Port of Izmir, Türkiye
After visiting Istanbul, we made our next stop at the port of Izmir, Türkiye with Oceania Riviera.
The tranquil waves and graceful birds accompanying our ship left us mesmerized we are approached the port. Probably one of the most entertaining aspects to the Izmir port on the day we arrived were watching the container trucks. If you aren’t aware, drivers in Türkiye aren’t necessarily the most patient! The container truck drivers were getting very frustrated with each other as they fought to be first through the port gates. Maybe that’s one of the best parts of taking cruises. Some would say that certain harbors aren’t the most “attractive” since they can be very industrial. However, there are plenty of exciting things to observe as you wait for the ship to dock.
Heading into the City
We soon were off the ship, and through the small terminal. There are buses provided by Oceania that will take you to the city center of Izmir. This is a great way to bypass the need for taxis. Our bus dropped us off in the Konak district of Izmir. From here, you can either go to the coast or head inland like we did.
Konak Square
We headed straight for the Clock Tower, an iconic historic structure situated at Konak Square. Serving as the city’s main landmark, the tower was completed in 1901 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Abdul Hamid II’s reign.
We opted to bypass the bustling Kemeralti Market due to its reputation for being crowded. Instead, we strolled along the labyrinth of streets near Konak Square. These shops seemed to stretch endlessly, and it was surprisingly easy to lose our way! Please keep in mind that some of these streets are not paved, so make sure to use appropriate footwear.
Note: A lot of toilets in these areas are squatting toilets or “squatting pan” toilets. They usually require a small fee, so keeping Turkish Lira on hand is advisable. You can use Euros in some places, but it can get confusing negotiating. It is also wise to keep tissues with you as some facilities do not provide them.
The Bustling City
After successfully finding our way out of the maze, we decided to explore the bustling urban area of Izmir. Our mission was to purchase tooth glue for mom's cap that had come off the previous day. Coincidentally, on the same day, one of my back teeth chipped due to a different incident. It's ironic how both tooth-related issues arose on that particular day. It serves as a reminder to always have a tooth repair kit handy as ships may not always stock dental supplies.
We only came across denture glue during our search, but thankfully everything worked out in the end. Nevertheless, we walked so extensively that our feet and legs were extremely tired! The urban zones of Izmir are quite chaotic, so we suggest staying along the coast if you seek a more tranquil setting.
The Kordon Coastline
Eventually, we circled back to the scenic coastline. The Kordon, a scenic coastal area, serves as an excellent route back to the cruise terminal. While we could have opted for a bus or taxi, this choice felt more serene and captivating. The picturesque promenade winds along the coastline, treating us to breathtaking vistas of the Aegean Sea.
As we made our way back, we unexpectedly encountered the Tree of the Republic Statue in Gündoğdu Square. This striking monument depicts a stylized tree, its branches reaching skyward. Each branch symbolizes a vital facet of the Turkish Republic: Education, Science, Industry, Agriculture, Culture, and Art. The tree embodies growth, progress, and the shared spirit of their nation
As the sun set, we contemplated the sheer wonder that Türkiye had bestowed upon us.
Don’t forget to watch our full vlog of our time in Türkiye on YouTube!
