Things To Do
in Urla
Urla is a scenic Aegean town in İzmir Province, perched along a winding coastline and framed by rolling hills. The area is renowned for its wine production, olive oil, and farm-to-table dining, all set against a sleepy harbor and stone-paved streets. Wandering the town reveals a relaxed vibe with friendly locals, bays, and seasonal markets that showcase fresh seafood and produce.
Whether you seek coastal views, vineyard tours, or a backdrop for photography, Urla offers a versatile base for a restful getaway or a longer exploration.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at Izmir airport and take a scenic 45-minute drive to Urla’s historic center. Check into a charming boutique hotel nestled among olive groves. Enjoy a leisurely coffee at a waterfront café while soaking in your first glimpses of the Aegean Sea.
Wander the labyrinthine streets of Rum Mahallesi, admiring pastel-hued Greek houses and bougainvillea-draped doorways. Pop into artisanal shops showcasing hand-painted ceramics and custom olive oil soaps. Savor a light lunch of gözleme and ayran at a local eatery.
Head down to Urla Harbor for dinner at a seafood restaurant overlooking the yachts bobbing in the bay. Toast to your first night with a glass of local rosé while watching the sun dip below the horizon. End the evening with a gentle stroll along the lit-up promenade.
Drive to a traditional olive oil mill on the outskirts of Urla and watch the pressing of fresh olives into golden oil. Sample various grades and learn about cold-press techniques. Chat with local producers about sustainable harvesting methods.
Enjoy a rustic mezze platter paired with your favorite oils under a shaded veranda. Tour the surrounding groves and capture sweeping views of endless olive trees across gentle hills. Learn the history of olive cultivation in the Aegean region.
Return to Urla town center and dine at a taverna specializing in olive oil-based dishes. Sip a refreshing şerbet spiked with mint. Reflect on the day’s flavors while a soft breeze drifts in from the sea.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| 🥗Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🚎One-way local transport | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🧴Bottle of water | $0.5-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery and beaches
- Strong wine culture and vineyard tours
- Relaxed, friendly local vibe with historic charm
- Limited nightlife compared to İzmir city center
- Can be crowded in peak summer months
- Some attractions require car travel to reach
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Bu ne kadar?" - How much is this?
- "Nerede tuvalet?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "İyi günler" - Good day
- "Yardım edebilir misiniz?" - Could you help me?
Places to Visit in Urla
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful boats, working fishermen, and pastel waterfront buildings framed by early morning or late golden-hour light.
Narrow lanes and stone houses create timeless textures and shadows perfect for street and architectural shots.
Windmills dot the coast, offering classic Aegean silhouettes against the sea horizon.
Gentle terraced hillsides with rows of vines, especially striking at sunrise or sunset.
Clear blue water and rugged coastline ideal for landscape photography and intimate seascapes.
Food in Urla
Urla Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Aegean seafood served with olive oil, lemon, and herbs, best enjoyed with crusty bread and a cold local white.
Must-Try!
A soft sesame bun filled with cheese, tomato, and sometimes cured meat; a popular quick bite along the coast.
Artichokes simmered in olive oil with lemon and herbs, a seasonal vegetarian option.
Seasonal greens fried or sautéed in olive oil, often eaten as a light accompaniment.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering fresh produce, seafood, cheeses, olives, herbs, and crafts; great for tasting local flavors.
Casual stalls near the quay offering grilled seafood skewers, simple salads, and snacks with sea views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake and a smile are common; learning a few Turkish phrases like Merhaba goes a long way.
Dress modestly for religious sites; remove shoes when required; speak softly in residential areas.
Offer of tea or coffee is common; accepting with a gracious thank you is polite.
Safety
Tipping in Urla
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and cafes, a tip of 5-10% is common if service is not included; smaller tips in casual cafes are appreciated.
Cash and credit/debit cards are widely accepted; some small vendors prefer cash; ATMs are available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry days with refreshing sea breezes; peak beach season from June to August; carry sun protection and stay hydrated.
Mild temperatures and fewer crowds; ideal for winery tours and outdoor photography in golden light.
Milder and wetter with cooler evenings; some outdoor activities slower, but wine experiences and indoor markets remain enjoyable.
Blooming landscapes and pleasant temperatures; perfect for hiking, markets, and outdoor meals.
Urla at Night
Hiking in Urla
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Rugged coastline with sea cliffs and secluded coves; a day trip from Urla for dramatic sea views.
Gentle to moderate treks through olive groves and pine forests with lookout points over the Aegean.
Airports
How to reach Urla by plane.
The region’s primary international gateway, located near İzmir; a 60–90 minute drive to Urla depending on traffic and route.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families, farmers, and fishermen sustaining the rural-to-coastal economy.
Tourists and wine enthusiasts arriving for vineyard tours and seaside escapes, especially in late spring and summer.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular along the coastal towns with access to calm bays and wind-friendly conditions.
Team-supported or self-guided tastings and vineyard visits common in Urla’s wine country.
Enjoying the Aegean waters at local coves and beaches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Urla.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options include grilled vegetables, meze, salads, and olive oil-based dishes; ask for dishes without meat broth.