Foca
General Information
District: Izmir, State: Aegean Region, Turkey
Area: 228 km²
Languages Spoken: Turkish
Long Distance Code: (+90) 0232
Best Time to Visit: May to August
International Access: Izmir Adnan Menderes International Airport (ADB)
Description
Yenifoca, taken over by the Genoese in 1275 and initially as a dowry, was the more active of the two Focas during the Middle Ages, due principally to the region's rich alum reserves, the Genoese lease over them having been preserved well into the Ottoman era. Eski Foca stretches along two bays; a larger one named Büyükdeniz ("the greater sea") and a smaller cove within that large one, named Kücükdeniz ("the smaller sea"), where the medieval castle is also located. Many parts of the district are under strict environmental protection, due to the value of the flora and the fauna, and the beauty of the small bays and coves, especially between Foca and Yenifoca. Therefore, a judicious way to get to know the district would be by boat tours regularly organized in partance of the center town. Because of the protective measures, new constructions are not permitted in many parts of the district and Foca is set to preserve its unique characteristic as composed principally of old houses. The construction project for a 300-boat capacity marina in Foca is recently tendered and started, upon the completion of which the town in expected to open to still more active international tourism. Foca is the site of one of three marine protected areas established in Turkey for the preservation of the Mediterranean Monk Seal, a heavily endangered species of sea mammals. The Turkish Navy maintains at Foca the home base of its two special operations units, Su Alti Savunma (SAS) and Su Alti Taarruz (SAT).Location
Foca is a town and district in Turkey's İzmir Province. The town of Foca is situated at about 69 km (43 mi) north by northwest of İzmir city center. The district also has a township with own municipality named Yenifoca (literally "new Foca"), also along the shore and at a distance of 20 km (12 mi) from Foca proper. For this reason, Foca itself is locally often called as Eskifoca ("the old Foca") in daily parlance. The ancient city of Phocaea is located between the two modern Focas.Climate
İzmir has a typical Mediterranean climate which is characterized by long, hot and dry summers; and mild to cool, rainy winters. The total precipitation for İzmir averages 706 mm (27.8 inches) per year; however, 77% of that falls during November through Ma