Alaçatı is a gem in the Izmir peninsula. Located less than an hour by car from Izmir, it is not only a weekend getaway for the people of Izmir but also travelers from Turkey and abroad. It has become quite popular in Turkey in recent years, yet it is still the nice, small, and relaxing place it was. The old town has beautiful Greek houses built before Turkey was founded. Though Alaçatı's history goes back centuries, the latest settlements started in the 1800s.
If you avoid weekends, it is the place to get away from the crowds, to rest, and to enjoy life. The old town of Alaçatı is on a hill about 2 kilometers from the beach of Ilıca, though the beach clubs and surf schools are farther away.
The small old town of Alaçatı (Alaçatı pictures) on the hill has small boutique hotels and guest houses, and along its narrow cobblestone streets, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Nothing too loud like you would find in bigger resort towns around Turkey. Alaçatı also has a small marketplace for local produce and gift items.
The sea is crystal clear and very refreshing, extending to the horizon of the Aegean. For Turkish people who love warm waters, the sea is colder than the Antalya or Fethiye regions, but it is the perfect temperature to take a break from the hot Turkish summer. There are public beaches as well as beach clubs with paid entry. Big resort hotels in the area have their own beaches.
Alaçatı is internationally famous for windsurfing and kiteboarding. In fact, a leg of the World Kiteboard Championship is held here, as the constant winds create the perfect environment for these water sports. Also, the first windmill farm to generate electricity was built in the Alaçatı hills — another proof that it is the wind capital of Turkey.
Alaçatı offers great Turkish seafood cuisine, and mezes and rakı with mastic (sakızlı rakı, the Turkish alcoholic drink with mastic that grows in Alaçatı) can turn a meal into a joyous gathering. You can also have your meal with an Alaçatı wine. Alaçatı was famous for its wine production that started during the Ottoman Empire. The wines made in Alaçatı were exported to Europe and were sought after in the 19th century. At only 7 kilometers from Alaçatı, the buzzing resort city of Çeşme attracts visitors looking for nightlife.
Ilıdırı (ancient Erythrai) ruins are within Alaçatı town borders. Erythrai was an Ionian city built around 1100 BC. You can see Erythrai Ilıdırı pictures here.
Alaçatı is 70 kilometers from Izmir. You can take the bus from Izmir or use a private Izmir Airport Transfer.
Weekends are very crowded, especially in summer, as people from Izmir and Istanbul crowd the town. Visit Tuesday-Thursday for a quieter experience. Ilıca Beach has been renovated with better facilities. The Alaçatı Herb Festival (April/May) and Grape Harvest Festival (September) are now major events.