An Aegean Dream: Cesme and Alacati Travel Guide

Imagine an Aegean dream: a journey from the golden sands of Ilıca, perfect for windsurfing, to the streets of Alaçatı, fragrant with mastic flowers. Life in Çeşme flows as if in a different time zone, just an hour away from Izmir. Here, time moves a little slower, people are a little more peaceful, and everything has its own unique elegance. While cooling off in the shaded courtyards of stone houses, you can enjoy the freshest seafood at seaside restaurants. The gastronomic scene stands out with its finely crafted fine dining dishes on one hand, while bringing the modest flavors of the Aegean to the table on the other. Days spent by the sea turn into long dinners with friends in the evenings. Each neighborhood in Çeşme tells a different story; the lively streets of Alaçatı, the tranquil beaches of Ilıca, the natural beauty of Ovacık, or the artistic village atmosphere of Germiyan come together to make Çeşme not just a summer vacation destination, but a geography to be explored, felt, and savored.

 Why Visit Çeşme and Alaçatı? 

Ask anyone about Çeşme and Alaçatı, and they'll describe its unique beauty. The only complaints might be the recent increase in crowds and noise levels. However, a solution was found last year for the noise, with the introduction of the 75-decibel campaign. Now, you won't hear very loud noises on the streets of Çeşme and Alaçatı after a certain hour. As for the crowds, there's no remedy for that! It would be unfair if Çeşme and Alaçatı weren't crowded given their beauty. "So, why should I visit Çeşme and Alaçatı?" There's certainly an answer for everyone! Despite the crowds, the streets of Çeşme and Alaçatı are beautiful! Its beaches are ideal for swimming and for windsurfing. There are delicious flavors unique to the Aegean cuisine in its colorful venues! Plus, the local people are very friendly and hospitable. There's more, but pages wouldn't be enough. Let's not delay any further and take you to the shores of Çeşme and Alaçatı this summer. 

Don't Leave Çeşme and Alaçatı Without Doing These! 

There's no limit to what you can do in both Çeşme and Alaçatı! No matter how long you stay, there are plenty of activities waiting for you on these shores. However, we've gathered must-dos in Çeşme and Alaçatı for those who can't stay for weeks:

• If you can time your visit right, don't miss the Alaçatı Herb Festival! Usually held at the end of March and beginning of April, stalls stretch along Alaçatı streets. You can find everything from local herb dishes to jams, mastic products to olive oil at the stalls. There are also various workshops and events. You can join this excitement and get to know the regional spirit of Alaçatı… Coffee tasting, dancing, and yoga are among the activities waiting for you at the festival…
• You can start the day with a local breakfast in Alaçatı. In the evening, you can settle in one of the fish restaurants in Çeşme Marina and enjoy both the view and fresh seafood. When night falls, you can return to Alaçatı and enjoy yourself in the colorful concept bars. Don't be intimidated by what we've said. Because the distance between Çeşme and Alaçatı is only 15 minutes!
• How about surfing? There are many centers in Alaçatı's windy shores where you can surf. It doesn't matter whether you are an expert in windsurfing or a beginner. Surf centers offer both equipment rental and lessons for beginners. You could dedicate a day to windsurfing and experience thrilling moments!
• Do you like antiques? If "yes," we have a suggestion for you. In Alaçatı's Hacımemiş neighborhood, there are many antique shops where you can find the piece you're looking for. Even if you don't buy anything, you can stroll through these shops that reflect the spirit of the past.
• If you are holidaying in Çeşme, it would be unfair not to visit Çeşme Castle and Museum! The museum exhibits ethnographic artifacts from Çeşme and its surroundings. At the entrance of the museum, there is an art gallery where exhibitions are held at certain times of the year. If you're curious about the history of Çeşme, you can see very special artifacts and enjoy the magnificent view from Çeşme castle. Or, if it coincides with your holiday period, you can visit the exhibitions of important figures in Turkish art. 

Dining Recommendations in Çeşme and Alaçatı 

• If you're a food lover, a holiday in Çeşme and Alaçatı will make you incredibly happy! Both Çeşme and Alaçatı offer countless places where you can taste the finest flavors of Aegean cuisine. You can start your day at tables that aren't complete without sour cheese with herbs, tulum cheese, and soft pişi (Turkish fried dough). For breakfasts that will win your heart with both their taste and freshness, you have many options. However, we definitely recommend visiting Demlik Cafe on Çamlık Road in Alaçatı. You're sure to love the famous börek by the café's owner, Ayşegül Hanım, which has gained recognition beyond Alaçatı, as well as the charming atmosphere of the café. After breakfast, you'll be soaking up the Aegean sea at the beaches, but soon your stomach will be rumbling again! This is the perfect time to try Çeşme's famous kumru sandwich. For kumru, both Kumrucu Şevket and Erol are highly successful options. You'll come across kumru often in both Çeşme and Alaçatı, giving you a chance to try it at different places.
• For dinner, you have many options awaiting you. But you should prioritize Çeşme's herb dishes and olive oil flavors. For example, you must try the grape leaves sarma, Şevket-i bostan herb dish, and herb gözleme. Asma Yaprağı Restaurant is the best place to try these. The garden of the restaurant in Hacımemiş neighborhood is also wonderful! For those who love fish and can't get enough of appetizers, there are many seafood restaurants in both Alaçatı and Çeşme. However, our recommendation would be to try Kaptan's Place in Alaçatı and Ferdi Baba Restaurant in Çeşme. Don't forget, mastic ice cream and mastic cookies are also must-tries in Çeşme and Alaçatı. At Rumeli Pastanesi, Istanbul Pastanesi, and İmren Cafe, you can find the freshest ice cream and cookies, just a heads up!
• Korto Alaçatı: This place is part bar, part restaurant—but honestly, much more than that. At the bar, creative cocktails are crafted, while the kitchen serves Japanese-inspired flavors. From fresh sushi rolls to crispy tempuras and steaming bowls of ramen, the options are plenty. As the night goes on, live music fills the air—Yuzu cocktail in hand, sashimi on the table, and acoustic melodies in the background… it’s the perfect Alaçatı vibe.
• Sota Alaçatı: If you want to experience seafood at its most refined, Sota is the place to be. It proudly made it to the Michelin list in 2024. Located inside Viento Hotel, the atmosphere is chic and elegant. The kitchen is all about seasonality—nothing out of season, everything carefully chosen. Shellfish take center stage, complemented by perfectly paired wines and cocktails.
• Yeni Yer Alaçatı: Hidden along the Alaçatı–Ovacık road, this spot feels like a secret tucked away in the middle of a field. Its garden, gravel paths, and rustic touches transport you far from the city. The menu highlights include wood-fired short rib pide, smoked meats, and grilled lamb kokoreç. Pair it with one of their signature cocktails, and you can dance the night away with DJ sets that go until 3 AM. 
• Argentina Grill by The Stay Warehouse: On Saturday nights, The Stay’s enchanting garden transforms into a little slice of Argentina. Think wood-fired steaks, smoked ribs, fine wines, and a magical setting under olive trees and soft lights. It’s more than just dinner—it’s an experience you’ll remember. 
• Kolburano’s: In the stone-lined streets of Reisdere, a 200-year-old building houses Kolburano’s, the passion project of Damla and Emre Kolburan. Expect wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, and seafood surprises. Its garden, shaded by fig and mulberry trees, is perfect for sipping wine at sunset. Here, time slows down—just like the food.
• Roka Bahçe:Tucked away in Hacımemiş, Roka Bahçe is a serene garden escape. Chef Gökhan Safkan brought his years of Istanbul experience here, blending Aegean herbs, seafood, and seasonal ingredients. The standout dishes include the “mixed to share” platter, octopus salad, and seafood orzo. Don’t miss the mini art gallery at the entrance, which adds a creative touch to the dining experience
• Fava: Right in the heart of Alaçatı, yet wrapped in its own tranquility, Fava is housed in a beautifully preserved 1850s Greek stone home. Romantic and refined, it offers the best of Aegean cuisine—mezze, seafood, herbs, and vegetables. Its hidden garden, surrounded by vineyards, becomes a dreamy escape at sunset.
• Mano del Sol: A chic, modern take on the beach club experience in Alaçatı. With Mediterranean-inspired décor in soft natural tones, this spot offers a relaxed yet stylish seaside escape. Light, fresh dishes and sunset cocktails make it the perfect place to slow down and soak in the rhythm of summer.

Korto Alaçatı

Places to Visit in Çeşme and Alaçatı

1. During your holiday in Çeşme and Alaçatı, there are countless places waiting to be discovered. You can start your journey at the always lively Çeşme Marina. Take a pleasant walk along the marina, enjoy the sea breeze, and sip your coffee while watching the boats sway in the water.
2. If your trip falls on a Saturday, make sure to visit the Alaçatı Farmers’ Market. The smell of fresh fruit fills the air, and the stalls are packed with seasonal produce, Aegean herbs, and colorful flowers. But it’s not just about food – you’ll also find clothing, accessories, and handmade items that feel more like boutique shopping. Just don’t forget to bring a large tote bag with you.
3. One of Çeşme’s most unique corners is Delikli Koy. It takes its name from the natural stone arch carved out by wind and waves over the years. Getting there requires a bit of effort – dusty roads and a steep descent – but that’s exactly why it has remained so untouched. Instead of a wide sandy beach, here you’ll find rocky shores, perfect for greeting the sunset in peace.
4. Perhaps the most famous spot in town, Ilıca Beach is known for its soft white sand and shallow waters that stretch far out to sea. Fed by natural hot springs, the water stays pleasantly warm, making it ideal for families and for those who love to spend long hours swimming. Especially in the mornings, the atmosphere feels almost magical.
5. If you’re seeking serenity, Sakızlıkoy is a hidden gem. It may look like a small cove, but the clarity of the water and the gentle breeze carrying the scent of mastic trees make it irresistible. There are no buildings, no noise, only nature. A towel on the rocks, a good book, and the sound of the waves – that’s the spirit of this secluded spot.
6. Many know Aya Yorgi Bay for its beach clubs, but if you arrive early in the morning, you can experience the bay in its natural state. Walk along the rocky shore, take the stone steps down to the sea, and dive into turquoise waters with nothing but the sound of nature around you. For snorkelers, the clear waters are a treasure trove of marine life.
7. Accessible only by boat, Eşek Island is one of Çeşme’s most pristine places. The surrounding sea is crystal clear, almost like glass. Jumping from the boat into these waters feels like diving straight into the heart of the Mediterranean. Most boats avoid loud music, preserving the island’s tranquility. Once you step on land, untouched walking paths await nature lovers.
8. Standing tall since 1508, Çeşme Castle is one of the city’s landmarks. Built during the reign of Bayezid II, it once served as an important Ottoman naval fortress and witnessed the Çeşme Sea Battle of 1770. Today, it functions both as a museum and a cultural venue. Walking along its historic walls with the sea in the background is a journey through time.
9. Right in the center of Çeşme, Ayios Haralambos Church is a beautiful example of 19th-century stone architecture, built by the local Greek Orthodox community. After being closed for years, it has been restored and now hosts art exhibitions and cultural events. Inside, the high ceilings and traces of old frescoes create a serene atmosphere.
10. The stone houses of Alaçatı are more than just buildings; they represent a way of life. Their thick walls keep the interiors cool during the hot summers, while the blue shutters soften the sunlight. As you wander through the narrow streets, the scent of jasmine, lavender, and earth fills the air. Many of these historic homes have been transformed into boutique hotels or charming cafés, blending past and present.
11. Finally, the Alaçatı Windmills, standing since the 1800s, are the town’s iconic silhouette. Once used for grinding grain, today they are places to watch the sunset over the town. Some have been converted into cafés, while others remain in their original form. Sitting by the windmills and looking down at Alaçatı feels like pressing pause on time itself.

Delikli Koy

Çeşme-Alaçatı Accommodation Recommendations

İncirliev Hotel: When I turned the corner and saw the İncirliev Hotel, I said to myself, “This is it, this will be my vacation home.” There are no huge lobbies or crystal chandeliers, but its warmth envelops you. When you walk through the door, it feels like you’ve arrived at a distant relative’s summer home. But don’t be mistaken: this isn’t your typical mid-range hotel it’s a mid-luxury property. It seamlessly blends its own unique elegance with the comfort of home.

Casa Bella Hotel: When passing through Alaçatı, one can’t help but slow down. As you walk through the streets, the shadows of the stone houses provide a cool respite, the breeze gently caresses your face, and the bougainvilleas that emerge from every corner seem more vibrant and colorful. As evening falls, the old-fashioned street lamps transform the entire town into a romantic scene. In the midst of such an atmosphere, Casa Bella Hotel comes into view. Unpretentious, natural, and peaceful… Its garden is so vast and lush that the moment you step inside, you completely forget the noise of the city.