Karaburun: The Hidden Paradise of Izmir

Karaburun has many bays, beaches, villages, historical sites and natural parks to explore. You can swim, dive, hike, camp, or just relax in this peaceful and charming place. You can also enjoy the local cuisine, which is based on fresh seafood, olive oil, herbs and vegetables. Karaburun is also famous for its legends and stories, which are told by the locals. One of these legends is about Narlı and Dere, the star-crossed lovers who escaped from the sea god’s wrath. They came to Narlidere, a nature park named after the pomegranate trees, and lived happily ever after.

Hello dear readers, today I want to tell you about one of the most beautiful districts of Izmir, Karaburun. Karaburun is a peninsula located in the northwest of Izmir, the pearl of the Aegean, and it hosts many natural beauties. Karaburun is a place that foreign tourists do not know much, but definitely worth seeing. I also organized a trip to Karaburun last week and I want to share my experiences with you.

During my trip, I stayed at different places and tried different services. Here are some of my reviews:

• Mimoza Köyü: This is a cozy and friendly guesthouse in Mordoğan, the oldest and largest settlement of Karaburun. The rooms are clean and comfortable, the breakfast is delicious and the staff is helpful. The guesthouse is close to the beach and the historical sites. I recommend this place for anyone who wants to experience the authentic village life of Karaburun. Mimoza Köyü
• Ege Octopus Dalış Merkezi: This is a diving center in Karaburun, where you can learn and practice diving with professional instructors. They have a variety of diving courses and tours for all levels and interests. They also have a boat and equipment rental service. I had a great time diving with them and exploring the underwater wonders of Karaburun. I especially enjoyed the Akvaryum bay, where I saw a turtle and a mysterious stone. Ege Octopus Dalış Merkezi
• Hayalbaz: This is a restaurant and cafe in Karaburun, where you can taste the delicious dishes of the Aegean cuisine. They have a rich menu of seafood, meat, salads, soups, desserts and drinks. They also have a beautiful garden and a terrace with a sea view. The service is fast and friendly. I loved their grilled octopus, stuffed mussels and baklava. Hayalbaz
• Karaburun Otel: This is a hotel in Karaburun, where you can enjoy a comfortable and luxurious stay. The hotel has a modern design and a spacious lobby. The rooms are elegant and well-equipped, with a minibar, a TV, a safe and a balcony. The hotel also has a swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center and a conference room. The breakfast is rich and varied. The staff is polite and attentive. I had a relaxing and pleasant stay at this hotel. [Karaburun Otel]

There are also some places and services that I did not like or that need improvement. Here are some of my criticisms:

• Dolungaz Koyu: This is a bay in Karaburun, where you can swim and sunbathe. However, the bay is very crowded and noisy, especially in the summer. The water is not very clean and there are a lot of garbage and plastic on the shore. The facilities are also poor and there are not enough toilets and showers. I did not enjoy this bay and I think it needs more care and protection. [Dolungaz Koyu]
• Boyabağı: This is a village in Karaburun, where you can see the traditional houses and gardens of the locals. However, the village is very isolated and there is not much to do or see. The roads are narrow and bumpy and there is no public transportation. The villagers are also not very welcoming and friendly to the visitors. I felt bored and unwelcome in this village and I think it needs more development and tourism. [Boyabağı]
• Koca Ali: This is a local woodcarver and storyteller in Karaburun, who lives in a tent near Narlidere. He makes and sells beautiful wood carvings and tells interesting legends and stories. However, he is also very rude and greedy and he charges a lot of money for his works and stories. He also does not like to answer questions or have conversations. I was disappointed and annoyed by his attitude and I think he needs to be more respectful and friendly to the visitors. [Koca Ali]

Karaburun is a hidden paradise of Izmir, where you can discover many natural, historical and cultural beauties. It is also a place where you can find different places and services to suit your needs and preferences. I hope you enjoyed reading my blog and I invite you to visit Karaburun and see it for yourself. Have a nice day. 😊.