Attractions and Activities of Cesme

Cesme is located in the west of Izmir. The name Cesme means fountain in Turkish. The name comes from the many springs around the area during the 18th and 19th centuries.It is one of the most popular holiday resorts in Turkey with its clean sandy blue sea, fish restaurants and lovely climate

Climate: The region of Cesme has a typical Mediterranean climate. The summer season begins in April and continues until the end of October with hot sunny days. Unlike other Turkish resorts, the region of Cesme benefits from the cooling Imbat breeze which blows off the Aegean Sea and is renowned for its clean, cool air, offering welcome relief from the heat of the sun even during the hottest months of July and August.

Local Way of Life: The local area offers a world of days gone by as the locals go about their daily chores. Watch the local fishermen selling their daily catch in the numerous fishing villages that dot the coastline, or farmers selling their produce at the local markets or on the roadside next to their fields.

CESME - an unforgettable insight into Turkey's cultural and historical heritage

Cesme is located on Turkey's western coast overlooking the Aegean Sea. Less than one hour's drive from Turkey's 3rd largest city of Izmir, Cesme is the ideal location for a combined beach and sightseeing holiday with its crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, fantastic climate and nearby historical gems. Cesme is easily reached by local mini buses called 'Dolmus', which offer a colourful insight into the Turkish way of travelling.

                                    Cesme Castle

                   the Caravanserai

The Castle now houses an exhibition centre, restaurant and bar, whilst the Caravanserai is a hotel and restaurant where you can have a meal or drink whilst soaking up the ambience of the castle and its surroundings.

Take a stroll in Cesme

During the high summer season the main shopping area is pedestrianised, allowing you to wander freely between the shops, restaurants and bars. 

In the town centre you can find a good selection of carpets, leather goods and souvenirs, which if you decide to buy you can practice your haggling skills. If you feel adventurous, you can explore the maze of side streets to examine Cesme's historic architecture, and witness the daily activities of the local Turkish people. 

When dusk falls, Cesme becomes the place to be seen with its 'cafe culture', as both tourists and locals take a leisurely stroll with their family and friends to enjoy the cool evening air.

Activities

It is possible to undertake most sporting activities in the area, especially sailing, kitesurfing, windsurfing and scuba diving as the area boasts several schools due to the excellent location for these sports. We can advise you how to book these activities on your arrival, or you can contact us for more information prior to departure. Pre booking is advisable during the busy months of July and August, to ensure that you will not be disappointed.

Our beachfront vacation villas  are located only 15-30 minutes away  of the ilica beach,  Pirlanta beach, Altinkum beach , surfcenter-surf paradise Alacati and another places . 

Cruise the Aegean Sea

On Cesme's waterfront, you are able to book daily boat trips to the nearby islands. The most popular day trip is to "Donkey Island" which includes stops for refreshing swimming breaks and a meal at lunch time. You can also charter your own boat, which if you are in a large group can be comparable in price to an organised tour from the sea front. Chartering a boat (usually a Turkish Wooden sailing boat called a Gulet) will allow you to cruise the Aegean at your own pace and make you feel really special as you cruise around the coastline on your private gulet.

The Greek island of Chios, is easily reached from Cesme. You can take a day trip by ferry to explore this unique island to visit places of interest such as Chios town, or you can escape to the various picturesque villages and beaches.

Local Beaches

Cesme's Peninsular offers a number of clean sandy beaches and secluded bays for swimming, sunbathing or for participating in a number of water sports activities. A number of the beaches have been awarded blue flag status and are cleaned daily in the height of the summer season.

Turkey's Treasures

If you wish to experience Turkey's cultural, historical and natural wonders you will enjoy a visit to any of the following places which are all within easy reach of the villas.

Ciftlikkoy also known as Ciftlik, is a typical Aegean fishing village and is a natural wonder with its beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of Altinkum, Pirlanta and Tursite. In the village you can visit the harbour to buy freshly caught fish, or sit and have a drink at the local restaurants, from which you can watch the local fishermen at work or look out to sea, across to the Greek island of Chios.

Dalyan is a small fishing village 4km north of Cesme, and has some of the region's best fish restaurants which border the quay of the lively marina. If you love seafood, you should try to have dinner at one of Dalyan's restaurants at least one night during your stay.

Thermal Springs of Ilica and Sifne: It is said that the thermal spring waters of Ilica and Sifne offer health benefits to the sufferers of rheumatism, gout, skin diseases and various other ailments, due to the minerals in the thermal waters. At Sifne, the thermal spa complex has a mud bath for the treatment of eczema, psoriasis and other skin disorders.

Alacati: popular for windsurfing and sailing is a typical Aegean town. You can experience the Turkey of years gone by with its natural harbour, cobblestone streets and historic windmills dotting the hillside. Saturday, the day of the local market is a good day to visit Alacati, when you can witness an array of locally produced goods on offer at incredibly low prices. Smell and taste the deliciously fresh fruit and vegetables and buy the latest fake 'designer' clothes. Or if you just like to take it easy, have a relaxing drink in the town square and watch the world go by.

 Ildiri, a quiet seaside village 20 km. northeast of Çesme, was ancient Erythrai.  Excavations here have shown that the site has been settled since the early bronze age, and as a result the area around the village of Ildiri has been declared a national heritage site. The walls around the ancient city are still standing and Hellenistic period floor mosaics of exceptional beauty can still be seen in one of the buildings. Excavations have also revealed a temple of Athena Statues, jewelry and other finds from the city are exhibited in Izmir Museum. Those who climb up to the Acropolis at dusk are rewarded with beautiful views as the sun sinks over the bay and islands

Izmir, is a cosmopolitan and lively city, hosting several International Arts and Music Festivals throughout the year. Known in Turkey as "Beautiful Izmir", the port of Izmir, offers a Mediterranean feel with its palm-lined promenades stretching the shoreline. A day trip to Izmir is ideal if you wish to shop or visit the local museums.

Historical Sites

Ephesus, (Efes) is Turkey's most visited ancient site.

Today you can clearly see the remains of this empire with its city hall, houses, shops and streets, allowing you to experience what life was like in the times of the Greeks and the Romans.

Founded in the 10th century BC by the Ionian Greeks, the ancient capital of Ephesus flourished between 600 BC and 500 AD. Once with a population of 300,000, Ephesus became the biggest centre of the trade road that was from Asia to Europe.

Pergamum, now known as Bergama , was once the capital city of Hellenistic kingdom which became powerful and rich during the reign of the King Attalus I and the King Eumenes II when it aimed, and eventually became allies with Rome. Steeped in cultural heritage, Pergamum was home to the Romans, Arabs, Byzantine and the Turks. Today, the stature and views commanded by the Acropolis ensure that this is the highlight of a visit to Pergamum.

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