Dikili

Dikili has a fine port with capacity for three passenger ships at the same time and good land transport connections. Passengers tender into the town, where the drop-off is central. Smaller vessels are able to berth in the town centre.

Near the tender point are a few waterfront cafes and small fishing boats. On a long call, head out to Pergamum.

Dikili’s Merkez Mosque is a must see. Dating from 1789, this rare wooden building was constructed without a single nail, which is its distinctive feature.

Dikili, a coastal town and district of Izmir Province in Turkey’s Aegean Region, is picturesque along both shore and inland and popular as a summer resort. Its seaside fishing town has mostly holiday villas, a few hotels and a charming cobbled centre with shops, bars and restaurants.

Dikili has a waterfront ‘promenade’ and a handful of simple cafes; that is about all.

Dikili is the port for Pergamum’s ancient mountain citadel. There you can see Asklepeion, where psychiatry was first practiced, as well as the Sacred Pools, Altar of Zeus, Library and Serpent Altar, still the medical profession’s symbol. Pergamum is a 30-minute drive, 24km away.

Traditional handicrafts, including carpets, copper goods, painted ceramics and jewelry, are popular purchases. Larger resorts also usually sell a good range of leather goods, sandals and beachwear.

At souvenir shops and stalls, try haggling. Local mini markets cover food basics, while supermarkets near larger resorts resemble those at home. Most resorts hold a weekly market for local produce, crafts and textiles, and these are worth visiting.

Turkey is said to have some of the world’s finest food. Its many climatic zones let it grow most ingredients locally, offering a vast choice of tempting produce. Beyond the well-known kebabs, traditional dishes abound. Meze (appetizers), for which Turkey is justly famous, consists of hundreds of small plates, from straightforward cheese with melon to richly stuffed vegetables. Turkish restaurants serve them traditionally with Raki, a clear anise-flavored spirit regarded as the country’s national alcoholic drink.

The Turkish Lira is Turkey’s currency. Foreign currency is accepted by many shops and restaurants in coastal resorts and big cities, but take Turkish Lira for travel elsewhere.

Cash machines in convenient city, town and resort locations let you use a credit or debit card to withdraw local currency.

Some hotels and restaurants/cafés, particularly in big cities, offer free wireless connections.

For Ambulance, use 112 (all over Turkey); for Police, use 155 (all over Turkey).

Tourist and coastal areas keep flexible shop hours, and in summer many stores open late every evening, seven days a week, so visitors can browse away from the daytime heat.