Izmir had long been on my list of cities to visit, and I recently had the opportunity to do so thanks to an invitation from Swissôtel Büyük Efes Izmir. Over the course of four days, I not only experienced the hospitality of one of the city’s finest hotels but also discovered different sides of Izmir by walking through its historic neighbourhoods, watching the sunset over the Aegean Sea, exploring the ancient city of Ephesus, and uncovering the quiet charm of Urla.
Beyond discovering a new destination, it was a chance to experience a city where history and modern life intertwine.
We arrived in Izmir late in the evening, so our real introduction to the city had to wait until the following day. The next morning, the organisers arranged a few hours for us to unwind at the hotel’s spa and pool. It was the perfect way to begin the trip, allowing us to relax, recover from the flight, and ease into the days ahead. We also had the opportunity to experience the hotel’s culinary offerings. Breakfast was served at Café Swiss, where an extensive buffet featured Turkish and European specialities, freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruit, and a selection of local cheeses.
Before saying more about the programme, it is worth pausing for a moment to talk about the hotel itself. Swissôtel Büyük Efes Izmir is one of the city’s landmark hotels. Occupying a prime waterfront location along the famous Kordon promenade, it is surrounded by palm trees and is within walking distance of Konak Square, the Alsancak district, and many of Izmir’s main attractions. Although the hotel is located in the heart of the city, the atmosphere inside feels entirely different. Its expansive gardens, centuries-old trees, and outdoor pool create the impression of being at a seaside resort rather than in the centre of one of Türkiye’s largest cities.
After lunch, our group was given a guided tour of the hotel. Alongside its facilities, special attention was devoted to the impressive art collection displayed throughout the property. During the tour, we learned that the collection includes hundreds of works by renowned Turkish and international artists and sculptors, making a walk through the halls feel much like a visit to an art gallery. It is fascinating that the hotel is not only a place to stay but also a cultural destination in its own right.
Later that afternoon, we set out to explore Izmir. Our first stop was Alsancak – one of the city’s most vibrant and atmospheric neighbourhoods. From there, we visited the Ayşe Mayda Mansion and the Historical Elevator. It was here that one of the most memorable moments of the entire trip unfolded. We reached the viewing terrace just as the sun was beginning to set and watched the city slowly glow in warm golden light while the Gulf of Izmir stretched out before us in all its splendour.
We ended the day with dinner at Comensa Steakhouse – a restaurant known for its premium meat dishes and contemporary interpretations of classic cuisine – where the relaxed atmosphere provided the perfect setting to share our impressions of everything we had experienced on our first full day in Izmir. It was delightful to discover that the trip’s gastronomic programme was every bit as rich as the excursions themselves.
The following day began with a visit to Kemeraltı Bazaar, one of Türkiye’s oldest markets. It is the kind of place that cannot be explored in just a couple of hours. Its narrow streets, small workshops, stalls overflowing with spices and traditional sweets, and shops showcasing the works of local artisans create the unmistakable atmosphere of a traditional bazaar. The day ended with dinner at the Italian restaurant Scappi, where sunset cocktails, beautiful views, and an unhurried dinner provided the perfect conclusion to a day filled with discoveries.
The last day proved to be the busiest of the trip. In the morning, we headed to Urla. Urla is a charming coastal town on the Aegean Sea known for its wineries, picturesque streets, and relaxed pace of life. Our next destination was Ephesus. Visiting one of the world’s largest ancient cities is an unforgettable experience in itself, but the evening tour made it even more memorable. Beautifully illuminated, the ancient streets, the Library of Celsus, and the city’s ruins looked completely different after sunset.
By the end of our stay, I realised that Swissôtel Büyük Efes Izmir had become far more than just a place to stay. Its central location made it the perfect base for exploring the city, while returning each evening to the tranquillity of its gardens. Whether relaxing by the pool or strolling through the beautifully landscaped grounds, it was these thoughtful details that made the journey truly memorable.
