Explore our region.
Alaçatı
Strolling through the date-scented stone houses in Alaçatı, accompanied by its mesmerizing texture, is a unique experience.
As you wander through Alaçatı Square, you’ll feel the need to take a break somewhere. At that moment, the small but charming cafes and tea gardens located around the square will invite you. Experiencing the atmosphere of Alaçatı is a true delight.
Delikli Koy (Perforated Cove): Over the years, the rugged rocks, eroded by the relentless waves, have become the most significant contributors to the breathtaking view. The hole within the rock, located in the middle of the sea, where the coast and the sea merge, is the source of the cove’s name. This rock also divides two different coves right in the middle.
Windmills: Dating back to the 1850s, the Alaçatı Windmills, consisting of four windmills of varying sizes, are perched on a small hill. Today, they are visited by both local and foreign tourists for tourism purposes.
In a place like Alaçatı, which is known for its strong winds, the Alaçatı Windmills were once used to grind wheat. They welcome us at the entrance of Alaçatı. Some of the Alaçatı Windmills, which have been restored and are under the protection of Çeşme Municipality, now serve as restaurants and cafes.
Windmills: Dating back to the 1850s, the Alaçatı Windmills, consisting of four windmills of varying sizes, are perched on a small hill. Today, they are visited by both local and foreign tourists for tourism purposes.
In a place like Alaçatı, which is known for its strong winds, the Alaçatı Windmills were once used to grind wheat. They welcome us at the entrance of Alaçatı. Some of the Alaçatı Windmills, which have been restored and are under the protection of Çeşme Municipality, now serve as restaurants and cafes.
Delikli Koy (Perforated Cove): Over the years, the rugged rocks, eroded by the relentless waves, have become the most significant contributors to the breathtaking view. The hole within the rock, located in the middle of the sea, where the coast and the sea merge, is the source of the cove’s name. This rock also divides two different coves right in the middle.
Surf & Kite Surf: Alaçatı, which is one of the most preferred surfing spots by world-famous surfers, becomes an indispensable center for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts during the windy times of the year.
During the summer months, Çeşme boasts a vibrant nightlife that rivals some of Europe's leading cities. You can party and dance until the early hours of the morning.
If you prefer a quieter nightlife, you can enjoy a delicious meal at one of the charming Çeşme venues and gaze at the moonlight accompanied by the sea breeze.
Concerts and festivals cater to those seeking alternative entertainment. During the summer, you can attend events held at the Çeşme Open-Air Theater, where you can enjoy a fantastic atmosphere and sing along to the songs of famous artists.
Ildırı (Erythrai)
Ancient City
It is located in the village of Ildırı in Çeşme. Erythrai, one of the prominent city-states among the twelve Ionian States in ancient times, is just one of the significant settlements in the ancient Aegean world.
Like many regions in our country, the town of Ildırı in Çeşme is also rich in historical relics. The Erythrai Ancient City, revealed through archaeological excavations, has left its mark on the entire structure of Ildırı. The ancient theater, city walls, temple remnants, and mosaics that have survived from the ancient city are scattered throughout the region. In fact, you can even see these mosaic stones used in many houses. Especially when you climb to the hills of Ildırı, you can observe the remains of the ancient city with a magnificent view.
Çeşme Castle
Çeşme Castle, which was built by Mimar Ahmet’s son Mehmet during the reign of Ottoman Sultan II. Beyazıt in 1508 and served as the Governor of Aydın, Mir Haydar, is one of the most important symbols of Çeşme. Although some sources mention that the castle was built by the Genoese in the 14th century, the accuracy of this information has not yet been proven. In the years it was built, Çeşme Castle was located by the seaside, but it has since changed its location due to land reclamation.
Today, Çeşme Castle, which also houses the Çeşme Archaeology Museum, holds great historical significance. The Çeşme Archaeology Museum primarily displays artifacts from the Erythrai Ancient City, Çeşme Center, Alaçatı, and Kalemburnu regions.
Bays and Beaches
Dalyankoy: Çeşme; on one side, it offers the riches that reach deep into history, healing thermal waters, blue and white stone buildings, and cobblestone streets, while on the other side, it provides famous nightclubs and entertainment programs that last until the early hours at beach clubs. Çeşme, with its wide range of offerings, leaves a unique taste on the palate of visitors of all ages and preferences.
Sakızlı Koy (Sakızlı Cove): If you’re looking for a tranquil cove to swim in Çeşme, along with the dozens of other bays and beaches it hosts, Sakızlı Koy might be just right for you. Sakızlı Koy is only 4 km away from Çeşme Center. Here, you can take a dip in the clear and calm waters, enjoy the sun on its sandy beach, and get a tan. Additionally, within the boundaries of Dalyanköy, you can find restaurants in Sakızlı Koy that serve fresh and delicious fish and seafood.
Altınkum: Altınkum Beach gets its name from its golden sands. The sea at this beach gradually deepens, its water is always cool, making it a favorite spot for people on hot, sultry days. Unlike the other beaches in Ilica, the water at this beach remains cool even on the hottest days.
Ayayorgi Koyu: Ayayorgi Cove stands out, especially for its lively nightlife and its magnificent sea and view. Due to its cove structure, it receives less wind than other bays, allowing you to enjoy the sea with a gentle breeze. The fine sandy structure of Ayayorgi Cove, along with the countless shades of turquoise to emerald green that the sea, sun, and clouds offer, creates wonderful memories. You can easily find great restaurants in the area where you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood with a view of the sea.
Ayayorgi Cove offers the opportunity to join the vibrant nightlife in the entertainment venues around the cove, making it a frequent choice, especially for young people and couples looking for fun. There are numerous nightclubs, bars, hotels, and restaurants in the area. In addition to regular beach activities such as sunbathing and swimming, it offers a wide range of entertainment opportunities. Ayayorgi Cove is one of Çeşme’s most popular destinations, and as a result, it provides a well-maintained and comfortable holiday experience.
Ilıca Beach: Located 3 km east of Çeşme, Ilıca Beach is among the world’s few prestigious beaches, with its 2 km-long expanse of fine, white sand. It is one of Çeşme’s largest and most renowned tourism centers, known for its high-quality accommodation facilities and thermal waters that bubble up from the sea and are rich in sulfur.
The warm thermal waters that emerge from the sea turn Ilıca Beach and other nearby beaches into extensive thermal pools. Ilıca boasts both large and small accommodation facilities that can meet the needs of a significant number of tourists. The most significant feature that enhances the importance of Ilıca is its thermal facilities. Many small hotels and pensions even have thermal spring water.
One of the most distinctive features of Çeşme’s beaches, especially Ilıca Beach, is that there is a shallow strip extending about 100 meters from the shore, with water not exceeding human height. It has been scientifically confirmed that in shallow waters, especially those fed by thermal sources, ultraviolet rays are much more beneficial to human health. Additionally, these beaches are highly suitable for beginners and children learning to swim.
Pırlanta Beach: Located approximately 10 kilometers from Çeşme center in Çiftlikköy, this beach is often confused with Altınkum Beach. After passing Çiftlikköy, when you turn right and descend, you’ll arrive at Pırlanta Beach. The beach takes its name from its fine sands that sparkle like diamonds. The entire shore is covered with this delicate layer of sand. It’s also worth noting that due to its status as a protected area, the beach and its surroundings are set amidst magnificent natural beauty.
Boyalık Koyu: Boyalık Beach, with a length of approximately 4 kilometers, is located between Ilıca and Çeşme in the north of Çeşme. It is one of the closest sandy beaches to Çeşme center.
Previously, it was not well-known as there weren’t many hotels and pensions in the vicinity. Only the locals and people from Izmir were aware of the beach. However, with the increasing number of hotels and pensions in the area, the popularity of the beach has grown over the years.
Distances
– Çeşme Ilıca – Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport: Approximately 85 km
– Çeşme Ilıca – Izmir City Center (Konak Square): Approximately 75 km
– Çeşme Ilıca – Alaçatı: Approximately 5 km
– Çeşme Ilıca – Dalyan: Approximately 8 km
– Çeşme Ilıca – Çiftlikköy: Approximately 15 km
– Çeşme Ilıca – Çeşme Center: Approximately 6 km
– Çeşme Ilıca – Ildırı (Erythrai Ancient City): Approximately 25 km
– Çeşme Ilıca – Paşalimanı Beach: Approximately 3 km
– Çeşme Ilıca – Ephesus Ancient City: Approximately 90 km
– Çeşme Ilıca – Şirince: Approximately 100 km
Considerations to Keep in Mind When Visiting Natural and Cultural Heritage Sites
- Consideration of visiting hours
- Appropriate dress code when visiting a mosque
- Wearing the provided overshoes upon entering a mosque and disposing of them in the designated trash containers upon exit
- Exercising sensitivity in areas where photography is not allowed
- Avoiding entry into areas under restoration in archaeological sites
- Using provided materials when required to wear a scarf in sacred areas and returning them to their designated places
- Avoiding interaction with children to ensure their physical and emotional well-being
- Being environmentally conscious
- Not littering natural conservation areas
- Refraining from activities that harm animals and their natural habitats
- Exercising caution when using fire and similar materials in wooded areas
- Adhering to behavior guidelines when visiting historical and religious sites, not touching historical artifacts, and refraining from causing damage to historical structures
- With the acquisition of a Museum Pass, you can visit over 300 museums and archaeological sites under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and National Palaces without any limits for one year, allowing you to embark on an enjoyable journey through history.
Public Transportation Guide:
Transportation from İzmir to Çeşme:
There are bus and minibus services available for transportation to Çeşme and Ildırı. Buses and minibuses depart from Işıkkent Terminal and Üçkuyular Terminal in İzmir. During the winter months, there are bus services every 2 hours from Işıkkent between 07:00 and 19:00 and every half hour from Üçkuyular. In the summer, there is a bus available every 20 minutes from 06:00 to 23:30. The final stop for buses and minibuses is the Çeşme town center. Additionally, minibuses and municipal buses operate to Çiftlikköy, Dalyanköy, Alaçatı, Reisdere, Ovacık, and other beaches.
Transportation by Bus and Minibus:
You can take a bus from İzmir Bus Terminal District Terminal with the Çeşme Seyahat Bus Company (buses to Çeşme run every hour from 07:00 in the morning to 22:00 in the evening). There are also bus services from İzmir Üçkuyular District Bus Terminal with the Çeşme Seyahat Bus Company.
Bus line 760, Çeşme-Urla municipal bus, runs on weekdays and Saturdays from Çeşme to Urla at 06:00, 06:50, 07:40, 16:47, 17:40, and 18:34. On Sundays, it runs in the same direction at 07:00, 08:30, 16:20, and 17:40.
Intra-City Transportation by Minibus:
You can use minibus services to travel within Çeşme. They operate routes from Çeşme Bus Terminal to locations such as Alaçatı, Ilıca, Dalyan, Çiftlikköy, Ovacık, and Fahrettin Paşa Neighborhood.
