A hike

The area we are in (Izmir province) abuts the Aegean Sea with rolling hills littered with farming (pomegranates, citrus, olives, peaches, plums, grapes). The brown hills contrast nice with the sparkling crystal clear blue waters.

We wanted to get a closer look and do a hike. After some digging, we found a spot that looked to fit the bill, a walk through the farmland and hills to a series of swim spots. We tried hard to get to the trail but access was closed, and we moved on.

We found another hike from the ancient city of Teo to a beach. We headed over there, taking full advantage of our rental car. We toured the ancient city, and it makes Ephesus that much more impressive as it was not well excavated or preserved. The walk was lovely through the ruins and adjacent farmland.

We opted to jump over the hike portion through the city of Sigacik and drove to pick it up on the other site, although we did walk through a bit of their market, which was cute and almost Disney like in its charm.

We found the trail and headed over the hill replete with Civil Defense Guard warning signs to a beautiful cove with blue-green waters. I took a dip into the frigid waters but ash opted to watch me swim. We hiked back by a cemetery and then stopped at the market to augment our dinner with grape leaves, phyllo rolls stuffed with eggplant and some breaded meatballs.