A Secret Paradise
This popular holiday resort town on the Aegean coast of Turkey is located right opposite the Greek island Chios. Cesme, the port of Erythrai, was known as Cyssus in the Ancient period. It has a history dating back to the 14th century and was once an important seaport of commerce. Apart from being a port, it used to be a popular town with vineyards and wine production during the Greek period. Currently, there is still a couple of wine producers in the area.
It offers a lot for travelers; with hot springs, mud baths and historical sites not far away, it would be a great destination for single travelers, couples and families. With its great wind conditions, it may be the best windsurfing destination for active travelers and with all those great boutique hotels, adults-only properties, beach clubs, and nightclubbing options it could be ideal for a romantic vacation. It could also be considered as a wedding destination or a great place to propose as well as exchanging vows!
Best Time to Go
Its climate is drier and cooler than most holiday destinations in South Aegean & Mediterranean Coast like Bodrum, Marmaris, Gocek, Fethiye, Kas, Kalkan, and Antalya so it is a good alternative for those who dislike the extreme heat. The best time to visit the area in May to September but please note that for warmer sea temperature July – September is better.
How to Get There
There are several direct flights to Izmir from Istanbul every day and Cesme is only 85 km away from Izmir. If one is considering a two center summer holiday covering Greece & Turkey, Cesme is reachable with ferry twice daily from Chios.
What is Special About Cesme
The town itself and its environs used to be most preferred by the windsurfers with its variable wind conditions but with the rise of both luxury chic and moderate lodging options, posh beach clubs & night clubs it also became a popular destination among both local and foreign leisure travelers within last 10-15 years.
Things to Do / Where to Go
It has great beaches and bays. Diamond Beach, Cark Beach, Pasalimani Beach, and Ilica Beach are the major beaches and Boyalik Bay, Sakizli Bay, Aya Yorgi Bay, and Dalyankoy are well-known bays. There are the cruising and sailing option around the peninsula.
Ilica beach offers a pleasant vacation opportunity for families traveling with kids and senior travelers with its warm & shallow thermal waters. Families should also take Aqua Toy City in their to-do list. While in town, the ancient Genoese Castle & Archeological Museum inside, Old Town, the ancient city of Erythrai is worth visiting too.
Alacati: A charming Town of Cesme
It is the most popular town in the area and it is only 10 km away from the center. This charming town is famous for its traditional stone houses, narrow cobbled streets lined with chic outdoor cafes and restaurants. It’s strong winds and the favorable wavelength makes Alacati a center of attraction for water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing. It is considered to be one of the three most important surfing points on earth along with the Canary Islands and Cape Verde. It also hosts a string of festivals and events including the Alacati Herbs Festival in April, aiming to promote natural nutrition through the regions herb varieties and the new Vanishing Tastes Festival, celebrating the recipes and culinary traditions of Aegean cuisine, through tastings, workshops, and demonstrations by local and international chefs.
Where to Stay
The hotel options for this special corner of the country are almost endless one should say. There are luxury properties such as Viento Luxury Hotel, Alavya Boutique, Luce Design Hotel, The Stay Alacati Warehouse, Alacati Tas Hotel as well as five starred big resort hotels like Raddison Blu Resort & Spa, Ilica Hotel Spa & Thermal resort, Sheraton Cesme and Sirus Hotel.
How About Nightlife
Almost all the beach clubs evolve into night clubs with the sunset in Cesme. If you’re looking for a fun and vibrant nightlife, this is a great destination. It has a wide range of nightclubs and beach clubs. Within this beautiful western town itself, beach club options include Sole Mare Beach Club, Paparazzi Bar & Kafe Pi. If you are seeking for more variety, make the 15-minute journey by car to the nearby town of Alacati. Okuz Bar, Dask Night Club, Tektekci, Nar Bar and Clun Momo are only a few if we have to name them.