Çeşme: a hidden Turkish gem!
We discovered Çeşme on Google Maps. Initially, it was supposed to be our last stop in Turkey before taking the ferry, from Çeşme harbour, to Chios, Greece.
However, as the ferries were cancelled due to a COVID outbreak, we decided to spend two nights in the town and we are glad we did.
Çeşme is not as popular with international tourism as Bodrum or Marmaris, but it is popular enough with domestic tourists. And the area is a superb windsurfing destination.
This sunny fishing town is located 85 km west of İzmir, the largest city in Turkey’s Aegean Region and it is also the closest airport.
Getting there
The easiest way is undoubtedly by car hire, on a good motorway, or taxi from Izmir. Taxis are the most expensive options, although they are fairly cheap in Turkey, and will set you back around £50.
The bus service is frequent and efficient, operating every 15 minutes from 6 am to 6 pm. You can purchase your ticket either online or at the terminal.
Or you can take the ferry from the Greek island of Chios into Çeşme’s harbour.
What do do
Stroll on the lovely promenade
The promenade runs along the bay from the castle to the beach cove towards the north end of the town. It is alive both day and night, with food and artisans stalls, ice cream sellers, restaurants and cafes.
Locals gather in the evening, especially at weekends, to improvise traditional dancing where everyone is invited to join in.
Swim at Tekke Plaj
Çeşme has a lovely beach, opposite the Pasifik hotel, called Tekke Plaj, with shallow, calm waters perfect for families with children. The water is clear and there is some natural shade. It will get busy at weekends during the summer.
Visit the castle
The original builders of the castle are still under debate, whether the Genoese or the Turks at an earlier time after the 15th century capture of the region. What it is certain is that it was enlarged during the Ottoman period.
The view from the castle is stunning, and it includes the harbour and the bay.
Do not miss the sunset from its turrets, it is a magical experience!
Alaçatı
Any visit to this region would be incomplete without a visit to Alaçatı village. Alaçatı is one of the most traditional, colourful towns in Turkey, renowned for its former Greek village with stone houses, narrow streets, boutique hotels and restaurants with tables on the streets.
You can reach Alaçatı by bus 760 from Çeşme or take a taxi with should set you back around £8.
See also the separate post https://blog.worldswithout.net/alacati-the-most-colourful-village-in-turkey/
There are many, many beautiful beaches in the area, best reached by car. Taxis are inexpensive but it can be hard to find one if you are at one of the secluded coves.
Ilica beach
Ilica beach is one of the best beaches in the region.
Easily reached by Çeşme ( or Alaçatı) by bus 760, it is a sprawling, long, wide beach with beautiful turquoise waters. The beach is clean, except for some cigarette butts here and there, but overall is quite clean. At the far end of the beach, the more secluded area, there are no bars or restaurants but there are plenty towards the “city” part of it.
Altinkum beach
The only transportation available was by taxi or car. But it is a beautiful beach with calm, shallow and clear water.
There are chairs and sunloungers and a little restaurant.
Çeşme is bound to become more and more popular with more resorts and hotels being built along the coast. We enjoyed the quiet atmosphere, compared to very touristic, too touristic Alaçatı. It was a lovely break away from the crowds, but we feel it won’t last long.
For more Turkey blog posts: https://blog.worldswithout.net/turkey/
and tours: https://www.getyourguide.com/cesme-l179149/
