The Aegean coast of Turkey is lined by a succession of modern cities with palm-lined avenues and liberal attitudes, towns with old quarters that are filled with elegant turn of the 20th century neo-classical architecture, and ruins of what were once major powers of the Mediterranean in ancient times; all backed by fertile valleys and hills, the sides of which are dotted with picturesque villages and large oliveyards, which help Turkey achieve being one of the biggest producers of olive oil in the world. It's little wonder that much of ancient art and philosophy—from Aristotle to Homer, many were citizens of cities along this coast—was developed in this land of wine and honey, which has a favourable climate year round.

During the Roman era, Aegean Turkey and the neighbouring parts of Central Anatolia constituted the Province of Asia (hence "the Seven Churches of Asia", see below). The name of the province was later extended to include all of the continent that lies to the east.

The climate is Mediterranean, and often very typically so; hot, dry summers (around 30-35°C during the day, 1-2 days of rain a month), warm transitional seasons, and mild, wet winters (around 10-15°C during the day, 8-16 days of rain a month). There is still some climatic variance within the region, however. Cities further inland have chillier winters, with some possibility of snow; while also contending with summers featuring daytime temperature averages over 35°C.

Regions

Map of Aegean Turkey
Central Aegean
Izmir and its vicinity with lots of history and beautiful seaside towns
Northern Aegean
milder climate than the south with olive groves everywhere
Southern Aegean
crystal clear turquoise sea, verdant citrus plantations
Cities
Travertines of Pamukkale
Izmir — Turkey’s third biggest city is a busy harbour and the unofficial capital of the region
Assos — a pleasant village with preserved traditional buildings and the impressive Temple of Athena overlooking the sea
Ayvalık — a beautiful town with a distinctive Eastern Mediterranean architecture
Bergama — the extensive ruins of ancient Pergamon are a must-see
Bodrum — a trendy resort known for its Templar-built castle and parties going wild
Çeşme — a historic town and beach resort on a peninsula stretching far west
Datça — an unspoilt town; the nearby ancient city of Knidos forms the boundary between the Aegean and the Mediterranean
Denizli — an inland city serving as a hub to Pamukkale, and nearby ancient sites
Kuşadası — a busy resort town with an island citadel; its port welcomes the Mediterranean cruises
Other destinations

Aphrodisias are the great ruins of an ancient city founded in honour of the goddess of love.
Dilek Peninsula National Park Dilek Peninsula-Büyük Menderes Delta National Park on Wikipedia is perhaps the wildest stretch of land on the Turkish Aegean coast, with lush forests, hiking trails and desolate beaches.
Ephesus is the best preserved of the ancient cities in Turkey, and once the capital of Roman Asia Minor.
Pamukkale the "cotton castle" is a white world of travertines.
Priene, Miletus and Didyma are a trio of ancient Greek ruins.
Sardis is the ruins of the capital of the Lydians, the inventors of "money", backed by craggy Mount Tmolos.