Bird-watching

İzmir Kuş Cenneti. An excellent day trip out of the city, this natural reserve on the north shore of İzmir Bay near Çamaltı is best known as İzmir's kuş cenneti (bird heaven). The delta's lagoons, mudflats, salt marshes, reed beds, and farmland provide diverse habitats to more than 230 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish. Tours of the lagoon can be taken by car or on foot: all tours start at the visitor center and are free. Only a few of the staff members speak English. You'll need a car to get here, or you can hire a taxi for the trip; it's 30 km (18 miles) from Karşıyaka neighborhood in İzmir. Izmir, Izmir, 35000. 232/482–1213; www.izmirkuscenneti.gov.tr. Free.