Urla, a charming coastal town just 35 km west of İzmir, 50km east of Çeşme, has a history stretching back more than 6,000 years, with roots in the ancient Ionian city of Klazomenai, one of the earliest known centres of olive oil production in the world. Over the centuries, Urla has seen the influence of the Lydians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, each leaving their mark on its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Today, it retains a slower, village-like pace of life, where narrow streets are lined with stone houses, colourful bougainvillaea, and bustling markets. Urla has earned a reputation as one of Türkiye’s emerging gastronomic capitals, celebrated for its vineyards, boutique wineries, olive oil, and the famed Urla Artichoke. Its culture is deeply tied to agriculture, artisanal production, and a revival of traditional Aegean flavours, with modern chefs blending these with contemporary gastronomy.
For visitors, Urla offers a mix of food, wine, and cultural experiences in a relaxed setting. Wine tourism is a major draw, with the Urla Vineyard Route connecting a series of award-winning boutique wineries that welcome guests for tastings. The weekly Urla Farmers’ Market on Saturdays overflows with local cheeses, olives, seasonal produce, and freshly baked goods. History lovers can explore the Klazomenai archaeological site and its reconstructed ancient olive oil workshop, or wander through the town centre’s restored stone mansions, now housing art galleries, cafés, and gourmet restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts will find cycling routes through vineyard-covered hills, and the nearby Aegean coast offers swimming, sailing, and seafood dining by the water.
Urla – Table of Contents
Urla Municipality City History and Archive
Location: Yelaltı, Yıldız Park Sk. 35430 Urla/İzmir. (Note the Google Maps pin is mislocated, and the actual building is closer to Cumhuriyet Meydanı (Republic Square) on the south side of the road.) Opening hours: Daily 08:30-17:30. Entrance fee: Free to enter.
The Urla Municipality City History and Archive (Urla Belediyesi Kent Tarihi ve Arşivi) is a cultural and historical centre dedicated to preserving and showcasing the town’s rich heritage, housed in a restored Ottoman-era stone building with an area of 1,471 square metres in the heart of Urla, the archive documents the area’s history from ancient Klazomenai to the modern Republic. It has five indoor exhibition areas, two dioramas, an academic workshop, and a coffee house.
Its collections include old photographs, maps, municipal records, personal documents, and artefacts that reflect Urla’s social, economic, and cultural evolution. The centre also features curated exhibitions highlighting local trades, traditional architecture, and the lives of notable residents, giving visitors an intimate look at how the town has transformed over the centuries.
For tourists, the archive offers a quiet yet immersive way to deepen their understanding of Urla beyond its culinary and wine attractions. Staff are often on hand to guide visitors through the exhibits and explain the significance of the materials on display. Temporary exhibitions, talks, and cultural events are held throughout the year, making it a living institution rather than a static museum. Its location in the historic town centre means it can easily be combined with a walking tour of Urla’s old streets, art galleries, and cafés, offering a rounded experience of the town’s past and present.
Urla Sanat Sokağı (Urla Art Street)
Location: Yaka, Zafer Cd., 35430 Urla/İzmir. Opening hours: Open area. Entrance fee: Open area.
Urla Art Street (Urla Sanat Sokağı) is a charming pedestrian lane in the heart of Urla, lined with restored stone houses that now host art galleries, artisan workshops, boutique shops, and cosy cafés. Once a quiet residential street, it has evolved into a creative hub where local artists and craftspeople showcase handmade ceramics, jewellery, paintings, and textiles, often working on-site so visitors can watch their craft in action. The street bursts with colour thanks to murals, hanging flower pots, and seasonal decorations, creating a vibrant yet intimate atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for a stroll, browsing unique souvenirs, meeting artists, and enjoying a coffee or wine in one of the inviting courtyard cafés.
Cumhuriyet Meydanı (Republic Square)
Location: Hacı İsa, Bülent Baratalı Blv., 35430 Urla/İzmir. Opening hours: Open area. Entrance fee: Open area.
Republic Square (Cumhuriyet Meydanı) is the central gathering place of Urla, a spacious, open plaza used for public events, ceremonies, and festivals throughout the year. It serves as the focal point for national holiday celebrations such as Republic Day and Victory Day, as well as concerts, open-air markets, and community gatherings. The square is anchored by prominent statues, including an equestrian statue of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk honouring the founder of the Turkish Republic, and monuments commemorating local soldiers and martyrs. On Saturdays, part of the square comes alive with the Urla Farmers’ Market, where stalls overflow with seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh herbs, olives, cheeses, olive oil, honey, handmade pasta, flowers, and the town’s famous globe artichokes in season. Surrounded by shops, cafés, and municipal buildings, Cumhuriyet Meydanı is both the symbolic heart of civic life in Urla and a lively spot where locals and visitors mingle.
Necati Cumalı Memorial and Culture House
Location: Necati Cumalı Anı ve Kültür Evi, Yeni, Necati Cumalı Cd. No:28, 35430 Urla/İzmir. Opening hours: 08:30-12:30/13:30-17:30 Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday & Monday closed. Entrance fee: Free to enter.
The Necati Cumalı Memorial and Culture House in Urla is dedicated to the life and work of Necati Cumalı, one of Türkiye’s most celebrated 20th-century authors, poets, and playwrights, who was born in the town. Located in a beautifully restored stone house that once belonged to his family, the museum displays his personal belongings, photographs, manuscripts, letters, and first editions of his works, offering an intimate glimpse into his literary journey and the cultural atmosphere of his era. The house also hosts cultural events, readings, and small exhibitions, making it a living tribute to Cumalı’s contribution to Turkish literature. Set in Urla’s historic centre, it invites visitors to connect with both the man and the creative spirit of the Aegean.
Excerpts from Necati Cumalı’s Works (Poems, Stories, Novels):
From Susuz Yaz (Dry Summer) – reflecting his deep connection to the land:
“Toprak, sabrın ve umudun kitabını yazar.”
“The soil writes the book of patience and hope.”
From Yağmurlu Deniz (Rainy Sea) – about love and longing:
“Gözlerin, denizin en sessiz yerinde saklı bir liman gibi.”
“Your eyes are like a hidden harbour in the quietest part of the sea.”
From Tütün Zamanı (Time of Tobacco) – touching on rural life:
“Köyün kokusu, ıslak tütünle kuruyan toprak arasında bir yerdeydi.”
“The village’s scent was somewhere between wet tobacco and drying earth.”
From Mavi Kanatlarınla Yalnız Benim Olsaydın (If Only You Were Mine With Your Blue Wings) – lyrical and intimate:
“Rüzgâr saçlarında gezinirken zaman dururdu.”
“When the wind wandered through your hair, time would stop.”
Urla Katmer
Nobody should come away from Urla without first trying the local delicacy katmer, a traditional Turkish pastry made from thinly rolled dough, often layered with butter or oil and folded to create a crisp, flaky texture. The word katmer comes from the Turkish verb katlamak, meaning “to fold” or “to layer,” referring to the way the dough is folded over itself during preparation. It can be savoury, filled with cheese, herbs, or minced meat, or sweet, stuffed with ingredients like sugar, crushed pistachios, clotted cream (kaymak), or tahini. Katmer’s origins trace back centuries to Central Asian Turkic culinary traditions, which evolved in Anatolia into regionally distinct styles. In southeastern Türkiye, particularly in Gaziantep, sweet pistachio katmer is a breakfast treat, while in Aegean towns like Urla, katmer is more commonly savoury, reflecting local tastes and produce.
Urla is primarily known for tahini katmer, a beloved local speciality that showcases the region’s high-quality sesame tahini. Here, thin dough is generously spread with tahini and sugar, then folded and baked or cooked on a griddle, producing a warm, nutty, and slightly caramelised pastry. It’s typically enjoyed fresh in the morning at local bakeries or markets, especially in the cooler months when hearty, energy-rich foods are favoured. Other variations found in Urla include cheese-filled katmer, spinach-and-herb katmer, and sweet versions with honey or seasonal fruits. The combination of Urla’s artisanal tahini production, Saturday market culture, and tradition of family-run bakeries has made this humble pastry a distinctive and much-loved part of the town’s culinary identity.
Across Urla, you’ll find small katmerciler; cosy bakeries and street-side shops dedicated to this beloved pastry, each with its own twist on the recipe. One of the most popular stops is Aşık Usta on Urla’s Art Street (Sanat Sokağı/Zafer Cd.), where the aroma of freshly cooked dough fills the air and the menu spans both traditional and inventive varieties.
Urla Agricultural Produce & Women’s Cooperative
Urla’s agricultural produce reflects the town’s fertile Aegean soil, mild climate, and centuries-old farming traditions, resulting in a rich variety of high-quality, seasonal products. The region is famed for its globe artichokes, celebrated each spring with the Urla Artichoke Festival, as well as its award-winning olive oil produced from ancient groves that date back to the Ionian era. Urla is also a key stop on Türkiye’s wine route, with vineyards yielding premium cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, and local grapes for boutique wineries. Other notable produce includes fresh figs, pomegranates, citrus fruits, almonds, herbs, and vegetables that thrive in the Mediterranean climate. Many of these goods are sold directly at the lively Saturday farmers’ market, where the flavours of the land define Urla’s celebrated farm-to-table culinary culture.
The S.S. Urla Kadın Girişimi Üretim ve İşletme Kooperatifi shop is a women’s cooperative store on Yeni Otopark Sokak (new address since August 2025) in Urla, dedicated to producing and selling high-quality, locally made goods while empowering female entrepreneurs. Run by local women, it offers a wide range of traditional and artisanal products, including homemade jams, pickles, olive oil, tarhana, pasta, dried herbs, baked goods, and natural cosmetics, all prepared using local ingredients and time-honoured recipes. The shop not only supports sustainable agriculture and preserves Aegean culinary heritage but also provides economic independence for its members. For visitors, it’s an ideal place to find authentic souvenirs and taste the flavours of Urla while contributing directly to the community.
Arkas Sanat Urla
Location: Necati Cumalı Anı ve Kültür Evi, Yeni, Necati Cumalı Cd. No:28, 35430 Urla/İzmir. Arkas Urla Gallery English Website. Opening hours: 10:00-18:00 Tuesday + Thursday-Saturday, closed Sunday, Monday & Wednesday. Entrance fee: As of August 2025, TL100 (approx. €2.10) to enter.
Arkas Sanat Urla is a museum and cultural space established in September 2020 by the Arkas Holding group, led by Lucien Arkas, a prominent Turkish businessman, art patron, and wine producer based in İzmir. Part of the broader Arkas Art Centre network, the Urla branch reflects Arkas’s passion for collecting and sharing art, particularly pieces that connect Türkiye with the wider Mediterranean cultural heritage. With its extensive natural stone facing, the modest but impressive construction of Arkas Art Urla is designed by Artı3 Architecture.
On the ground floor of Arkas Art Urla, works by significant representatives of European painting and sculpture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries welcome the visitors. On the upper floor, a selection of European armour from the 16th and 17th centuries, Renaissance tapestries and Anatolian carpets are exhibited. The exhibition route ends in the glass gallery on the upper floor, which features marble replicas of temples from the Antique Period and a selection of busts of Roman emperors. Lucien Arkas, whose family has roots in İzmir’s Levantine community, began collecting art decades ago, focusing on maritime heritage, Impressionist and modern painting, and historic artefacts, aiming to make these accessible to the public.
The Arkas Collection showcased in Urla includes a diverse range of works and objects, from 19th- and 20th-century European paintings to Ottoman-era artefacts, maritime maps, and decorative arts. Visitors can encounter detailed ship models, antique navigational instruments, and historic charts reflecting the Aegean’s role in global trade, alongside fine art from both Turkish and international artists. Exhibitions often blend visual art with historical narrative, bringing together canvases, archival documents, and objects that tell the story of the Aegean coast’s cultural crossroads. With its combination of world-class artworks and strong local connections, Arkas Sanat Urla offers both a refined museum experience and a deepened understanding of Urla’s place in Mediterranean history.
Arkas Sanat Urla shows several Rodin bronzes from the Arkas Collection, including The Age of Bronze (a dark-patinated bronze cast in 1953) and Mask of Hanako (conceived 1907–08, cast 1920). These cast dates are posthumous editions typical of the Musée Rodin’s authorised program.
See also on LikeCesme.com the Arkas Sanat Art Gallery, Alaçatı, and the Arkas Art Centre in Alsancak, İzmir
Urla İskelesi – Limatepe & Klazomenai
Location: İskele, 2122. Sk., 35430 Urla/İzmir. Opening hours: Open area. Entrance fee: Open area.
Urla İskelesi is the coastal neighbourhood and harbour area of Urla, located just a few kilometres from the Urla town centre, where the Aegean Sea meets the region’s relaxed maritime culture. Historically, it served as a key port for trade and fishing, linking Urla with surrounding Aegean settlements and islands. The area is also rich in history, being close to Limantepe, one of the oldest known prehistoric harbours in the Aegean, dating back over 5,000 years, and the site of the ancient Ionian city of Klazomenai, famed for its olive oil production in antiquity. Offshore lies Quarantine Island (Karantina Adası), which was used in the 19th century as a health station for ships entering the Gulf of İzmir; today, its historic buildings and serene setting can still be admired from the shore. The waterfront itself is lined with seafood restaurants, cafés, and ice cream shops, with fishing boats swaying in the harbour and a relaxed, small-town atmosphere.
The 360º Hippoi Phoenician Reanimation Project in Urla İskele is an experimental archaeology and maritime heritage initiative by the 360 Derece Tarih Araştırmaları Derneği, dedicated to reconstructing and sailing a full-scale Hippoi, a small, fast, horse-prowed Phoenician workboat once used for coastal trade in the Eastern Mediterranean. Built entirely by hand in Urla using traditional dowel-and-tenon joinery without nails, the 15-metre, 6-ton vessel features a carved horse-head prow, eight oars, and a square sail, and is operated by a ten-person crew. The Kybele, the association’s earlier full-scale replica of an ancient bireme warship from the Foça–Marseille “Journey into History” project, was built and based at the 360° workshop in Urla İskele and is kept beside the Hippoi.
For visitors, Urla İskelesi offers a blend of leisure, history, and gastronomy. Fresh seafood is the star attraction, with family-run restaurants serving the catch of the day, grilled fish, fried calamari, and meze platters, often paired with local Urla wines. After a stroll along the promenade, visitors can explore the archaeological remains of Klazomenai, including a reconstructed ancient olive oil workshop that brings the town’s heritage to life. Boat trips can take you past Quarantine Island or along the coast, offering views of the same waters that once carried Phoenician and Ionian traders. Seasonal festivals, boutique shops, and the gentle rhythm of daily life make Urla İskelesi a unique spot where ancient history and modern Aegean charm meet by the sea.
See also: LikeCesme.com – Klazomenai Ancient City
Urla Garden Centres and Plant Nurseries
The countryside surrounding Urla is dotted with garden centres, ornamental plant nurseries, and specialist growers that thrive in the region’s mild Aegean climate. These nurseries produce a colourful array of plants, from flowering shrubs, olive and citrus saplings, and Mediterranean herbs to decorative trees and landscaping plants. Many cater both to local gardeners and to landscapers serving the İzmir region, offering high-quality plants nurtured in fertile soil and abundant sunshine. The area’s proximity to the coast also means that salt-tolerant species, succulents, and drought-resistant ornamentals are widely grown, appealing to those looking for low-maintenance yet vibrant gardens. Visitors can often browse vast open-air displays, purchase plants directly from the growers, and receive expert advice on cultivation.
One of the most distinctive examples is Ünal Kaktüs, a long-established cactus and succulent nursery just outside Urla, renowned among plant enthusiasts across Türkiye. Sprawling across greenhouse tunnels and outdoor beds, it offers hundreds of cactus species, from miniature desk plants to towering specimens, alongside agaves, aloes, and rare succulents imported or cultivated on-site. Ünal Kaktüs is both a retail space and a living collection, where visitors can wander among unusual and striking forms, learn about care requirements, and discover flowering cacti in season.
Urla Wines
The Urla Wineries Vineyard Route (Urla Bağ Yolu) is exceptionally convenient for visitors to the town of Urla, as most wineries are located just 10–20 minutes’ drive from the town centre, with some right on its outskirts. This proximity means you can easily combine a morning exploring Urla’s historic streets, art galleries, or Saturday farmers’ market with an afternoon of wine tasting, without the need for long transfers. The officially designated route links a network of boutique wineries across the rolling hills and fertile plains surrounding Urla, creating a seamless blend of cultural sightseeing and gourmet indulgence in a single day.
The route was developed to highlight the region’s winemaking revival, which draws on ancient viticultural traditions dating back to the Ionian city of Klazomenai while embracing modern, sustainable production methods. Along the way, visitors can discover award-winning producers such as Urla Şarapçılık, USCA, MMG, and others, each offering tastings, cellar tours, and wines made from both international varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, and revived Anatolian grapes such as Foça Karası and Bornova Misketi. Surrounded by olive groves, lavender fields, and vineyard-covered slopes with sweeping Aegean views, the Urla Bağ Yolu is as much about the beauty of the journey as it is about the wines themselves.
See also: LikeCesme.com – Urla Wineries
Accommodation near Urla
In and around Urla, visitors can choose from a variety of accommodations ranging from charming boutique hotels set in restored stone houses in the town centre, to stylish modern guesthouses and vineyard lodges nestled among rolling hills and olive groves. Along the coast, particularly near Urla İskelesi and Çeşmealtı, seaside inns and small family-run pensions are offering fresh seafood and easy access to the beach. For those seeking a more immersive countryside experience, several wineries and rural estates provide agriturismo-style stays, pairing accommodation with wine tastings and farm-to-table dining. Airbnb rentals, including designer villas and traditional village homes, offer further flexibility for more extended stays or larger groups, making Urla a destination with options to suit romantic getaways, gourmet weekends, or relaxed seaside holidays. Below are a couple of selected examples of accommodations in Urla:
West of Urla – Bir Dem Urla
Location: Altıntaş, Çaylak Sokak No:1, 35430 Urla/İzmir
Bir Dem Urla is a serene, boutique-style retreat nestled just a short drive from Urla’s town centre, vineyard trails (close to Urlice and Statera Wineries), and seaside. It functions as a smartly designed small hotel, with nine individually styled rooms accommodating up to 24 guests. Each room, suitable for 2 to 4 people, features amenities like air-conditioning, Wi‑Fi, private balconies or sunbathing areas, and many open onto a peaceful garden or poolside setting. The property offers a range of facilities designed to enrich your stay, including an outdoor swimming pool, stylish bar and restaurant, café, winery (for tastings), picnic and barbecue areas, and even yoga or meditation experiences at times. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful countryside escape, a connection with local viticulture, or a relaxing base between cultural excursions and coastal exploration, Bir Dem Urla offers a charming blend of boutique comfort, hospitality, and thoughtful amenities.
Rated on Booking at 7.9/10 “Good” and on TripAdvisor at 4.9/5 “#1 Best Value of 132 places to stay in Urla” (as of August 2025). To check for availability and make reservations via TripAdvisor for the Bir Dem Urla, Urla, scan the QR code or click here.
Urla İskelesi – Molo Urla
Location: İskele, İskele Cd. no:19, 35430 Urla/İzmir
Molo Urla is a stylish 10-room boutique hotel offering a peaceful, intimate stay just a short drive from Urla’s historic town centre, the scenic Urla Vineyard Route, and the charming harbour area of Urla İskelesi. Set in a quiet location, the hotel combines modern design with warm hospitality, featuring individually decorated rooms, a leafy garden, and an inviting café where guests can enjoy a fresh, locally sourced breakfast each morning. Its position makes it an ideal base for exploring Urla’s Saturday farmers’ market, nearby boutique wineries, and the Aegean coastline, with its seafood restaurants and laid-back seaside atmosphere—all within easy reach for a relaxed yet enriching getaway.
Rated on Booking at 9.3/10 “Superb” (as of August 2025). To check for availability and make reservations via Booking.com for the Molo Urla, Urla, scan the QR code or click here.
South of Urla (Kuşçular) – Teruar Urla Hotel
Location: Kuşçular, 8028. Sk. No:16, 35430 Urla/İzmir
Teruar Urla is a boutique hotel and Michelin‑starred restaurant nestled in the heart of Urla’s lush countryside, close to Urla Şarapçılık in İzmir province, part of Türkiye’s celebrated Urla Wine Route. Housed in an elegantly restored stone structure surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the hotel features just seven guest rooms adorned with local stone, wood, linen, and cotton. Each room is thoughtfully oriented to capture views of the changing seasons across the landscape, offering a tranquil and immersive setting for those seeking peace and connection with nature. The property also holds certification in sustainable tourism, aligning with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s standards, which underscores its eco-conscious ethos.
By day and evening, Teruar transforms into a gastronomic haven led by Chef Osman Serdaroğlu, whose minimalist yet flavourful Mediterranean cuisine, influenced by Italian flair, has earned the restaurant a coveted Michelin star (“One Star: High quality cooking”). The tasting menu changes seasonally, featuring local highlights such as lamb saltimbocca or fried courgette with goat cheese cream and dried yoghurt, each paired with Turkish wines chosen to reflect the terroir of the region, the very philosophy behind the restaurant’s name (“Teruar“). The dining ambience aboard the terrace and aperitif room with views of the valley below and glimpses of the kitchen in action is deliberately serene and refined, offering guests an intimate culinary experience in harmony with the land.
Rated on Booking at 9.9/10 “Exceptional” (as of August 2025). To check for availability and make reservations via Booking.com for the Teruar Urla Hotel, Urla, scan the QR code or click here.