About 40 km from İzmir, Urla is one of the richest stops on the Aegean coast. Its historic streets, vineyards, coves and ancient city make it ideal for a day trip or a weekend escape. Here are six areas you should not miss in Urla.
A cobbled lane in Hacı İsa neighbourhood lined with restored old Urla houses. Boutique cafés, art galleries, antique shops and handcraft jewellery studios sit side by side; the street is especially busy on weekends with both local and foreign visitors. It is a pedestrian zone — cars are restricted. In the early evening, the warm street lights make it a great spot for photographs.
The weekly Tuesday market of Urla is the most authentic stop in town. Seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs, olives, cheese, homemade pickles and grape juice fill the stalls. In spring, Urla’s signature artichoke is at its freshest and most affordable here. Prices are much lower than at supermarkets and locals do their weekly shopping at this market. Arriving early in the morning is the best way to avoid the crowd and find the freshest produce.
Urla İskele is the town’s gateway to the sea. Fishing boats, a small marina, the seaside promenade and a row of fish restaurants are lively all year round. On summer evenings it is one of the best spots to watch the sunset; an evening at a seaside restaurant with fresh fish, mezes and local wine sums up the Urla experience. On Sundays the promenade is a pleasant walking route for both residents and visitors.
Urla is one of Turkey’s major wine-producing regions. Boutique wineries such as Urla Şarapçılık, USCA, MMG, Mozaik, Urlice and Çakır are spread across the hills to the north and west of the town. The route known as the "Urla Vineyard Road" offers wine tastings, vineyard tours, breakfasts and dinners. Harvest season (late August through early September) is the most vibrant period; booking a tasting in advance is recommended. Half a day by car is ideal to explore the wine route.
The coast of Urla is home to a chain of bays and beaches. Çeşmealtı is the closest and most family-friendly public beach. Demircili Cove is quieter, popular with those seeking a natural setting. Kum Denizi Beach stands out with its blue-flag status in summer. The smaller bays around Özbek, Altınköy and Balıklıova are quieter, less-known alternatives. All beaches are reachable from central Urla in 10–20 minutes.
Near Urla İskele, Klazomenai was one of the important Ionian port cities. The site includes some of the oldest known olive-oil workshops in the world and is open to visitors. The adjacent Limantepe holds remains of an ancient harbour dating back to around 3000 BC, drawing archaeology enthusiasts. Together with the underwater excavations nearby, Urla is a valuable destination for history tourism as well. The Turkish Museum Card is accepted at the site.
Karantina Island off the coast of Urla İskele is one of only three officially registered quarantine islands in the world. Its history goes back to the 2nd century BC; the Ottoman-era quarantine buildings used to prevent the spread of contagious diseases still stand today. The island served as an isolation centre until the 1950s. Access is by private boat or sea taxi from İskele. Plan at least half a day to walk the shaded pine paths, see the old hospital buildings and enjoy the quiet sea views.
About 10 km from central Urla, Bademler Village is famous as the home of Türkiye’s first village theatre, performing continuously with a cast made up of local villagers since 1948. The village also has an 80-year-old library and Türkiye’s first village Toy Museum. Weekend performances, conversation in the village coffee-house, organic garden produce and a slow local breakfast make it an ideal cultural stop.
About 30 km from central Urla, Balıklıova is a quiet coastal village known for the cooling breeze even in summer. The small fishing harbour is lined with fish restaurants serving the daily catch. It is ideal for walks, cycling and photography, and is the first major stop on the way to the Karaburun peninsula. Best time for a sunset over the open sea: July–August.
The childhood home of the poet and novelist Necati Cumalı is now a memorial house. Manuscripts, letters, books, photographs and personal belongings are on display, along with a small library. It sits in central Urla within walking distance of the Art Street, and admission is free. Opening hours change from season to season, so it is worth checking with the Urla municipality before you go.
This art centre in the Yenice neighbourhood opened in 2020, its plain stone-clad architecture earning a mention at the Turgut Cansever Architecture Awards. Rotating exhibitions show paintings, sculpture, carpets, armour and glass from the Arkas Collection. Exhibitions and opening days change, so call ahead: +90 232 761 04 80.
A large botanical garden in the Kuşçular neighbourhood gathering trees and plants from different climates of the world, with guided walks along its paths. A calm stop for families with children and for photographers. There is an admission charge and it opens during daytime hours; mornings are more comfortable in the summer heat.
In the narrow lanes behind Malgaca market lies the old bazaar, where cobblers, saddlers, coppersmiths and tailors still keep their workshops. Nothing here has been staged for visitors, which is exactly why it is worth seeing if you want everyday Urla. Open almost every day except Sunday; a short walk after breakfast covers it.
A quiet farming village close to central Urla. At the annual Oyuk (Scarecrow) Festival villagers turn the scarecrows of their fields into works of art and fill the village square and lanes with them. Outside the festival the stone houses, the village coffee house and the walking tracks around it make an easy half-day trip.
To plan the rest of your visit, see our guide map for restaurants, cafés and hotels, and check the Urla taxi guide for transport.