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Known in Turkish as 'Beautiful Izmir", the city
lies at the head of a long and narrow gulf
furrowed by ships and yachts. The climate is mild,
and in the summer the constant and refreshing sea
breezes temper the sun's heat. Behind the palm-lined
promenades and avenues which follow the shoreline,
the city, in horizontal terraces, gently ascends
the slopes of the surrounding mountains. A
cosmopolitan and lively city, galleries, theaters
and cultural events give Izmir its special
vibrancy. The original settlement was established
in the third millennium B.C. and represented the
most advanced culture in western Anatolia at that
time. Over the years this thriving city and the
surrounding area had come under the sovereignty of
the Hittites, lonians, Lydians, Persians,
Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans.
Levent Marina provides an excellent place to begin
a yachting adventure. Sailing in and around the
beautiful Gulf of izmir will prepare voyagers for
the wonderful sites that lie ahead. At Urla
iskelesi, the small islands that dot the coast
will certainly charm you. Beautiful beaches and
excellent moorings with swimming, snorkeling and
diving are all available in the area. From Urla
lskelesi sail on to the Karaburun Peninsula. At
Karaburun, pleasant hotels, tea gardens and fish
restaurants sit between the beautiful mountain
backdrop and the clear, clean water. Voyage out of
the Gulf of lzmir around the Karaburun Peninsula
to the Cesme Peninsula, a spit of land lapped by
the waters of the Aegean Sea.
Cesme, meaning 'fountain', derives its name from
the many sources of water found in the area. A
14th century Genoese fortress, restored and
enlarged by the Ottomans in the 16th century,
dominates the small port of Cesme. Around Cesme,
the large Altinyunus Setur Marina complex and the
berthing places of llica and Dalyan are all noted
for their safety. In town, the 16th century
caravanserai built by Süleyman the Magnificent
near the fortress, has been converted into a hotel.
Excellent shopping the finest quality carpets,
leather goods, as well as souvenir items are
available. At night, a lively, fun atmosphere
pervades, especially in the restaurants, cafes,
bars and discos along the promenade. In July,
Cesme's International Song Contest attracts world
famous performers who add glamour and excitement
to the town. The thermal baths in the area, along
with the natural springs found right off the coast
and which mix with the sea water in llica Bay,
provide soothing relaxation.
Southeast of Cesme, beautiful bays offer splendid
scenery and tranquil night moorings in complete
safety from the winds and waves. Soon you will
arrive at Sigacik, where a picturesque marina
rests beneath fortifications that date from the
Genoese period. From here, the antique site of
Teos, noted for its Temple of Dionysus, the god of
wine, is conveniently close. It is also an
excellent area in which to sample some of Turkey's
superb wines. The Kusadasi Gulf opens to the south
and south-east with some of the most enticing
beaches, bays and coves on the Aegean coast.
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