ÇeşmeTurkey · Ferry Destinations

All About Çeşme

Çeşme is a resort town in Turkey facing the Aegean Sea, 85km west of Izmir. The city was known as Cyssus previously, but the name changed to Çeşme during the Ottoman Rule. Çeşme means fountains, of which you will come across many while walking around. Culturally, the city is a delight to uncover as it reflects various elements of its past rulers, from the Persians and Romans to the Byzantines and the Greeks.

Çeşme’s fame as an admired seaside town is not just among the Turks, but it is also highly regarded amongst the international travel community. The city is ideal for people with varied interests as it displays the perfect amalgamation of sun, sand, history, food, tradition, topped with that charming nature of Turkish hospitality.
 

Routes and Ferries to Çeşme

The Greek island of Chios lies only 16km across the Steno Chiou Strait from Çeşme. Consequently, day trips between the two cities are fashionable and incessantly in demand. Ferry tickets to Çeşme for this 20 to 30-minute voyage are available using Ferryscanner. Two companies operate this route, having a total of ten sailings per week. Although the number of boats crossing the strait increase during the summer months, it is advisable to book your ferry tickets to Çeşme a few days early to avoid disappointment. One-way tickets on ferries cost €6.50, whereas day returns are cheaper at €8.50.

If you are farther away, there are two possibilities. Either take a flight to Chios Airport from Athens and then the ferry across. Or, you can land at Izmir Airport and take the shuttle to Çeşme. The Izmir Airport has excellent year-round connections with European cities and is an hour away from Çeşme. For tourists already in the country, Çeşme is easily reachable by road, whether driving on your own or taking the bus.
 

Port of Çeşme

Çeşme Port is a small harbor that handles ferries and tender boats. It has one dock and three berths. Furthermore, the port has basic amenities, and one must travel a short distance to the city center for shopping and food. However, next to the harbor is the local tourist information point. It would be best to stop here after arriving with ferry tickets to Çeşme and get all the information about the city.
 

Best Beaches

With over 600 miles of coastline, the Turquoise Coast of Turkey is one of the country’s biggest temptations. Çeşme plays its part splendidly in making this region popular. It offers multiple beachside options starting with the sandy Sağlık Plajı, which is the first beach you’ll see when arriving with ferry tickets to Çeşme.

Ilıca Plajı

Turkey’s most novel beach is also the best one in Çeşme. This 2km long white sandy strip borders blue waters and is only 20 minutes east of the city. Minibusses from the center frequently travel to Ilıca, a year-round seaside destination thanks to its hot springs. The water here is markedly warmer than other places because of which the beach attracts large crowds. Besides making the most of the healing powers the minerals in the water provide, you can also take a mud bath nearby. It’s a free beach, and you’ll find all the necessary facilities here to make your day relaxing.

Altınkum Plajı

Tourists mostly know of Altınkum as the Golden Sand Beach. Unlike some of the other beaches, Altınkum faces the open sea, and thus, you can expect the water here to be on the colder side. This strand lies 10km north of the city center and is reachable by dolmuş. It has a public area and also a beach club with a café and sunbeds for hire. The water is clean and stays low, and the atmosphere is lively and safe for families.  

Pırlanta Plajı

Famously known as Diamond Beach, this sandy stretch of shoreline that lies 10km from the city center is a favorite among windsurfers. The beach has both free-to-use public areas as well as private paid sections. The most fascinating part about the beach is that the water here stays ankle high for about 600 meters, making it perfect for families with little kids. A vast open space, Pırlanta has all conveniences, including parking, food options, toilets, and changing rooms.

Kocakarı Plajı

A beautiful and small beach in the northern parts of the peninsula, Kocakarı lies under 2km away from the town of Dalyan. A sandy and calm public beach mainly visited by locals, the seabed here is shallow and sandy as well. Those searching for a bit more comfort can use the services of the paid section, which includes a café, toilets, showers, and sunbeds for rent that cost €3. There are plenty of parking spaces near the beach, but if you are looking for a quieter time by the water, avoid coming here on the weekends.

Ayayorgi Bay

Ayayorgi is the hippest spot in Çeşme, where the young and the stylish from near and far come to party. It’s not a free beach, so be prepared to spend some money at the clubs on the edge of the gorgeous sea. Although the area is crowded and perpetually busy, you can comfortably swim in the water and use facilities such as water sports and loungers. Among the top beach clubs here are Paparazzi, Babylon, White Beach, and Sole Mare.
 

Places to Visit

Admittedly, it takes a lot to draw yourself away from the magnetism of the beaches in Çeşme. However, travelers must break away from the sand and the sea, for the town’s captivating appeal is best experienced while wandering around its lanes and courtyards.

Çeşme Town Square

The ideal way to get a sense of a new destination is to observe its locals. Come evening, and the Town Square of Çeşme livens up as residents arrive here with families to meet friends, walk, and enjoy the refreshingly cool sea breeze. For tourists, it’s an idyllic spot to sit in a café and people-watch after a long day of sightseeing. If looking to shop instead, head to the east and down Inkilap Caddesi, the city’s main shopping street.

Çeşme Castle

The city’s topmost attraction, Çeşme Castle casts an imposing shadow over the marina. Built in 1508 by Ottoman emperor Bayezid II, the castle has six towers and is surrounded by a moat on three sides. These days, it is home to two museums. The Çeşme Archaeological Museum displays findings from the ancient city of Erythrai. The Naval Museum, on the other hand, focuses on the Russo-Turkish war of 1770. Furthermore, don’t miss out on the views as seen from the top of the castle.

Çeşme Marina

Sea lovers either come holding ferry tickets to Çeşme or sail into the city in their own yachts. Now, there are several marinas along the Turkish coast, but the one in Çeşme is by far among the best. Protected by a 90m breakwater, this award-winning marina can accommodate over 400 yachts. In fact, you can expect to come across some truly jaw-droppingly luxurious boats docked here. Once done walking around, head to a nearby shopping center followed by a restaurant to dine on some gourmet food. The marina also has residences and is open for all, whether using their services or not.

Alaçatı

Only 20-minutes from Çeşme is a hidden gem of a town you have to visit during your stay in the city. Alaçatı is famous for its uber-authentic atmosphere. Think narrow winding streets, old Greek stone houses, quaint cafes, and windmills. As the venue for Alaçatı Herb Festival held every April, the town also attracts windsurfers with its perfect beach. With moderate winds and a shallow bay, the beach is ideal for beginners to learn the sport. Over time, keeping in tune with the eccentric character of the town, many boutique hotels have come up here.

Erol Kumrucu

One of the must-have snacks in Çeşme is a kumru, and the best place to have it is at Erol Kumrucu. Kumru is a local specialty, a sandwich made using homemade bread, tomatoes, sausages, and grilled kaşar cheese. Erol offers four varieties of kumru, costing €2 to €4, depending on the fillings you select. Biting into this comforting and tasteful sandwich is all the more remarkable at Erol because of its scenic waterfront tables.
 

Transportation Around Çeşme

Most tourists visiting Çeşme for a day or two are comfortable walking around. The city has a lovely pedestrian shopping street, and all the main attractions are near the center. However, if you plan to spend a few days more, go ahead and rent a car or a scooter and then use it to drive around exploring other gems on the peninsula. There are several car and scooter rental agencies in Çeşme. Scooters are typically available for €25 per day.

Taxis aren’t a preferred mode of transport in Çeşme, only because any trip in a cab will pinch the pockets. Therefore, save hiring a taxi for travel during odd hours. For any other time, stick with the local minibusses that connect the center to different neighborhoods and beaches. Most rides in a dolmuş cost around €0.30. The buses run on a fixed route, are fast, and mostly on time.