14 Best Things to Do in Western Anatolia

Have you ever dreamed of a walk in ancient cities where a stone sings a piece of history? Western Anatolia, a region where myth and reality share an effortless link, has for travelers more than the sheer splendor of the scenery, more than that, a journey across centuries. From mythic Ephesus ruins to offbeat wonders of cultures, Western Anatolia is a living history museum of human civilization.

Whether history buff, cultural traveler, or simply someone who longs to get off the beaten path but still wants to experience inspiration, things to do in Western Anatolia are as diverse as they are unforgettable. This guide lifts the curtain on more than just superficial wonders, bringing not only wonders to see, but history and tales that made those wonders.

1. Explore the Ancient Ruins of Ephesus

One of the largest ancient cities of the planet, Ephesus is a superbly preserved site which in its boom times was a vibrant Greco-Roman city and today is a living museum of stone-paved streets, magnificent temples, and massive theatres.

Pass through the Library of Celsus, a remarkable two-story facade that once held upwards of 12,000 scrolls. Visit the Great Theatre, which held a capacity of 25,000 people, where Saint Paul once preached. Don’t forget a visit to the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Old World.

The surrounding area, home to the House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John, lends a profound spiritual dimension to the visit. Ephesus is a trip deep into classical antiquity, blending myth, religion, and imperial glory.

2. Visit the Legendary City of Troy

Legendary Troy, famous from Homer’s Iliad, is found close to contemporary Dardanelles in Çanakkale Province. More than a myth, Troy’s site has a whopping nine layers of civilization, which have lasted for over 4,000 years.

Walk between its ancient walls, gates, and towers and see in your imagination the mythical Trojan War. See the reproduced wooden Trojan Horse, which has interior views. The Troy Museum, next door, is a modern wonder, and it has exhibits which recount Troy’s history over the centuries.

Troy is not only a location of myth, but a window into Bronze Age history, and hence a must-see for all those who are enthusiastic about legend and legacy.

3. Discover the Acropolis of Pergamon

Set on a hill overlooking modern Bergama, Pergamon’s Acropolis has great views and archaeological treats. Pergamon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was a Hellenistic cultural and political center.

Visit the steepest theatre in the ancient world, Theatre of Pergamon, which held over 10,000 spectators. Explore the Altar of Zeus, once hailed as a masterpiece of Hellenistic artistry. The Pergamon Library was once Alexandria’s counterpart, which housed over 200,000 scrolls.

Also in the lower city is the ancient medical center of the Asklepion dedicated to the patron deity of medicine. They share as a group a story of a cosmopolitan empire, renowned for accomplishments in art, science, and politics.

4. Delve into the Forgotten Beauty of Aphrodisias

Aphrodisias is perhaps Turkey’s most underrated treasure. With its name derived from Aphrodite, the love goddess, this ancient city just outside Aydın is home to a remarkable stadium, a Sebasteion or temple complex in exquisite detail, and one of the best-preserved tetrapylons.

Its marble works, which have been created by great masters of antiquity, are among the best ever unearthed. The on-site Aphrodisias Museum houses a large number of these masterpieces, making it a paradise for admirers of ancient sculpture.

Little visited by mass crowds as are other locations, Aphrodisias offers a calmer, more spiritual experience of ancient Anatolia, amidst olive groves and softly undulating hills.

5. Marvel at the Travertine Terraces of Pamukkale

Pamukkale’s radiant white terraces resemble a magical staircase straight out of a fairy tale. Formed over a thousand years by calcium-rich thermal water, these calcium carbonate deposits are not only extraordinarily beautiful but possess a multitude of healing properties too.

Walk barefoot over travertines and have a warm therapeutic bath. Hierapolis, which was an old spa city, is above Pamukkale and it contains Roman baths, well-maintained theater, and Martyrdom of St. Philip.

Do not miss the Antique Pool (Cleopatra’s Pool), in which guests can swim between dropped marble columns in clean thermal water. Pamukkale strikes a balance between natural beauty and historical heritage, offering a memorable spa retreat.

6. Hike Through the Mythical Kaz Mountains (Mount Ida)

Once called Mount Ida, Balıkesir Province’s Kaz Mountains are steeped in myth and natural sorcery. It is here, so the myth has it, that the gods came down to watch the Trojan War play out. Now a national park, it is sheltered and verdant with forest, foaming waterfalls, and majestic treks.

The area is famous for its biodiversity, endemic flora, and high level of oxygen, which have made it a paradise for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Villages such as Adatepe and Yeşilyurt provide charming stone-house accommodations, restaurants serving organic cuisine, and a warm, authentic taste of Turkish hospitality.

Whether it is a climb up a peak or a picnic by a stream, the Kaz Mountains provide a serene yet invigorating escape into nature and myth.

7. Sail the Aegean Coast from Ayvalık

Ayvalık, through its labyrinthal Ottoman-Greek buildings, turquoise seas, and olive groves, is your perfect gateway to the Aegean Sea. Hire a boat or take a sailing tour, and a treasure trove of secluded coves, golden beaches, and peaceful isles like Cunda Island lies ahead.

Soak in a breathtaking sunset from above at Devil’s Table (Şeytan Sofrası), where panoramic views create a truly unforgettable experience. Enjoy Turkish delights like Ayvalık toast, olive oil specialties, and fresh seafood at harborside taverns. The laid-back atmosphere, active maritime life, and deep history make Ayvalık just right for relaxation as well as exploring.

For a beach getaway infused with culture, the Western Anatolian jewel of Ayvalık is an essential destination.

8. Relax on Çeşme’s White Sand Beaches

Çeşme, a beach paradise on the Aegean, is Mediterranean heaven at its finest. With its powder-white sands, sparkling turquoise seas, and laid-back atmosphere, it is paradise for a beach enthusiast and high-luxury traveler.

Visit Ilıca Beach for geothermal waters and a shallow lagoon. Otherwise, Altınkum is a high-end experience with peaceful panoramas and lighter crowds. Try wind and kite surfing in Alaçatı, a windy town just outside of town.

Çeşme is where chic beach clubs, design hotels, and seafood restaurants serving Aegean-inspired dining can be found. It is a perfect retreat for sunny relaxation combined with sophistication.

9. Discover the Artistic Heritage of Eskişehir

The city of youth, innovation, and creativity, Eskişehir, is a rarity in Western Anatolia with a bohemian vibe and cultural rhythm. Situated on both banks of Porsuk River, this college town is lined with sculpture-flanked boulevards, street art, and museums in tribute to contemporary and evergreen craftsmanship.

Visit Odunpazarı, an old town with period wood buildings from the Ottoman era, now housing art galleries and craft shops. Visit the Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM), an impressive example of modern construction that houses modern works by foreign and Turkish artists.

It is here, too, where meerschaum sculpturing, an elaborate art of fashioning indigenous white mineral, initially started. The Meerschaum Museum gives a detailed insight into this unique skill. Eskişehir, as a youth and cultural city, is a hub for communication and creation.

10. Join Traditional Village Life in Şirince

Set amidst hillsides just outside of Selçuk, Şirince is a charming retreat into genuine Turkish countryside. Its cobblestone streets, red-tiled, stone houses painted white, and vine-covered courtyards evoke a timeless feeling.

The village is well known for its village-produced olive oil soaps, knitted garments, and organic vegetables.

Stay in a small guesthouse, eat homemade Aegean specialties, and interact with village craftsmen.

11. Attend the Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival in Edirne

Even though technically just in western Anatolia, Edirne’s Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival is a long-held cultural tradition definitely worth a visit for. Once annually during summer, this is the longest continuously held, untbroken sporting event anywhere in the world, tracing back to 1362.

Weigh-in wrestling pehlivans, dressed in leather shorts, anointed in olive oil, engage in strength, tactics, and stamina exhibitions. It is not only a game, it is a cultural ceremony, including folk songs, rituals, and banquet.

Set against the backdrop of Sarayiçi, the lush festival field, this UNESCO-licensed heritage festival is a poignant representation of Turkey’s historical identity and community spirit.

12. Explore the Vibrant Streets of İzmir

İzmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, blends deep historical roots with a modern, dynamic spirit. Once known as ancient Smyrna, it’s a captivating mix of coastal elegance, rich cultural heritage, and urban edge.

Walk along the Kordon, a waterfront promenade lined with palm trees and cafes, and go into Konak Square, which is home to the legendary Clock Tower.

İzmir has a thriving arts scene with galleries, concert halls, and film festivals. From morning simit by the beach to a hustle-and-bustle nightlife, İzmir offers a bustling and multi-faceted city experience.

13. Feast on Aegean Cuisine

Western Anatolian cuisine is a tribute to both the land and the sea, and it is one that is deeply intertwined with seasonal produce, olive oil, and herbs. A marriage of Greek and Turkish cuisine, Aegean cuisine is fresh, healthy, and tasty.

Start your day with a Middle Eastern savory pastry, boyoz, and taste an endless array of mezes, from olive oil artichokes, zeytinyağlı enginar, to fava, a purée of broad beans. Taste grilled octopus, squash blossoms filled with a tasty concoction, and salt-baked sea bass.

The Aegean cuisine is perfect with fresh vegetables, lentils, wild greens (otlar), and native olive oil. Have your meal with a cup of Şirince tea for a true experience of taste. Having a meal here is not only for nourishment, but also a community and taste ceremony.

14. Shop Handmade Ceramics in Kütahya

Kütahya is where Turkish ceramic history is centered, a history that started in the 14th century. With its typical blue-and-white tiles, complex design, and exquisite craftsmanship, Kütahya pottery is equal in status to İznik pottery and is highly prized all over the world.

Visit the Kütahya Tile Museum in an Ottoman medrese, and see a centuries-old tradition of tile production. Visit local workshops where artists as fashion, color, and fire clay in wood-fired kilns.

Come home with vibrant plates, vases, and tiles that resonate with Seljuk and Ottoman patterns. Although shopping in Kütahya is not only for souvenirs, it is a historical experience where history intersects with craftsmanship.

FAQ About Western Anatolia

1. What are the top historical sites to visit in Western Anatolia?

Western Anatolia is rich in historical sites. The must-visit places include Ephesus, a remarkably well-preserved ancient Greek-Roman city; the Temple of Artemis, which was counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; Pergamon, known for its ancient theater and Acropolis; Aphrodisias, a Greco-Roman city named after Aphrodite, the Greek love goddess; and Hierapolis, which is close to Pamukkale’s travertine structures. All these share in common a deep cultural and historical identity for Western Anatolia.

2. What are some unique natural attractions in Western Anatolia?

Western Anatolia is not lacking in natural attractions. Best known is Pamukkale, with its sparkling white calcium formations and thermal pools. Be sure to visit the legendary Kaz Mountains (Mount Ida), celebrated for their lush greenery, and the tranquil Lake Bafa, perfect for peaceful walks and bird-watching adventures. Sea locations such as Akyaka and Çeşme combine nature with scenery of the ocean and water activities.

3. Does your state have a must-visit old town or village?

Yes, several cute Western Anatolian towns still have old Turkish buildings and culture. Nestled near Ephesus, Şirince is known for its cobblestone streets and cozy guesthouses. Birgi, a old town with Ottoman-era houses, is real. Alaçatı, famous for its windmills and stone buildings, is famous for its bohemian scene and bazaars.

4. What regional foods should I try in Western Anatolia?

Western Anatolia’s cuisine is infused with Aegean influences—fresh, wholesome, and richly flavored with olive oil. Don’t resist zeytinyağlılar (stewed vegetables in olive oil), keşkek (a wheat and meat stew), İzmir boyoz (a flaky pastry), and seaside seafood specialities. Aegean mezes, too, such as fava, grilled octopus, and dolmades, are favourites as appetizers. Local wine from Şirince or Urla is a perfect accompaniment.

5. What cities are best to base oneself in when exploring Western Anatolia?

İzmir is the main hub and an excellent base with its modern facilities, airport, and proximity to coastal and ancient sites. Kuşadası is ideal for beach-lovers and Ephesus visitors. Ayvalık offers a charming seaside town experience. Thermal excursions and nearby ancient locations are accessible in and around Denizli (near Pamukkale). All cities offer a variety of accommodations and easy access to top-notch attractions.