The district of Çeşme is a very popular summer resort in particular with the residents of nearby İzmir.
It includes such historical sites as a 16th-century castle and an ancient caravanserai.
The ancient caravanserai
The white sandy beaches stretch lazily along a road lined with exquisitely built houses, several large hotels and a number of restaurants, serving excellent seafood and Turkish specialties.
Most of the hotels are set on beaches outside the centre of town and the peninsula has excellent conditions for windsurfing, with Alaçatı's beach being one of the best spots.
In Çeşme it is possible to have a complete spa treatment alongside a beach holiday, as the area offers a wide range of hotel accommodation with some of the hotels having their own spas, making use of the area's natural mineral waters.
Ilıca with a white sandy beach of the same name, is the most famous of these hot springs which contain high levels of sodium chloride, magnesium sulphate and calcium bicarbonate.
The town of Alaçatı lies to the south of and inland from Ilıca and the coast.
Windmills dot the hills above Alaçatı, a delightful and typical Aegean town, with some converted into cafes.
There is a good beach a couple of kilometres to the south and many lovely bays along the coast southeast of town are accessible only by yacht, ensuring peaceful and relaxing anchorage in this popular sailing region.
Alaçatı town in Çeşme
Alaçatı town in Çeşme
Alaçatı town in Çeşme
Alaçatı town in Çeşme
