Aiolis Region Phokaia Tour

Aiolis Foca Daily Excursion
Meeting with your guide at the exit of the terminal Izmir Airport, Izmir Port (hotel pick up is also available) and drive to Foca. Remains of Temple of Athena and Sanctuary of Cybele, an open-air theater, Seytan Hamami, Five Gates Castle, Kayalar Mosque, Wind Mills. The price includes the entrance fees, professional licensed guide and private air conditioned vehicle.

Aiolis Region Phokaia Tour - About Foca
Foca (Phokaia) is a small town on the Aegean Sea, located 70 kilometers north of Izmir. It attracts the people because of its natural beauties, crystal clear water, small coves, and the climate. Phokaia was one of the 12 Ionian cities and its name was mentioned in Homer's epic The Odyssey with the Sirens' Rocks. Phocaea had two natural harbours with some small islands around. Phocaea remained independent until the reign of the Lydian king Croesus (circa 560-545 BC), when they fell under Lydian control and then, along with Lydia were conquered by Cyrus the Great of Persia in 546 BC, in one of the opening skirmishes of the great Greco-Persian conflict. Rather than submit to Persian rule, the Phocaeans abandoned their city. In 500 BC, Phocaea joined the Ionian Revolt against Persia. The Ionian fleet was defeated and the revolt ended shortly thereafter. Archeological excavations in Foca started in the early 1900's, which until today unearthed several monuments from the Archaic, Hellenic and Roman periods.

Did you know that fact about Phokaia, Aiolis, Foca ?
Cobblestones and turquoise shores Eski Foca (Old Foca) is synonymous with Mediterranean monk seals, turquoise bays and old stone houses. Since ancient times, Mediterranean monk seals have made Foca their home. Indeed, the name Foca is derived from the ancient Phokaia, which means. Appropriately enough, a statue of a seal in the town square is one of the first sights to greet you as you enter Eski Foca. Focas quiet coves also attract their fair share of tourists. Before you set off to explore the town, pick up a few brochures from the tourist information office. From there, wander through the cobblestone streets of the market towards Kucukdeniz. With its ancient stone houses, fish restaurants and colourful fishermen boats bobbing in the harbour, Kucukdeniz is the heart of Eski Foca. Take a moment to notice the interesting knockers on the doors to the stone houses decked with hanging flowerpots. Most of Focas small hotels and pensions are in Kucukdeniz, only steps away from its charming beach and blue Aegean waters. Windmills Swimming out from the beach, you get a wonderful view of Foca from the sea. The mountains behind the town are covered in olive groves. Foca is made up of two coves: Buyukdeniz (Big Sea) and Kucukdeniz (Small Sea). Contrary to your expectations, the larger of the two covesis quieter and calmer than Kucukdeniz. A good way to get a feel for the town is to walk from Kucukdeniz to Buyukdeniz. Focas landmarks include Beskapilarthe boathouse of the Ottoman Castlethe Ottoman City Walls and the Kibele amphitheatre. One of the best views of the town and outlying islands is to be had from Yeldegirmen Tepesi (Windmill PeaEvery morning at the break of day, the fishermen of Eski Foca set sail from the small harbour of Kucukdeniz, wishing each other good luck and Godspeed. After a hard days fishing, the boats return to the harbour laden with a bounty of fish and thankfulness.k). Siren song Legend has it that the Siren Cliffs on Orak Island off the coast of Foca were once home to the Sirens of Greek mythology. With their beautiful songs, the Sirens would lure sailors to their death on the cliffs that surrounded their island home. In ancient art, the Sirens are often depicted as mermaids. Perhaps the mythical Sirens were none other than Focas playful monk seals! Daily boat tours sail from Kucukdeniz to Orak and other islands, stopping for swimming breaks along the way.

One of the most important centers, established by Ions, who have established numerous settlements here, including Smyrna, and who are escaped from Dor invasion of Greece, is Foca. Antic Foca city is included by 12 Ion union, is at the Aiolis region. Foca, who took Antic city Phokaia name from seals, was an important harbor and had an important naval forces at their era. Foca, had established colonies in cities at eastern costs of Marsala and Spain, Velia near Pastum and Alain of Corsica with its naval fleet. Foca had lived Persia, Alexander the Great, Genevians and Ottoman eras. Phokaia city, which had entered into development period, beginning from 7th century B. C., had shown great improvement in sailing according to Father of History, Heredot. Phokaians, who were using fast ships with 50 shovels and 500 passenger transportation power, were the first Helens who go for long sea voyage. They have introduced Adriatic Etruria, beria and Tartessos to Helen world.