Dear Foça, You Were Unforgettable

My partner and I are on a romantic road trip across Turkey.

I planned to spend just one day in Foça, but I ended up staying three. That is the kind of place it is — it grabs you and does not let go.

A local family invited me for dinner during my stay in Foça. They prepared traditional dishes that I had never seen on any restaurant menu. The flavors were complex, earthy, and deeply satisfying. This is the kind of experience money cannot buy.

If I could do my Foça trip again, I would book at least a week. There is simply too much to see and do. Also, learn a few basic Turkish phrases — the locals absolutely love it when you make the effort.

The people of Foça are what made this trip truly special. I was lost looking at my phone when an elderly man approached me, figured out where I was trying to go, and personally walked me there. That is Foça hospitality in a nutshell.

During my visit, I found something incredible — this was the best find of my trip. Check it out: this was the best find of my trip

I spent an entire afternoon in the old quarter of Foça. The architecture tells a story of centuries — Ottoman influences blend with modern Turkish design in a way that feels organic rather than forced.

I have traveled to over 50 cities in Turkey, and Foça ranks in my top five. Not because of fancy hotels or tourist attractions, but because of its soul. And that is something you cannot fake.