Çeşme is a luxury coastal resort on Turkey's Aegean coast, known for its crystal clear sea, yachting culture, breezy climate and relaxed atmosphere. Located just 90km from Izmir, Cesme is considered Turkey's Ibiza, but without the rowdy crowds - it's a harmonious blend of luxury vacation, natural beauty and historical depth.

📍 Geography and climate

• Region: Izmir province, western Turkey

• Climate: is Mediterranean with Aegean features

• Average temperature: +30°C insummer, +12°C in winter

• Sea temperature: up to +26°C in summer

• Thewind: is consistently breezy - ideal for surfing and kitesurfing.

• Proximity to Izmir Airport (ADB) - about 1 hour

🌊 Features of Çeşme

Çeşme means "spring" in Turkish, and the name originated from the many mineral and thermal springs that are still used in hotels and spas today.

The city is a combination of elegance and tradition. It is a place where:

• Walk along the blue and white streets

• Drink ayran and coffee on open terraces

• Sailing to the Greek islands

• Enjoy kitesurfing on windy beaches

• Have social dinners in trendy restaurants

🏖 Best beaches in Cesme

Cesme is famous for its sandy, well-maintained beaches with clear turquoise water. The local beaches are often included in lists of the best beaches in Turkey.

🌟 Top 5 beaches:

1. Ilıca Plajı - long, white sand, shallow and warm sea, thermal waters

2. Altınkum Plajı - "golden sand", secluded and picturesque

3. Pırlanta Plajı - ideal for kite surfers.

4. Aya Yorgi Koyu - a bay with clubs, lounges and yachts.

5. Boyalık Beach - family beach, less crowded, cozy.

🏨 Where to stay

Çeşme offers a variety of accommodation:

• Greek-style boutique hotels in the center

• 5-star resorts with spas and beaches

• Villas and apartments with sea views

• Hostels and guesthouses in the old town and Alaçatı

Best hotels:

• Reges, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

• Ceshme Plus Hotel

• Sole Hotel & Spa

• Biblos Resort Alaçatı

• Boyalık Beach Hotel & Spa

🏛 History and Attractions

Ceshme is not only a resort but also an ancient port city that was part of Greek, Roman and Ottoman history.

Points of interest:

• Çeşme Castle (Çeşme Kalesi) - 15th century fortress built by the Genoese, panorama of the city

• Çeşme Museum - archaeological finds and maritime history

• Ottoman era caravanserai - now a hotel and restaurant

• Ilıca Mineral Springs - good for skin and joints

• Wharf and Marina - walks, cafes, photos with yachts in the background

🍇 Alaçatı - neighboring masterpiece

Alaçatı is a historic village 10 minutes from the center of Çeşme, famous for its:

• Greek architecture

• Stone houses and vineyards

• Trendy cafes and galleries

• Herbal and organic food festival

• World-class surf centers

Alaçatı is the center of slow living and slow food culture. This place is loved by Turkish designers, artists, chefs and surfers.

🛥 Yachts, marina and boat trips

Çeşme is a yachting paradise. From the local marina you can:

• Rent a yacht or boat

• Take a day on board with a swim in the bays

• Take an excursion to the Greek island of Chios (only 30 minutes by ferry)

• Visit secluded bays with seafood and clear waters

🧿 Culture, shopping and entertainment

• Markets - handicrafts, spices, fabrics, Turkish sweets

• Designer boutiques in Alaçatı

• Nightclubs and beach bars on Aya Yorgi beach

• Festivals: Alaçatı Ot Festivali (herb festival), wine festival, yacht regattas.

• SPA and thermal centers - Ilıca and Boyalık

🍽 What to eat in Çeşme

The region's cuisine is all about Aegean freshness, seafood and olive oil.

A must-try:

• Seftali dolmasy - stuffed peaches

• Lokanta meze - eggplant, yogurt and herbs appetizers

• Mussels with rice (midye dolma)

• Local cheeses and wine from Urla

• Karaide (karaidi) - local shrimp.

• Greek dishes - khortu (wild herbs), feta, zadziki.

🚖 How to get there

• From Izmir airport - 1 hour by cab, shuttle or shuttle bus

• Buses from Izmir - every 30 minutes

• By car from Izmir - excellent highway O-32

• Ferries to the Greek island of Chios

✅ Why go to Çeşme

✔ The cleanest sea on the Aegean coast
✔ European atmosphere, style and tranquility
✔ Beautiful climate, wind and beaches
✔ Close proximity to Alaçatı and the Greek island of Chios
✔ Ideal for couples, gastronomy lovers and privacy.
✔ Developed infrastructure, safety and ecology

📌 Conclusion

Cesme is Turkey for those who have already been to Antalya but are looking for something more stylish, sophisticated and natural. It is the perfect place where tranquility, architecture, cooking and the sea are woven together into the perfect resort.

If you want a vacation that has taste, aesthetics, Greek charm and Turkish comfort - Çeşme will enchant you.