Cesme, Bodrum Region, Turkey
A coastal town and the centre town of the district of the same name in Turkey's western-most end. Cesme has lots to offer its visitors from its clean sandy beaches and great range of watersports to the area's historical villages, secluded bays and thermal pools.
Cesme
The Cesme peninsular comprises 3 main resort areas, Cesme, Ilica and Alacati each of which have their own character. All have plenty of shops and eateries and travelling between the areas is simple via the local dolmus services. There is a diverse choice of beaches around the peninsular and you can take your pick from busy or remote with calm or windsurfing waters. Izmir Airport is 80km, with a transfer time of around 1 hour.
Read more about: Beaches | Things to Do | Out and About | Nearby Attractions | Cesme Reviews
Beaches
Ilica Beach is a long sandy beach on the northern coast of the Cesme peninsula and, on a still day, has warm and calm shallow waters which are ideal for families and children. A little further along the coast is Alacati Beach which is nearly always windy and very popular with windsurfers. These beaches are approx 5-8km south east of Cesme town.
Pirlanta Beach, on the western coast of the Cesme peninsular is quite wild and remote but popular for kiteboarding. On the south coast of the peninsular you will find the long golden sands of Altinkum Beach and, in the shelter of the bay near the marina, the family friendly Cark Plaj beach. In the town of Cesme itself, there is a small beach at the northern end of the promenade.
Things to Do
Visit Cesme Kalesi in Cesme town centre, just a few steps back from the water front. The castle dates back to the 16th century and you can browse the exhibits in the tower museum or just admire the views from the battlements.
Chill out on a traditional wooden gulet sailing around the local islands and enjoy a spot of secluded swimming and snorkelling. Spend a day on the Greek Island of Chios; the ferry runs from Cesme harbour most days during the high season and the crossing take approx 50 minutes.
Take the kids to Aqua Toy City aqua park. Set inlarge grounds it has pools with colourful slides, play equipment and inflatables; lawned sunbathing areas and a restaurant. It is located on the waterfront at Ilica and is open from mid June to mid September.
Out and About
The main shopping street in Cesme town centre is pedestrianised and there are many bars and cafes to choose from around the main square. Designer boutiques and chic restaurants can be found in and around Cesme Marina, which has berths for hundreds of yachts.
Ilici is well served as a beach resort with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants behind the beach area. Alacati is an expanding resort but retains a fair amount of charm from its former days as a farming village of stone houses and stone paved streets.
The area doesn't have a frenzied nightlife but there are some good beach clubs for partying after midnight. The weekly markets are held on Sundays in Cesme town and on Saturdays in Alacati.
Nearby Attractions
The large and historic city of Izmir (90km) is approx 90 minutes drive by car or, alternative there is a regular bus service between the Cesme peninsular and Izmir.
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