The moment we left the city of İzmir behind, the air began to change.
A cool breeze slipped through the bus window, carrying with it the quiet hum of the Aegean. It was October — the kind of morning that stirs both calm and curiosity. The second day of our media tour had just begun, and even the chill at the gas station stop felt like a gentle reminder: an adventure was waiting.
As the bus rolled down the expressway, the world outside turned into a moving painting — rows of olive trees, sunlit vineyards, and glassy greenhouses catching the light. Horses ran across open fields. Yellow leaves swayed to the rhythm of the wind.
This is Türkiye’s quieter beauty — one that speaks softly but lingers deeply.
Alaçatı: A Storybook Town by the Sea
Our first stop was Alaçatı, a place that feels plucked straight out of a fairytale.
Think cobblestone streets, windmills turning lazily against a blue sky, and stone houses draped in flowers. Once a small Greek settlement, Alaçatı is now one of Türkiye’s most loved towns — rustic, whitewashed, and full of charm.
The wind here doesn’t just shape the landscape; it defines life itself.
Long before it powered windsurfing and kitesurfing, it turned the sails of ancient windmills that once ground wheat and barley for trade. Today, those same windmills stand proudly — symbols of the town’s heritage and strength.
At the heart of Alaçatı, the energy shifts. Cafés buzz with laughter, boutiques spill onto the streets, and everywhere you look is picture-perfect. Stray cats nap in the sun, dogs trot happily beside strangers, and in one corner, a litter of curious puppies win hearts.
We paused at Köşe Kahve, a cozy café with wooden tables and warm smiles.
I sipped fresh pomegranate juice — tart and sweet all at once — while others enjoyed their strong Turkish tea. It was the perfect reset before the road called again.
Çeşme: Between the Castle and the Sea
Just fifteen minutes away, the road opens up to Çeşme, Alaçatı’s elegant coastal neighbor.
Here, yachts glisten like pearls under the sun, rocking gently in the harbor’s blue embrace.
Above it all stands Çeşme Castle, a 15th-century Ottoman fortress watching over the town. Its cannon-lined walls whisper stories of old battles and forgotten kings.
From the promenade, you can see Chios, a Greek island shimmering faintly across the horizon — a reminder of how history and geography are forever intertwined.
We stopped for lunch at Dost Pide, a beloved local restaurant that has been serving its famous Turkish-style pizza since 1974. The warm bread, melted cheese, and savory toppings were comfort on a plate — a pause from travel, a taste of home.
Urla: The Heart of the Land
Leaving the coast, we drove through rolling hills covered with olive trees and vineyards.
Each turn revealed another stretch of green — quiet, endless, beautiful.
In Urla, we discovered where tradition meets innovation.
At the Köstem Olive Oil Museum, we learned how this golden liquid has shaped Türkiye’s culture and cuisine for centuries. During the tasting, I took a cautious sip. The olive oil burned my throat — sharp and peppery. I coughed, surprised. The expert smiled and said, “That’s how you know it’s good.”
Eyes watering but impressed, I nodded.
Next, we wandered through the Uzbas Arboretum, a 2,200-acre sanctuary filled with plants from across the globe.
It’s home to over 700-year-old bonsai olive trees — ancient, twisted survivors of time. Standing before them felt like standing in the presence of history itself.
By evening, we found ourselves at Bagevi Vineyard, a farm-to-table restaurant tucked deep in Urla’s countryside. Darkness surrounded the place, save for the golden light spilling from its windows. Inside, warmth and laughter filled the air.
A furnace crackled softly in the corner. A bouquet of fresh flowers sat at the center of our table. We sipped red and white wine made from the vines just outside and enjoyed a feast — crisp salads, tender lamb, rich sauces, and a lava brownie topped with bright pomegranate seeds.
When we stepped outside, the night was lit only by orange street lamps and stars scattered across the sky. The sweet taste of fruit still lingered as we drove away.
Where the Past Still Breathes
In Türkiye, the past never truly leaves.
It lives in the burn of olive oil on your tongue, in the whistle of wind through the old trees, in every stone street and seaside town.
Izmir’s countryside isn’t just a destination — it’s a feeling.
Quiet. Timeless. Alive.
This journey was made possible by Turkish Airlines and the Turkish Ministry of Tourism.
