Cesme

The Cesme Peninsula, lapped by the waters of the Aegean Sea, lies west of Izmir. The name ‘Cesme’, meaning fountain, refers to the many springs found in the area during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is one of Turkey’s most beautiful stretches – surrounded by clear blue sea, with landscapes of cultivated fields of aniseed, sesame and artichokes dotted with fig and gum trees. In the unspoiled bays you can swim in absolute peace. Visitors will find excellent holiday accommodations, restaurants, 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, 80km 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 convert a hotel, while the 19th century Church of Hagios Haralambos has been restored as the Emir Caka art gallery Thermal baths offer a health-oriented escape from modern life.

Altin Yunus Marina and Holiday Complex

Excellent shopping – the finest quality carpets, leather goods, as well as souvenir items are 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 International Song Contest in the summer. Also, weekly ferry lines run from Cesme to Venice. The very popular holiday center of Ilica boasts an excellent white, sandy beach, and the out standing 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; Pasha Limani has a campsite which offers campers comfortable facilities. In Ilica Bay, the colorful International Cakabey Optimist Yacht race is held every year in July. 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 Gerence Gulf is a pristine inlet northeast of the Cesme Peninsula which can be reached by yacht or car. The natural surroundings offer relaxation while the bay is ideal for water sports. In Dalyan, a fishing village built on a sheltered deep water inlet just north of Cesme, some of the region’s best fish restaurants border the quay of the lively marina. Tourists are attracted by the variety of Ciftlik’s 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, are to be found along the coast southeast of the town and ensure peaceful and relaxing anchorage in this popular sailing region. Known in ancient times as Clazomenae, Urla Iskelesi offers a marina as well as plentiful accommodation in all price ranges. Restaurant on the top of Guvendik hill afford a marvelous view of the bay and its islands.