Nikaia
Introduction
You will find Nikaia situated in the southwestern portion of the Athens urban area as a suburb of the Piraeus agglomeration. Formerly known as Kokkinia before 1940, this town serves as the seat and a municipal unit of the municipality of Nikaia-Agios Ioannis Rentis within the regional unit of Piraeus.
Before you go
Prepare for a journey through layers of history where you can trace the evolution of early Christianity and the remnants of ancient fortifications. You will find a landscape shaped by its role as a seat of power, from the Hellenistic proto-states to the Byzantine era and the Ottoman period. While the city was renamed Iznik following a nationalist purging of Greek culture, the old layout remains preserved within its walls. Because there is no official Tourist Information Centre, you should look for commercial outlets near the town square if you need to arrange tours or bus tickets.
The local climate offers a Mediterranean feel with a warmer and sunnier microclimate that supports subtropical trees. You can expect the following conditions during your visit:
- Summers are hot and dry, providing plenty of sunshine.
- Spring and fall offer mild conditions and are excellent times to explore the city.
- Winters are cool to chilly with cloudy skies and frequent rain.
Getting there
You can reach the area by car via several routes depending on your starting point. From Istanbul or Ankara, take the O-5 across the Osman Gazi Bridge and follow it toward Orhangazi before heading east along the north lake shore on the D-150. Alternatively, traveling from Izmit or Gölcük allows you to take the D-130 west to Karamürsel, where you can enjoy the scenic but winding D-595 mountain road. If arriving from Bursa, follow the O-5 or D-575 north past Gemlik and continue along the south lake shore for a more scenic drive.
If you prefer to travel by water, foot-passenger ferries sail from Istanbul Yenikapı and Pendik to Yalova, while a car ferry operates between Gebze Eskihisar and Topçular. To reach Iznik by bus, your best option is to first arrive in Yalova by bus or ferry. From the downtown area near the ferry pier, you can board a dolmuş that provides hourly service toward Iznik.
Getting around
You can easily explore the town on foot, as the terrain is level. The most distant points of the town are the gates, which are located approximately 1 km from the central square.
Taxis are available in the streets near Hagia Sophia if you prefer not to walk.
Where to stay
You can choose from a variety of accommodations that cater to different preferences for comfort and location. For those seeking a central stay, you can find basic but clean rooms with en-suite bathrooms and modern amenities like air-conditioning and wifi near the Hagia Sophia. If you prefer a lakeside setting, several options provide comfortable stays along the water, some offering friendly service and nearby dining.
- Choose a lakeside location for a pleasant stay with views of the water.
- Stay in a central area to remain close to local landmarks.
- Opt for a unique experience by staying in "cottages" located on a hill north of town if you prefer a more luxurious and whimsical atmosphere.
Food & drink
You can enjoy a variety of Turkish fare at Köfteci Yusuf, a reliable and clean chain restaurant featuring a pleasant open-air dining terrace. For a friendly atmosphere in the center of town, Karçiçeği offers good value. If you prefer to dine by the water, Umut Restaurant sits on the lakeside where you can sample local specialties such as catfish and carp.
While few local cafes serve alcohol, you can find drinks at an "izgara" or at various hotel restaurants.
What to see and do
Explore a rich tapestry of history starting at the town crossroads, where the clocktower stands near Hagia Sophia, a redbrick Byzantine-style basilica with roots dating back to the 4th century. Nearby, you can find the Green Mosque, notable for its tall minaret covered in green, turquoise, and blue tiles, and the Candarlioglu Mosque, which features extensive blue and green tile work. Wander through the streets to discover ruined 16th-century tile ovens near an old hamam or visit various craft shops showcasing local tile work. For a glimpse into the past, visit the site of the Roman Amphitheatre or find the well-preserved Istanbul Gate. If you prefer a view from above, the Abdulvahap Sancaktar Tomb sits on a pine-covered hill offering vistas over the town and lake.
Beyond the immediate center, explore the outskirts to see the Lefke Gate and nearby Roman aqueducts, or visit the 1st-century obelisk standing on a hilltop. You can also find several historical tombs, including those of the Sufi scholar Davud Kayseri and the 17th-century Ahiveyn Sultan. For those seeking outdoor activity, you can swim in the lake waters or explore various trails such as the Evliya Çelebi Way, the Sufi Trail, or the Tolerance Way, which offer scenic routes through the surrounding landscape.
Three days in Nikaia
Day one, you can explore the historical layers of Nikaia, where you will encounter influences from the Hellenistic and Byzantine periods as well as Ottoman history. You can begin your journey by visiting the local sites to see how Christianity shaped the region.
Day two, you can travel toward the coast to experience the Mediterranean atmosphere. You can explore the surrounding areas and take in the scenery during the warm summers or the cooler seasons of spring and winter.
Day three, you can visit a Tourist Information Centre to prepare for your next steps. You can also spend time exploring the local surroundings to see how the landscape has evolved over time.