Things To Do
in Çeşme
Çeşme is a sunny Aegean coastal town in western Turkey known for its windswept beaches, clear turquoise water, and lively marina. The town blends Ottoman-era architecture, a well-preserved castle, and a compact old quarter with cafes and boutiques. Famous for windsurfing and sailing, Çeşme draws both day-trippers from Izmir and international kite and sail crowds.
It feels relaxed and upscale in summer but becomes quiet and authentic outside the peak season.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day by wandering through the narrow streets of Çeşme's historic center, where you can admire the charming whitewashed buildings adorned with colorful bougainvillea. Visit the 15th-century Çeşme Castle, which offers panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, and learn about the region's rich history. Stop by a local café for a traditional Turkish breakfast, featuring fresh bread, olives, and various cheeses.
After lunch at a local kebab house, head to the Çeşme Marina to explore the boutiques and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Take a stroll along the waterfront promenade, where you can watch the boats sail by and enjoy the sea breeze. Consider renting a small boat for a few hours to explore nearby coves and hidden beaches.
As the sun sets, find a seaside restaurant to enjoy a delicious dinner featuring fresh seafood and local wines. After your meal, take a leisurely walk along the marina, where you can soak in the vibrant nightlife and perhaps stop for a drink at one of the lively bars. Enjoy the sound of waves crashing against the shore as you unwind under the stars.
Start your day at Ilica Beach, famous for its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for a refreshing swim. Spend the morning sunbathing and indulging in beachside snacks from local vendors. For the adventurous, try your hand at paddleboarding or jet skiing to get your adrenaline pumping.
After a morning of fun in the sun, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a beachside café, sampling local specialties and fresh seafood dishes. Spend your afternoon lounging on the beach or participating in organized beach games. If you're feeling adventurous, consider joining a scuba diving tour to explore the underwater beauty of the Aegean Sea.
As day transitions into night, head back to your accommodation to freshen up before dinner. Choose a beach restaurant where you can enjoy a meal while watching the sunset over the horizon. After dinner, enjoy some live music at a local bar to end your day with a festive atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee in a café | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-140 |
| 🏖️Beach club day pass (summer) | $10-35 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful Aegean beaches and clear water for swimming and watersports
- Excellent wind and water conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing
- Charming old town of Alaçatı with boutique shops, cafes, and architecture
- Close proximity to Izmir and other Aegean destinations for day trips
- Very crowded and more expensive during peak summer months
- Strong summer winds can limit calm swimming days at certain beaches
- Many seasonal businesses close off-season, limiting options in winter
- Can feel touristy in parts, especially the marina and beach clubs
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Burası denize yakın mı?" - Is this close to the sea?
Places to Visit in Çeşme
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic castle with battlements offering panoramic views over the marina and sunsets; great for golden hour and night shots of lights reflecting on water.
Photogenic narrow cobblestone lanes, pastel stone houses, and iconic windmills — perfect for architectural and street photography.
Long sandy beach with shallow turquoise water and views of the peninsula; excellent for sunrise and kite/windsurf action shots.
Dynamic photos of sails, colorful kites, and action on the water, especially on windy afternoons in summer.
Drive to lesser-known coves for dramatic cliffs, clear water, and quieter seascapes — ideal for wider landscape compositions.
Food in Çeşme
Çeşme Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Simply grilled, often served with olive oil, lemon, and salad; widely available at waterfront restaurants and fish tavernas.
Must-Try!
Thin hand-rolled flatbread filled with cheese, spinach, or minced meat; find in local bakeries and breakfast spots around Alaçatı.
Cold vegetable dishes cooked in olive oil (eggplant, green beans) and a variety of mezes; perfect for sharing in meyhanes.
A regional sandwich made with sesame-crusted bread filled with cheese, salami, and tomatoes — a popular quick bite.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market with fresh produce, local cheeses, olives, and spices; great for picnic supplies and seasonal fruit.
Boutique food stalls and artisans selling baked goods, gozleme, and local olive oils; lively on market days.
Small stalls and fishmongers near the marina selling fresh catch to nearby restaurants or for takeaway.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Turks are hospitable and appreciate polite greetings. A simple 'Merhaba' (hello) and 'Teşekkür ederim' (thank you) are appreciated.
Beachwear is fine on the beach but dress more conservatively in town, smaller villages, and when visiting mosques. Remove shoes if entering private homes or some businesses when requested.
During prayer times and especially during Ramadan, be respectful — avoid loud behavior near mosques and ask before taking close-up photos of people in religious settings.
Bargaining is acceptable at markets and for souvenirs; keep it friendly and respectful.
Safety
Tipping in Çeşme
Ensure a smooth experience
A 5–10% tip is customary in restaurants if service is not included; leave small change for café or takeaway service. For taxis, round up the fare or add a few lira; tip guides and instructors modestly for good service.
Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas, but small markets, bakeries, and rural vendors may be cash-only. ATMs are available in town and Izmir; notify your bank about travel to avoid card blocks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
High season with hot, sunny weather, lively beaches, crowded restaurants, busy marinas, and strong thermal winds ideal for windsurfing. Book accommodation and activities in advance and expect higher prices.
Mild temperatures and fewer tourists make it pleasant for exploration, sailing, and hiking; sea remains warm into early autumn for swimming.
Quiet and cool with occasional rain; many seasonal businesses close but you can enjoy a calm, local pace and lower lodging costs. Not ideal for swimming but fine for cultural visits and off-season rates.
Blooming landscapes, moderate temperatures, and rising activity — a great time for walking, cycling, and early-season windsurfing with fewer crowds than summer.
Çeşme at Night
Hiking in Çeşme
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle trails and rural roads winding through olive groves, vineyards, and stone villages around Alaçatı — good for easy hikes and cycling.
Rugged coastal hiking with dramatic sea views and quieter trails; best accessed by car from Çeşme and suitable for half- to full-day hikes.
Scenic coastal paths near the historic village of Ildırı, with ruins, salt pans, and sea vistas — combine with a seafood lunch in the village.
Airports
How to reach Çeşme by plane.
The main international airport serving the region (approx. 70–90 minutes by car to Çeşme). Frequent buses, car hire, and private transfers connect the airport to Çeşme and Alaçatı.
Small airfields or seasonal private flights may operate; most travelers use Izmir for commercial flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residents including families, fishermen, and small-business owners who maintain traditional Aegean lifestyles and run local shops and restaurants.
Many visitors from Izmir and Istanbul who come for weekends and summer holidays, contributing to a lively seasonal population.
A growing number of international tourists, seasonal residents, and expats attracted by watersports, boutique hospitality, and vacation homes.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Alaçatı is internationally recognized for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to reliable thermal winds in summer and many schools for all levels.
Sailing and small-boat cruising are common; many sailors use Çeşme as a base to explore Aegean isles and coves.
Beach volleyball, stand-up paddleboarding, and recreational swimming are popular along the long sandy shores.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Çeşme.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers will find many zeytinyağlı (olive oil) vegetable dishes, salads, cheeses, and mezes. Ask for meat-free meze plates and try gözleme with spinach/cheese; restaurants are accustomed to requests but confirm no animal-based stocks.
Options include olive oil-cooked vegetables, fresh salads, hummus, and grilled vegetables, but check for butter or yogurt in traditional recipes. Bring translations on dietary needs to explain vegan restrictions in smaller eateries.
Fresh fish, grilled meats, salads, and many mezes are naturally gluten-free, but breads and gozleme contain gluten. Ask about cross-contamination and opt for grilled dishes and vegetable plates for safety.