Ilıca Hotel Çeşme, Izmir / TURKEY
Where is Cesme:
The township of Cesme is about 80 kilometers west of Izmir, Turkey's third largest city with a population of about 3 million. The Cesme peninsula is actually Turkey's westernmost point. Just east of Cesme between Cesme and Izmir are the towns of Karaburun and Urla.
How to Reach Cesme:
A super modern three lane highway will take you to Cesme from Izmir in about 45 minutes. If you are arriving by air, Izmir's Adnan Menderes International Airport will welcome you and you will take a taxi or private car to Cesme. Ferries from Italy and Chios, Greece arrive directly at Cesme's international harbor. In 2012, cruise ships have also begun including Cesme as a stop off point. Also in 2012, direct flight between Istanbul and Alacati, Cesme have begun via sea planes.
When to Visit Cesme:
Until recent years, Cesme's tourism season had been limited to four or five months between the months of May and October. However, the opening of five star hotels with thermal waters and boutique hotels with considerable facilities have made Cesme a year round destination. New international yacht marinas and their restaurants and facilities are open all year long. Beach season is still between the middle of May to mid-September and this is the most in-demand period.
What to Do in Cesme:
Even though Cesme has begun being classified as a "high society" town where guests are mostly the well-to-do, in actuality Cesme has always kept its calm, peaceful and simple ways. You can find pretty much anything in Cesme; whether it's small and unassuming seafood restaurants in Sifne, long and white sand beaches in Ilica and Boyalik, pure nature on the coast of Altinkum, freshest lobster restaurants in Ciftlikkoy, the cool and refreshing breeze all over the peninsula, and colorful bougainvillea lined historical cobblestone streets in Alacati. If you're looking for action, don't forget that Alacati is world famous for its wind surfing and kite surfing. If you're looking for fun you may find plenty of that too; the top hot spots are in the Aya Yorgi region.
History of Cesme
Many areas, towns and cities of Turkey are rich in history and it’s no different with Cesme; in the antique ages first the Cretans then the Ionians lived here. The Romans named the area Kysus and the port of Cesme was the final point in the road from the East, the Silk Road. Merchant ships would load up their silks, spices and other riches of the East and set sail to Italy from here. The wines of the area were also very famous; that’s why the Genovese constructed a castle here to protect the port in the 14’th century (the current castle you will see in Cesme was constructed by the Ottomans in the 18’th century). Then in 1566 the Ottoman Empire simply annexed the peninsula and the following centuries slowly eroded Cesme’s influence. First the port of Cesme lost its ranking to the nearby port of Izmir. Then immigrants from the Macedonian and northern Greek areas slowly stopped producing wine and instead began planting tobacco which they were familiar with from their homelands. However, the Cesme soil did not like tobacco and soon there was no more wine or tobacco.
In the 18’th century, the wealthier citizens of Izmir began developing Cesme with an alternative purpose; the coastlines, beaches and thermal therapeutic waters of Cesme were rapidly noticed and the wealthy began building their summer homes here. And until the last 20 years, Cesme kept its idyllic calm and quiet character. Even the super modern highway linking Izmir to Cesme didn’t make a large impression on its solitude. It has been developing slowly and beautifully since. The beaches of Cesme easily rival any of the best beaches in the world and this area of Turkey is one of the most important areas for the tourism industry. It’s importance will only increase in the coming years.
Today Cesme keeps its high quality image and new hotels and restaurants are opening up every season. A new visitor to Cesme leaves with the intention to return and return soon. With its beach clubs, 5 star hotels, amazing restaurants and night spots, and its newly vibrant town of Alacati and its boutique hotels, the Cesme peninsula has become a target destination for millions and a hot spot in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions. Domestic tourists from Istanbul, realizing that they can fly down in 45 minutes then drive on the highway for another 45 minutes to be on a Cesme beach have made the peninsula their back yard. High quality international tourists have also been steadily and quickly increasing in number. And this year a first; cruise ships have begun stopping off in Cesme.
Cesme is truly a shining jewel in the crown of Turkish tourism.
