10 Things to Do in Çeşme
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Çeşme, in Turkey, is known as one of the best places to go to the beach in the world. But there are many other reasons why Çeşme is a well-kept secret and a popular place to visit in Turkey. With its beautiful beaches that go all the way around the Karaburun peninsula and the clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea, it’s easy to see why people who want to get some sun go to Çeşme. But Çeşme is also a great place to go when you want to get away from the beach. Despite being a hidden gem, Çeşme has a lot to offer visitors, from water sports and sunbathing to cultural experiences and delicious food. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the top 10 things to do in Çeşme, so grab your sunscreen and let’s get started!
1. Historic Sites
Çesme has a long history that goes back to the 14th century, when it was a major place where goods were brought in and out of Asia and Europe. If you want to learn more about the history of the area, check out the following two historic sites:
1.1. Visit the Çeşme Castle
Located in the heart of the town, the Çeşme Castle is a must-visit attraction for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. Built in the 16th century by the Ottoman Empire, this castle is a stunning example of military architecture from that period. Visitors can explore the castle’s walls, towers, and courtyards, and enjoy panoramic views of the town and the Aegean Sea.
1.2. The Island of Chios
Chios is a historical gem on the coast of the Aegean Sea. It is the fifth largest Greek island. It is home to Neo Moni, a monastery from the 11th century that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has mosaics that are the best examples of Macedonian Renaissance art in Greece. The mosaics at Daphni and Hosios Loukas are also very good. From Çeşme, you can take a ferry to this interesting Greek island that will take you back 30 years.
2. The Food
No vacation is complete without some great food. Our next three suggestions will make sure you have everything you need, and if you’re lucky, you might even get to try some delicious local foods.
2.1. Köşekahve
The cute Köşekahve is probably more of a café than a restaurant, but it’s great for cakes, cocktails, and watching people in the center of Alaçatı in Çeşme.
2.2. The Kumru Sandwich
The Kumru Sandwich is a type of Turkish street food. It is usually a bun filled with cheese, tomato, and sausage. Sometimes cucumbers, peppers, mayo, and ketchup are also added. Most of the time, local bakeries make the tasty bread, and Kumrucu Hikmet is said to have the best Kumru in Çesme.
2.3. İmren Lokantası
Imren Lokantasi is Cesme’s first restaurant, and locals like it a lot. They serve traditional Turkish food like grilled meats and both hot and cold mezze.
3. Unique shops & boutiques
At first glance, Çeşme might not seem like a great place to shop, but some of the best Turkish brands have stores here that will surprise you. Find something unique to take home, whether it’s a piece of clothing, home decor, or jewelry.
3.1. Eskiden Antika
Eskiden Antika in Alaçatı has everything an eccentric person could want for their home, from painted wooden doors to old olive buckets, colored glass bottles, and industrial lamps. Check out their Instagram to see why this antique shop has so many fans.
3.2. Lisa Corti
The Home Textile Emporium of Lisa Corti is a company based in Milan that is known all over the world for making colorful, high-quality clothes and home goods. Çeşme has its own Lisa Corti store, so don’t miss it!
3.3. Alaçatı Market
Every Saturday from morning until night, the well-known Alaçatı Market is open. You can buy almost anything at the market, from local food and spices to souvenirs, textiles, sports gear, and clothes. Even fish can be bought and sold at the market.
4. Relax on the Çeşme Beaches
With its crystal-clear waters and pristine sandy beaches, Çeşme is the perfect destination for beach lovers. The town has a variety of beaches to choose from, including the popular Ilica Beach, where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, and the quieter Altinkum Beach, which is perfect for a peaceful swim. For those looking for a more secluded experience, the Aya Yorgi Beach is a hidden gem, accessible only by boat.
5. Explore the Çeşme Marina
The Çeşme Marina is a bustling hub of activity, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the marina and enjoy the stunning views of the yachts and boats moored there. The marina is also a popular spot for sunset-watching, and many visitors come here to enjoy a romantic evening stroll.
6. Take a Dip in the Çeşme Thermal Baths
Çeşme is famous for its thermal baths, which are believed to have therapeutic properties. The thermal waters of Çeşme are rich in minerals and have been used for centuries to treat various ailments. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak in the thermal baths, which are located in various spas and hotels throughout the town.
7. Go Windsurfing or Kitesurfing
Thanks to its ideal location and strong winds, Çeşme is a popular destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts. The town has several windsurfing and kitesurfing schools that offer equipment rentals and lessons for beginners and advanced surfers alike. With its crystal-clear waters and consistent winds, Çeşme is a perfect spot for adrenaline junkies and water sports enthusiasts.
8. Visit the Dalyan Fish Market
For a unique shopping experience, visitors should check out the Dalyan Fish Market. Here, vendors sell fresh seafood caught that day, and visitors can pick out their own fish, which is then cooked and served at one of the market’s many restaurants. The market also sells a variety of other local products like olive oil, spices, and handicrafts.
9. Take a Day Trip to Alaçatı
Alaçatı is a charming town located just a short drive from Çeşme. With its cobbled streets, traditional houses, and boutique shops, Alaçatı offers a stark contrast to the busy beaches of Çeşme. Visitors can explore the town’s historic windmills, sample the local wine and cheese, and relax in one of its many cafes and restaurants.
10. Take a Day-trip from Çeşme
Why not get out of Çeşme and see some of the other interesting places nearby? There are a lot of tour companies that offer fun day trips by bus or boat. Here are some of the best:
Boat trips
We also suggest booking a boat trip to one of the nearby islands, like the Greek island of Chios, which we talked about earlier in the post. Esek Adasi, also called Donkey Island, is another interesting island that you can visit on one of these boat trips. Local legend says that a few donkeys were left on the island, and over time, those donkeys have grown in number, giving the island its new name. People say that if you feed watermelon to the donkeys, they will stand still for your pictures. If you want to take pictures with donkeys, you can take a boat to an island that is an hour away.
FAQs
Is Çeşme a safe destination for tourists?
Yes, Çeşme is a safe destination for tourists. The town has a low crime rate, and the local police force is efficient and helpful.
What is the best time of year to visit Çeşme?
The best time to visit Çeşme is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny.
Can I find vegetarian food in Çeşme?
Yes, there are several vegetarian-friendly restaurants and cafes in Çeşme that offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
How can I get to Çeşme?
Çeşme is easily accessible by plane, with the nearest airport being Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. Visitors can also take a bus or rent a car to get to the town from other parts of Turkey.
What are the must-see attractions in Çeşme?
The must-see attractions in Çeşme include the Çeşme Castle, the thermal baths, the marina, and the town’s beautiful beaches. Visitors should also explore the local markets and sample the delicious cuisine.