Cesme, on the western tip of the Karaburun Peninsula, is Izmir's primary beach resort. Popular among both Izmir tourists and Istanbul tourists, Cesme is expensive overall compared to other Turkish coastal towns. With the opening of an autoroute (turnpike), Cesme is only one hour drive from Izmir city center. This peninsula is usually crowded by the dwellers of Izmir who are taking the weekend off. It is also a destination for European tourists, especially Germans.
Along the Karaburun Peninsula there are many villages and holiday centers. There are also many small fishing villages, calm and much less visited by tourists. One of them is Karaburun, which also has good hotels. In the vicinity of Izmir there are even smaller villages where you can simply relax, away from the crowds, and swim in crystal clear sea. One of them is Ildiri, near the ancient city of Erythrai.
Cesme is particularly an attractive holiday destination for Turkish tourists, especially those who have second homes in the area. It is known to be a destination for wealthier Turkish tourists — for some, it even means a substitute for Bodrum, as it has fewer foreign tourists and less nightlife. Bodrum and Cesme, though both popular, are very different resort towns. Bodrum is more lively, sunny, warm, and international. Still, Cesme has many restaurants, cafes, and nightlife venues.
There are sand beaches near the city center, but many prefer beach clubs for swimming and sunbathing. One other reason Cesme is popular, especially for Izmir residents, is that it is their primary beach resort about an hour away.
The 16th-century Ottoman castle dominates the harbor. Built during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, it now houses a small museum. The walls offer excellent views of the marina and the Aegean. Entry fee is modest. Open daily except Mondays.
A modern marina with yachts, gulets, and waterfront cafes. Pleasant for a sunset walk. From here you can see the castle from the water side. Restaurants here are expensive, walk into the town center for better prices.
Cesme is famous for its beach clubs. Most charge an entry fee (200-500 TL in summer) that includes a sunbed and umbrella. Popular clubs include Babylon, Momo, and SSK Beach. Book ahead on weekends.
The most famous sand beach in Cesme. Shallow, warm water and fine sand. Very crowded in summer. Arrive before 10 AM to find a spot. The water is noticeably warmer than other beaches due to thermal springs underneath.
Do not stay only in Cesme city center. The Karaburun Peninsula is the point. Drive the peninsula road — it takes you past pine forests, empty coves, and small fishing villages. The peninsula is usually crowded by Izmir dwellers on weekends, but weekdays are quiet.
A calm fishing village at the northern tip of the peninsula, much less visited by tourists. It has good hotels, restaurants, and a peaceful atmosphere. No nightlife. No beach clubs. Just the sea, the fish, and the silence. Perfect for a few days of doing nothing. About one hour drive from Cesme.
One of the smaller villages near Izmir where you can simply relax, away from the crowds, and swim in crystal clear sea. Ildiri is near the ancient city of Erythrai, one of the twelve Ionian cities. You can swim among ancient ruins. The village has a few small hotels and family-run restaurants. Very quiet, very local, very cheap compared to Cesme. See Erythrai ancient city guide.
Alacati is the most famous village on the peninsula, known worldwide for windsurfing. Its stone houses, narrow streets, and boutique hotels attract a stylish crowd. Alacati is expensive. Restaurants and hotels here charge Cesme prices. The windsurfing beach (Alacati Beach) is excellent for beginners. In summer, Alacati is packed and parking is difficult. Visit in late afternoon for dinner, not mid-day.
Cesme and Bodrum are very different. Bodrum is more lively, sunny, warm, and international. Cesme has fewer foreign tourists and less nightlife. For some wealthier Turkish tourists, Cesme is a substitute for Bodrum. Alacati is to Cesme what Gümüşlük is to Bodrum — a smaller, prettier, more expensive village within the peninsula. If you want loud nightlife, choose Bodrum. If you want beach clubs and Turkish resorts, choose Cesme. If you want stone houses and windsurfing, choose Alacati.
Fly to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB). From the airport, Cesme is about one hour by car via the new autoroute (turnpike). Buses run from Izmir city center and the airport to Cesme multiple times daily. Private Izmir Airport Transfer services offer door-to-door service for about 800-1000 TL. Local minibus services (dolmuş) connect Cesme to nearby villages including Alacati, Karaburun, and Ildiri.
From Istanbul by bus takes 8-9 hours. Fly to Izmir instead — Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and AJet fly multiple times daily.
A car is strongly recommended to explore the Karaburun Peninsula. The dolmuş (minibus) network connects Cesme to Alacati and other main villages, but service frequency drops after 8 PM and does not reach the small coves between villages. A car gives you access to the best swimming spots. Rental cars start at about 25 euros per day in low season, 50-70 euros in summer.
Cesme city center is best for access to restaurants, nightlife, and beach clubs. Alacati is best for boutique hotels and windsurfing. Karaburun and Ildiri are best for peace, quiet, and lower prices. For lodging see Cesme Hotels. For airport transfers see Izmir Airport Transfers.