Turkey has always been a preferred travel destination for us Lebanese. You might have visited Istanbul but have you ever been to Izmir, the third largest city in Turkey? 

Read on to discover why you should spend your next vacation in Izmir.

As you leave Izmir airport, you will be greeted by a huge sculpture of Atatürk's head on the side of a mountain; he is considered a national "hero" in Turkey. If you are a fan of archaeological sites, then the ancient Greek ruins of Ephesus are a must-see! An old majestic giant library will particularly catch your attention as you wander through the ruins. Ephesus was also famous for the Temple of Artemis (or Diana), which was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

On top of a mountain near Ephesus lies the holy House of the Virgin Mary. It is both a Christian and Muslim site with indoor and outdoor churches. Outside the shrine, there is a "wishing wall" where you can write your personal wishes and prayers.

As for the food, Izmir has a large variety of local specialties and international dishes that satisfy everyone's taste buds. You will also find a lot of green spaces in Izmir, which are perfect for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.

Finally, you can enjoy a direct flight to Izmir and even extend your stay in Turkey to visit another beautiful city, Antalya. These two cities have different sea views and are especially great in the summer: Izmir is on the sparkling Aegean Sea, while Antalya is on the blue Mediterranean Sea. So don't forget to bring your swimsuit and camera! Amazing and breathtaking pictures are guaranteed!