Make the most of your time in Turkey’s third largest city by visiting the top local attractions. There is plenty to do in the city and in the surrounding area, so hop into your rental car and go exploring!

Travel back to the time of Alexander the Great by visiting the ruins of Smyrna, which was largely destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century. It is possible to see a blend of ancient Greek and Roman ruins. At the nearby Izmir Agora museum, you can see a range of artefacts from the site, including statues of Poseidon, Demeter and Artemis from the destroyed altar of Zeus.

If you fancy indulging in some of Turkey’s culinary delights, drive about 5 miles from the city, to the olive groves and vineyards of Sirince. Many of these farms open their doors to visitors and offer tasting sessions for guests. Some even have accommodation facilities. In fact, vineyard accommodation can be the perfect base from which to explore the area, given the freedom the car hire can offer to you.

Konak is the historic centre of Izmir, and this is where you will find the historic clock tower. The centre is a great place to visit if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the business area. There are lots of artisanal shops and street cafes in the area, so you enjoy life in the slow lane.

Just a short drive outside of Izmir is the Ramo beach at Cesme. Locals swear that the white sand and the crystal clear waters make this the best beach in Turkey.