Dikili

Dikili has a fine port large enough to accommodate three passenger ships simultaneously and the port has good land transport connections. You will be tendered into Dikili and the tender drop-off point is in the center of the town. Smaller ships are able to dock in the center of town.

Around the tender point, there are a few waterfront cafes and small fishing boats. If you have a long stop here venture out to Pergamum,

A must see in Dikili is the Merkez Mosque which is a rare example of a wooden construction dating from 1789. Its particularity is in having been built without using any nails in the construction.

Dikili is a coastal town and a district of Izmir Province in the Aegean Region of Turkey. The district is quite picturesque both along its shoreline and in its interior parts and is a popular summer resort. Dikili is a seaside fishing town that is made up of mainly holiday villas and a few hotels. The charming center with cobbled streets has restaurants, bars, and shops.

Dikili has a 'promenade' and a few simple cafes on the waterfront, that's about it.

Dikili is the port for the ancient mountain citadel of Pergamum where you can visit Asklepeion, the site where psychiatry was first practiced. Also, see the Sacred Pools, the Altar of Zeus, the Library, and the Serpent Altar which still serves as the symbol of the medical profession. Pergamum is about a 30-minute drive. 24km.

Traditional handicrafts such as carpets, copper goods, painted ceramics and jewelry are popular buys, along with a good selection of leather goods, sandals, and beachwear which can be found in most of the larger resorts.

In souvenir shops and stalls, it's always worth trying a spot of haggling. For food shopping, local mini markets provide basic essentials, whilst the supermarkets found near the larger resorts are similar to those we are used to at home. Most resorts have a weekly market selling local produce, crafts, and textiles and are well worth a visit.

Turkish food is amongst the best in the world. With enough climatic zones to grow most ingredients locally, there is a vast array of produce to excite and entice the palate. Besides its famous kebab dishes, there are many other traditional Turkish foods to choose from. Meze (appetizers) for which Turkey is justly famous, are a range of hundreds of small dishes from simple combinations such as cheese with melon to elaborately stuffed vegetables. These are served in all Turkish restaurants and are traditionally accompanied with Raki, a clear anise- flavored spirit claimed to be Turkey's national alcoholic drink

Turkey's currency is the Turkish Lira. Many shops and restaurants in the coastal resorts and big cities accept payment in foreign currency. But if you are planning to travel to other parts of the country, it is advisable to take some Turkish Lira.

With a credit or debit card you can withdraw local currency from cash machines which are found in convenient locations in cities, towns and resorts.

Free wireless connections are available at some hotels and restaurants/cafés, especially in big cities.

Emergency Ambulance: 112 (all over Turkey) Police: 155 (all over Turkey)

In tourist and coastal areas, opening hours are quite flexible and during the summer many shops stay open until late in the evening, seven days a week, leaving tourists to browse at their leisure and escape the heat of the day.