Seferihisar

Seferihisar (Source: Tourism Department of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality)

Seferihisar is located to the south of Izmir and is a place where nature, history, and sea come together to promise peace to its visitors all year long. Seferihisar is the first "Slow City" (Cittaslow) of Turkey and the 121st in the world. The street lamps are solar-powered, local seeds are grown and nets are used instead of nylon bags in its market where local goods are sold. The restaurants of the district that offers very clean coasts offer the local delicacies unique to Seferihisar, and you can find homemade fresh and natural products in the market that is set up inside the Sığacık Castle every Sunday.

Sığacık is the place to start exploring Seferihisar

Sığacık was the northern port of Teos in the Antique era, and today it is a district that changed with the Teos Marina and hosts increasing numbers of visitors. Sığacık hosts world-famous Akkum and Ekmeksiz beaches with their glistening sands and clean sea and has many hotels and hostels. Even though the Sığacık Port is not a place to swim, the visitors can discover the Papaz Boğazı, Taş Ada, Azmak, Aktaşlı and Çamağız areas on daily boat tours.

Sığacık Bazaar, which is set on the narrow streets of the Sığacık Kaleiçi region on Sundays, is one of the most popular bazaars in Turkey. What differentiates it from the others is the fact that only products made in Seferihisar are sold here.

Historical places to see in Seferihisar

Teos Antique Site, which is located five kilometers from Seferihisar is one of the oldest and most important historical remains in the district. Teos was one of the 12 Ionian cities and was established by the Achaean General Athamas around 1080 B.C.

Kasım Çelebi Madrasa, which is thought to be built in the 15th century, and the City Memory Museum and House of Memories are the three other destinations for history enthusiasts.

Blue flag beaches of Seferihisar

Seferihisar has a 49-km-long coastline that contains many beaches and bays, each more beautiful than the other. Seferihisar is the district that has the most Blue Flag Beaches in Turkey with its 11 Blue Flag Beaches, 9 of which are public beaches. Daily charter boats that tour the beautiful bays of the district are available at the Sığacık Port.

As the district with the longest coastline in Turkey, Seferihisar has, of course, many diving spots. North of Ekmeksiz Beach, there is a 17-meters-long sunken fisherman's boat at 33 m depth waiting for scuba divers.

Tangerine Festival

Seferihisar, the Tangerine capital of Turkey, celebrates the beginning of the tangerine season with the Tangerine Festival which exhibits products made from tangerine is held each year in November. Even though it’s not a regular tourism season, if you happen to be in the area during that period, we suggest you attend this colorful festival.