Nazarköy, located in Kemalpaşa, İzmir, is one of Turkey's most important handmade glass evil eye bead production centers; it attracts visitors with village breakfast and ecotourism routes, and entry is free.
Nazarköy, formerly known as Kurudere, is a small neighborhood in the Kemalpaşa district of İzmir. Over time, the village became so synonymous with evil eye bead production that its name changed accordingly. Today, as one of Turkey's best-known glass bead production centers, it attracts both local and foreign tourists. Walking through the village streets, it's possible to encounter centuries-old trees adorned with colorful beads, whitewashed houses with mosaic details, and rows of blue and white beads lined up in front of small workshops.
The village's main attraction is the opportunity to watch bead making live and speak directly with the producers. Watching master glassmakers shape beads from glass rods using traditional methods is a truly fascinating process. Nazarköy is also the starting point of an ecotourism hiking trail that extends to the summit of Mahmutdağı and ends in Yukarıkızılca Neighborhood. With its clean Aegean air, gözleme (Turkish flatbread), and village breakfast options, this lush green village is one of the rare places reachable within a half-hour drive from İzmir.
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Guide's Note
Nazarköy, thanks to its proximity to İzmir, is a small settlement particularly popular on weekends, known for its evil eye bead production. Most visitors leave satisfied with the atmosphere created by the colorful beads found in every corner of the village and the active glass furnaces. The ability to observe traditional glass craftsmanship firsthand and purchase products directly from the masters distinguishes this place from an ordinary souvenir market. In addition to evil eye beads, you can also find products made from onyx stone; there are also cafes in the village where you can enjoy tea and coffee.
The village, which can be explored at a slow pace in about 45 minutes, is a suitable stop for those looking for a short and relaxing day trip. However, some visitors state that the place did not fully meet their expectations and left the impression of being "worth seeing once." Considering that shops start opening around noon, you might plan to go a bit later instead of setting off early in the morning.
Recurring points of attention in the comments include:
- Price differences: While some find the products reasonable, others emphasize that food, drink, and shopping are expensive; it is recommended to adjust your budget accordingly.
- Traffic and pedestrian area: There are complaints about heavy vehicle traffic within the village, which may negatively affect walking comfort.
- Identity ambiguity: Some visitors state that the place does not feel like a complete village or a bazaar, and therefore expectations are not met.
- Shop opening hours: It is noted that the bazaar is not yet open in the early morning hours.
Best Time to Visit
It is possible to visit Nazarköy in every season of the year, but spring and autumn months are the most enjoyable periods in terms of both weather and atmosphere. From April to June, the village surroundings are lush green, the weather is cool, and suitable for walking. In September and October, the village gains a serene beauty with the golden nature of the Aegean.
During the summer months, visitor density increases; workshops and shops become more lively. In winter, the village is quieter, and some workshops may be closed. Since the village can be a bit more crowded on weekends, especially Sundays, you might prefer weekdays for a calmer visit.
How to Get to Nazarköy?
Going by private car from İzmir city center is the most practical option. Simply follow the İzmir-Ankara highway to the Kemalpaşa exit and then follow the signs pointing to Nazarköy. After reaching the district center, the village is approximately 5 km further.
If you prefer public transport, there are regular bus services from İzmir to Kemalpaşa. From Kemalpaşa district center to Nazarköy, you can consider taxi or local minibus options. Day trip tour operators also organize Nazarköy tours departing from İzmir; this option can be quite practical for transportation and guidance.
What to Eat, Where to Eat?
Nazarköy's gastronomic experience is simple but sincere. There are small businesses in and around the village that offer village breakfast; fresh cheese, olives, homemade jam, and gözleme are indispensable parts of these breakfasts.
Gözleme is the most prominent flavor of the village. The thin-crusted gözleme, filled with cheese or spinach, made by village women, are both filling and affordable. If your visit coincides with lunchtime, you can find simple but delicious dishes of Aegean cuisine in village-style restaurants. Don't go with the expectation of a large restaurant; the modest venues that are part of the village atmosphere are much more suitable for the spirit of the experience here.
Photo Spots
Nazarköy is almost a ready-made stage for those who want to take photos. The most iconic image of the village is the centuries-old trees with hundreds of evil eye beads hung on their branches. Photos taken in front of or under these trees are among the most shared images of the village.
Whitewashed village houses with mosaic details also offer interesting photo backgrounds. Documenting the glass bead making process up close in the workshops yields strong shots, both documentary and aesthetic. Walking through the village streets in the early morning when the light is soft allows you to capture the most natural and least crowded moments.
Shopping: Evil Eye Beads and More
Nazarköy's most distinctive shopping experience is, of course, the evil eye bead. Handmade glass beads in various sizes and designs can be purchased directly from the producers in the village. These beads, which are genuinely handmade rather than factory-produced, hold value as both souvenirs and decorative objects.
Keychains, necklaces, bracelets, wall hangings, and home decor products are also available in the village shops. Prices are generally more affordable compared to tourist shops in İzmir. Chatting with the producers while shopping, learning how the beads are made, and perhaps asking for a small workshop tour greatly enriches the experience.
Things to Know Before Visiting
Prefer comfortable walking shoes as village streets can be narrow and cobblestone. If you plan to go on the ecotourism hiking trail, don't forget to bring water and light snacks; sufficient physical preparation is required for the trail extending to Mahmutdağı.
Keep in mind that not all workshops may be open every day; especially on weekdays, some small workshops may remain closed. Don't expect a large shopping mall or ATM in the village; having cash with you will facilitate the shopping process. If you start your visit in the morning, you will experience a cooler weather and a less crowded village.
Day Trip Itinerary Suggestion
Depart from İzmir early in the morning and reach the village. Let your first stop be village breakfast; starting the day with fresh gözleme and village products provides both a pleasant and energetic start. After breakfast, take a walk through the village streets; explore the trees adorned with beads, mosaic houses, and small shops.
Before noon, plan one or two workshop visits; watch the glass bead making process, ask your questions, and purchase products you like. For lunch, eat something from Aegean cuisine at a small restaurant in the village. If you have the energy and time, you can explore a section of the ecotourism hiking trail in the afternoon. Head back to İzmir in the evening.
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