?

Turkey’s Aegean coast features some of the country’s most magnificent scenery. The Aegean Sea’s clear water covers the beautiful shoreline, which is framed by olive groves, rocks, and pine trees. This region, with gorgeous fishing ports, well-known tourist towns, and relics of ancient civilizations dating back over 5,000 years in history, culture, and mythology, is a haven for nature lovers, sun worshipers, photographers, sports enthusiasts, sailors, and historians. Along the entire length of the beach, there are accommodations to suit every taste and budget.

Furthermore, The Dardanelles Strait, the Marmara Sea, and the Bosphorus connect the Aegean Sea to the Black Sea.

The geographical features of the Aegean region are as follows.

• Mountains: The mountains run perpendicular to the coast. These are the mountains of Kaz, Yunt, Boz, Aydn, and Mentese.
• Plains: Buyuk Menderes Streams include Bakircay, Gediz, Buyuk Menderes, and Kucuk Menderes.  The seaside area has a Mediterranean climate because of the mountains that stretch to the sea, this climate extends to the interior. The climate in the interior is continental.
• Plant Cover: Maquis is found in areas where the Mediterranean climate may be seen; the steppe is found in the interior of the terrestrial environment.
• Vegetation: While the vegetation covering up to 400 meters is scrub, the vegetation observed above 400 meters is wooded.

What is the Aegean Region Known For?

It would not be an exaggeration to say that Anatolia presents its most beautiful views on the Aegean coast. Bays and peninsulas, coves, and beaches are lined up one after the other along the Aegean coast, which, in Herodotus’s words, “has the most beautiful sky and the best climate in the world”. In this region, which has been intertwined with events for centuries, you will come across famous antiques with its theaters and agoras per city. Troy, immortalized by Homer, was the cultural center of a great country and Pergamon, the time center, is located on these lands blessed by births.

With its beautiful sea and healing waters, Akcay and Ayvalik, a landscape where the pine and the sea merge, is located in the Edremit Gulf, which is also known as the “Oliveries Riviera”. When you go south from the Gulf countries, you somehow arrive in Foca. If you want to see Sart, the capital of Lydia, the great wealthy Cresus, you should head inland from the coast. Located in the gulf of its name, Izmir is a modern and lively city. Izmir is also a busy commercial center. If you are going to use the lively one, it will give you pleasure. The course of Izmir, the beach, and the sea of ​​​​the Cesme peninsula with round trips.

Ephesus, one of the most famous cities of ancient times, was one of the largest cities in the Roman period. That they could improve all Ionic assessments. Considered one of the seven in the world, the Temple of Artemis, statues, wonders, theaters, and libraries are the works symbolizing the fame of this ancient city. Further south, you will come across the great city of Priene, with the plan created by the architect Hippodamos of Miletus. Miletus was a great commercial and intellectual center of its age and science recorded important things here. Didim, along with the ancient city, is famous for being enough for Apollo with it.

Aphrodisias (Geyre) on the Izmir-Antalya road was an important culture and art center and famous for its sculpture school. We cannot be thought of as late as those who go to Pamukkale on the same road. Fuel-laden hot waters have created this supernatural landscape over time. It is also possible in the healing waters of the baths of this unique formation in the world. Ancient Hierapolis lies behind this calcium terrace stack.

The most popular holiday destinations of the Aegean Region are Marmaris, Datca, Koycegiz, and Fethiye. Bodrum (formerly Halicarnassus) is the homeland of Herodotus; The burial tomb museum here is counted as one of the seven. Marmaris, which has a modern marina, is a multi-purpose holiday destination with its green mountains and hills, and the sea in general. Marmaris, Datca adorned with toys, a little further on the country sea, and Fethiye line up on an endless blue sea and a vast sand paradise.

How Big is Aegean Region?

The Aegean Region has the longest coastline among the 4 coastal regions. The Aegean region accounts for around 11% of Turkey’s overall land area, with an area of approximately 85,000 square kilometers.

What Types of Vegetation are Found in the Aegean Region?

The majority of the population in the Aegean Region makes their living from agriculture, thanks to the climate, soil conditions, and the convenience of transportation. Some plants suitable for the Mediterranean climate (olives, grapes, etc.) predominate in the Aegean region. As one moves from the Aegean part to the Inner-Western Anatolian part, the nature of agriculture changes; grain cultivation increases and livestock occupies a more important place in livelihood. Wheat comes first, followed by barley and corn. Wheat is produced especially in Afyon and Denizli, followed by Izmir, Aydin, and Mugla. Barley is in the provinces of Afyon and Manisa, and the main cultivation area of ​​corn is Manisa. Rice cultivation is given a small place in the plains. Fresh and dry vegetable production is also given importance in the region. Since the climatic conditions are suitable, early vegetables (tomatoes, beans, etc.) are grown and sent to other regions. Onion and potato cultivation is common; most of the legumes are planted with chickpeas. Melon and watermelon production is also widespread.

Tobacco, cotton, sesame, flax, and sugar beet are among the industrial crops grown in the region. Edremit Bay coasts are important in terms of oil olive production and the number of trees. Vineyards are also found all over the region. Raisins are grown around Manisa-Izmir, and figs, which cannot withstand the winter cold, are grown in the coastal areas, especially in Aydin. Approximately 81% of the fig trees in Turkey are in the Aegean Region. Citrus fruits grow especially in the southern part of the region; Tangerines in Kuşadası Bay and Bodrum Peninsula; Orange, lemon, tangerine, and citrus are grown between Aydin and Nazilli.

What is the Climate of the Aegean Region?

Throughout the Aegean, the Mediterranean climate prevails. Summers are hot and dry in the area, while winters are moderate and moist. The Mediterranean climate is more prevalent on the coast than inland. The coldest month is January, and the hottest month is July. The months of April, May, and October offer the best weather, with average temperatures ranging from 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) to 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). June, July, and August are the hottest months on average. The coldest month is February, with an average high temperature of 13°C (55°F).

What Are the Cities Located in Aegean Region?

The Aegean coast of Turkey is attractive, ancient, and agriculturally wealthy. If you want to visit any of the ancient-city archeological sites or museums in this historic region, consider purchasing a Museum Pass Aegean.

• Afyon (Afyonkarahisar): It is famous for its Turkish lokum, which is made in part with the rich local cream (kaymak), which can also be found in baklava and other sweets. Tourists commonly stop at Afyon to eat because it is located halfway between Izmir and Ankara. Some of Afyon’s back alleyways are lined with elegant ancient Ottoman structures.
• Aphrodisias: The City of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, is one of the most interesting ancient ruins in the Aegean area, located two hours east of Selçuk (Ephesus) and 2.5 hours west of Pamukkale. This city, lying in the broad, fertile Meander River valley, has existed for millennia. An acropolis built on a hill made out of the remnants of communities going back to the Early Bronze Age sits at its heart (as old as 2800 BC). Aphrodisias had become known as the City of Aphrodite by the eighth century BC, and pilgrims came to her temple to pay their respects to the Goddess of Love.
• Assos: Assos was home to Aristotle and St Paul, but now it is a touristic place. Assos was founded in the 700s BCE by Lesvos colonists. Before sailing to Lesvos, Aristotle visited here and married King Hermeias’ niece, Pythia.
• Aydin: Aydin is located in the rich Menderes River valley, which is abounding in olives, figs, cotton, grain, and fruit. Most visitors pass through Aydin on their journey between Ephesus, Kusadasi, Aphrodisias, Denizli, and Pamukkale.
• Ayvalik: Ayvalik is a popular North Aegean coastal resort for Turks who seek sun, sand, sea, and seafood on Turkey’s north Aegean coast, opposite the Greek island of Lesvos (Mytilene), 151 kilometers north of Izmir and 163 km south of Canakkale.
• Bergama: Bergama is located 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of Izmir and 250 kilometers south of Canakkale, was famous in Hellenistic and Roman times for its enormous library and as the medical center where Galen set the foundation for medical practice.
• Bodrum: Bodrum, formerly known as Halicarnassus, is a popular tourist destination and yachting port on Turkey’s Aegean coast’s Bodrum peninsula. It is home to the ancient Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, as well as the towering Castle of St Peter, a Crusader stronghold that now houses the world’s largest Museum of Underwater Archeology.
• Bozcaada: Bozcaada a previously Greek-turned-Turkish island 52 kilometers (32 miles) south of Anakkale, is a popular summer destination for Istanbul.
• Cesme: Cesme Peninsula, located due west of Izmir, with its settlements of Cesme, Alacati, and Ilica, is a popular regional tourist attraction. The port for ferries to the Greek island of Chios lies near the town of Cesme.
• Denizli: Denizli is a metropolis of more than 500,000 inhabitants located about 1-2 hours east of the Aegean’s turquoise seas. Pamukkale, the world’s most renowned hot-spring spa resort, is only 18 kilometers to the northeast.
• Ephesus: Ephesus along with Istanbul and Cappadocia, is the best-preserved Roman city in the Mediterranean area.
• Izmir:  Izmir is today Turkey’s third-largest city, the “capital” of the Aegean area. Izmir (population 3 million) is now a mainly modern city with nice hotels and restaurants, an attractive market, a few tiny ancient monuments, a large, bustling Otogar, and an important airport south of the city on the route to Ephesus.
• Kusadasi: Kusadasi is a large Aegean resort city and cruise ship port located 108 kilometers south of Izmir. Because it is so close to the famous Ephesus ruins, it attracts a large number of Turkish and foreign visitors.
• Milas: Milas the ancient Kingdom of Caria’s capital, is a lovely Aegean village with a small duplicate of the magnificent, original Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Caria’s greatest ruler, King Mausolus (377-353 BC), reigned from 377 to 353 BC.
• Pamukkale: Pamukkale, 18 kilometers north of Denizli, is Turkey’s most popular mineral-bath resort because of its stunning features: hot calcium-laden waters erupt from the soil and fall over a cliff. As they cool, spectacular travertines of firm, brilliantly white calcium create pools.
• Sirince: Sirince is a lovely hill village located 8 kilometers east of Selçuk, near Ephesus, in the Aegean south of Izmir. It is well-known for its olive oil, fruit wines, and other natural goods, as well as for its ambient boutique hotels. A dozen modest eateries serve both day-trippers and hotel guests, as well as residents.

Where Should You Stay in Aegean Region in Turkey?

Below is the list of where you should stay in the Aegean Region in Turkey.

• Kusadasi: Kusadasi in Aydin Province, thrives on tourism, and its charming towns and sandy beaches with blue seas are popular vacation spots. Kusadasi features a variety of coastal hostels, cafés, discos, bars, pubs, restaurants, and stores, some of which are housed in renovated ancient houses. The village provides economical lodging as well as Turkish and foreign cuisine. On the slopes and in the hinterland of Kusadasi, large hotels, vacation apartments, and villas are available. Holiday houses in this area are very popular among British and Irish retirees.
• Izmir: The city of Izmir is the capital of the Aegean Sea province of Izmir. It is Turkey’s second-biggest port and the country’s third most populated city. In the ancient world, Izmir was known as the major port city of Smyrna; now, it is one of Turkey’s most advanced towns, with a privatized port and the country’s top free zone. The city center is a lively location with the enormous, bustling Izmir Bazaar and the Konak, the historic Ottoman administration house. The adjacent ancient city of Ephesus, famed for its pilgrimage temples to prominent goddesses, as well as the worldwide tourist destination Kusadasi, are in Izmir.
• Balcova: During the Trojan War, the ancient Agamemnon Baths were known as restorative waters where the Greeks were instructed to cleanse their wounds. The hot sulfurous springs and streams have been transformed into contemporary spas and are now part of a five-star hotel.
• Buca: Buca is one of the metropolitan districts of Izmir. During the Ottoman Empire, wealthy Levantines or Latin Christians came here. Some of their magnificent homes have been converted into public institutions, while others have been renovated and remain private dwellings.
• Alsancak: Is located in the Konak metropolitan area, which is Izmir’s historic center. The neighborhood extends from the coastal boulevard all the way inland to the plaza that houses the 150-year-old central Alsancak railway station. There are both ancient and new buildings along the pedestrian-only streets that house wonderful stores, cafés, restaurants, and entertainment places. Alsancak also has the Izmir port and Kulturpark, which hosts the Izmir International Fair.

When Should You Go to Aegean Region in Turkey?

The ideal months to visit Turkey’s Aegean Coast are April-May and mid-September to the end of October.

Below you can find the list of when you should go to the Aegean Region of Turkey.

• Honeymoon season: Is best in April, May, and September. In contrast to the summer’s heat and throng, the weather is still nice.
• Nightlife: Is best from May through September. The tiny streets and extended docks are teeming with outdoor restaurants, bistros, and nightclubs that are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Best Time to Save Money: Avoid the peak months of June, July, and August, when hotel prices are at their highest, flights are costly and frequently overbooked, and discounts at bazaars are difficult to come by.
• The off-season: (December to mid-March) is the most affordable, but the chilly weather is less appealing.
• Sightseeing: Is best in April and May, as well as from mid-September until the end of October.
• Best Time to Shop: During the winter, several stalls in the bazaars and stores along the major streets may close or offer much fewer items for sale, thus April and May are the ideal months for a broader selection and lower costs, i.e. before the summer rush.
• Best Time to Visit Beaches: The Sea is typically safe for swimming from mid-May to mid-October, although temperatures outdoors can be hotter in June, July, and August.
• Best Time for Water Activities: The sea is suitable for activities above or below the water from mid-May to mid-October, with scuba diving and, to a lesser extent, snorkeling available for a little longer. The marinas along the coast are packed with yachts and other vessels taking advantage of the beautiful weather from May to September.

What Are the Famous Travel Destinations in Aegean Region?

The famous travel destinations in Aegean Region are as follows.

• Izmir
• Ephesus
• Selcuk and Sirince
• Miletus, Priene, and the Apollo Temple
• Pamukkale’s Cotton Castle
• Bodrum
• Cunda Island
• Alacati
• Marmaris

How Are the Coasts of the Aegean Region?

The Mediterranean Sea embayment between Europe and Asia is known as the Aegean Sea. It covers an area of roughly 215,000 square kilometers and is located between the Balkans and Anatolia. The Dardanelles and Bosphorus straits link the Aegean Sea to the Marmara Sea and the Black Sea to the north. The Aegean Islands are positioned within the sea, with some, such as Crete and Rhodes, bordering the sea on its southern edge. The water reaches a maximum depth of 3,544 meters to the east of Crete. The Thracian Sea and the Myrtoan Sea are two portions of the Aegean Sea.

What are the Best Activities to Do in the Aegean Region of Turkey?

Whatever brings you to the Aegean, you are sure to have a fantastic time. You can try scuba diving, surfing, sailing, skydiving, water skiing, underwater fishing, and angling, or just rest in the thermal waters, which have been used for medical purposes for years.

You can wander around the ancient ruins, which act as an open-air museum, and trace humanity’s religious history by visiting the sacred sites of many religions.

You can take a boat ride through the Aegean Sea or engage in natural sports such as hiking, climbing, caving, and rafting.

During the height of summer, the Bodrum Peninsula is widely renowned for its beautiful sunsets. Activities in this region include the following are:

• Visit Saint Peter’s Castle and the Archaeology Underwater Museum.
• Swim in the stunning blue cove of Bardakci.
• Visit the Pedusa ruins, which are relatively unknown.
• In Gumusluk, enjoy a classic Aegean cuisine dinner with fresh fish.
• Visit the Oasis Centre.
• Participate in water sports activities at Gumbet, a tiny resort.
• Partygoers will enjoy Bar Street and Halicarnassus’ huge open-air nightclub.
• Scuba diving is popular in all of the peninsula’s smaller resorts.

Among the things to do in the Izmir Peninsula are:

• Visit the Cesme Castle and the Caravansary.
• Izmir Zoo and Wildlife Park are ideal for families.
• Kadifekale is a big hill in the city center with a historic castle and a spectacular perspective of the city.
• The remnants of Smyrna agora may be found at the bottom of Kadifekale.
• On the fringes lie the Pergamon remains, notably the Red Basilica, a famous temple erected to honor the Egyptian gods.
• The city’s iconic feature, the clock tower, is located in Konak plaza.
• Visit the local racing track to get an insider’s perspective on Turkey.

Kusadasi is one of the most appealing resorts in the world, and it does have the advantage of being close to all of the major tourist attractions. Within the boundaries, the long sandy Ladies Beach and the castle on Pigeon Island are both well-known attractions. There are a handful of other attractions in the place:

• The ancient remains of Ephesus and the home of the Virgin Mary Dilek national park are ideal for nature enthusiasts. Trekking, bird viewing, or practicing your photography abilities are all options. It also boasts four beaches, as well as tour businesses that offer boat cruises and scuba diving courses.
• The resort offers two large water parks that will excite and delight families.
• The Ephesus Museum and the Saint John of Basilica are both located in Selcuk.
• History buffs should rent a car and travel to Miletus, Priene, and Didim to see the ruins of Miletus, Priene, and the Temple of Apollo.
• The seafood eateries in New Doganbey, on the outskirts, are well-known.
• Old Doganbey is a Greek hamlet on the outskirts of Dilek National Park, featuring a museum dedicated to the area’s animals.
• During the summer, Turkish night is hosted regularly at the ancient Caravansary building near the marina.
• Lakeside typical Turkish breakfasts are famous around Bafa Lake.

Is the Aegean Region of Turkey Good for Living?

Foreigners who want to buy a home or start a business in Turkey have several options. For foreign nationals, Istanbul, the Aegean, and Mediterranean coast cities are the most desirable places to live in Turkey. While most business owners prefer to establish their company and live in Istanbul, some of them prefer to live and invest in the Alanya region of Antalya, Bodrum, Fethiye, Marmaris, Didim, or Side.

Alacati, Cesme, and Foca are popular vacation spots for Turks, and many own retirements or vacation homes there. Aside from the historic Konak district, Izmir is a business-oriented city with a more westernized ambiance.

Aegean Bodrum has a sizable international community, demonstrating its prominence as a popular Turkish vacation destination. There are both inexpensive and luxurious properties on the market, however, prices are higher than in other parts of Turkey.

What is the Cost of Living in the Aegean Region of Turkey?

Rent is by far the most important expenditure, regardless of where you reside in Turkey. Expect to pay between 270,25 $ and 405,29 $ per month for a modest two-bedroom apartment on the Aegean and Mediterranean beaches. Assuming you own your own home and do not have to pay rent or a mortgage, the cost of living in Turkey is around 405,29$  for a good lifestyle, rising to 675,78$  in major cities such as Bodrum and Izmir.

Household bills are quite low. Electricity, water, telephone, internet, and gas all have monthly costs. People who live in apartment complexes with six or more units must additionally pay apartment aidat, which is a charge for community services.

A cheap or fast food dinner costs 3,38 $, and a middle-class meal costs 10,15$.

Public transit costs around 29,09$ each month. Otherwise, the price of 1 liter gasoline hovers around the 0,95$ mark, and car owners should budget roughly 338,23$ per year for maintenance, and insurance.

What are the Property Prices in Aegean Region?

With the coronavirus epidemic that affected the whole world, the demand for summer areas increased. The increasing demand in summer areas also affected the prices. In Bodrum and Cesme, which are among the most prominent places in the Aegean region, the average house sales prices increased to 125.270,92$ with the effect of the recent increase. Simultaneously, Didim, often known as “Little Britain,” is excellent for people on a tight budget. Prices can start from 40k$ depending on many criteria such as the city, the region, the number of rooms, the location, the neighborhood, the age of the building, etc.