TÜRKIYE
CHANNEL ISLANDS
ENGLAND
TRAVELS WITH MY MUM + OJM
URLA|İzmir_Türkiye🌙✨
Oh my days, Urla is hands-down the Aegean's best-kept secret, and I am utterly obsessed. It's raw, it's real, and it's dripping with heart. From the very moment we touched down, the locals welcomed us like long-lost friends—we could feel their warmth in every sip of tea + every mouthful of the most insane food. Irresistible little cafés lining the streets, local art that straight-up speaks to your soul, and food so ridiculously fresh + delicious, your taste buds won’t know what hit them!.
And don’t even get me started on those mornings—hello, Turkish breakfast heaven! Turkish coffee (sugar, yes please!!) and endless cups of Turkish tea. It was my mum’s first taste of a traditional Turkish breakfast, and oh, what a beautiful introduction to Turkish culture! I just know it’s a memory that'll be etched in her heart for years to come. Urla completely + utterly stole our hearts. It's one of those places you wish you could bottle up + relive forever 🕌 ☪️ 🍵
URLA İSKELE |İzmir_Türkiye.
Urla’s waterfront is one of those places that words simply can’t capture. Each step along the unspoilt shoreline greets you with scenery so breathtaking, you’ll have to pinch yourself. Picture this: the sun softly kissing your skin, the gentle lull of waves, turquoise waters shimmering under the sunlight, majestic mountains standing tall in the distance, and charming little boats rocking lazily in the breeze. And let’s not forget the beautiful restaurants hugging the water’s edge, serving up dishes that are just as stunning as the view. We kicked back in the shade, completely in awe. It’s the kind of place where life feels a little lighter, a little brighter _ everything just feels so perfectly right 🛶🏞️🌊
OD URLA |İzmir_Türkiye.
OD Urla is a MASTERPIECE boasting farm-to-table magic that screams Aegean tradition. We sat among the lush olive trees. I mean, come on – what an unforgettable backdrop for my mum’s first Michelin star experience! Each dish that arrived felt crafted with such care + creativity that I honestly felt like royalty! Now, let’s talk about the lamb ... WOW! I’m usually a well-done kind of gal, but when they suggested medium rare, I took the plunge—and it was OUTSTANDING! And just when we thought we’d decided on desserts, a selection of EVERYTHING on the menu arrived, compliments of the chef. Trust me, if you ever find yourself in Urla, you absolutely can’t miss this foodie haven 🍽️🥂🍾
ÇEŞME |İzmir_Türkiye.
Çeşme is a delightful blend of old-world charm and modern flair, where history and style dance together effortlessly. Vibrant shops burst with luxurious lokum (aka Turkish delight—my absolute fave!), scrumptious local cakes + pastries, free-flowing Turkish tea, sizzling kebabs, and mouthwatering arrays of gelato in crazy delicious flavours. Oliver + my mum—who’d both happily survive on just ice cream— indulged in far too many scoops as we explored the charming streets. And the Çeşme marina? Simply breathtaking! Gleaming yachts bobbing in the harbour, trendy restaurants + chic boutiques vying for your attention—though fair warning, the price tags might make your eyes water! And for an unforgettable evening dip, Atatürk Beach is THE spot as the day gently fades away.
⛵⚓❤️