Tourism geography of Karaburun Peninsula (Izmir)

Karaburun Peninsula that is located at a lookout point overlooking the gulf in the northwest of İzmir, lies in the north of the line between Balıklıova and Gerence gulfs. It has Lesbos Island in the north, Phocaea (Foça) in the northeast, Çeşme in the south, Urla in the southeast and Chios in the west. The peninsula has great potential in terms of natural resources with its coastal tourism areas, diving points favorable for underwater diving, caves that have not yet been opened for tourism, rich flora and fauna. In addition to natural resources; it is also an important center in cultural tourism with its rural tourism opportunities, historical and archaeological values, mythological elements, rich cuisine and festivals. In the research area, it appears that there is incorrect land use due to tourism activities that have increased in recent years. Construction of secondary houses and touristic activities taking place on agricultural lands have restricted the farming areas. Unregulated construction also poses a danger to the peninsula's values that constitute resources for tourism. In this thesis, the natural, human and cultural values of the Karaburun Peninsula, which constitute resources of tourism; and the potentials of these values, their spatial distribution, tourism types, touristic settlements, tourist supply and demand for the research area, touristic infrastructure and solution proposals for the sustainable tourism planning of the peninsula are examined with geographic perspective. Key Words: Tourism Geography, Karaburun Peninsula, Rural Tourism, Sea Tourism