Urla Sanat Sokağı Narlıbahçe Home

We were lucky to visit during the artichoke festival, which was really crazy, with huge crowds and stalls full of all kinds of art. Urla is a picturesque town, and you can wander through its streets and pop into little shops to find something for yourself. If the crowds aren’t your thing, there are quieter streets too.

I visited in the evening, when the old historic houses along the street were bright with color and lights. There were stalls selling handmade jewelry and plenty of bars with music spilling out, plus cafes and restaurants nearby. The atmosphere was nice overall. There’s also an open-air museum nearby, Magaca Bazaar museum, where you can see what the town was like in the 1970s. Getting around is the part that’s lacking. There should be train stations for transportation. Minibuses are used, and reaching the farther parts of Urla is difficult.

A stroll along Urla Sanat Sokağı brings together art, coffee, food, and a lively community feel. I enjoyed browsing its galleries, shops, and boutiques, and the murals and street art make the whole place feel creative. The galleries show both traditional and contemporary work by local and international artists. There are cafes and restaurants with everything from Turkish dishes to fusion food, and the street also holds events, performances, and workshops. It’s a fun place for art lovers and casual visitors alike, and a great way to experience Urla’s culture.

We loved wandering around Urla. It’s a beautiful Aegean spot about 35 km from Izmir, roughly a 45 minute drive, with history going back to 4000 B.C. You can see a lot in half a day, though don’t miss the harbor, Urla Iskelesi. Having a car is better, especially if you want to explore further. It felt very safe, including for solo women traveling, and people were willing to help even though not many speak English, so communication can be tricky. There are wineries if you like wine, and Urla was once known for olive oil production. The Herb Festival is in March and the Artichoke Festival is in May. We also stumbled on LeBon Jardin, where a DJ was playing a great progressive set. We really enjoyed it. DJs play Fridays and Saturdays, sometimes Sundays too.