Foça

Foça (Source: Tourism Department of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality)

An Ionian civilization in the Ancient Era, Foça was called Phokaia for the Mediterranean monk seals that lived in its waters and this name reached our present day in the form of Foça. Included in Homeros's Odysseia, Foça is a place frequented by both foreign and domestic tourists. In Foça day trips can be made on boats to visit the islands and coves or the historical sites. Foça is the second slow city (cittaslow) of Izmir, after Seferihisar.  

Beaches in Foça

Foça is one of the places where you can enjoy the sea to the fullest. Wherever you stay in the district, you can be sure that there is a wonderful beach nearby waiting for you. After a few days spent in Marsinaki bays and the other Foça beaches you should definitely explore, you won’t want to leave Foça.

Historical places in Foça

Foça, which has been home to many civilizations throughout history, is a treasure worth exploring for history and archeology enthusiasts. Even though the Castle and City Walls, which were built to protect the city, have been partially destroyed, they are still present and greeting their visitors. The Fatih Mosque is one of the most important buildings of the Turkish period in the district and is still in use. Athena Temple, Cybele Open-Air Temple, and Kayalar Mosque are other places that reflect the history of the district.

Epic natural beauties of Foça

Foça is one of those places that fascinate you with its natural beauty. The Siren Rocks mentioned in Homer's Odysseia are here. Siren Rocks are also mentioned in Greek mythology; it was believed that their bodies were bird-shaped and their heads were like the heads of women. It was strongly believed that they caught the attention of sailors to the rocks with their music and sailors who were attracted by the music lost their ways, crashed the rocks and sank. The Rocks which have volcanic structures have eroded throughout the centuries and transformed into supernatural shapes.

There are 6 uninhabited islands called Orak, İncir, Fener, Atatürk, Kartdere, and Metelik across from Foça. On the island of Orak, there is a long pebble beach on the south shore; Orak, Atatürk, and Kartdere have steep cliffs reaching 80 m in height. The islands are generally covered in weeds, brush, and scrubs. There is a small pine forest on the northern shore of İncir Island and an area covered in cactus on Fener Island.

Suggestions

If you want to see more than one bay during the day, you can take a boat trip.

You should try herbs, fish, and other seafood, the indispensable ingredients of Foça cuisine.

You can go to Kozbeyli Village which impresses its visitors with its authentic structure, and you can drink the famous mortar ground coffee.