Lots can be said about Istanbul and 99% are pure-hearted compliments.
But that teeny 1% mostly has to do with the enormous waves of crowds packing in this vibrant, historic city.
Lots can also be said about Paris, but one thing is for certain – Istanbul has been crowned the most visited city in the world, overtaking the French icon.
Yep, that’s right. This far-flung city has soared to new heights, making it the perfect opportunity to explore Turkiye, one of the world’s most fascinating countries.
As we transition to fall, travelers essentially flip a coin deciding between colorful foliage photo-ops or hitting up a nice beach.
Turkiye has some incredible beaches, but perhaps the most unique is Urla, often referred to as the ‘Tuscany of Turkiye’.
Wine And Dine Seaside In Turkiye’s Trendy Izmir
It’s about time Turkiye has its moment, but this goes beyond the typical 15 minutes of fame.
Turkiye is an immaculate place to visit, and the more that’s revealed, the more it becomes a huge draw for travelers worldwide.
After being hyped by Lonely Planet, it’s now Izmir’s turn, a coastal region hugging the lovely Agean Sea and rightfully named the ‘Pearl of the Aegean’.
Within Izmir lies lesser-known Urla, but let’s change that, shall we?
Tuscany is one of those unique destinations that is impossible to replicate. Not just any wine destination can be put in the same sentence, but Urla passes the vibe check and then some.
Vast beautiful vineyards? Check!
Incredible cuisine? Better arrive hungry!
Mediterranean charm? Absolutely!
Blue-water beaches? For miles and miles!
Better yet, Urla is very affordable. Indulge in all the delights this coastal town has to offer without glancing at your bank account.
Many trendy Urla restaurants are Michelin Guide, including OD Urla, serving up a fresh twist on French cuisine. Again, Turkiye says, “take that, Paris!”.
Turkiye’s Beloved Wine Destination
Can you find good wine in Istanbul? Yes.
Can you find great wine in Istanbul? Yes, but the best selection is likely imported from Urla.
Just like you can score decadent seafood in, say, Chicago, why not go straight to the source for the highest quality?
Urla is quintessential “wine country” except for the fact that it is not limited inland; it expands to the scenic coast.
If you were to visit Napa Valley, it would be beautiful, but wouldn’t the experience be enhanced tenfold on a stunning California beach?
The same goes for Urla, which has the added bonus of being set along the beautiful Aegean Sea. Tourists can wine and dine in paradise, but let’s stick to the wine.
Wineries speckle the map like a bad case of Measles, but this is a travel itch you’ll love to scratch.
Known as the Urla Wine Trail, your options are seemingly endless.
According to TripAdvisor, these are Urla’s top 3 wineries to visit in 2024:
- Urla Winery
- MMG Sarapcilik
- Hus Winery
So which stands out the most? Well, they all hold rave reviews from recent patrons, but the location of MMG Sarapcilik is unbeatable!
This traditional family-owned establishment still uses tried-and-true methods, like manual pressing, to produce the best possible wine.
Although tucked away from the scenic coast, don’t worry. No views are being sacrificed here.
Delight your tastebuds with Sauvs, Syrahs, and Chards surrounded by lush greenery, olive groves, and stunning vistas for miles on end.
Swap Reds and White For Stunning Blue Water
Few places are just as appealing, if not more, to venture inland than to stick around the beaches.
That’s no diss to Urla’s beautiful shores; it’s a compliment more than anything else.
Urla does see its fair share of visitors pack in on its beaches, but many would agree getting out on the water is the best way to enjoy this pretty town’s aquatic beauty.
Popular beaches like Kum Denizi Plaji are nice for lounging, but renting a boat or enjoying the epic views from your beachside hotel may be more rewarding.
Urla is lined with nice boutique hotels overlooking the immense sea, making it all the more enticing to head to the marina to book a boat ride.
Or simply peruse the charming local streets, many of which offer sweeping views of the Aegean.
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