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Cesme
You will find
the Cesme peninsula about way down the Aegean coast of
Turkey at its most western point. It is less than 1 Hours
drive from the City of Izmir and Adanan Menderes
International Airport.
Cesme is renowned for Thermal Spa's, Blue Seas and Golden
Beaches, which range from crowded to remote and secluded.
There are about 20 of them spread around the peninsular so
transport is necessary to get to any of them. One option is
to use one of the many the public "Dolmus" (Mini bus)
services or just take Taxi. You could also hire a Car or
Motorcycle for the day too and explore the peninsular at
your own pace and convenience.
Cesme town itself is a "compact" and "bustling" collection
of Souvenir, Leather, Carpet, Clothing, Footwear and Jewelry
stores punctuated by Bars, Disco's Bistro's, Restaurants,
Coffeehouse's and Ice Cream stalls. There are also a fair
number of Pharmacies (Eczani) around so you can take on
extra supplies of Sun Tan oils or After Sun Balm in case you
happen to "overdo it" in the first few days of your
vacation.
The central waterfront of Cesme stretches from the yacht
harbor to the south and a public beach to the north with the
Castle taking center stage. It is mainly a collection of
hostelries and Travel Agencies but you also find there the
PTT, the Tourist Information Center, the Ferry Port for day
trips to the island of Chios and in case of Emergency a
Tourist Police Station.
A casual visitor should have little trouble finding
accommodation, Cesme boasts over 10,000 Tourist Hotel beds,
ranging from small and friendly Pensions to 5 Star Luxury
Hotels or Holiday Villages, something to match every budget.
One good starting point for accommodation is the Tourist
Information Center another is to surf inside this site and
work out your own arrangements. There are plenty of Travel
Agencies in Cesme who are ready and willing to help. Another
option is of course the ubiquitous Taxi drivers who always
"Have a friend." Finally for the really adventurous ones
amongst you, the, walk the streets and ask, method works
well too.
Beaches
The Cesme Peninsula, lapped by the waters of the
Aegean Sea, lies west of Izmir. Cesme, meaning fountain,
derives from the many sources of water found in the area. It
is one of Turkey's most beautiful stretches -- surrounded by
clear blue seas, with landscapes of cultivated fields of
aniseed, sesame and artichokes dotted with fig and gum
trees. In the unspoilt bays you can swim in absolute peace.
Visitors will find excellent holiday accommodations,
restaurants and sports and entertainment facilities.
A 14th century Genoese fortress, restored and enlarged by
the Ottomans in the 16th century, dominates the small port
of Cesme, 80 km from Izmir. Today, the town is a popular
holiday resort with excellent accommodations and
restaurants; the 16th century caravanserai near the
fortress, built by Suleyman the Magnificent, has been
converted into a hotel while the Church of Agios Haralambos
has been restored as an art gallery. Thermal baths offer a
health centered escape from modern life. Excellent shopping
-- the finest quality carpets, leather goods, as well as
souvenir items -- is available; at night a lively, fun
atmosphere pervades, especially in the restaurants, cafes,
bars and discos along the promenade. Yachts can be hired to
explore the peninsula's splendid coastline. Cesme hosts an
annual Internadonal Song Contest in July.
The very popular holiday center of Ilica boasts an excellent
white sand beach and the outstanding facilities of the Altin
Yunus Marina and Holiday Complex. The bay here is ideal for
water sports, especially windsurfing and sailing. The
thermal baths around Ilica are very popular; the best being
located on Sifne Bay. Pasa Limani has a camp site which
offers campers comfortable facilities. Every July on Ilica
Bay, the colorful International Cakabey Optimist Yacht race
is held.
Ildiri, a quiet seaside village 20 km. northeast of
Cesme, was ancient Erythrai. Those who climb up to the
Acropolis at dusk are rewarded with beautiful views as the
sun sinks over the bay and islands. Nearby is Gerence Gulf,
a pristine inlet on the northeast Cesme peninsula which can
be reached by yacht or car. The natural surroundings offer
relaxation while the bay is ideal for water sports.
Dalyan, a fishing village, built on a sheltered deep
water inlet just north of Cesme, has some of the region's
best fish restaurants which border the quay of the lively
marina.
Tourist are attracted by Ciftlik's many accommodations and
by a long, sandy beach (Pirlanta Plaj) just outside of town
to the southwest. Camping facilities are available to the
south and nearby stretches one of the area's best beaches,
the Altinkum Plaj (Golden Beach).
Windmills, some of which have been converted into attractive
restaurants, dot the hill above Alacati, a delightful and
typical Aegean town. Alacati lies to the south inland from
Ilica and the coast; a couple of kilometers to the south is
a good beach. Many lovely bays, accessible only by yacht,
stretch along the coast southeast of the town and ensure
peaceful and relaxing anchorages in this popular sailing
region.
Known in ancient times as Clazomenae, Urla Iskelesi
offers a marina as well as plentiful accommodations in all
price ranges. Restaurants on the top of Guvendik hill afford
a marvellous view of the bay and its islands.
The prosperous little fishing village of Cesmealti is
notable for its simple yet excellent fish restaurants.
As you drive along the panoramic Karaburun peninsula
coast road, you pass several peaceful bays and quaint
fishing villages Balikliova, Mordogan and Karaburun.
At Karaburun, pleasant hotels, tea gardens and fish
restaurants sit between the beautiful mountain backdrop and
the clear, clean water. From Manastir Mountain you can enjoy
an unforgettable view of the Karaburun coast, the Foca
coastline opposite and the entrance of the Gulf of Izmir.
On the southern side of the Cesme peninsula near the
town of Seferihisar is the small picturesque marina
of Sigacik. This important yachting center is
surrounded by fortifications dating from the Genoese period
and is a good point from which to visit the Temple of
Dionysus at the antique site of Teos as well as the
lovely Akkum beach.
Gumuldur has excellent tourist facilities --
beautiful beaches, restaurants and hotels. Nearby at
Ahmetbeyli (Claros) to the east, stand the Apollon
Temple and the remains of the colossal statue of Apollo;
here you can also enjoy a good fish meal or a swim at the
town's wide beach. A winding panoramic coastal road leads
from Ahmetbeyli south to Pamucak beach.
How to
Go
The main route to Çeşme is via the modern 6 lane
highway connecting Izmir and Çeşme, whether arriving at
Adanan Menderes International Airport or overland.
It is normal for Airport arrivals to be transferred
by the tour operator or the accommodating hotel and a
regular coach service opperates from the Üçkuyular district
of Izmir operating times are:
Every 20 minutes between 6 a.m.-9.30 p.m. in the Summer
Months
and
Every 45 minutes between 7 a.m.-7 p.m. during the Winter
Months.
Reaching Çesme from the Airport using public
transport can be is a little difficult so if possible at all
try to arrange your Airport Transfer ahead of your visit.
However if you are not faint hearted and you
intend to use public transport, your main mission is to get
from the Airport to the Üçkuyular bus station (“Üçkuyular
otobüs gar”) which is where the Izmir / Çesme bus leaves
from. There are a number of ways to achieve this.
Method 1.
Take Taxi from Airport to “Üçkuyular otobüs gar” then the
Bus to Çesme.
(All Turkish Taxis are metered by law so you need not be too
concerned about being overcharged)
Method 2.
Take the Airport Shuttle Bus (Havaş) to downtown Izmir, this
service drops you by the Efes Hotel from where you can
either:
2a Take Taxi to “Üçkuyular otobüs gar” then the Bus to Çesme.
or
2b Catch a local Municipal Bus (service number 169) to
Üçkuyular otobüs gar and then the Bus to Çesme.
You board the local bus at the “FAKÜLTE” bus stop which you
can find in front the Izmir Cinema on the Main Road to the
right of the Efes Hotel terminus, (Not the waterfront road!)
and you get off at the “F.ALTAY PAZARYERİ” bus stop in
Üçkuyular. (Ask the driver for help)
Methods 3 and 4 get a little more “exciting”
because this involves taking a Train from the Airport to
downtown Izmir and just to add a little more spice,
depending on the time of day, the train will deposit you in
either the Basmane or Alsancak railway stations.
So Method 3
Train from Airport to Alsancak Railway Station (“Alsancak
Gar”) and either
3a Take Taxi to “Üçkuyular otobüs gar” then the Bus to Çesme.
or
3b Catch a local Municipal Bus (again service number 169) to
Üçkuyular otobüs gar and then the Bus to Çesme.
This time you board the local bus at the “ALSANCAK GAR” bus
stop which is directly across the road from the main
entrance of the Railway Station and again you get off at the
“F.ALTAY PAZARYERİ” bus stop in Üçkuyular.
and Method 4
Train from Airport to Basmane Railway Station (“Basmane
Gar”) and either
4a Take Taxi to “Üçkuyular otobüs gar” then the Bus to Çesme.
or
3b Catch a local Municipal Bus (service number 86) to
Üçkuyular otobüs gar and then the Bus to Çesme.
This time there is a slightly longer walk from Basmane Gar
to “MONTRÖ Meydanı” bus stop to catch the Number 86 Bus
again to the “F.ALTAY PAZARYERİ” stop in Üçkuyular.
Turn right as you leave Basmane Railway Station, cross the
road to the “Kultur Park” then keeping the Kulture Park on
your right hand side walk until you find another main road
(this is Montrö) go directly across this road and the bus
stops are there.
DISTANCE FROM CESME TO VARIOUS PLACES
| CESME-DALYAN |
4 km |
| CESME-OVACIK |
5 km |
| CESME-CIFTLIK
|
5 km |
| CESME-REISDERE
|
11 km |
| CESME-GERMIYAN
|
16 km |
| CESME-KARAKOY
|
21 km |
| CESME-ILDIRI |
27 km |
| CESME-BERGAMA
|
180 km |
| CESME-DIDIM |
250 km |
| CESME-EFES |
155 km |
| CESME-KUSADASI |
170 km |
| CESME-MARMARIS |
360 km |
| CESME-PAMUKKALE |
330 km |
| CESME-TEOS |
100 km |
Windsurfing
Turkey’s Aegean shores are among the most fascinating
and beautiful stretches in the country. The magnificent
coastline, lapped by the clear water of the Aegean Sea, with
landscapes of cultivated fields of aniseed, sesame and
artichokes dotted with fig and gum trees, will guide you to
discover one of the world’s greatest windsurfing
destinations in Alaçati bay on the Cesme peninsula.
With its 1.8 kms width, over 5 kms depth, crystal
clear waters, azure blue skies, consistent and steady winds,
topography and location Alacati is an ideal windsurfing spot
in Europe. Both, the very shape of the bay and the thermal
water pressures, create steady and consistent w inds blowing
side-shore from North to South (Poyraz) in summer and from
South to North (Lodos) in winter months.
First time windsurfers love the place as the
waist-deep and sand covered shallow water area extends for
500 meters from shore into the bay creating perfect
conditions for beginners of all ages. Easy recovery from
falls adds a new dimension to both teaching and learning to
windsurf.
Consistent steady winds, combined with the best
equipment ready and all rigged up steps away from the water
is also an opportunity for speed or wave lovers not to miss.
In summer, the North wind creates perfect conditions for
flat-water high-speed windsurfing, whereas in winter the
South wind creates waves steady enough even to please the
big wave-funs. As the coastal plain enjoys an exceptionally
mild climate, with soft, verdant springs, hot summers, sunny
autumns and warm winters marked by occasional showers. For
windsurfing and sun-bathing summer months are ideal, but as
the Aegean provides a perfect escapes from rigors of a
northern winter even in January and February with mild sunny
and pleasant days, wave lovers prefer to visit Alaçati in
winter to mix and match their Xmas holidays with
windsurfing.
PLAYING FIELDOF THE WIND
As you speed along İzmir-Çeşme expressway your eyes
are suddenly struck by a vista of modern windmills with
their huge white wings reaching to the sky above.Further
along come some ancient time-worn windmills built of stone
with their naked wooden appendages,and you sense the
cool,salty fragrance of the sea then you can be sure that
you have arrived at Alaçatı. At Alaçatı you are confronted
with two very trying choices.Either you join the antics of
the windsurfs of every imaginable color riding the deep blue
waters or you delve into the colorful streets flavored with
Anatolian culture under the shade of the time-worn
windmills.It is very likely that the decision will be taken
from your hands by the sun rising steeply in the sky
overhead.And then,all of sudden,you will find you are on the
road to Alaçatı cove with its petite boat basin.
Alaçatı cove is one of innumerable coves to be found
along the Aegean coastline.However,two very special features
of this cove render it a windsurfer's heaven. One of these
is the ceaseless wind.The other is the depth of the sea
which does not exceed one and a half metres,and extends as
such out as far as sixty or seventy metres from the shore.
Piri Reis ,known in Turkish history for his cartography and
seamanship,writes in his "Kitab-ı Bahriye"(The book of
Navigation)that "the sea in the port of Alaçatı is like a
wafer"And what he meant by that was that the sea was quite
calm.That is,despite all the wind,the height of the waves in
the cove does not rise to a level disturbing to the surfers.
The wind at Alaçatı blows in from the north
throughout the summer months at a velocity of between 15-25
knots.During the windy season from May to October one may
encounter windsurfers from every corner of the globe
here.There are those who come with their caravans or tents
and spend the whole season as well as those who just stop
over for the competitions.These aficionados of the wind and
sea are accommodated at two schools of surfing on the shore
and at the hotel and pensions located both at the cove and
in Alaçatı itself. Alaçatı cove with its depth of less than
a metre and a half is a fine learning environment for novice
surfers.It is because of these qualities that the cove is so
desirable both for master and novice surfers.You will
encounter the youthful master surfing here with his young
novice sibling or with his girlfriend.The shallow waters
provide support for the novices,while the blustering summer
winds provide sport for the masters.
The cove,in which many national and international
competitions are held,is at the same time a fine locale just
for practice.Bora Kozanoðlu,the 1998-1999 Turkish
champion,is one of those who have made a home in Alaçatı.You
can always catch him playing sport with the wind and sea or
giving pointers to those who are just learning to surf. Like
the sea and the wind,the narrow streets of Alaçatı are also
filled with surprises.There are the two storey homes,worldly-wise
from long hard years of use,built of stone and set along
both sides of the cobblestone streets...And then there are
the bright faces of people of all ages peering out of the
windows and overhanging bays of the houses.You witness the
cultural richness of the region in Alaçatı's streets,in its
mosque and its antique shop. Clearly,this cultural ricness
has its source in Alaçatı's fascinating history.Until the
16th century the Çeşme region was the internetional
commercial gateway to Anatolia.The Geneose merchants who
settled on the island of Chios abandoned the area following
the Ottoman conguest of the island in 1566,and gradually the
Çeşme region lost its commercial advantages to İzmir.During
the 1850s Greek laborers were brought in from nearby islands
to fill in the swamps to the south of Alaçatı and to work in
the port.These island Greeks joined in the construction of
Alaçatı and settled there,later engaging in viniculture.
Still later migrants from Yugoslavia and Macedonia
made Alaçatı their home,but war forced them to move into the
interior of Anatolia.They returned after the Turkish War of
Liberation in the early 1920s,and then they were joined by
migrants from Thessaloniki,Crete and Kos who introduced
tobacco farming to the region. It is possible to observe the
traces of these historical ebbs and tides in Alaçatı
today.The mosque in the marketplace,the homes of stone with
their bay windows,and the windmills,all bear witness to this
inescapable social and cultural flux.The history of the
region has transformed the place into a world of forsaken
dreams and emerging hope.Today anisette,olives,onions and
artichokes are grown in the fertile soil of Alaçatı.The
region is also a star tourism spot.So much so,that its
winter population of eight thousand climbs to fifty thousand
in summer.The municipality of Alaçatı organizes an
International Youth and Children's Theatre Festival every
year. Alaçatı is munificent to those who portake of the wind
and sea as well to those who wish to have an Anatolian
experience,and this is a place you are sure to take great
pleasure in getting to know..
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