Izmir is a beautiful and cosy city but it doesn't have as many attractions as Istanbul or even Antalya. You can't do without a car here because most interesting places are 40-80 kilometres away.
One of such places is the town of Çeşme, 80 km from Izmir. A heavenly place with beautiful and clear bays surrounded by fig groves and anise fields. The sights include the ancient Genoese fortress and the Caravanserai. On the way to Çeşme, you will come across the Balçova Hot Spring, a place for recreation.
40 km from Izmir is the Karabel Pass with the Hittite relief (Hitit Kabartması) carved in the rock. You can watch flamingos and pelicans at Izmir Bird Paradise Nature Reserve, 40 km away.
In Izmir, you will need a car for trips to the beaches and local outlet stores for cheap shopping. It is fun to drive in the city with good roads no traffic jams.