 |
|
|
Looking for more
Beachcomber Pete
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dikili is a coastal town the Aegean region of Turkey sharing the sea with the small Greek Island of Midilli. Dikili’s center is situated about 120 km north of Izmir, in the District of Izmir. The weather is typical of an Aegean or Mediterranean coastal location with hot summers and mild winters, and low yearly rainfall mostly during winter.
The Adnan Menderes International Airport is located in Izmir and car rentals are available and the roads to and within the Dikili region are very good. However, the majority of foreign visitors probably arrive at Dikili’s fine port facilities that can accommodate three passenger ships at a time and serves many Aegean and Mediterranean Cruise Lines.
Dikili, Turkey hosts many Greek tourists from Midilli and the old Greek houses on small streets and paths show Dikili’s history of mixed cultures. A large number of summer visitors are Turkish citizens with summer houses in the region. Except for permanent residents (under 20K), Dikili is largely deserted in winter.
 Besides its own attractions, Dikili serves as a starting point for many local excursions. Cruise passengers and other visitors have much to see, discover, and explore in the town or the interior region and along the beautiful Aegean coast. Dikili is a unique resort area with its daily sun, the deep blue Aegean, and 40 kilometers of blue-flagged (environmentally safe) beaches.
Visitors can also avail themselves of the opportunity to enhance their health and beauty with the nearby thermal springs. These springs have been providing therapeutic mud baths and thermal cures for centuries and, unlike the beaches, can be enjoyed year round.
Dikili’s port also provides daily boat trips exploring the beautifully green and blue carved bay along the Aegean coast including: Ali Baba Bay, Pizza Bay, Killik Bay, and Ilıca Bay. Inland, Plateau Kemente is perfect for a jeep safari or trekking to the ancient city of Karina’s ruins then ending your trip at Karagol, a volcanic lake.
Dikili also has a history extending back to 5000 BC and boasts the largely unexcavated site of the city of Atarneus that was once one of the most developed of many ancient cities around Dikili. Dikili has been home to Lydians, Persians, Phrygians, Romans, and Pergamonians. In the Middle Ages Dikili was ruled by Byzantines, Genoese, Seljuks, and Ottomans.
The old city of Pergamum contains an altar to the Greek god Zeus and includes several historic buildings that such as the Acropolis 10,000-seat theater and the Temple of Trajan, both clinging to an incredibly steep hillside.
More “recently,” Pytany Castle built in about the 13th century and later restored by the Turks is now one of the best preserved castles in Turkey. Dikili features an ancient wooden structure called Merkez Mosque which was constructed in 1789 without any nails.
However, Dikili, Turkey has more use for its port than for tourists. The geothermal springs around Dikili provide for the biggest greenhouses in Turkey and number third in Europe and the EU. These greenhouses produce vegetables shipped worldwide that include California Wonder peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
In addition the fertile land supplies a large olive crop and olive oil is among other exports. The much sought Yagcibedir carpets, rugs, and carpet bags in the Dikili’s markets are produced on hand looms and painted with regional natural dyes by nearby village women. |
|
|
|
Not what you were looking for? Search Beachcomber Pete
|
|
|
Periodic issues- Free advice and suggestions for making your next travel adventure more enjoyable.
