The beautiful town Çeşme sits 85 km west of Izmir, Turkey's greatest urban area in the Aegean Region. Çeşme welcomes visitors with its beautiful beaches and turquoise Aegean Sea. The thermal springs of the region, rich underwater life, and lively nightlife turn the destination into a popular retreat. Alaçatı, a town of Çeşme, is among the finest windsurfing spots on earth. Its shallow bay is easy enough for beginners to easily remount their boards if they happen to fall. The area also has unique cultural festivals like the popular Alaçatı herb festival. Çeşme combines upscale hotels with affordable options, and has become a sought-after location that invites both international and Turkish travelers, seeking a memorable vacation in Turkey.
Alaçatı sits in the middle of the Çeşme peninsula. This charming town has transitioned from a remote windsurf spot to the gem of Turkish Aegean tourism. Its unique architecture, lively atmosphere, and phenomenal dining options attract individuals and render it Çeşme's best choice.
Alaçatı was just a small farming village that windsurfers knew. The town changed completely over the last two decades. Smart entrepreneurs saw its potential in the early 2000s. Some boutique hotels began the transformation, and Alaçatı is now one of the most advanced spots in Turkey.
The town keeps its initial spirit despite popularity. Community rules ensure the old houses are maintained, which keeps Alaçatı unique as more upscale operations establish themselves. Summers buzz with activity while winters bring back the peaceful village life. This gives visitors two different experiences based on when they come.
The beauty of Alaçatı is in its carefully restored 19th-century stone homes. They utilize local stone with blue wood shutters and doors. They line the streets that look natural but precisely matched. Splashes of vibrant bougainvillea flowers fall over white walls, bringing pink, purple, and orange colors to the stone backdrop.
Small cobblestone streets wind their way through the village and lead to fresh finds. Every corner feels different, yet they all have that special Aegean something. After dark, lights are suspended between houses and cast magic as shadows play on stone walls.
Restaurants in Alaçatı serve the best Aegean cuisine. They use fresh products from nearby villages. Evenings are filled with life as tables outdoors are set with people to enjoy mezes, fresh seafood, and local delicacies. There is an Alaçatı Herb Festival every spring. It introduces neighborhood wild greens and traditional foods, showing how food characterizes the town.
Çeşme's beaches feature stunning beaches and outdoor activities that highlight the region's natural niceness. Golden sand and action-packed water sports make this peninsula a perfect mix of rest and action.
A simply stunning 1.7km long white sand beach features Ilıca Beach, whose shallow waters stretch 90-140 meters off shore. Altınkum (Golden Beach) deserves its name with spotless white sands and crystal-clear water. The beach's calm, south-facing position creates ideal conditions for families. The lack of waves and good visibility provide wonderful conditions for underwater exploration. Adventure lovers are drawn to Pırlanta Beach by its consistent stiff breeze and shallow waters extending 250 meters offshore. The beach's north-facing orientation and consistent wind patterns have established it as a world-renowned kitesurf destination.
Alaçatı Bay ranks among the best windsurfing places in the world. The charm of the bay is its association with regular winds, shallow waters, and sandy seabed. Regular Meltemi winds blow between mid-May and September. Gentle morning wind is suitable for beginners before the wind picks up strength later for experienced riders.
Çeşme's abundant thermal springs create excellent well-being experiences. The area has one of the largest mineral waters from hot springs in Turkey. Yıldızburnu Hot Springs in Ilıca provides the most convenient thermal experience for tourists, with waters that still retain 45°C. Şifne Hot Springs, 5km away from Çeşme, achieves even temperatures of around 58°C.
Çeşme is Turkey's premier diving location with nearly 10 other diving sites. Transparent waters just off Altınkum Beach reveal sea animals painted in vibrant colors. Rock formations along the coast and schools of fish are perfect snorkeling spots. Sightseeing boat trips around the peninsula enable visitors to find hidden snorkeling spots in hidden coves.
Çeşme's food scene captivates visitors with flavors that showcase the region's Aegean roots. This coastal paradise serves everything from street food to elegant dining, and each corner holds a new culinary surprise.
The kumru sandwich has become Çeşme's most popular food export. Its name comes from the Eurasian collared dove because the bread looks similar - thin at the ends and round in the middle. The sesame-covered bread gets its special texture and taste from chickpea sourdough culture.
A hot kumru brings together Turkish sucuk (spicy sausage), salami, kaşar cheese, and tomatoes on the grill. The sucuk's fat seeps into the bread and creates an amazing taste combination. Many locals add pickled vegetables (turşu) for extra zip. You'll find one of the best kumru sandwiches at Kumrucu Şevki in central Çeşme.
Mastic gum (damla sakızı), a pine tree resin that grows abundantly around Çeşme, adds its unique flavor to local sweets. This special ingredient makes the area's ice cream (sakızlı dondurma) delightfully chewy.
The local patisseries serve sakızlı muhallebi (mastic milk pudding) and other mastic treats. Rumeli Pastanesi has made legendary ice cream since 1945, including unique flavors like black mulberry (karadut) and cinnamon (tarçın). Dondurmino Gelato takes a fresh approach with low-fat, gluten-free options that taste just as good.
Çeşme's location by the sea means you'll always get fresh seafood. Local chefs grill sea bream and sea bass with herbs and olive oil to let their natural flavors shine. Mezes are small plates that start every meal here. These cold and hot dishes include stuffed vine leaves, Aegean herbs in olive oil, and seafood salads. People usually enjoy them with rakı (an anise-flavored spirit) or the region's crisp white wines. Ferdi Baba ranks among the top restaurants, known especially for its octopus salad and lobster fettuccine.
Çeşme's charm goes way beyond its stunning beaches and food scene. This peninsula is 500 years old and holds countless historical gems and secret spots waiting to be found. Visitors can experience a unique blend of Ottoman legacy and modern appeal.
Çeşme Castle stands tall above the town, a fulfillment of Sultan Bayezid II's vision in 1508. The castle stands on the grounds of a pre-existing 14th-century Genoese castle. It currently contains an archeology museum that gives visitors a panoramic 360-degree view of the Aegean Sea and the island of Chios. A short walk north on the main street brings you to Ayios Haralambos Church, built in 1832 as a Greek Orthodox church. The church was renovated completely in 2012 and is now used for cultural events and exhibitions. Its colorful interior and classic church design make it a worthwhile church to visit.
Atatürk Boulevard is the heart of Çeşme, particularly the pedestrian section leading to the castle. Cafes and ice cream shops overflow their tables onto cobblestone streets, where you can sit and watch the world go by. The street pulsates with artisan jewelry stores and boutiques. You will also find relaxed restaurants serving reasonably priced local favorites like kumru sandwiches.
The hidden bays and islands of the peninsula reveal themselves with daily boat tours. The tour continues with Aquarium Bay with 20-meter water transparency, Coral Bay with unusual rocks, and Winter Harbor with pure shallow waters.
Germiyan Village, the legacy of the Germiyanid principality, proudly declares its Turkmen roots. "Date olive," the village specialty, and sourdough bread are some of the local treats. Reisdere contributes its own flavor with Balkan nuances, excellent seafood, and therapeutic mud baths that preserve the traditional old ways in this very old landscape.
For travelers exploring Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, Çeşme pairs beautifully with other seaside gems like Bodrum’s lively marinas, Marmaris’s turquoise bays, Antalya’s historic old town, and Fethiye’s breathtaking Ölüdeniz Lagoon, creating an unforgettable coastal journey.
Absolutely! Çeşme is a vibrant coastal town famous for its turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and lively atmosphere. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation, history, and great food.
Swim at Ilica Beach, wander through Alaçatı’s charming stone streets, relax in thermal spas, and visit Çeşme Castle for a touch of history. Don’t miss the windsurfing spots, especially in Alaçatı.
The easiest way is to fly into Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, then take a bus or drive about an hour west to Çeşme. Many visitors also use shuttle services or rental cars for convenience.
Pick up local olive oil, handmade soaps, and Alaçatı’s famous lavender products. You’ll also find artisanal jewelry, ceramics, and traditional Turkish textiles at local markets.