Discover Foça: A Tranquil Gem on the Aegean Coast

If Çandarlı feels a bit too serene and Kuşadası a touch too lively, Foça might be the perfect balance you’re looking for. Nestled along twin bays on Turkey’s stunning Aegean coast, Foça offers visitors a charming mix of history, natural beauty, and local flavor. Known as Eski Foça (Old Foça) to distinguish it from its smaller, newer neighbor Yeni Foça, this coastal town is a haven for travelers seeking authenticity and relaxation.

A Glimpse into the Past

Foça’s roots trace back to ancient Phocaea, founded before 600 BC. This once-powerful Ionian city thrived during the 5th century BC, when the Phocaeans were renowned mariners and fearless explorers. Their swift, oar-powered ships sailed the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Black Seas, establishing colonies as far afield as Samsun, Corsica, France, Spain, and Italy.

In more recent centuries, Foça became a lively Ottoman–Greek fishing and trading town. Today, it has evolved into a peaceful, middle-class Turkish seaside resort, where elegant stone houses and Ottoman–Greek architecture line the waterfront, and fishing boats sway gently in the harbor.

Scenic Bays & Local Life

Foça’s picturesque setting is defined by its circular bay, split into two by a natural peninsula. The Küçük Deniz (Small Sea) in the north is the heart of local life, ringed by waterfront restaurants, cozy cafés, and boutique pensions. To the south, the Büyük Deniz (Big Sea) hosts larger fishing vessels and offers stunning sunset views.

Things to Do in Foça

• Wander the Old Town: Stroll through narrow streets lined with colorful houses, flower-filled balconies, and friendly locals.
• Explore Ancient Ruins: While little remains of Phocaea, you can visit the ruins of a theatre, remnants of an aqueduct, and a monumental tomb just outside town. The recently discovered Temple of Athena, with its intricate griffin and horse head sculptures, is an ongoing archaeological treasure near Foça High School.
• Visit the Sanctuary of Cybele: Two ancient shrines to the mother goddess Cybele still stand, offering a peaceful glimpse into the spiritual life of ancient times.
• Discover Beşkapılar Fortress: Known as the “Five Gates”, this partially restored fortress dates back to Byzantine times and was later fortified by the Genoese and Ottomans. Another castle, Dışkale, guards the town’s approach but is best admired from a boat as it lies within a military zone.
• Take a Boat Trip: Sail around the rugged coastline and keep an eye out for the Mediterranean monk seals, one of the world’s rarest marine species. These elusive creatures inhabit the nearby Siren Rocks and Hayırsız Islands—a true treat for wildlife lovers.

Local Delights

Unwind in Foça’s traditional Turkish bath (hamam), savor fresh seafood at harbor-side taverns, or enjoy a leisurely meal at a seaside meyhane, soaking in views of the glittering bay.

Why Visit Foça?

Foça offers a unique blend of tranquility, history, and Aegean charm. Its laid-back vibe, scenic beauty, and rich heritage make it a must-visit destination for those looking to escape the crowds and experience authentic coastal Turkey.