Izmir spreads along the Aegean coast as Turkey's third largest city, a commercial centre with a distinctly relaxed Mediterranean character. The waterfront kordon promenade, bazaars, and café culture give a different feel to Istanbul's intensity. Direct flights from London take about 3 hours 45 minutes to Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB).
Ephesus, one of the ancient world's great cities, lies 80km south. The ruins include the Library of Celsus and a theatre seating 25,000. Izmir itself has the Kemeraltı bazaar, clock tower at Konak Square, and the Agora of Smyrna. Nearby beach towns at Çeşme and Alaçatı attract windsurfers and weekend escapees.
Turkish Airlines operates through Istanbul with premium cabins. Pegasus and SunExpress fly direct from Stansted and Gatwick in economy. EasyJet serves the route seasonally. Jet2 connects from regional airports. Business class options require routing via Istanbul unless booking connecting services through other hubs.