Çeşme sits at the tip of a windy peninsula pointing west from İzmir towards the Greek island of Chios, and it is where İzmir goes on holiday. The town itself is a relaxed harbour with a Genoese-Ottoman castle, an old caravanserai and a marina full of yachts. A few kilometres away, Alaçatı is the peninsula’s star: a village of honey-coloured stone houses, windmills and boutique hotels that is also one of Europe’s best windsurfing spots. Around them are some of the cleanest beaches on the Aegean, from the warm thermal waters of Ilıca to the turquoise bays of Altınkum, plus the ruins of ancient Erythrai at Ildır and fish suppers in Dalyan. Boats cross to Chios in well under an hour. The best months are June and September; July and August are busy and windy. Give it three days, or a week for a beach holiday.
Right now in Çeşme
- Wed 16–21°C 61–70°F Clear
- Thu 16–22°C 61–71°F Partly cloudy
- Fri 18–23°C 64–73°F Partly cloudy
Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Sea temperature: NOAA CoastWatch · Rates: ECB
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Çeşme at a glance
- Best months: June and September for beaches and warm sea without the crowds; May and October for walking and village life. Average highs run from about 25 °C in May to 31 °C in July and August, and it barely rains from June to September (WMO 1991–2020 normals, Çeşme station).
- Days needed: 3 for Çeşme town, Alaçatı and a beach day; 5–7 to add the bays of the south coast, Ildır, a windsurfing course and a day on Chios.
- Getting there: fly into İzmir Adnan Menderes airport (ADB) and take the Havaş coach, about 1¼ hours to Alaçatı and 1¾ hours to Çeşme; or come by ferry from Chios.
- Getting around: dolmuş minibuses link Çeşme, Alaçatı, Ilıca, Altınkum, Dalyan and Ildır; a car or scooter helps for the remote bays.
- Budget level: mid-range to expensive; Alaçatı in July and August is one of the priciest places in Türkiye, while Çeşme town and the villages are cheaper. See our Türkiye guide for money, visas and costs.
Çeşme’s areas and who each one suits
- Çeşme town: the castle, the harbour, the marina and the ferry port, with a busy shopping street and simple hotels. For travellers without a car and for the Chios boats.
- Alaçatı: the stone village 9 km east, with boutique hotels, restaurants and bars in its lanes, and the windsurf beach to the south. For food, style and evenings out; book early in summer.
- Ilıca: the long sandy bay between Çeşme and Alaçatı, with thermal spa hotels and family resorts. For families and calm, shallow water.
- Boyalık and Ayayorgi: bays just outside town, one with a family beach, the other with beach clubs and summer nightlife.
- Dalyan and Ildır: fishing villages on the north coast with fish restaurants and quiet guesthouses. For peace, seafood and sunsets.
Top things to see in Çeşme
Türkiye’s state museums charge foreign visitors in euros, paid by card; Turkish citizens pay in lira and can use the MüzeKart. Prices below are as of October 2026 and change every year, so check muze.gov.tr before you go.
Çeşme Castle and the Çeşme Museum
The castle above the harbour was built by Genoese traders in the 15th century to protect trade between Çeşme and Chios, and enlarged by Sultan Bayezid II in 1508. It is surrounded by a ditch on three sides and the sea on the fourth. Since 1984 it has housed the Çeşme Museum, with finds from the Bronze Age settlement of Bağlararası, where archaeologists found Anatolia’s oldest known winery, and from ancient Erythrai, a hall of amphorae raised from the sea, and a display on the Ottoman–Russian naval battle of Çeşme in 1770. Walk the walls for views over the harbour and the marina.
- Ticket (October 2026): €6 for foreign visitors; included in MuseumPass The Aegean (€95, 7 days).
- Hours: daily 08:30–17:30, ticket office until 17:00.
- Partly closed: the west and south fronts of the Umurbey Tower, the Ottoman–Russian naval war hall and the stone works hall are temporarily closed for restoration.
In front of the castle stands the statue of Cezayirli Gazi Hasan Paşa, an Ottoman admiral of the 1770 battle, with his lion. Across the street, the Çeşme Caravanserai, built in the 16th century, is a handsome stone inn around a courtyard.
Alaçatı
Alaçatı was a Greek village until the population exchange of the 1920s, and its stone houses, painted shutters and narrow lanes have been beautifully restored. Walk up to the old windmills on the ridge for the view, see the Pazaryeri Mosque, a former church in the centre, and spend the evening in Kemalpaşa Street and the lanes around it, where restaurants, wine bars and ice-cream shops spill out under bougainvillea. It is at its busiest from late June to August and at weekends, when traffic and parking are a challenge; stay in the village or come by dolmuş. Spring and early autumn are calmer and still lovely.
Ilıca and its thermal waters
Ilıca (“warm spring”) has a long, pale sandy beach and shallow, clear water, with hot springs that rise from the seabed close to the shore, so parts of the bay feel warmer than the open sea. Spa hotels along the bay use the thermal water in their pools and hammams. It is the best beach on the peninsula for families with small children.
Ildır and the ruins of Erythrai
About 22 km north-east of Çeşme, the village of Ildır sits among the ruins of Erythrai, one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League, named, it is said, for the red colour of its soil. Excavations have uncovered the Temple of Athena on the acropolis hill, a theatre, a heroon and Hellenistic and Roman houses; climb the acropolis for a view over the islets of the bay. Erythrai is a quiet, little-visited site; check locally whether a ticket is charged. Have a fish lunch by the water in Ildır afterwards.
Çeşme Marina and the harbour
Çeşme Marina, next to the castle, is a modern yacht harbour with restaurants, cafés and shops along the quay and a 24-hour mooring service; it also hosts sailing races and fishing tournaments. Stroll it in the evening, then head to the harbour front for a drink as the ferry lights cross to Chios. Day boats leave the harbour in summer for swimming trips around the peninsula and the islands offshore; see our boat trips guide.
Beaches and bays of the Çeşme peninsula
Çeşme district has more Blue Flag beaches than any other part of İzmir province, which had about 60 in 2026. The north coast and the town beaches are sheltered; the south coast, around Alaçatı, takes the full force of the summer wind. For more ideas, see our beach guide.
| Beach | Area | Type | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ilıca | Between Çeşme and Alaçatı | Long sandy bay, shallow, thermal springs offshore | Families, calm swims |
| Altınkum | South coast, 9 km from town | Series of sandy coves with turquoise water | The prettiest water, beach bars, snorkelling |
| Pırlanta | West of Alaçatı | Wild, windy sandy beach | Kitesurfing, walks, sunsets |
| Boyalık | East of Çeşme town | Wide sandy bay | Families, an easy swim near town |
| Ayayorgi | South of Çeşme town | Small bay with beach clubs | Daytime clubs and summer nightlife |
| Dalyan | North of Çeşme town | Sheltered harbour village with small beaches | Fish restaurants, a quiet swim |
The sea around the peninsula is very clear but can feel cool, especially early in the season and on windy days, when the wind pushes the warm surface water away. Beach clubs at Ayayorgi and Altınkum charge for sunbeds, often with a minimum spend in high season; the public sections of the beaches are free. Swim inside the buoyed areas, away from boats and windsurfers. The rocky edges of Altınkum’s coves are good for snorkelling.
Windsurfing and kitesurfing in Alaçatı
Alaçatı Bay is one of Europe’s best-known windsurfing spots. A steady northerly wind blows across the bay almost every afternoon from May to October, strongest in July and August, while a long shallow sandbank keeps the water standing-depth for hundreds of metres, ideal for learners. Several schools along the beach south of the village rent boards and teach courses from beginner to freestyle; kitesurfers have their own zones on the bay and at Pırlanta beach, away from the windsurfers. Mornings are usually calmer for first lessons. Choose a school with certified instructors, a rescue boat and insurance, and keep to the zones. See our surfing guide.
Wildfire season rules (as of October 2026)
The hills of the Çeşme peninsula are covered in dry scrub and pine, and summer winds spread fire quickly. The İzmir Governorate’s 2026 rules:
- Forest entry ban: unauthorised entry to 91 designated forest areas across İzmir province is banned from 1 June to 31 October 2026.
- No stops or picnics in and beside forests, including on roads through them, and no burning of branches or garden waste.
- Never light barbecues or campfires in the countryside or throw away cigarette ends.
- If you see smoke or fire: call 112 straight away.
Other things to do in Çeşme
The ferry to Chios
The Greek island of Chios lies just across the strait, and its main town, with a Genoese castle, a busy harbour and the medieval mastic villages of the south, makes a good day or overnight trip. Ertürk Lines, based in Çeşme, runs the crossing from Çeşme’s Ulusoy passenger port to Chios town, alongside Sunrise Lines.
- Crossing time: about 20 minutes on Ertürk’s high-speed boat and 35–45 minutes on the conventional ferries.
- Timetable: in October 2026 boats leave Çeşme each morning at about 09:00–09:30, with returns from Chios in the late afternoon and evening (about 16:00–18:00). In winter the high-speed boat still runs on many days, out at about 09:00 and back at about 16:30. Check the operator’s timetable for your date.
- Fares (October 2026): with Ertürk, €40 one way and €50 return (same day or another day) for an adult, €30 one way for children aged 6–12; Sunrise Lines charges €38 one way and €50 return. Cars cost from about €90 one way.
- Documents: you leave Türkiye and enter Greece and the Schengen area. Bring a valid passport (EU citizens can use a national ID card) and a Schengen visa if your nationality needs one. Turkish citizens can use Greece’s express visa for the eastern Aegean islands, extended to April 2027.
- Schengen entry: the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully in use at all Schengen external borders since 10 April 2026; non-EU visitors register fingerprints and a facial image on their first entry, so allow time at Chios port. ETIAS is not yet required.
- Pets: the operator asks you to declare a pet at least 3 working days before travel, with the form required by the Greek authorities; pets arriving without notice are turned away.
- Time zone: Greece puts its clocks back on 25 October 2026 and Türkiye does not, so in winter Chios is an hour behind Çeşme.
The Alaçatı Herb Festival and the summer season
Every April, Alaçatı celebrates the wild greens and herbs of Aegean cooking with the Alaçatı Herb Festival (Ot Festivali), organised with Çeşme municipality: cooking demonstrations, stalls, chefs from abroad and evening concerts. In 2026 it ran for six days, from 20 to 26 April, for the first time as an international festival; expect busy streets and full hotels. From mid-June to early September the peninsula fills with weekenders from İzmir and Istanbul, beach clubs and concerts; quieter weeks are in June and September.
Food and markets
Aegean cooking is at its best here: wild greens with olive oil, artichokes, octopus and grilled fish, and kumru, the peninsula’s famous toasted sandwich. Try mastic-flavoured ice cream and puddings, a taste shared with Chios across the water. Dalyan and Ildır are the places for a long fish supper by the sea. Weekly street markets in Alaçatı and Çeşme sell local cheese, olives, herbs and fruit. Inland, the vineyards of the Urla peninsula, on the way back to İzmir, welcome visitors for tastings; see our wine tasting guide.
Day trips from Çeşme
- Chios: the Greek island next door, under an hour by boat (see above).
- Urla: a small town with wineries, olive oil workshops and the ancient harbour of Klazomenai, about 45 minutes east.
- İzmir: Kemeraltı bazaar, the Agora and the seafront, about 1¼ hours by car. See our İzmir guide.
- Ephesus and Selçuk: about 2 hours by car; better with a night in Selçuk. See our Selçuk and Ephesus guide.
Nearby destinations
Getting there and getting around
From İzmir airport (ADB)
İzmir Adnan Menderes airport has flights from Istanbul and Ankara all year and from much of Europe in summer. The Havaş coach runs from the airport along the İzmir–Çeşme motorway to Alaçatı (about 1¼ hours) and Çeşme bus station (about 1¾ hours) for 600 TL. As of October 2026 it leaves the airport at 02:30, 06:30, 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00 and 22:30, and Çeşme bus station at 03:00, 06:00, 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00 and 22:00, calling at Alaçatı and Urla on the way back. Taxis and pre-booked transfers are quicker with luggage.
From İzmir city
Buses to Çeşme and Alaçatı leave from İzmir’s main bus station (Otogar) and from the Üçkuyular bus station in the west of the city, taking about 1–1½ hours. By car it is about 80 km on the motorway; traffic back to İzmir on Sunday evenings in summer can be heavy.
Getting around the peninsula
- Dolmuş: minibuses run from Çeşme bus station to Alaçatı, Ilıca, Boyalık, Altınkum, Dalyan and Ildır, frequently in summer and less often in winter. Pay in lira.
- Hire car or scooter: best for the south-coast bays and Ildır; parking in Alaçatı and at the popular beaches is scarce in July and August.
- Cycling: the peninsula is fairly flat between Çeşme, Ilıca and Alaçatı, but the wind can be strong. See our cycling guide.
When to go and how long to stay
Çeşme has hot, dry, windy summers and mild, wet winters. The wind keeps July and August a little cooler than elsewhere on the coast, but these are also the busiest and most expensive months. June and September are the sweet spot for beaches; spring brings wild flowers and the Herb Festival. In winter Alaçatı is quiet and many hotels close, but Çeşme town stays open.
| Season | Average high / low | Sea temperature | What it’s like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 17–25 °C / 8–15 °C | 14–19 °C | Green, flowery and quiet; the Herb Festival in April; the sea is cold until June. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 29–31 °C / 19–22 °C | 22–25 °C | Hot, dry and sunny with a strong afternoon wind; peak season for beaches and windsurfing. |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 19–28 °C / 10–18 °C | 18–23 °C | Warm sea and calmer villages in September and October; rain returns in November. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 14–15 °C / 6–8 °C | 13–16 °C | Mild and windy, with rainy spells; many hotels in Alaçatı closed. |
Air temperatures are the WMO 1991–2020 climate normals for the Çeşme station, supplied by Türkiye’s State Meteorological Service (MGM); Çeşme gets about 590 mm of rain a year on about 55 days, almost all from November to March, and about 2,840 hours of sunshine. Sea temperatures are MGM’s long-term (1970–2025) monthly averages for the Turkish Aegean; on windy days the water off the peninsula can be cooler.
3 days in Çeşme
Day one: Çeşme Castle and the museum, the caravanserai and the marina, with a swim at Boyalık and dinner by the harbour. Day two: a morning on Ilıca beach, then Alaçatı’s lanes and windmills in the late afternoon and dinner in the village. Day three: the coves of Altınkum, and a fish supper in Dalyan.
5–7 days in Çeşme
Add a day trip to Chios, a windsurfing or kitesurfing lesson in Alaçatı Bay, Ildır and the ruins of Erythrai, a boat trip around the peninsula, and a wine-tasting afternoon in Urla on the way back. With more time, spend a night or two in İzmir and continue south to Selçuk for Ephesus.
Where to stay in Çeşme
- Style, food and nightlife: a boutique stone-house hotel in Alaçatı.
- Families: a spa or beach hotel in Ilıca, or Boyalık.
- No car, ferry to Chios: Çeşme town, near the castle and the port.
- Windsurfers: the surf hotels on Alaçatı Bay, south of the village.
- Peace and seafood: Dalyan or Ildır.
Hotel bills in Türkiye include an accommodation tax, normally 2% but cut to 1% from 1 May to 31 December 2026; it is usually already included in the rate shown. Alaçatı’s hotels often ask for a minimum stay at summer weekends.
Practical tips for Çeşme
- Money: the currency is the Turkish lira, about 55 TL to the euro in early October 2026. The Chios ferry is priced in euros; most other things are in lira. Pay by card in lira, and refuse charges in your home currency.
- No service charge: since 30 January 2026, restaurants may not add a service or cover charge to the bill; tipping is up to you.
- Book ahead in summer: Alaçatı’s hotels and restaurants fill up from late June to August and during the Herb Festival.
- Respect the wind: on the south coast, inflatables and paddleboards can be blown offshore within minutes; stay close to the beach.
- Chios day trip: carry your passport and allow time for the EES border check on the Greek side.
- Fire risk: respect forest closures and never light a fire outdoors.
- Emergencies: call 112.
What to pack for Çeşme
Pack light clothes, a sun hat that won’t blow away, sunglasses, high-factor reef-safe sunscreen and a refillable water bottle. A windproof layer is useful even in summer, when evenings by the sea can be breezy, and a light jumper for spring and autumn. Bring a snorkel mask for Altınkum, sandals for Alaçatı’s cobbles, and your passport for Chios. Windsurfers can rent all their gear on the beach, but a rash vest and water shoes help. Add a rain jacket from November to March.
Çeşme travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Çeşme?
Three days covers Çeşme town, Alaçatı and a couple of beaches. Five to seven days lets you add Chios, Ildır, a windsurfing course and the south-coast bays.
Should I stay in Çeşme or Alaçatı?
Alaçatı for boutique hotels, restaurants and nightlife; Çeşme town for lower prices, the castle and the Chios ferry; Ilıca for families and the beach.
How much is Çeşme Castle?
As of October 2026, foreign visitors pay €6 for the castle and the Çeşme Museum inside it, open daily from 08:30 to 17:30 (ticket office until 17:00). Some halls are closed for restoration.
How do I get from İzmir airport to Çeşme?
The Havaş coach runs about every two hours to Alaçatı and Çeşme bus station for 600 TL, taking about 1¼ hours to Alaçatı and 1¾ hours to Çeşme. Taxis and transfers are quicker.
How long is the ferry from Çeşme to Chios?
About 20 minutes on the high-speed boat and 35–45 minutes on the conventional ferries. As of October 2026 an adult return costs €50 with Ertürk Lines.
Do the Chios ferries run in winter?
Yes, but less often: in winter the high-speed boat runs on many days, out in the morning and back in the afternoon. Bad weather can cancel sailings, so keep a spare day before a flight.
Is Alaçatı good for beginner windsurfers?
Yes. The bay is shallow for hundreds of metres and the wind blows steadily from the same direction, and many schools teach beginners. Take lessons in the morning, when the wind is lighter.
Which is the best beach in Çeşme?
Altınkum for turquoise water, Ilıca for families and warm, shallow water, Pırlanta for wind and wild scenery, and Boyalık for an easy swim near town.
When is the Alaçatı Herb Festival?
Every April. In 2026 it ran from 20 to 26 April; check Çeşme municipality’s announcements for the 2027 dates.
Is Çeşme worth visiting out of season?
Yes, in spring and autumn, when Alaçatı is calm, prices fall and the weather is good for walking. In winter many hotels and restaurants close, but Çeşme town stays lively and the Chios ferry still runs on many days.
Sources and last review
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. Çeşme Museum price, hours, history and closures: the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (muze.gov.tr); Chios ferry fares, timetable and pet rules: Ertürk Lines; airport coaches: Havaş; marina facts: Çeşme Marina; EES: the European Commission; climate: WMO 1991–2020 normals (MGM data) and MGM sea temperatures. The fire rules, the Blue Flag count, the Herb Festival dates and the wind and beach descriptions come from Turkish press and general sources and are flagged for checking. Prices change, so check before you travel.
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