Cesme, Turkey
The Cesme Peninsula, lapped by the waters of the Aegean Sea, lies west of Izmir, in Turkey's Aegean region. Cesme, meaning fountain in Turkish, derives from the many sources of water found in the area. It is one of Turkey's most beautiful stretches of beach, surrounded by clear blue seas, with landscapes of cultivated fields of aniseed, sesame and artichokes dotted with fig and gum trees. In the natural bays you can swim in absolute peace. Visitors will find excellent holiday accommodations, and restaurants, as well as sports and entertainment facilities. You can also travel to the Greek island of Chios (Sakiz) with regular daily ferries which leave from Cesme's ferry port. Tickets can be bought from travel agencies in town. Cesme is linked to Izmir with a modern motorway, making it fast and easy to get to Izmir and back. The trip is around 45 minutes by car.
History of Cesme
Cesme was captured from the Byzantines by a Seljuk Turkish force under the commander Caka Bey in the 11th century. With the decline of the Seljuks in the 13th century, Cesme became part of the Aydinogullari principality, which used Cesme as a naval base. The Ottoman sultan Yildirim Bayezit (1389-1402) captured Cesme, but after this ruler's defeat at the hands of Tamerlane (Timur) the town was returned to the Aydinogullari, finally being recaptured by Bayezit's son Mehmed I (1413-1421).
Cesme Today
A 14th century Genoese fortress, restored and enlarged by the Ottomans in the 16th century, dominates the town of Cesme and now houses a weapons museum. The town is a popular holiday resort with good accommodation and restaurants. The 16th century caravanserai near the fortress, Okuz Mehmet Pasa Kervansaray, built by Suleyman the Magnificent, has been converted into a hotel. It's a solid stone building in good repair whose central courtyard is cool even in the hottest weather. Before the rise of Smyrna, today known as Izmir, Cesme was the region's major port, and this caravanserai marked the end of the Silk Road for the caravans which plodded across Anatolia from Central Asia and the Middle East. Here goods were unloaded from the camels for export to Europe by ship through the Aegean and Mediterranean. The Church of Agios Haralambos, another prominent landmark in Cesme town center, has been restored as an art gallery. Thermal baths, also in town center, offer a health-centered escape from modern life.
Dining and Night Life
At night a lively, fun atmosphere pervades, especially in the restaurants, cafes, bars and discos along the promenade. Yachts can be hired to explore the peninsula's splendid coastline. Cesme hosts an annual International Song Contest in July, one of the most important festivals in Turkey. Cesme is also famous for its mastic-flavoured ice cream and mouth watering toasted sandwiches. Above all it is Cesme's beaches, the longest on the Aegean coast, and turquoise sea which bring holidaymakers back here again and again every year.
Ilica
The very popular holiday centre of Ilica boasts an excellent white sand beach and the outstanding facilities of the Altin Yunus Marina and Holiday Complex. The bay here is ideal for water sports, especially windsurfing and sailing. There is also an International windsurfing race held every year in Cesme and Alacati. The thermal baths around Ilica are very popular as well, the best being located on Sifne Bay. In 146 AD the Greek geographer Pausanius described these mineral springs as the 'sea springs' and claimed that their therapeutic effects were superior to any other spa in Ionia. They are claimed to relieve rheumatism, inflammation of the joints, partial paralysis, digestive complaints, and infections of the spine marrow. Pasa Limani has a campsite which offers campers comfortable facilities. Every July on Ilica Bay, the colourful International Cakabey Optimist Yacht race is held.
Ildiri
Ildiri, a quiet seaside village 20 kilometeres northeast of Cesme, was ancient Erythrai, which emerged on the stage of history in 3000 BC. Excavations here have shown that the site had been settled since the early Bronze Age, and as a result the area around the village of Ildiri has been declared a national heritage site. The walls around the ancient city are still standing, and Hellenistic period floor mosaics of exceptional beauty can still be seen in one of the buildings. Excavations have also revealed a temple of Athena. Statues, jewellery and other finds from the city are exhibited in Izmir Museum. Those who climb up to the Acropolis at dusk are rewarded with beautiful views as the sun sinks over the bay and islands.
Gerence Gulf
Nearby is Gerence Gulf, a pristine inlet on the northeast Cesme peninsula that can be reached by yacht or car. The natural surroundings offer relaxation while the bay is ideal for water sports.
Dalyan
Dalyan, a fishing village, built on a sheltered deep-water inlet just north of Cesme, has some of the region's best fish restaurants that border the quay of the lively marina.
Ciftlik
Tourists are attracted by Ciftlik's accommodation and by a long, sandy beach (Pirlanta Plaj) just outside of town to the southwest. Camping facilities are available to the south, and nearby is one of the area's best beaches, Altinkum Plaj (Golden Beach).
Wind, Windmills, and Windsurfing
Cesme is famous for it's constantly-blowing wind. Summer residents in Cesme find no need for an air conditioner, since a breeze always blows in Cesme. Windmills, some of which have been converted into attractive restaurants, dot the hill above Alacati, a delightful and typical old-style Aegean town.
Alacati
Alacati lies to the south inland from Ilica and the coast, but just a few kilometeres sounth, Alacati enjoys a good beach. Many lovely bays, accessible only by yacht, stretch along the coast southeast of the town and ensure peaceful and relaxing anchorages in this popular sailing region. The sea at Alacati has ideal conditions for windsurfing since it is exposed to high winds. There is a windsurfing school on the quay here that holds courses for beginners. Cark Beach is a favourite with families with young children because the sea is shallow.
The Cesme Peninsula
Jutting off of Turkey's Aegean coast, The Izmir peninsula provides endless beaches and opportunities for water sports.
Urla Iskalesi
Known in ancient times as Clazomenae, Urla Iskelesi offers a marina as well as plentiful accommodation in all price ranges. Restaurants on the top of Guvendik hill afford a marvelous view of the bay and its islands.
Cesmealti
The prosperous little fishing village of Cesmealti is notable for its simple yet excellent fish restaurants to try Turkish cuisine.
The Karaburun Peninsula
As you drive along the panoramic Karaburun peninsula coast road, you pass several peaceful bays and quaint fishing villages, Balikliova, Mordogan and Karaburun. At Karaburun, pleasant hotels, tea gardens and fish restaurants sit between the beautiful mountain backdrop and the clear, clean water. From Manastir Mountain you can enjoy an unforgettable view of the Karaburun coast, the Foca coastline opposite and the entrance of the Gulf of Izmir. If you are lucky, you can spot Mediterranean Seals swimming in the water.
Gumuldur
Gumuldur has good tourist facilities, beautiful beaches, restaurants and hotels. Nearby at Ahmetbeyli (Claros) to the east, stand the Apollon Temple and the remains of the colossal statue of Apollo; here you can also enjoy a good fishmeal, try Turkish food or a swim at the town's wide beach. A winding panoramic coastal road leads from Ahmetbeyli south to Pamucak beach near Kusadasi.
On the southern side of the Cesme peninsula near the town of Seferihisar is the small picturesque marina of Sigacik. This important yachting centre is surrounded by fortifications dating from the Genoese period and is a good point from which to visit the Temple of Dionysus at the antique site of Teos as well as the lovely Akkum beach.
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