Not every vacation plan has to be the same. Sometimes, you crave more than crowded beaches and familiar routes; you dream of an escape that will nourish your soul, inspire you, and leave unforgettable tastes on your palate. If you're tired of clichés and want to discover that the Aegean is more than just sea and sand, we invite you to Urla. This is a magical peninsula where the whispers of historic stone buildings mingle with the hammer sounds of art workshops, and the flavors offered by centuries-old vineyards meet the iodine-scented breeze. This guide will be the most comprehensive and enjoyable version of your list of things to do in Urla's Art-Filled Streets and Vineyards. If you're ready, we are embarking on an unforgettable journey through a triangle of art, history, and flavor.

Explore the workshops and shops on Urla Art Street (Zafer Caddesi)

In the heart of Urla, there is a place that takes you on a journey through time. With its cobblestone pavement, bay-windowed stone houses, and the creative energy bursting from every corner, Urla Art Street is like an oasis that reflects the soul of the district in its purest form. This is not just a place for shopping, but an open-air gallery where art and craftsmanship come to life, full of inspiration.

A Stroll Through History: The Transformation of Zafer Caddesi into Art Street

The official name of this street, known today as Art Street, is actually Zafer Caddesi. This historic artery, which served as the main road connecting Izmir and Çeşme until the 1950s, lost its former liveliness over time with the opening of new roads. However, those magnificent stone buildings from the mid-1800s were waiting for creative souls to discover their potential.   

This transformation began in 2010 when a few artists noticed the magic of this street. Seeing this historical texture as a canvas, they started organizing events called Urla Art Nights. This was not a top-down plan but a completely organic rebirth story led by artists. Art gave new life to an abandoned street, preserving its historical heritage while turning it into a modern center of attraction. With every step you take today, you can see the traces of this successful community project and creative spirit.   

A Discovery at Every Corner: Prominent Workshops and Design Shops

Walking down Art Street, you will feel like you are on a treasure hunt. Workshops where ceramic artists shape clay, studios where painters add color to their canvases, antique shops displaying memories of the past, and the handcrafted works of woodcarvers are lined up side by side.   

One of the most special stops you will encounter on this discovery tour is Ekrou Boutique, located in a hundred-year-old former Greek fisherman's house. This boutique stands out not only for the products it sells but also for its philosophy. Its interior architecture is designed with a modern and minimalist line, respecting the historical texture of the building without exaggeration. On its shelves, you will find carefully selected products from designers and artists who have a story and a philosophy. This place offers an aesthetic experience beyond shopping.   

The Soul of the Street: The Most Pleasant Cafes for an Art Break

When you get tired during this art-filled discovery walk, there is nothing like taking a break in one of the charming cafes that reflect the soul of the street. At this point, we have a special recommendation for you: Fırın Vourla. This place, which was once a Greek bread bakery, now serves as a tiny and cozy cafe with only two tables inside and two outside.   

Due to its small size, this bakery usually works by reservation. Here, you can soak in the artistic atmosphere of the street while tasting delicious homemade cookies and cakes. The meticulously designed decoration will take you to another time. Having a coffee here is not just a break, but a way to integrate with the energy of the street.

Have a tasting at a winery on the Urla Vineyard Route

The experiences Urla offers are not limited to art. The gently sloping hills of the district, the Aegean sun, and its fertile lands host the revival of a thousands-of-years-old tradition: winemaking. The Urla Vineyard Route is a path full of flavor and scenery, inviting you to witness the magical journey of the grape from the soil to the glass.

A Legacy of Millennia: The Journey of Wine in Anatolian Lands

Did you know that when you sip the wine in your glass, you are actually touching a 7,000-year-old history? Anatolia is considered one of the homelands of wine. The Hittites, Phrygians, Greeks, and Romans who lived on these lands developed the viticulture culture, keeping this heritage alive for ages. During the Byzantine period, monasteries became the center of wine production, and despite all cultural differences, the vineyards continued to exist during the Ottoman Empire.   

In the 20th century, especially with the proclamation of the Republic, Turkish winemaking experienced a renaissance. The vibrancy you see in Urla today is a modern interpretation of this deep-rooted past. The wine producers in the region are not only producing delicious beverages but also undertaking the mission of carrying this ancient culture into the future. For more information, you can check out this source that details the history of winemaking in Turkey.

Your Guide to Discovering the Urla Vineyard Route

The Urla Vineyard Route is a route formed by boutique wineries established since the early 2000s to revive the region's winemaking potential. The most fascinating aspect of this route is the stories of its founders. Many of them are families who left their corporate lives behind to follow their passion, dedicating themselves to the soil and the grape. Therefore, a trip on the Urla Vineyard Route is not just a tasting activity, but also an opportunity to witness the dreams and efforts of these passionate people.   

Each winery you will encounter along the route has its own unique character, philosophy, and a different experience to offer. Some focus on organic farming, while others combine gastronomy with wine. To make your choice easier, we have gathered some of the prominent stops for you.

Three Stops According to Your Palate: Example Wineries

To better understand the richness offered by the Urla Vineyard Route, let's take a closer look at three wineries with different characters:

Professional and Award-Winning: Urla Şarapçılık This is one of the cornerstones and most well-known stops on the route. With its 350-decare vast vineyards, modern production facility, and hundreds of international awards, it successfully fulfills its mission to revive the region's wine culture. Here you can tour the vineyards, witness the journey of wine into the bottle, and taste their internationally renowned wines. It is an ideal starting point for those seeking a professional experience.   

Philosophical and Boutique: USCA Şarapçılık If you are looking for a more boutique, story-driven, and nature-respecting place, USCA is for you. Named after the Us (mind/intellect) philosophy of the 5th-century BC philosopher Anaxagoras, this winery is certified for organic farming. One of their most special features is reviving local and ancient grape varieties like the 3,600-year-old Foça Karası, considered the genetic ancestor of European wine grapes. Every glass you drink here is not just a wine, but a philosophy and a legacy of thousands of years.   

Gastronomic and Enjoyable: Urlice Şarapçılık For those who want to crown their wine experience with delicious food, Urlice is the right address. Their restaurant, Vineyard Cafe, located right in the middle of the vineyards, is famous for its wood-fired pizzas and dishes like beef ribs. Here, against the view of lush green vineyards, with a glass in your hand and delicious food in front of you, you can fully enjoy the taste of the Aegean. Urlice is one of the places that most delightfully shows that wine is a lifestyle.   

Eat fresh seafood at the fish restaurants in Urla İskele

After delighting your soul with art and your palate with wine, we turn our route to the seaside for the third and final act of the Urla adventure: Urla İskele (Pier). This is the perfect place to unwind, breathe in the scent of iodine, and watch the sunset at a table laden with the freshest flavors the Aegean has to offer.

The Most Beautiful Address for Sunset: The Charming Atmosphere of Urla İskele

Urla İskele immediately captivates you with its calm and peaceful atmosphere. The fishing boats moored to the shore, the sound of seagulls, and the gentle waves lapping the coast remind you how far you are from the chaos of the city. As the sky turns red in the evening, the lights of the restaurants lined along the coast begin to shine, creating a postcard-perfect view.   

This delightful atmosphere makes Urla one of the most special corners of the Aegean. A walk on the pier also shows how rich a cultural texture the region has. If you want to put this experience into a broader perspective, you can discover other beauties in the region by checking out our list of places to visit in Izmir, of which Urla is a part.   

From the Aegean to Your Table: Must-Try Mezes and Seafood

The secret of the restaurants in Urla İskele is simple: freshness and creativity. Everything that comes to your table here is made from whatever came out of the sea that day and from the herbs and vegetables offered by the region's fertile lands. The meze displays are a riot of color and flavor. Besides the classics, don't leave without trying the original tastes created by the chefs with local ingredients.   

At the top of the must-try list are:

Mezes: Bademli Şevketi Bostan (blessed thistle with almonds), also known as wild asparagus, which works wonders when combined with almonds; Cevizli Kabak Kavurma (sautéed zucchini with walnuts), the exquisite harmony of walnuts and zucchini; Girit Ezmesi (Cretan paste), a refreshing mix of Aegean herbs and cheese; and Avokadolu Girit Kabağı (avocado with Cretan zucchini) flavored with basil.   

Hot Appetizers: The legendary Ballı Kalamar (honeyed calamari) that brings together sweet and salty; Köz Patlıcanlı Karides (shrimp with roasted eggplant) where roasted eggplant and shrimp meet mozzarella cheese; and bold flavors like Kadayıflı Somon (salmon in shredded wheat) that surprises with its saffron sauce.   

Fish: Instead of choosing a fish from the menu, be sure to ask your waiter for the fish of the day. It is always the freshest and most delicious option.

The Best Venues for an Unforgettable Dinner

Urla İskele and its surroundings are home to many high-quality restaurants, each ambitious in its own field. This has turned the region into a gastronomy hub. The intense competition constantly increases quality and creativity, which is great news for us food lovers. Here are two legendary venues that stand out among these flavor stops:

An Urla Classic: Yengeç Restaurant When you think of Urla İskele, one of the first names that comes to mind, perhaps the most important one, is Yengeç. Serving in a historic stone building from the 1800s, this restaurant is dazzling not only with its flavors but also with the variety it offers. With more than 130 types of mezes and 45 kinds of hot appetizers prepared daily, Yengeç is considered one of the best seafood restaurants in Turkey. Having dinner here is like attending a gastronomy festival.   

The Pearl of Özbek Village: Akın'ın Yeri If you venture a few kilometers away from the crowds of the pier to the authentic fishing village of Özbek, you will find one of the region's most beloved spots, Akın'ın Yeri. This family-run business, serving for over 50 years, has created a loyal following with its consistent quality, friendly atmosphere, and fresh products. With special delicacies like calamari eggs, oysters, and shrimp tempura, as well as daily fresh fish, Akın'ın Yeri is an indispensable address for those who want to experience a true Aegean fisherman's meal.

While You're Here: Escape Routes Around Urla

If you still have energy after exploring Urla's art, wine, and flavors, you can use it as a base to venture out to the other beauties of the peninsula. Due to its location, Urla offers a great starting point for the most popular routes in the Aegean.

Seferihisar & Sığacık: Located about a 30-40 minute drive from Urla, Seferihisar holds the title of Turkey's first Cittaslow (Slow City). Sığacık, especially with its cobblestone streets inside the castle, colorful houses, and the producer's market on Sundays, is a charming town that must be seen.   

Çeşme & Alaçatı: If you are looking for a bit more action, entertainment, and windsurfing, you can reach Çeşme and Alaçatı in about half an hour's drive. Alaçatı's stone houses adorned with bougainvillea, chic boutiques, and lively nights will show you another side of the Aegean.   

Urla's Themed Villages: For a different experience, explore Urla's villages. Places like Barbaros Village, famous for its annual Scarecrow Festival, or the intellectual Bademler Village, home to Turkey's first village theater, will tell you the lesser-known, authentic stories of the Aegean. For these routes and more, you can check out our page   

(https://www.yerelrehber.com/tr/).   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the best time to travel to Urla? The ideal times to visit Urla are in the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November), when you can avoid the summer crowds and the weather is still warm. In the spring, you can experience the excitement of the International Artichoke Festival, and in the autumn, you can witness the grape harvest festivals.   

2. What is the easiest way to get to Urla? Getting to Urla is quite easy. By private car, you can reach it in about 30-40 minutes from the center of Izmir using the Izmir-Çeşme Highway. If you are arriving by plane, you can use Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, which is 57 km from Urla, and rent a car or take the Havaş shuttles from there. To come by public transport from the center of Izmir, the most practical option is the ESHOT bus number 984 departing from the Fahrettin Altay Transfer Center.   

3. Are reservations required to visit the wineries on the Urla Vineyard Route? Yes, it is definitely recommended. Most wineries operate by reservation, especially on weekends and for tasting tours. In fact, for some, reservations are mandatory. To avoid disappointment, it is best to call and book your spot before you go.