Urla, 40 minutes west of İzmir on the way to Çeşme, is where many İzmir locals escape at the weekend. It has a quiet stone-house old town, a harbour with fish restaurants, olive groves and a growing wine route with more than a dozen vineyards. It is calmer and more rural than Alaçatı, and makes a good base for food and wine lovers.
What makes Urla special
- The Urla Wine Route (Urla Bağ Yolu): family-run and boutique wineries in the hills around the town, many with tasting rooms and restaurants. The area has a winemaking history going back thousands of years, and local grapes such as Urla Karası have been revived.
- Food: restaurants focused on local produce and Aegean herbs, from simple harbour fish places to chef-led restaurants in vineyards.
- Old town and İskele: the old bazaar area with art studios and cafés, and the harbour district (İskele) by the sea, with small beaches and the ruins of ancient Klazomenai nearby.
Hotels in Urla in our directory
- 2ROOMS Hotel – Kuşçular, Urla
- Ayse Hanim Konagi – Denizli, Urla
- Belizi Hotel – İskele, Urla
- Bir Dem Urla – Altıntaş, Urla
- Doors Urla Hotel & Bungalows – Rüstem, Urla
- Espira by Antioch Hotel – Denizli, Urla
- Gumruk Otel Urla – İskele, Urla
- Hiddenbay Urla – Denizli, Urla
- Huzurla Otel – İskele, Urla
- Kuca Urla Otel – Yelaltı, Urla
- La Casita Apartment – Yeni, Urla
- Maison Vourla Hotel – İskele, Urla
- Otel Fiori – Yeni, Urla
- Portofino Urla Luxury Boutique Hotel – Kuşçular, Urla
- Rıdvan Apart Evleri – Balıklıova, Urla
- Urla Zeytin Hotel – İskele, Urla
- moya urla butik otel – Atatürk, Urla
Nearby: Sığacık and Seferihisar
About 40 minutes south, the walled village of Sığacık in Seferihisar has a small marina, a Sunday market and guesthouses inside an Ottoman-era castle wall. Seferihisar was Turkey’s first “Cittaslow” (slow city), and nearby Teos has impressive ancient ruins on the water.
- Akkum Beach Otel – Seferihisar
- Antik Otel – Sığacık, Seferihisar
- Club Resort Atlantis – Sığacık, Seferihisar
- Ion Slow City – Sığacık, Seferihisar
- Izmir Tatil Evi – BengilerYunus Emre Caddesi, Seferihisar
- Maya Bistro Hotel Beach – Sığacık, Seferihisar
- Mellow Blue Hotel & Restaurant – Sığacık, Seferihisar
- Monza House Otel – Sığacık, Seferihisar
- Nova Citrus Hotel – Sığacık, Seferihisar
- Sigacik Gardenya Butik Otel – Sığacık, Seferihisar
- Teos Lodge – Sığacık, Seferihisar
- Çiğdem'inn Sığacık (Cigdem'inn Sigacik) – Sığacık, Seferihisar
When to go
- Spring (April–June): green hills, wildflowers, pleasant temperatures.
- Harvest (late August–October): the best time for vineyards; some hold harvest events.
- Summer: hot, but the sea is close and evenings are lovely.
Getting around
A car is almost essential for the wine route, as vineyards are spread out in the countryside. Choose a designated driver or book a tour if you plan to taste. Urla is about 45 minutes from İzmir Airport by car and 30 minutes from Alaçatı.
Tips
- Check vineyard opening days and book tastings in advance, especially at weekends.
- Many boutique hotels have only a few rooms; book ahead for summer weekends.
- Ask hotels about bicycle rental; the countryside is good for cycling outside midsummer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I combine Urla with Alaçatı?
Yes, they are about 30 minutes apart. See Alaçatı and Çeşme hotels.
Is Urla good for families?
Yes, it is quiet and safe, with small beaches at İskele and plenty of space.
How far is İzmir city centre?
Around 40 minutes by car. See hotels in İzmir city centre.
