Izmir, Turkey Hotels, Vacations, Tourism

İZMİR – ancient Smyrna – is home to nearly three million people. Mostly burned down in the Turkish-Greek war of 1922, İzmir has been built pretty much from scratch and is nowadays booming and cosmopolitan. Its hot climate is offset by its location, straddling a (heavily polluted) 50km-long gulf fed by several streams and flanked by mountains on all sides. Despite an illustrious history, much of the city is relentlessly modern. Orientation can be confusing – many streets are unmarked – but most points of interest lie near each other and walking is the most enjoyable way … more »