URLA
İZMIR, TÜRKIYE
A mon avis, Urla is hands-down the Aegean's best-kept secret. Urla’s charm lies in its authenticity. It’s real, it’s raw, and it’s full of heart. From the moment we arrived, the locals welcomed us like long-lost friends. Turkish hospitality? Absolutely next-level. You can feel the warmth in every sip of tea and every bite of food. One of the best surprises in Urla was the Art Street (Sanat Sokağı ) lined with quaint galleries and inviting cafes, that we simply could not resist; and local art that speaks directly to your soul. And don’t even get me started on the food – Urla is a place where your stomach falls in love too. And the best food was hidden in the backstreets of Urla. Total hole-in-the-wall vibes, nothing fancy to look at, but oh my goodness—the food was mind-blowing. Oh, and let’s not forget those magical mornings devouring the most incredible Turkish breakfast, paired with the boldest Turkish coffee. Bliss. Pure and utter bliss. It’s one of those moments you wish you could bottle up and relive forever. Urla quietly sneaks up on you and steals your heart, leaving you wondering how it’s still such a secret.
URLA İSKELE
İZMIR, TÜRKIYE
Urla’s waterfront is one of those spots that words can’t quite fully capture. Every step you take along the unspoilt shoreline is met with jaw-dropping scenery in every direction. Picture this: sun kissing your skin, the gentle sound of waves lulling you into bliss, and views so stunning they make you stop and just breathe. Think beautiful restaurants perched right on the water’s edge, dishing up plates as gorgeous as the scenery. We kicked back in the shade soaking it all in—watching the turquoise waters sparkle under the sun, majestic mountains rising in the distance and charming boats peacefully rocking back and forth. Here, life feels a little bit lighter, a little bit brighter, and everything just feels so perfectly right.
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OD URLA
İZMIR, TÜRKIYE
As soon as I settled in, the beauty of the setting at OD Urla made me wish I could hit pause and soak in the view forever. It’s like the restaurant itself is a masterpiece, framed by breathtaking scenery. Each dish that arrived at my table felt crafted with the kind of care and creativity that made me feel like royalty! And the lamb? WOW! As a gal who usually likes her meat well done, I hesitated at the medium rare recommendation, but it was OUTSTANDING! It was my mum's first Michelin star experience, and she was absolutely taken aback! Watching her delight as each dish arrived was a joy in itself. The elegance, the flavours—everything left her in awe. It was a magical moment for both of us, making the evening even more special! When in Urla, trust me - you absolutely can’t pass up this foodie haven!
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ÇEŞME
İZMIR, TÜRKIYE
Çeşme is a mesmerising blend of old and new, where history dances gracefully with modern flair. Vibrant shops overflow with luxurious lokum a.k.a. Turkish delight (my absolute favourite!), alongside indulgent local cakes and pastries, while Turkish tea flows freely everywhere you turn. The air is rich with the aroma of sizzling kebabs and fresh seafood, enticing us into its lively street food scene, Adding to the charm are colorful trucks showcasing a dazzling array of gelato in irresistible flavours, tempting Oliver and my mum—who could both literally live off ice cream—to indulge in far too many scoops while we explored. And the Cesme marina? Undeniably gorgeous, with gleaming yachts bobbing in the harbour, its trendy restaurants and chic boutiques vying for your attention—though it all comes with a price tag that might just make your eyes water.
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