A guide to Izmir’s most popular festivals you can’t miss in 2025 spring

Recognized globally for the health benefits of the Mediterranean and Aegean diets, Izmir has become a magnet for culinary tourism thanks to its rich soil, ideal climate and deeply rooted food traditions.

As the number of geographically indicated products grows in the region, Izmir continues to showcase its gastronomic wealth through vibrant food festivals and local events that captivate both domestic and international visitors.

So, which festivals are turning Izmir into a paradise of herbs—known collectively in Turkish as “ot”—and flowers? Here’s a guide to Izmir’s must-visit culinary and flower festivals in spring 2025:

Alacati Herb Festival (April 17–20, 2025)

Stepping into Alacati during the Herb Festival feels like wandering through a dreamlike film set. Since 2010, this charming neighborhood of Cesme has hosted one of Türkiye’s most beloved food events. Organized by the Cesme Municipality, the Alacati Herb Festival introduces visitors to hundreds of wild herbs native to the Aegean region.

Over four days, the festival comes alive with culinary workshops, tasting events, exhibitions, cooking contests and concerts. Each year, a different wild herb takes center stage as the festival’s theme—previous years have highlighted plants like radika, sevketi bostan, wild fennel, and mallow. Attendees can sample dishes prepared with these herbs while also learning regional recipes and kitchen tips from Türkiye’s leading chefs.

Beyond herbal delights, festival stalls offer homemade jams, pickles, savory pastries and desserts—all crafted using traditional Aegean methods. Visitors can purchase their favorite flavors and recreate them at home with the tricks they’ve picked up.

How to get to Alacati:

• From Adnan Menderes Airport: Use HAVAS buses (approximately 75 minutes).
• From Izmir Bus Terminal: Direct buses to Cesme-Alacati take around one hour 30 minutes.
• From Izmir City Center: Take ESHOT bus 984 to Urla, then transfer to 760 to reach Alacati.
• From Cesme: Local minibuses run every 10–15 minutes in the summer.
• From Uckuyular District Terminal: Half-hourly buses serve the Alacati-Cesme route.
• By Car: Located 70 kilometers from Izmir, Alacati is accessible via the Izmir–Cesme Highway.

Urla Artichoke Festival (April 25–27, 2025)

Held annually in late April, the Urla Artichoke Festival showcases the culinary identity of this coastal town known for its fresh produce. Taking place in Urla’s Cumhuriyet Square, the event brings together local farmers, chefs, and foodies to celebrate the region’s prized Sakiz artichoke.

According to an ancient legend, Zeus transformed a mortal woman named Cynara into an artichoke plant after she rejected his love. Today, the Sakiz variety—distinct for its edible petals, round bud shape, and lack of fiber—is protected under Türkiye’s geographical indication system. Scientific studies also back its health benefits, noting high potassium levels and liver-friendly cynarin compounds.

During the festival, visitors can taste dishes made from fresh artichokes and other regional vegetables, explore food stalls, join culinary workshops, and enjoy live music and talks.

How to get to Urla:

• By car: Take the Izmir–Cesme Highway and exit at Urla.
• By bus or minibus: Use ESHOT route 984 from Fahrettin Altay Square or take Urla-bound minibuses.
• By bike: An early morning ride to Urla offers scenic views and avoids traffic congestion.

Bayindir International Flower Festival (May 2–4, 2025)

Bayindir, a district famed for flower production, invites visitors to experience a fragrant and colorful celebration of spring. The International Flower Festival transforms the town into a botanical wonderland, drawing in plant lovers, florists, and tourists alike.

Held annually, this large-scale event features floral exhibitions, gardening workshops, street performances, and concerts. Streets overflow with blossoms, and stalls offer everything from potted plants to exotic floral arrangements, making it a perfect weekend getaway for nature enthusiasts.

How to get to Bayindir:

• By car: If you’re traveling by private car from Izmir, you can reach Bayindir by taking the Izmir-Aydın Highway (O-31) or the D550 road towards Torbali. The journey typically takes around 1-1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

• By bus: For those preferring public transportation, ESHOT buses or private minibuses are available. Bayindir buses departing from İzmir Bus Terminal (IZOTAS) take about 1.5 hours to reach the district.

• By train (IZBAN and TCDD): One of the most convenient and enjoyable ways to reach Bayindir is by train. You can take the IZBAN line to the Torbali stop, then transfer to regional trains operated by TCDD or minibuses to reach Bayindir. The total travel time by train is approximately 1.5 hours.