Passengers traveling with the ferry to Cesme, arrive in a resort city on Turkey's western coastline, facing the Aegean Sea, famed for its golden sandy beaches!
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, surrounded by clear blue seas, with landscapes of cultivated fields of aniseed, sesame and artichokes dotted with fig and gum trees. The district is famous for its deep blue sea, golden sands and gentle breeze along its peninsula. In the unspoilt bays you can swim in absolute peace. Visitors will find excellent holiday accommodations, restaurants and sports and entertainment facilities. The area competes with Bodrum for its beaches and sea, as well as the nightlife and windsurfing, making it a popular holiday destination in Turkey. It is also possible to get to Greek island Chios (Sakiz) with regular daily ferries. Çesme has an international harbor linked to Izmir with a superb highway (80 kilometers - 50 miles).
It is very important that you have organized your ferry to Cesme beforehand, having arranged all the details. You don't want something to go wrong, and you can achieve perfect holidays with a great organization in order to book your ferry tickets to Cesme in advance.
Ferry connections to Cesme
Below are some of the most popular itineraries to the ferry port of Cesme:
- Chios to Cesme Ferry: The Chios Cesme ferry route connects Turkey with Greece. The ferry crossing is available every day, 7 days a week with a duration of 40 minutes approx.
There is a total of 10 sailings per week. Although the number of the ferry crossings increases during the summer months, it is preferable to book your ferry tickets to Cesme a few days before to avoid the disappointment of not finding the desired availability.
Port of Cesme
The port of Cesme is a small port that carries ferries and boats. It is popular as a gateway to a coastal seaside resort, home to 2/3 of the area's population. It has a dock and three places. In addition, the port has basic amenities and one has to walk a short distance from the city center for shopping and eating. However, next to the port is the local tourist information point where you can get all the information about the city.
Izmir Airport to Cesme Port
The distance between Izmir Airport (ADB) and Cesme Port is 74 km. The road distance is 95.2 km, it takes approximately 1h 14m. You can get to the Cesme Port easily by shuttle bus and taxi. See below your alternatives in further detail.
Bus
There is no direct connection from Izmir Airport (ADB) to Cesme. However, you can take the taxi to Urla and then take the bus to Cesme. In Izmir Airport Bus, you will be provided with more information.
Taxi
The taxi stand is just outside of the terminal in close proximity to the Arrivals hall. Please visit Izmir Airport Taxis to organize your transportation.
Cesme City Center to Cesme Port
Cesme city center is located next to the cruise port. The distance in between is approx 5 minutes. You can always grab a cab which will lead you straight to the port or, if you are not carrying heavy luggage, go on foot.
Holidays in Cesme
Framed by Izmir’s sun-drenched western peninsula and the Aegean coast, Cesme holidays capture the essence of seaside Turkey far beyond the tourist resorts. You’ll laze on sandy beaches, bathe in thermal springs and explore historic buildings dripping with bougainvillaea. Cesme’s diversity extends to first-class spa hotels and a rocking nightlife scene. For city break action, it’s an easy day trip to the museums, shops and dining scenes of Izmir city.
Beaches in Cesme
Cesme has magnificent beaches and bays. 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 Cesme.
- Ilıca Beach: Ilıca Beach, which is 2 kilometers away from the center of Cesme, is one of the most popular beaches in Cesme. The feature of the beach, where people flock to the beach in the season, especially on the weekends, is close to the thermal spring, and its water is warm and healing. You can swim with the fish in the clear sea of this beach covered with white and fine sand. Do not be surprised by the brides and grooms who come to have their photos taken at sunset
- Altınkum Beach: which is one of the places where holidaymakers flock to in recent times. It is enough to cool you down with its cold water that is clear to see the bottom of the sea and in the heat of summer, without the need to wear goggles. Altinkum Beach, which takes its name from its golden sand, is as flat as a bed sheet and without waves because its location is in the opposite direction against the wind. Although the sea without waves may seem pleasant, it can be disadvantageous for those who do not like cold water in the summer heat. However, after you get used to the sea, you will get rid of the scorching heat of the summer air
- Pırlanta Beach: Known as Diamond Beach, this sandy stretch of shoreline that lies 10km from the city center is a favorite among windsurfers. This beach, which is wavy due to the windy nature, is one of the suitable beaches for kitesurfing and camping. This beach, where you can see a few shades of the sea, is used as a public beach. You can find a business that provides sunbeds at affordable prices, or you can take your own umbrellas and sunbeds. You can act early and find a place in the shade of the trees. A vast open space, Pırlanta has all conveniences, including parking, food options, toilets, and changing rooms
- Kocakarı Beach: A beautiful and small beach in the northern parts of the peninsula, Kocakarı lies under 2km away from the town of Dalyan. It is one of the alternative public beaches for those who love cold water. One of the places where you can take your towel and food items and relax; Kocakarı Beach Çeşme. When you first enter Kocakarı Beach, which has a deep and cold sea unlike other beaches in Çeşme, although it is stony, you will encounter fine sand afterwards. 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 Cesme, 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
Hotels in Cesme
In Cesme, there is a long list of hotels that can satisfy the visitors' high expectations and ensure them a pleasant stay. There are luxury resorts and 5-star hotels and all-inclusive hotels with grandiose interiors, elegant and uniquely decorated rooms, lush gardens, panoramic views, huge swimming pools and spas, but also mid-range hotels with many amenities and budget hotels with basic rooms with good value for money and services.
Check out some of the hotels in Cesme:
- Sun Hotel
- Hotel Antonio
- Lord Hotel
- Biblos Resort
- Pacific
- Kerman
- Babylon
- Hilton
- Altin Yunus
- Calis Hotel
- Reges Luxury Collection
Sightseeing & Things to do in Cesme
The Turkish town of Cesme is known for being one of the best beach resorts in the world. But there are many other reasons as to why Cesme is a local secret and one of Turkey’s favourite destinations. With its impeccable beaches that stretch around the Karaburun peninsula and the crystal blue waters of the Aegean Sea, it’s quite understandable that Cesme draws visitors in need of some sun. But Cesme is also a great destination for when you need a break from the beach, so we have made you a list of our top picks:
- Cesme 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
- Cesme Castle: The city’s topmost attraction, Çeşme Castle casts an imposing shadow over the marina. This work, which is important for the history of the Cesme, was made during the Ottoman Empire.Cesme Castle, is one of the most important sightseeing spots of Cesme.We recommend you to put the Cesme Castle of your favorite places in Cesme, Turkey
- Cesme 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
- Alacatı: Cesme's most preferred holiday region is Alacati. Its location close to the sea, with its Alacati Stone Houses and streets, increases its popularity every year. Cesme's nightlife is most active in Alacati.In Alacati you can find the best quality restaurants, bars and cafes
- 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
- Cesme, Erythrai Antique City: It is 20 km north east of Cesme.It is the historical name of Ildiri village. Erythrai Antique City's history dates back to the 3th century before Jesus.There are remnants of the Athena temple.We recommend you to put Erythrai Antique City of traveling places in Cesme Turkey.
Cesme, Sifne Thermal and Mud: Reisdere Spa, which is 5 km away from Cesme, is healing for rheumatism, eczema, stomach and gynecological diseases.We definitely recommend for your list of Cesme's visit places