Çeşme
From Turkey Travel Guide
Çeşme is an Aegean coastal district within the city of İzmir. Distance from Izmir is 94 km. Being one of the important spots of summer tourism in Turkey, Cesme is known for its crystal-clear sea, clean beaches, thermal springs and top-end night life. 14.000 local inhabitants reside in the district while this number rises as high as 200.000 in tourism season. Three main parts constitute the touristic region: Ilıca, Alaçatı and district center of Çeşme.
Contents |
[edit] History
In antiquity, known as Cyssus, was one of the twelve Ionian settlements. Together with the island Chios, Çeşme dominated the wine and slave trade. In the medieval period, it remained under Byzantine control and following its decay, the Turks first captured Çeşme in the time of Çaka Bey. By the end of the 14th century, Ottoman Empire consolidated itself in the region.
[edit]
There are three main parts of cesme; Ilıca, Alaçatı and district center of Çeşme.
[edit] Getting there
[edit] By plane
The nearest airport is İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport. After your plane lands, you may take the bus or rent a car for a highway drive to Çeşme.
[edit] By train
Closest train station is in Izmir.
[edit] By car
After arriving in the central İzmir, you should follow the coastal boulevard and ultimately you reach the highway ticket lines which lead you to Çeşme.
[edit] By bus
In winter, between 07:00 and 19:00 every 45 minutes and in summer, between 06:00 and 21:30 every 20 minutes you may get on a bus from the main station. The first arrival point is Alaçatı, after that Ilıca and finally district center of Çesme. For those who want to procede to Ildırı or Şifne, should get on the Ildırı buses, however they do not take you to the main stations of Çeşme. In the tourism season, from Istanbul and Ankara the buses go directly to Çeşme twice a day. Via Pamukkale Tourism company, you may travel two-way between Çeşme, İzmir, Aydın, Muğla, Bodrum, Marmaris, Kaş, Kalkan, Antalya and finally Alanya.
[edit] By boat
You may go to Çeşme from island Chios by ferries and from Italy with cruise ships.
[edit] Getting around
[edit] By car
Since the places to see and to go are not concentrated in a small region, a personal vehicle is the best way in Çeşme to get around.
[edit] By Taxi
Most places have numerous taxi stations and you do not have difficulty in finding one at any time but they are too expensive, being operated in the touristic tariff.
[edit] By public transport
District center is the last station for minibuses. This way, you may go to Çiftlik, Dalyan, Reisdere, Ovacık and other beaches. İt is the cheapest way of getting around, however not very efficient because of its course.
[edit] By foot
[edit] By bike
[edit] Weather
Weather in Cesme is very similar to Izmir. The table below is the weather information of Izmir. The only difference in the weather is, Cesme is very windy. Because of the high wind, Cesme is one of the most popular windsurf areas in Europe.
(°F)
(55)
(56)
(62)
(70)
(79)
(88)
(92)
(91)
(85)
(76)
(65)
(57)
(°F)
(43)
(42)
(46)
(53)
(60)
(68)
(73)
(72)
(66)
(58)
(51)
(46)
(inches)
(4.7)
(3.5)
(3.1)
(1.9)
(1.0)
(0.3)
(0.1)
(0.1)
(0.7)
(1.7)
(4.4)
(5.3)
[edit] See
Çeşme Castle
Built during the reign of Bayezid II in 1508, it is a rectangular shaped structure with six towers and trenches in three directions. There are micro museums within the castle and the sight from its walls are too beautiful to ignore for the visitors. Outside the walls, you can also see the sculpture of Hasan Pasha the Algerian and the lion.
Ayios Haralambos Church
This Greek Orthodox Church dates back to 1832, to which it served the Orthodox Christian community up until the end of the Greek-Turkish war of 1922. Since that time, the church was used for a variety of reasons including storage, art gallery showcases, and cultural festivities. Located on the way to the bay, before Cesme Castle, its strong stone structure stands out, as it is surrounded by several smalls shops and cafes. In March 2010, the announcement came from the Turkish Ministry of Culture that the church will be restored and become another addition to the area's rich Christian history. The restoration will take approximately 2 years and cost an estimated 5 million Turkish lira.
Bays Numerous beaches, most of them very promising, are present during the 29 km coast line. The three most important are:
Ilıca Bay: About 2 km long, the sea is generally wavy and the beach is all-sand. There is also a cafe.
Boyalık bay: About 5 km long, there are many cafes and small restaurants. Altınyunus Holiday Resort and Marine is also here. Paşalimanı: On route from Ilıca to Ildırı, in the Şifne region, the sea is always calm since little or no wind is present in the bay.
Alaçatı Alaçatı is famous for its authentic residential architecture, mostly of masonry work. The place was proclaimed a restricted construction area in 2006. The existing buildings have to be renovated in line with the original plan and new constructions have to meet the criteria of traditional architecture.
[edit] Do
Alaçatı Windsurf&Kitesurf
4 km from the center, in the Alaçatı marine, a suitable area is present with 500m in width and 330m in length. This area is more than required for beginners in these activities. Here, a worldwide famous professional tournament is held every summer besides instruction for the beginners. Adjacent Yumru Bay also is home to many windsurfing clubs.
Hunting
Çeşme is a promising site for land hunting. The most interesting and popular type is pig hunting. After receiving the required permissions from officials anyone can perform pig hunting. The season is between September and December.
Diving
Çeşme homes very suitable sites for those who like diving, both professional and amateur type.
Daily Boat Trips
You may join the daily boat tours sailing from the main port, between 10:00 – 17:00. Depending on the weather and the agency, you stop by 3 to 4 bays. These are generally Eşek Adası, Mavikoy ve a region called “cold water”. Prices are reasonably cheap and lunch is included.
[edit] Eat
[edit] Budget
You may enjoy the speciality of the town, kumru, especially at the kumrucu Şevki and Kumrucu Erol. Also, you may enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast seated right on the coast facing the Greek island of Chios (Sakiz Adasi). Price ranges for breakfast go for about 6-9 lira per person, offering bread, eggs, fruit spreads, olives, cheeses, and butter.
[edit] Mid-Range
You may drop by many of the cafes and restaurants in the Çeşme center. Besides, Dost Pide in Ilıca is a good alternative, and is open all year.
[edit] Upscale
The restaurants in Alaçatı generally have their special menus, however you need to make a booking prior to dinner. Below are some of the best known ones:
Tuval Restaurant: Tel: 232–716–9808 (open all year)
Agrilya: Tel: 232–716–8594
Yaya Restaurant Tel: 0 232 716 7653
[edit] Drink
In Çeşme and its dependent regions, you may find numerous night life activities, however the prices are often very expensive.
[edit] Budget
Ilayda Bar in Ilıca center.
[edit] Mid Range
Cafes in Ilıca center, open until 01:00.
[edit] Upscale
Babylon Alaçatı; check the link for concerts and activities: [1]
Sole Mare; Located in the Aya Yorgi bay, 3 km to the center. Open throughout the night and futures foreign and Turkish music.
Inside; located past Alaçatı, in daytime operates as a beach club while after 04:00 until the morning transforms into a nightclub. Generally foreign and Turkish music is future.
[edit] Sleep
In Çeşme, you may find hotels at reasonable prices. However, a Pansiyon can cost significantly less. During the the winter and early spring months, the cost for a one room pansiyon can range from about 20-30 lira a night per person. During the summer months, the rate goes up to about 40-60 lira per person.
[edit] Budget
Maro Otel , at Teke Plajı, Tel: 232 712 62 52
[edit] Mid-Range
Taylanli Pansiyon Adress: İzmir Cad. No:14 Ilıca Çeşme / İZMİR
Otel alabanda Adress: Ilıca Mah. 5074 Sokak No:56 Tel +90 232 723 50 57 / 0533 746 38 05
Otel Inkim Beach Adress: İzmir Cad. No:91/1 Ilıca – Çeşme Tel: +90 232 723 39 00
[edit] Upscale
Sheraton Hotel Çeşme, Ilıca center [2]
[edit] Work
[edit] Learn
Located in the downtown area of Cesme, check out the ministry of tourism. The local guides are incredibly helpful, and can speak a range of languages including English, Greek, French, and Spanish. Courtesy of their department, you can pick up several pamphlets and booklets with information about Cesme and its neighboring towns and villages. Again, all printed materials are available in several languages.
[edit] Keep connected
[edit] Internet
[edit] Phone
[edit] Post
[edit] Safety
Çesme is a safe area overall. During the months of October to April, the number of people are very low, thus, low crime and theft rates. During the hot summer months, the community can swell to thousands, thus, always keep your belongings close to you at all times.
[edit] Stay Healthy
[edit] Books
[edit] External links
Personal tools
It means you can use it, share it as long as you attribute to the author.
Copyright © 2012 - I was in Turkey Travel Community.