Vacation is not only a great opportunity to discover new places; it is also a great opportunity to meet new tastes! In this part of our Bilet.com gastronomy guide series, we are featuring seafood. Tables enriched with fresh fish, mussels, shrimps and more can provide you with an unforgettable holiday experience.
With this seafood guide, you will learn the most special holiday routes that seafood lovers should definitely discover. From the delicious cuisine of the Mediterranean to the exquisite fish varieties of the Black Sea, from exotic shores to the friendly fishing towns of the Aegean, you will taste flavors that appeal to your palate and enjoy nature on these routes.
Cities Famous for Seafood in Turkey
Surrounded by sea on three sides, Turkey is a country with a wide variety of seafood. In these lands, stretching from the peaceful shores of the Aegean and Mediterranean to the fertile waters of the Black Sea, seafood culture has a deep-rooted past. Here are some cities famous for their seafood and their delicious stories:
- Izmir : The pearl of the Aegean, Izmir has a unique culture in terms of seafood. The fishing tradition in the city dates back to very old times and especially fresh sardines, sea bream and sea bass are prominent. Izmir's famous stuffed mussels and olive oil appetizers served with fish are among the indispensable tastes of Aegean cuisine. Fish restaurants in districts such as Karaburun and Foça are indispensable addresses for food lovers.
- Bodrum : Bodrum, famous not only for its blue cruise but also for its rich seafood tables, is a perfect stop for fish lovers. You can especially choose fresh seafood from Bodrum's fish markets and have it cooked in restaurants. Octopus salad, fried calamari and shrimp casserole are just a few of the region's classic flavors.
- Antalya: The shining star of the Mediterranean, Antalya, wins the hearts of both tourists and locals with its seafood. Mediterranean fish such as fresh grouper, grouper and red mullet served in fish restaurants in Antalya are quite popular. In addition, seafood is combined with olive oil appetizers and turns into a feast on the tables in the restaurants along the coast.
- Trabzon: The pearl of the Black Sea, Trabzon is famous for its seafood, especially anchovies. Anchovy pilaf, anchovy pan and anchovy bird are among the most popular dishes of the region. In Trabzon and its surroundings, fish combines with corn flour and butter to create unique flavors.
Restaurants and Places Famous for Seafood
Turkey's seafood cuisine is enriched with venues offering delicious meals all around the country. Getting to know the unique flavors of the Aegean and Mediterranean offers great opportunities to taste fresh seafood in fishing villages or sea view restaurants. Here are the must-visit restaurants and venues for seafood lovers:
Fishing Villages and Famous Restaurants in Izmir
Izmir is known for its seafood cuisine and the quiet fishing villages of the Aegean are especially great places to enjoy fresh seafood. Here are some must-visit places in Izmir:
- Karaburun : One of the hidden paradises of the Aegean, Karaburun is famous for its fresh fish and meze. Especially in Karaburun, lamb tandoori and seafood are served together in local restaurants.
- Foça : Foça is known for its charming atmosphere and you can try the freshest seafood here. In the fish restaurants in Foça, dishes made with fresh fish, especially sardines and sea bass, are quite delicious.
- Urla : Urla is a beautiful coastal town of Izmir and stands out with its seafood restaurants. In Urla, you can enjoy seafood along with appetizers and olive oil dishes in venues with sea views.
Sea View Taverns and Taste Stops in Bodrum
Bodrum is not only a holiday resort, but also attracts attention with its restaurants famous for their seafood. Bodrum's sea view venues offer seafood in its freshest form. Here are the venues where you can enjoy seafood in Bodrum:
- Gumusluk : Gumusluk, a quiet and peaceful town in Bodrum, is famous for its sea view fish restaurants. Here, fresh fish is combined with seafood appetizers and eaten with the wonderful sea view of Gumusluk.
- Yalikavak : Yalikavak is one of the most popular places in Bodrum, known for its luxury restaurants and fishing tradition. The seaside restaurants in Yalikavak serve Mediterranean fish as well as fresh octopus and shrimp.
- Bodrum Center : The fish restaurants in Bodrum center, located close to the beach, offer delicious seafood. In these places, shrimp casserole, fish soup and scallops are especially popular.
Enjoy Fish on the Bosphorus: Kireçburnu, Bebek and Sarıyer
Istanbul is famous for its restaurants with the best views of the Bosphorus, and there are plenty of options for fish lovers. Places in areas such as Kireçburnu, Bebek and Sarıyer offer seafood delights with unique views.
- Kireçburnu : Kireçburnu is the ideal address for those who want to enjoy fish with a unique view of the Bosphorus. Here, fresh fish and seafood restaurants offer a great experience for fish lovers.
- Bebek : Bebek is one of the luxurious districts of Istanbul and is famous for its fish restaurants along the coast. In addition to seasonal fish such as bluefish, bonito, and sea bream, tables full of fresh mezes await you at the venues in Bebek.
- Sarıyer : Sarıyer is one of the most beautiful villages on the Bosphorus and you can taste fresh seafood in fish restaurants here. You can especially buy fresh fish from the fishing boats in Sarıyer and have it cooked in restaurants with sea views.
Famous Destinations for Seafood Abroad
For seafood lovers, there are wonderful destinations to explore around the world. Different cuisines pamper the palate by offering the freshest seafood in the most delicious way. Here are some holiday destinations abroad famous for seafood:
Spain, Barcelona
Located in the northeast of Spain, Barcelona has a culinary culture rich in seafood. One of its most famous dishes is paella, a delicious dish made with fish, shrimp, calamari and other seafood added to saffron rice.
Famous markets like La Boqueria in Barcelona are great places to find fresh seafood. Here, shrimps, octopus and fish are served to you fresh from the sea. You won’t find the same pleasure of eating seafood in Barcelona as anywhere else.
Greece, Santorini
The Greek islands are one of the indispensable holiday destinations for Turkish tourists due to their proximity and affordable prices. Santorini is one of the most popular islands in the Aegean and is famous for its seafood. Seafood, especially fresh calamari, octopus and shrimp, is served deliciously in the beach restaurants on the island. In the traditional fishing villages of Santorini, you can sit by the sea and enjoy fresh seafood accompanied by wine.
Not only Santorini but also many Greek Islands can be reached easily by ferry via Bilet.com. In recent years, the Greek Islands have been preferred due to their proximity and affordable prices.
Ferry services make travel to the Greek Islands quite comfortable and affordable. You can also discover the unique seafood restaurants of the Greek Islands by purchasing a ferry ticket.
Italy, Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast of Italy is famous for its stunning landscapes and delicious cuisine. Seafood pasta and lemon fish are some of the most popular dishes in this region. Pasta made with fresh seafood, combined with unique olive oils and aromatic herbs, creates wonderful flavors.
At the beach restaurants on the Amalfi coast, you can sit right by the sea and have a delightful dinner experience with delicious seafood dishes.
Norway, Bergen
Bergen, Norway, has one of the world's most famous fish markets. Fresh salmon and cod are offered along with a wide variety of seafood. Bergen's Fish Market is famous for its stalls full of fresh fish and is a favorite spot for locals.
Fish from the cold waters of Norway are a healthy option with their high protein content. You can buy the fish directly from the fish market and cook it, or try it in local restaurants.
Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a must-visit destination for sushi and sashimi lovers. Tsukiji Fish Market is one of the largest and most famous fish markets in the world. Here, Japan's fresh fish are transformed into the world's most delicious sushi and sashimi plates.
While wandering around Tsukiji Market, you can sample wonderful examples of traditional Japanese cuisine at the fresh seafood stalls and restaurants. The fresh seafood served here combines with the unique preparation techniques of Japanese cuisine to create a unique experience.
Local Flavors for Seafood Lovers
Seafood has a special place in world cuisine and has become a culinary heritage of different geographies. Seafood dishes, interpreted in their own style by each country, reflect the character of local cuisines. Here are the local flavors from Turkey and around the world that you should definitely try for those who love seafood:
Local Seafood Flavors from Turkey
Turkey, with its richness brought by being surrounded by sea on three sides, has a very wide range of seafood cuisine. From the light and aromatic appetizers of the Aegean to the hearty fish dishes of the Black Sea, each region stands out with its own unique seafood recipes. Here are some of the most special local seafood flavors of Turkish cuisine:
- Stuffed Mussels: Stuffed mussels, which are frequently encountered especially in coastal cities of Turkey, offer a unique taste with the combination of mussels filled with a spicy rice mixture and lemon. Izmir and Istanbul are the cities where you can taste the best examples of stuffed mussels.
- Lakerda: Lakerda is a traditional Turkish appetizer made from bonito fish and prepared with a special salting method. Lakerda, which is an indispensable part of raki tables, is served in thin slices and achieves a unique harmony with red onion.
- Sea Bass Marinated: One of the light and fresh flavors of Aegean cuisine, sea bass marinated is an appetizer prepared by marinating thinly sliced sea bass fillet with olive oil, lemon, and fresh herbs. This dish, which emphasizes the natural flavor of the fish, is a favorite of seafood lovers.
Local Seafood Flavors from Abroad
World cuisines transform seafood into works of art with unique recipes. From the olive oil and spicy flavors of the Mediterranean to the elegant sashimi varieties of Japanese cuisine, each country offers different taste experiences with its seafood. Here are some famous seafood dishes from abroad that you should definitely try:
- Spanish Paella: This famous dish, which originated in the Valencia region of Spain and spread throughout the world, is prepared with shrimp, mussels, calamari and other seafood on rice colored with saffron. Offering both seafood and aromatic spices together, paella is a feast of flavors for seafood lovers.
- Greek Saganaki Shrimp: Saganaki shrimp, unique to Greek cuisine, is prepared by cooking shrimp in tomato sauce and adding white cheese to it and baking it in the oven. This delicious and filling dish is a favorite of Greek seaside restaurants. It is served with crispy bread.
- Japanese Sashimi Types: One of the most elegant examples of Japanese cuisine, sashimi is prepared by serving thinly sliced raw fish with wasabi and soy sauce. Prepared with fresh fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, sashimi prioritizes simplicity and freshness.
Activities to Do While Discovering Seafood
For seafood lovers, vacation means not only discovering flavors, but also getting to the source of these flavors and enriching them with experiences. Activities related to seafood in Turkey and abroad can fill your trip with unforgettable memories. Here are some special events you can attend while discovering seafood:
Fishing Tours in Turkey
Fishing tours organized in coastal areas of Turkey allow you to get to know the source of seafood more closely. In these tours, which are both fun and educational, you can have the chance to experience the process from sea to table.
- Izmir : On tours departing from Izmir's fishing ports, you can set sail into the blue waters of the Aegean, get information about fishing, and even catch your own fish.
- Çeşme : Fishing tours organized on the pristine shores of Çeşme offer the opportunity to taste fresh seafood while spending a day in touch with the sea.
- Bodrum : Fishing tours in Bodrum offer the opportunity to discover seafood and get to know the sea culture closely, accompanied by the fascinating views of the Mediterranean.
Seafood Festivals Abroad
Seafood festivals held all over the world are exciting events where local cuisine meets seafood. These seafood festivals are definitely not to be missed to taste seafood in its freshest and most delicious form.
- Valencia Paella Festival (Spain): At this festival held in Valencia, Spain, you can find the opportunity to taste the best of paella prepared with seafood. You can experience this iconic dish of Spanish cuisine with colorful events and music.
- Norwegian Seafood Festival : Reflecting Norway's fishing culture, this festival offers the opportunity to taste seafood such as fresh salmon, cod and shrimp. At the festival held in Bergen, you can enjoy delicious seafood and learn about fishing traditions.
How to Plan Seafood in Your Vacation Itineraries?
You can combine your passion for seafood with exploration and plan an unforgettable holiday. Transportation to delicious stops, accommodation options and special events can make your holiday unique. Here are some tips to consider when planning your seafood-focused holiday routes:
Easy Transportation and Accommodation Plans with Bilet.com
It is now very easy to reach destinations famous for their seafood. Bilet.com allows you to plan your transportation and accommodation for routes both in Turkey and abroad quickly and at affordable prices.
- Routes within Turkey : You can easily arrange your flight ticket and accommodation options for cities famous for their seafood such as Izmir, Bodrum, Cesme or Istanbul. It is also possible to explore boutique hotel and hostel options on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.
- Overseas Holidays : You can plan your flight and hotel reservations together for cities famous for their seafood, such as Barcelona, Santorini or Tokyo, and even personalize your holiday by adding ferry trips.
Seafood-Related Event Suggestions
You can make your holiday more meaningful by adding events and activities in the region to your culinary explorations.
- Seafood Festivals : You can enrich your holiday with events such as the paella festival in Barcelona or the seafood festival in Norway. These festivals allow you to both mingle with the local culture and taste the freshest and most delicious seafood.
- Fishing Tours and Experiences : You can experience the process from sea to table firsthand by joining the fishing tours organized in Izmir or Bodrum in Turkey, and prepare delicious meals with the fish you catch yourself.
- Market and Restaurant Explorations : You can visit famous places such as La Boqueria in Barcelona or Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, visit local markets where fresh seafood is sold, and try different tastes in the best restaurants of the region.
The Importance of Advance Research and Reservations
Before you go on a seafood holiday, it would be beneficial to plan both your restaurant reservations and event attendance in advance. Popular venues and festivals can be quite busy, especially during high season. You can have a stress-free and enjoyable travel experience by organizing both your transportation and some of the events you will attend during your holiday through Bilet.com.
By including your love of seafood in your holiday routes, you can have an experience that is both delicious and culturally rich. With Bilet.com holiday guide and the conveniences it offers, it is possible to collect unforgettable memories on your holiday.
