8 places to visit in the Kemalpaşa district of Izmir: Kemalpaşa Castle (Nif Castle), Nif (Nymphaion) Ancient City and Kemalpaşa Cherry Orchards. Plan your trip to Kemalpaşa with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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General Information

The district centre is 205 metres above sea level.

History

The city known in antiquity as Nymphaion has changed its name over time. In the 13th century it gained importance as the winter residence of the Nicaean emperors. The city was captured by the Saruhan Beylik in 1315.

Geography

To the west of the district lie Bornova and Buca, and to the south lie Torbalı and Bayındır districts. Nif Mountain lies within the district boundaries.

Economy

The cherries grown in the district have received a geographical indication.

History and Culture

The ancient and medieval name of Kemalpaşa was Nymphaion. In the 13th century, Emperor John III Doukas Vatatzes had a palace built here, whose remains are well preserved to this day. The district was renamed Kemalpaşa in 1923, in commemoration of Mustafa Kemal Paşa’s visit to the district in 1922. Kurudere village took the name Nazarköy with the approval of the Ministry on 20 March 2007. The Kemalpaşa Golden Cherry Culture and Arts Festival has been held since 1936 to reward the best cherry growers.

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Places to Visit in Kemalpaşa

  • 3 Historic
  • 1 Ancient City
  • 2 Nature
  • 1 Attraction
  • 1 Cultural

Historic Sites 3

Historic

Kemalpaşa Castle (Nif Castle)

In the 13th century, during the Byzantine period, it was an important castle.

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Historic

Nif (Nymphaion) Ancient City

Nymphaion, founded in the 3rd century BC, was an important settlement in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Excavations have revealed the remains of a theatre, an agora and a temple.

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Historic

Kemalpaşa Maiden's Tower (Laskaris Palace)

A historic structure visible from the entrance to the district; over time it has become a symbol of the district.

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Ancient Cities 1

Ancient City

Ulucak Höyük (Mound)

A mound known for its Neolithic layers; excavations were carried out there between 1997 and 2012.

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Natural Wonders 2

Nature

Kemalpaşa Cherry Orchards

Kemalpaşa is one of Türkiye's most important cherry-producing centres. The cherry orchards, which bloom between April and June, offer a visual feast.

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Nature

Nif Mountain

A mountain dominating Kemalpaşa district; it is one of the 19 mountains called Olympos in antiquity. Excavations have been carried out in a Roman-period urban area at its foot.

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Attractions 1

Attraction

Alaş Kazak Valley Kumis Farm

A farm in the forest at the foot of Nif Mountain that introduces Central Asian Turkic culture and has a Central Asian restaurant.

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Cultural Venues 1

Cultural

Nazarköy

Evil-eye beads and glass decorative items have been produced in Nazarköy since around 1950.

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Places to Visit Around Izmir Province

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While you are in Kemalpaşa, you can also see the highlights of Izmir province. These places are in other districts.

  • Ephesus Ancient City — An ancient city in Selçuk that was the capital of the Roman province of Asia and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015. Its most important structures are the 2nd-century Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre seating 25,000, Curetes Street and the Terraced Houses with their frescoes and mosaics.
  • Pergamon Acropolis (Bergama) — Capital of the Hellenistic Kingdom of Pergamon, famous for its theatre on a steep slope, the Temple of Trajan and the foundation of the Altar of Zeus, which is now displayed in Berlin.
  • Temple of Artemis — The remains of the temple, counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in Selçuk; only a single column still stands today.
  • House of the Virgin Mary — On Mount Bülbül near Selçuk, a house believed in Christian tradition to be where Mary spent her last years; identified in 1891, it is an important pilgrimage site that many popes have visited.
  • Izmir Clock Tower — A 25-metre tower in Konak Square, built in 1901 for the 25th anniversary of Abdülhamid II's accession to the throne; it is the symbol of the city.
  • Kemeraltı Bazaar and Kızlarağası Caravanserai — A historic bazaar that grew from the 17th century onwards as the shoreline was filled in; with its caravanserais, mosques, synagogues and narrow lanes it is the heart of the city.

Practical Information for Visiting Kemalpaşa

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
May to June (cherry season)
Places to visit
8 places

What to Eat in Kemalpaşa

Food guide →
  • Kemalpaşa Tatlısı (cheese dough balls in syrup)

    Made by baking balls of dough made with Kemalpaşa cheese and soaking them in syrup. Known across Türkiye as 'Kemalpaşa tatlısı', this dessert is a geographically indicated product of the district.

  • Cherry Desserts

    Jam, compote and cake made with Kemalpaşa's famous cherries are sold in local patisseries.

  • Kemalpaşa Cherries

    Harvested in Kemalpaşa, these are among the first cherries to be harvested in the northern hemisphere; they are the district's well-known local product.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Kemalpaşa

  • Cherry Festival

    The Kemalpaşa Cherry Festival, held every year in June, celebrates the cherry harvest. During the festival, cherry-eating competitions, concerts and local product stalls are organised.

Local Products

  • Kemalpaşa Cherries — Kemalpaşa Cherries were registered as a protected designation of origin on 24 March 2021 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 702). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruits and vegetables and mushrooms. Registered by: Kemalpaşa Agricultural Support and Development Association.
  • Kemalpaşa Cheese — A special cheese, the raw material of Kemalpaşa tatlısı, produced from fresh milk using traditional methods.

Economy

Kemalpaşa's economy is based on agriculture and industry. Cherry production is the district's most important source of agricultural income. Production in the food, textile and machinery sectors takes place in the Kemalpaşa Organised Industrial Zone.

How to Get to Kemalpaşa

Kemalpaşa is 30 km from Izmir. Regular bus and minibus services run from Izmir.

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Kemalpaşa: Frequently Asked Questions

What to see in Kemalpaşa?

The 8 highlights of Kemalpaşa are Kemalpaşa Castle (Nif Castle), Nif (Nymphaion) Ancient City, Kemalpaşa Cherry Orchards, Kemalpaşa Maiden's Tower (Laskaris Palace), Nif Mountain, Ulucak Höyük, Nazarköy and Alaş Kazak Valley Kumis Farm.

What to eat in Kemalpaşa?

Kemalpaşa Tatlısı, Cherry Desserts and Kemalpaşa Cherries are the standout dishes at Kemalpaşa's tables.

What is Kemalpaşa famous for?

Kemalpaşa is known for its Kemalpaşa Cherries and its Cherry Festival. It is a registered product with a protected designation of origin from TÜRKPATENT.

How to get to Kemalpaşa?

Kemalpaşa is 30 km from Izmir. Regular bus and minibus services run from Izmir.

How much time should I allow for Kemalpaşa?

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: May to June (cherry season).

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