Hot Springs, Bademli Village and the Aegean Shore in Dikili

Dikili, at the northern edge of İzmir province, is both a seaside town and an area rich in geothermal water. A long shore, olive groves behind it and the outline of Lesbos on the horizon make it a calm choice for a weekend.

Getting there: buses from İzmir run regularly and take about two and a half hours. Driving via Aliağa and Çandarlı is the more scenic route. Bademli village is ten kilometres from the centre and reachable by minibus.

The day: spend the morning on the seafront. The promenade is long and laid out for walking, and ferries to Lesbos leave from the pier. Then head up to Bademli, a village set among olive groves with its stone houses intact and daily life still going on in the streets; it is not a staged setting. The presses nearby show how the oil is made and offer tastings. Give the afternoon to the springs, where the thermal facilities around Kaynarca draw water at high temperatures. With time to spare, call at Çandarlı, whose castle, harbour and shore make a good late afternoon stop.

Eating: olive oil vegetable dishes are the basis of the local kitchen, with golden thistle and samphire in season. Fish restaurants line the shore, and Bademli oil and soap make good gifts.

Tips: ferries to Lesbos require a passport and sailing times vary by season. Most spa facilities belong to hotels, so call ahead for day entry.