Book Olympic Air Flights to Izmir from €88*
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From | To | Fare Type | Dates | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens (ATH) | Izmir (ADB) | One-way fare / Economy | Departing: Oct 24, 2025 | Starting from €88 Seen: 11 hours ago |
*Best fares for one way flights found by others.
To Izmir
Plan your trip to Izmir
Izmir, the Greeks’ Smyrna, much loved by them for historical reasons is also, however, inextricably linked to one of the darkest pages in Greek history. Now well known as a charming Aegean seaside city, not by chance is it the favourite ‘’protagonist’’ of many Greek novels.
With a burdensome past, the city at the crossroads of ‘East’ and ‘West’, is today a modern metropolis. Facing the sea, it has just as much to offer as bustling Istanbul, except that life in Izmir moves at a much more relaxed pace.
While in Izmir, take the opportunity to learn more about the city with an 8,000-year history, taste authentic flavours of Asia Minor, gaze across the Aegean Sea from above and test your… bartering skills at one of the outdoor markets.
Book your tickets for Izmir with Olympic Air and discover the magic of Giorgos Seferis’ birthplace.
Sightseeing in Izmir
It is well worth going to see Hisar Camii, the largest and oldest mosque in the city, dating back to 1592. However, impressed you might be by its sturdy construction and the seven domes in the courtyard, you will surely be even more stunned by its interior which contains one of the most striking examples of Ottoman Islamic artwork. The mosque is located in Kemeralti, the historical market district in the centre of Izmir.
Admire nearby Konak square with the Clock Tower, erected there in 1901.
Izmir’s Kadifekale Castle (literally, ‘the Velvet Castle’) was founded under Alexander the Great’s dominion, and legend has it that the Macedonian general gave it as a gift to the inhabitants of the area to thank them for their support in the war against the Persians.
For the most idyllic view, take the Asansör, the elevator built in 1907 to help people get up the hill from the sea. At the top you can enjoy a coffee or snack and the magnificent sight of the entire city spread out below you.
The historic Kordon, Izmir’s promenade, charged with memories of the Asia Minor Catastrophe, is perhaps best viewed today with a romantic, horse-drawn carriage ride.
In the north part of the city, near to the place in which, until 1922, Greeks lived and grew up, you will now find the Kültürpark, a green oasis where the residents of Izmir go for a walk or exercise. The park is home to an open-air sculpture gallery from where it takes its name. If you have children, your visit is bound to end up in the fairground there.
Children will also love visiting Izmir’s Bird Paradise, a bird sanctuary with over 205 different bird species.
Things to do in Izmir
A visit to the Izmir Archaeological Museum is an absolute must to see the artefacts from excavations of ancient Smyrna, Ephesus, Pergamum and Miletus.
Address: Bahribaba Park in Konak a Halit Rıfat Paşa Caddesi 4.
Stroll through the Roman Agora in the footsteps of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius who built the forum over the ruins of the agora dating back to the Hellenistic era at the time of Alexander the Great.
Address: Namazgah district.
Don’t miss the Izmir International Festival, where international artists from all fields of music, ballet and theatre perform, the City’s International Fair, which takes place in late August – beginning of September in the Kültürpark, and Izmir’s European Jazz Festival.
Food and Entertainment
A major tourist destination, Izmir has many bars along the Kordon. Don’t miss the chance however to also visit one of the city’s atmospheric hookah cafés.
Meatball-lovers should not leave before trying this dish in its city of origin (the famous Smyrna meatballs or “soutzoukakia” of Smyrna), as well as kebabs including giaourtlou kebab (with yoghurt).
Excursions near Izmir
Take a day-trip to Ephesus, the best-preserved city of Ionia, which is located 107 kilometres from Izmir. The city, which is now a wonderful seaside resort, had its heyday under the Romans. Don’t miss the famous library of Celsus and Ephesus’ theatre with a seating capacity of 24,000.
Half-an-hour’s drive from Izmir, opposite the Greek island of Chios, is the seaside town of Çeşme, the most popular destination of the Turkish Riviera. Çeşme in Turkish means ‘fountain’ after the many fountains in the area during the 18th and 19th centuries.
You can also visit Alaçatı, which is located 85 km from Izmir. It is best known for its beach that is ideal for swimming, and lunch or dinner in restaurants housed in… windmills!
Shopping
Wander around Kemeralti, one of the city’s best open-air markets, for a wide choice of absolute musts including spices, pewterware, hookahs, silver and jewellery, carpets and leather goods.
Izmir also offers opportunities for Western-style shopping: take a look around the stylish district of Alsancak where most of the fashion boutiques are located.
Transport from the airport
After landing at Izmir airport, you have many options: you can take the local bus or the Havas airport shuttle bus, the suburban railway, or a taxi. The airport has 24-hour bus connections with lines 200, 202 and 204 – that stop right outside the airport. The suburban railway is just 5 minutes from the airport. Take the south line to the city centre.
If you get a taxi, ask the driver to give you in advance an approximate idea of the final fare to your destination.
Alternatively, you can hire a car from the airport.