Voices reporter Ruken Alışkan continues our Explore series with a feature on Sığacık
The town of Sığacık, a district of Izmir’s Seferihisar, is the first place in Turkey to receive the title of “Cittaslow”, that is, slow city. Cittaslow is an international association of municipalities established in Italy.
The aim of the Cittaslow Movement is to spread an understanding of urbanization in which the local architecture of the cities is preserved and their local tastes, traditions, and customs are protected.
I first went to Sığacık 11 years ago and continued to go as the first place I escaped to when I wanted to listen to my soul. However, when I went again last weekend after 2 years, I saw there was no trace of the slow and calm atmosphere of the city.
However, since I still think it’s a good place to spend a pleasant day, I’m starting to tell you about the places to see and places to visit in Seferihisar and Sığacık.
When you enter Sığacık, follow the arrows that direct you to the parking lot and try to find a suitable place. You will have to return to the parking lot again, as there are no vehicles on the beach and around the castle.
Sığacık Castle (Sığacık Kalesi) and Streets: The place we call Sığacık is actually an area that covers the interior and surroundings of a castle built in the early 1520s. The castle has continued to live with its chirpy people for centuries and has become the heart of the district.
The streets parallel to the inside of the castle are a small but packed area with stands where local delicacies, homemade jams, and herbs collected from the surrounding villages are sold. There are tavaerns, bars and coffee shops.
If you have come across a quiet day, it is pleasant to walk in the castle and stand by the stands and shops one by one. You can also find handmade souvenirs of the local people and a few boutiques selling bohemian-style clothes in the castle.
If you come at the weekend, you can find more stands with handmade souvenirs on the left at the entrance of the castle on Sunday. Most of them are items you can find in other tourist areas, but I also came across some special items and bought some nice things. I especially liked the cloth dolls, toys, and cloth bags produced by Pia Bebekevi.
Restaurants in Seferihisar and Sığacık: Note: There is no price information on the menus at the entrance of some restaurants. To avoid any surprises, you may want to see the menu with prices before sitting down. Although prices have increased recently here, as elsewhere, I can say the prices are more affordable than in other coastal towns of İzmir.
Artemis Restaurant:This is a special restaurant with a menu where you can eat all kinds of artichokes, one of the most famous vegetables of Izmir. This is a modest-looking place with special tastes, which you can reach by using a road passing through the artichoke fields, about half an hour from the center of Seferihisar.
As someone who loves artichokes, I loved all kinds of them and did not feel the need to eat meat, but their menu includes meat dishes. It is better not to go without a reservation. Telephone number 0532 456 90 76 and address Düzce, Azmak Mevki No:78, 35460 Seferihisar/İzmir
Milos Fish: The most popular address to eat fish in the castle is Milos Balik. A place with a nice concept and delicious products. Contact information: 0232 745 75 03. Şadırvan Square 9/11, 35460 Seferihisar/İzmir.
Dut Gibi: The newly opened Dut Gibi is a place where the concept of the tavern is adapted to the new generation. Their menu includes stewed fish, grilled meat, and Izmir appetizers.
Bars & Cafes
Cartel Coffee & Cocktails: It is a place where good music is played and both coffee and cocktails are served. Address: Sığacık, Akkum Cd. No:9, 35460 Seferihisar
Jolly Boys: The venues with live music have increased in Sığacık. I did not find the sounds disturbing, but since I do not prefer live music, it is not a place to sit. However, it is a live music venue that has become popular in Sığacık. Address: Sığacık, Liman Cd. No: 24, 35460 Seferihisar.
Fehu: It’s a place in the castle where I love coffee and desserts. Address: Sığacık,
135. Sk. No:1, 35460 Seferihisar
Teos Ancient City: The ancient city is a place you can stop by while you are in Seferihisar. Even if you are not interested in historical places, you can visit Teos, which looks like a trekking route with its olive trees in and around it.
However, I must say that, unfortunately, one regrets that it has been left alone and turned into a ruin. If you are going, avoid the heat of the afternoon. There is no cafe or buffet, so take cold water and cold drinks to cool you down, and you should wear a hat to protect from the sun. On average, the trip takes 1 hour.
Beaches: If you plan to swim in Sığacık, take sea shoes as the beaches are usually stony. In addition, since the breeze from the sea increases on some days, take a shawl.
Sığacık Büyük Akkum Beach: A beach that is crowded on weekends. It is mostly a windy shore and the water is very cold. However, the beach is not stony, but sandy.
Ürkmez (Akvaryum) Beach: A beach that can be calmer and more peaceful during the week. But it’s not my favorite due to the stony beach.
Akarca Public Beach: Akarca is a quiet area 10 minutes from Sığacık. Although it was the weekend, the beach was not crowded. The beach is located in front of hotel establishments, but there is nothing disturbing. Moreover, you can benefit from the cafe sections of the hotels. The beach is pebbly, but not as stony as Ürkmez.
Dairy: If you are interested in cheese, you can stop by Zeybekoğlu Mandıra (Dairy) in the center of Seferihisar. The most famous cheese of the region is Armola Cheese. Armola is a cheese made by mixing feta cheese, cottage yogurt, and curd cheese with goat’s milk. Address: Camikebir, 85. Sk. No: 1, 35460 Seferihisar.
How to go? Asthere is no direct transportation from Izmir bus station to Seferihisar, go by your own vehicle or rent one. Seferihisar is 2.5 hours via Aydın-İzmir highway.