Car Hire in Izmir

Car hire in Izmir is offered by a number of different rental car companies, both domestic and international.

There are car hire desks at Izmir Airport and offices in the city center that are run by the following companies: Avis, Eldurcar, Europcar, Hertz, Jet Car Rental, Kusadasicars, MedusaCars, National Car Rental, Pegasus Rent a Car, Pratik Rent A Car, Proper Car Rental, Senakar Rent A Car, Sixt, and T&T Car Rental.

When deciding which car hire company to choose, make sure to read the terms and conditions of all contracts carefully. Some companies offer low rates but have a lot of hidden fees for things like petrol or exceeding a maximum distance limit.

Additionally, if you don’t need to hire a car at the airport, consider doing it in the city. That can often save you money, as airport taxes are usually higher than city ones.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Turkey

Mosque in Istanbul
Istanbul

Turkey is a huge country with no shortage of great travel destinations. Whether you’re looking for sun and sand, an urban getaway, or a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there’s something for everyone.

To help you decide where to go, below is my list of the top 10 places to visit in Turkey.

1. Nemrut Dagi
Located in eastern Turkey, Nemrut Dagi is one of the most stunning historical monuments in the country. Dating from the first century BC, Nemrut Dagi is a burial place that is best known for the huge statues that surround it.

2. Pamukkale
Located in the Denizli Province, Pamukkale is famous for its hot springs, which feature limestone and calcium. Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage site and well worth a visit.

3. Bodrum
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Bodrum has long been on the list of the top places to visit in Turkey. Home to the famous Castle of Saint Peter and surrounded by beautiful countryside, Bodrum is not to be missed.

4. Kusadasi
A port town on the coast of Turkey, Kusadasi is best known for being close to the ruins of Ephesus and the place where cruise ships dock. But look further and you’ll discover that Kusadasi has an allure of its own, particularly with its great nightlife and pleasant beaches.

5. Ankara
The capital of Turkey, Ankara is full of museums and other attractions. Culture vultures and history buffs alike will find a lot to fill their days when visiting Ankara.

6. Lycian Coast
Located in southwest Turkey at the intersection of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, the Lycian Coast is known for its gorgeous beaches, beautiful countryside, and perfect weather.

7. Cappadocia
Another of Turkey’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, Cappadocia is famous for its amazing geological formations, the “fairy chimneys”.

8. Ephesus
Dating back to Greek and Roman times, the ancient city of Ephesus offers some of the best preserved ruins anywhere along the Mediterranean. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and is not to be missed.

9. Antalya
Featuring heavenly coastline and turquoise waters, Antalya has good reason for claiming to have the best beaches on the Mediterranean. Add to that the many archaeological treasures in Antalya and you’ve got yourself a great holiday destination.

10. Istanbul
One of the most well-loved European cities and boasting some of the best nightlife in Europe, Istanbul is definitely one of the best places to visit in Turkey.

With cultural treasures and the beautiful Bosphorus, Istanbul is worth a special visit to Turkey in its own right.

Day Trip from Istanbul to Ephesus

It is possible to take a day trip from Istanbul to Ephesus when you are visiting Turkey. If you don’t have much time in the country, it is a good way to see both places.

There are daily flights from Istanbul’s airports to Izmir, which is a short distance away from Ephesus. Trains and buses from Izmir to Ephesus arrive at Selcuk, which is within walking distance of the historic ruins.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi or private car, or hire a car to drive from Izmir to Ephesus. If you pre-book a private airport transfer, the price is 45 euros one-way for up to 4 people and 65 euros one-way for 5 or more people.

There are also plenty of package tours that will arrange a day trip from Istanbul to Ephesus with flights and airport transfers. This is one of the easiest and most convenient ways of visiting Ephesus on a day trip.