Information about Foca, Turkey



Foca is set around two arching bays, known locally as Big Sea and Little Sea. Foca is a picturesque seaside town at the mouth of the Gulf of Izmir and is situated approximately 670 km southwest of Istanbul and 65 km north of Izmir. There are frequent flights to Izmir airport from Istanbul and long distances buses to Foca. This charming place, located by the seaside has a mild Aegean climate an intimate atmosphere and friendly people. It is a resort area with excellent restaurants and uncrowded beaches. The famous Siren Rocks mentioned in Homer's Odyssey can be seen across the bay of Foca and may also be visited. 

Foca was one of the most important centers established by Ionians. The Ionians also founded Izmir (Smyrna). The ancient city of "Phokaia" took its name from the word "seal" referring to the marine animal, and was an important harbor. Phokaia city, which had entered into a period of development starting in the 7th century B. C., had shown great improvement in sailing according to "Father of History", Herodotus. Phokaicans, who were using fast ships with 50 oars and 500-passenger transportation power, and were the first Hellenes to make long sea voyages.

Some of the Greek buildings remain to preserve the authentic character of this ancient settlement. Visitors with an interest in archaeology will find many excavation sites in progress and the world's second oldest amphitheater, which has only recently been discovered, is within the town boundary. 



The town's busy fishermen set out daily, returning with fresh fish for the famous seafood restaurants that line the cobbled promenade. Mouth-watering sea bass and tender calamari are both local specialties, best enjoyed with a chilled bottle of local wine. There's an excellent sandy beach in town, or you can discover a string of isolated coves nearby, which are perfect for swimming and where you may just spot a rare Mediterranean monk seal. A bit further away the magnificent ancient cities of Pergamon and Sardis are easily accessible by car or bus.

The town has a good selection of shops and a great weekly market; while the bright lights of Izmir, with its excellent shopping, nightlife and international airport, are only a short drive away.

Where to Visit in Foca:
Seytan Hamami (Satan's Bath): This is a Tomb type structure at the foot of Can peak. It is 2 km. away from Foca. 

Bes Kapilar Castle (Castle of the five gates): This antique castle was given to Manuel Zacharna by the Genoese. This castle is used as open-air theater today

External Castle: Referred as "External Castle or Genoese Castle" at "Castle Bay" southwest of Foca, according to sources, this castle was constructed by Ottomans on a strategic point to guard the region on 1678. The castle, which is on a cape, is separated from the continent via a huge trench. During underwater archeological studies, stone pellets were found at the bottom of the sea in front of the castle. It is thought that these shots are fired via catapults from castle to enemy ships. 

Turkish Baths: Only two Turkish baths survive from Ottoman period. Both of them are in the Ataturk District of Foca.

Foca Islands: This is an island group, composed of six desolate islands in front of Foca. These are: Orak Island, Incir Island, Kartdere Island, Fener Island, Hayirsiz Island and Metalik Island. There is a long beach on the south coast of Orak Island, and al sheer cliffs 80 meters high on Orak, Hayirsiz and Kartdere Islands. Incir Island preferred for picnics and its beach by tourists and natives. Foca's islands and the surrounding bays, shelter one of the last Mediterranean seal colonies in Turkey. For the protection of the Mediterranean seals living near the Foca islands, it is forbidden to come near more than 2 miles to islands between Aslanburnu and Deveboynu Cape, also to come nearer than100 meters to Siren Rocky Places and Orak Island.

Tas Ev (Rock House): This rocky monument tomb rising at the side of the road 10 km. away from Foca, is a structure which dates to the 4th century B.C.