Erythrai was one of the twelve Ionian cities of the ancient Greek world — a maritime power on the Aegean coast, just north of modern Çeşme. Today its ruins spread across a quiet hillside above the village of Ildırı, with the sea below and almost no crowds. If you are staying around Çeşme or Alaçatı, it makes a rewarding half-day away from the beach.
Erythrai (also Erythrae, "the red one") was founded by Ionian settlers and grew into one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League. It was best known in the ancient world for its oracle: the Erythraean Sibyl, one of the most famous prophetesses of antiquity, whose verses were quoted for centuries. The city worshipped at a temple of Athena and later passed through Persian, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine hands before being abandoned.
Erythrai is at the village of Ildırı, about 20 kilometres north of Çeşme (Cesme) on the road along the coast. There is no grand visitor centre — you simply walk the site, so bring water, a hat and sturdy shoes. A car or taxi is the easiest way to get there; the village has simple fish restaurants by the harbour. It combines well with a day in Çeşme and Alacati.
Çeşme itself has a Genoese castle, beaches and thermal springs, while Alaçatı is famous for its stone houses, windmills and surf. The whole peninsula is one of the most pleasant corners of the Aegean coast. See Turkey Hotels for where to stay.
Yes, if you are interested in ancient history and want a quiet, uncommercialised site. It is not a big-budget archaeological park, but the setting and the sense of discovery are superb.
Drive or take a taxi to the village of Ildırı, about 20 km north of Çeşme. There is limited public transport.
Access is generally open and unguarded; there may be a modest fee or a caretaker at times. Bring cash.
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