As one of Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) largest ports, Izmir Cruise Port welcomes international cruise liners from around the world. As well as boasting a prime location on the Aegean Coast, Izmir also serves as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ephesus and Pergamon.
Explore the region’s ancient wonders on a shore excursion, which typically take you to the ancient Greek city of Ephesus to admire preserved temples, and stop at landmarks such as the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Artemis, and St. John’s Basilica. Alternatively, take a day trip to ancient Pergamon, home to the Pergamon Altar, the hillside theatre, and the Asklepion. Izmir highlights include the Konak Yali Mosque, Kadifekale castle, and Kemeralti Bazaar.
The Izmir Cruise Port terminal building has a number of gift shops and cafés, while ATMs and currency exchange are widely available in town.
The majority of shore excursions include port pickup, admission tickets, and lunch.
Exploring the ancient ruins means lots of time outdoors with little shade. Be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Most religious sites require you to wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Women might also be asked to cover their hair; wraps are typically provided.
The ruins of Ephesus and other sites may be difficult to navigate for wheelchair users or strollers; consider booking a tour that caters to your needs.
Cruise ships arriving at Izmir Cruise Port dock at Alcansak, around 2 miles (3 kilometers) north of downtown Izmir. It’s possible to walk into town from the port; its a pleasant 25-minute walk along the coast to Konak Square. Alternatively, taxis are available outside of the terminal.
The local currency is the Turkish lira, although euros and US dollars may be accepted at some stores. Turkish is the official language, but it’s typically easy to get by in English.