[Mella]

Cesme (pronounced as chesh-ma) is a village located at the tip of a peninsula, part of the Gulf of Izmir on Turkey's western coast overlooking the Aegean Sea. Less than one hour's drive from Turkey's 3rd largest city of Izmir.

The word Çesme, meaning tap or fountain, derived from the many sources of water around the area that were built during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is a favourite holiday spot for Izmirians. If peace and quiet or liveliness is what you are after and a great selection of man made and natural unspoilt beaches as well as delicious restaurants and cafes, then this is the place to be.

Cesme is the ideal location for a combined beach and sightseeing holiday with its crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, fantastic climate, nearby historical gems and on Cesme's waterfront, you are able to book daily boat trips to the nearby islands. The most popular day trip is to "Donkey Island" which includes stops for refreshing swimming breaks and a meal at lunch time.

At night, Cesme turns into a lively, fun atmospheric town, especially in the restaurants, cafes, bars and discos along the promenade. Also, ferries make the run from "Cesme" to Venice on a weekly basis.

Although Cesme is becoming a popular tourist resort, the traditional feel of the Turkish life is still very much present. The local area offers a world of days gone by as the locals go about their daily chores. You can still watch the local fishermen selling their daily catch in the numerous fishing villages along the coastline, or the farmers selling their produce at the local markets or on the roadside.

Cesme has a long history which is evident from the beautiful Genoese Castle located in the centre of the town. The castle dates from the 14th century, and now houses an exhibition centre, restaurant and bar.

On Thursdays there is a market in Ilica, on Saturday there is a market in the Alaçati area and on Sunday in Çesme yet another market. They both sell fruit and vegetables as well as an assortment of clothes and other household items.

Cesme's Peninsular offers a number of clean sandy beaches and secluded bays for swimming, sunbathing or a number of water sports activities, including windsurfing and sailing.

However, many of Cesme’s best beaches lie elsewhere and not in Çesme’s centre itself.


See these threads for other areas of interest in Cesme:

Ilica

Alacati

Ciftlikkoy

Dalyankoy

[teosgirl]

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