Located just across from the Greek island of Chios on Turkey’s Aegean coast, this buzzing resort town is a favorite among Turkish vacationers and quickly fills up in the summer months. Once home to a predominantly Greek population, Çeşme still has a certain Hellenic flavor—most visible in the nearby village of Alaçatı. Beaches are the main draw here, but the sand-averse will find plenty of other things to do in Çeşme, including visiting the ancient ruins of Erythrae, touring the Ottoman-era Çeşme Castle, or soaking in thermal springs.
Çeşme can easily be considered a year-round destination. That said, if you plan on hitting the beaches, you’ll want to aim for June to September when the Aegean Sea is at its warmest. This is also the peak season for Çeşme, so expect higher prices and bigger crowds—especially in July and August. The cooler, wetter winter is a great window for exploring historical sites, while spring and fall are ideal for planning outdoor activities.
Most people arrive in Çeşme from İzmir, which is about an hour to 90 minutes away by car along the scenic E87 highway. Expect frequent bus and dolmuş (shared minibus) departures. You can also disembark by ferry from Chios or other nearby islands. Once in Çeşme, the compact downtown can easily be explored by foot or bicycle, while taxis are available for longer distances.
Çeşme is famous for its spotless beaches, but each has its own particular character—so come prepared. With its soft sand and shallow waters, Altınkum is great for families, while windy Alaçatı is better for windsurfers and kitesurfers. Wellness-minded bathers flock to Ilıca for its thermal waters, and anyone looking to get off the beaten track can head to secluded Pırlanta or rugged Erythrai.
