North of İzmir, with its stone houses, sheltered coves and a harbour where fishing boats rock at anchor, Foça is one of the favourite stops for anyone wanting to escape the city for a few hours in summer. Known in antiquity as Phokaia and one of the most enterprising maritime cities of the Aegean, the town today feels almost like an island of slow living, with its unhurried pace, the cry of gulls off the water and skies that redden in the late afternoon. Even in the July and August heat, Foça's sea breeze cools the air. Setting off from Bornova and returning the same day is entirely possible — here is a step-by-step guide.
Where Is Foça, and How Far from İzmir?
Foça is a coastal district north of central İzmir, beyond Menemen. It is roughly an hour to an hour and a half's drive from the city centre by road; the time varies with traffic and when you set out. The district divides in two: Old Foça, with its lively harbour, restaurants and historic fabric, and the quieter, more residential New Foça. Most day visitors spend their time in Old Foça, because the heart of the town, its square and its walking routes are all there.
How to Get to Foça
The easiest way is in your own car: the motorway and main road connections make it a single, pleasant run from Bornova. If you would rather leave the car at the hotel and use public transport, there are bus services from İzmir to Foça, and it is also possible to take İZBAN up the northern line and change to a connecting service. Timetables and routes change with the season, so we recommend checking current departure information before you set out. A tip for drivers: on summer weekends the car parks inside Old Foça can fill up, so arriving early is an advantage for both parking and the cooler air.
What to See in Foça
The heart of the visit is the harbour and the seafront. Fishing boats, brightly painted skiffs and the stone houses rising behind them make Foça's most classic photograph. At the end of the harbour, the historic Beşkapılar (Foça Castle) carries the town's Genoese and Ottoman past into the present. Getting lost in the narrow cobbled streets and looking at the restored stone Foça houses is a pleasure in itself; bougainvillea-covered courtyards, blue shutters and small boutique shops decorate the side streets.
For those drawn to the sea, the Siren Rocks off the town are a legendary spot identified with the sirens who enchanted sailors with their song in Homer's Odyssey. Foça is also a place symbolised by the endangered Mediterranean monk seal, which has become the town's emblem. Taking a small boat trip to see the coves, the caves and the waters around the seals' habitat from the sea is the loveliest way to complete a summer visit.
Can You Swim in Foça? What Are the Beaches Like?
Yes — there are both public beaches and coves around Foça, and with its clear water and breezy weather it is especially popular with sailors and windsurfers. As well as the shoreline near the town centre, you will find coves large and small all along the coast road between Old and New Foça. If you plan to swim, do not forget to bring beach kit and a hat for shade. You can find the other beach options around İzmir gathered together in our İzmir beach guide.
What to Eat in Foça
One of Foça's strongest cards is its food. The fish restaurants along the harbour, with the day's fresh catch, meze and a sea view, are ideal for lunch or dinner. Aegean herbs, olive-oil dishes and fresh fish come together perfectly here. For travellers who love breakfast, a spread by the water at one of the seafront cafés makes a fine start. On the way back, buying olive oil, handmade soap or a local gift from the town's small shops is a pleasant habit that rounds off the day.
How to Plan a Trip to Foça
You can see Foça comfortably in a day: set off early and be at the harbour by midday, wander the stone streets and see Beşkapılar, then have lunch by the water. In the afternoon, take a boat trip or a swim in one of the coves, and after a coffee at the harbour towards sunset, start back. If you have more time, you can combine Foça with another day trip to the south on a separate day; for those who like escapes to the sea, our Çeşme and Alaçatı trip is built on the same "leave in the morning, back by evening" logic. If you would like to add the city-centre classics as well, take a look at our guide to things to see in İzmir.
Where to Stay for a Trip to Foça
Because Foça suits a day trip so well, many visitors prefer to stay on the İzmir side and set off in the morning. Here, a base close to the northern exit and the motorway connections makes a real difference. MyMahall Hotel Bornova is in exactly that central position: leave your car in our free car park, head out to Foça comfortably in the morning, and come back to a comfortable room when you return tired in the evening. Ege University Hospital is 1.3 km away, Yaşar University 1.1 km, Forum Bornova 1.7 km and the intercity bus terminal 4 km; free WiFi and room service are standard. You can view our rooms on the gallery page.
For reservations and information: (0232) 461 95 95 — find us on our contact page. After a peaceful day in the stone streets of Foça, the lively rhythm of Bornova is ready to welcome you back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Foça from İzmir, and how long does it take?
Foça lies north of central İzmir and is roughly an hour to an hour and a half's drive by road. The time varies with when you set out and with traffic; on summer weekends an early start is an advantage.
Can Foça be visited in a day?
Yes. Old Foça's harbour, stone streets, castle and restaurants fit comfortably into a single day. For leaving in the morning and returning in the evening, a base near the northern exit such as Bornova is ideal.
Can you swim in Foça?
There are beaches and coves around Foça; with clear water and a steady breeze it suits swimming, sailing and windsurfing. Bringing beach kit and a hat for sun protection is recommended.