Guide of Cesme

Cesme is a Turkish city on the west coast of the country, overlooking the Aegean Sea. The city dates back to the Bronze Age and it became an important centre thanks to commercial trade, because of its proximity to the island of Hios and thanks to its protected port which has been there for centuries. With the development of the proto of Izmir, Cesme lost its importance as a commercial port and began developing tourism instead. It has established itself as one of the major tourist destinations in the Aegean, offering modern facilities and enchanting beaches.

What to visit

Because of the important role it played in the past there are many places to visit in Cesme, including the Castle, built in 1508 by the Sultan Beyazıt II. It was built by joining two castles, so it has two walls and six defensive towers. Cesme also has an archaeological museum in which artefacts discovered in the area are exhibited, as well as marine artefacts found in ships sunk during the various wars.

There are many mosques including the Hacı Memiş Ağa, built in 1827 and probably the oldest. The Osman Ağa mosque was built on two floors and the Church Haralambos, probably built as a basilica with three naves, today it is used for events. Walking through the small streets of Cesme, you can not help but admire the typical houses in the city they have a courtyard in front and the entrance doors that open to the street.

Beaches

Cesme has a 30 km coastline and offers tourists fantastic beaches and breathtaking panoramic views. And you can enjoy the crystal clear waters and fine sand for al year around. The beaches have sports and water activities on offer such as diving and surfing. Ilıca Beach, is located about 3 kilometers from Cesme and has a very fine, white sand and also has thermal waters directly from the sea. Thanks to the presence of thermal springs, Ilıca beach is suitable for families with children and for those who are not expert swimmers. Ildırı beach is about 25 km from Cesme and has beautiful beaches, it is very popular and equipped with restaurants, where you can eat fresh fish. Çiftlikköy beach, along the east coast of Cesme, it is protected from the winds and therefore suitable for swimming and Ayayorgi Bay (San Giorgio) is crescent-shaped and is located between Cesme and Dalyan, in a bay famous for its crystal clear waters.

Spas

Cesme Thermal Centers are called Ilıca Thermal Baths, about 5 kilometres from Cesme on the coast and near the beach. The waters rise directly from the sea and reach a temperature between 50 and 60 degrees. The other one is Terme di Şifne, ten kilometres from the centre of Cesme and located on a peninsula in the Şifne bay, famous for mud baths and thermal waters, the waters can reach 40 and 50 degrees.