Çeşme is a charming
convergence of healing mineral springs, excellent beaches, crystal clear waters
and sun, perfect for vacationers. It is located 94 km west of İzmir, on the very
tip of the peninsula that bears its name. It was called as the 'little harbor'
by sailors, but in the course of time, the area became known as Çeşme (Fountain)
due to the increasing number of fountains with ice - cold waters. The Erythrai
Ancient City excavated in (the village of) Çeşme-Ildırı, the Castle,
Caravanserai and many fountains from Ottoman Period and the other examples of
civil architecture in the historical texture of the city compose the historical
and archaeological remains of the area.
Today the remains of the Acropolis can be seen on top of the hill which is in
the city centre. Small statuettes offered to the Temple of Athena Pallas were
found during the excavations in the Acropolis. One of the most important finds
is the statue of a woman belonging to Archaic Age. It is on display in the İzmir
Museum of Archaeology.
History
Çeşme, the port of Erythrai Ancient City, was called as Cyssus in Ancient Times.
It was an important settlement area in the 6th century BC. The city developed
its trade by establishing relations with Egypt, Cyprus and Western Countries.
Climate
The Mediterranean Climate is dominant in Çeşme. It is quite hot and exposed to
the winds blowing from the north.
Where to Visit
Çeşme Castle: The Ottoman Sultan Bayezid II had the castle built in 1508. It
bears all the characteristics of Ottoman architecture. Inside the Castle, there
is a museum. The finds unearthed in the village of Çeşme-Ildırı, are on display
in this museum. This historical structure is used for the International Çeşme
Music Festival which is held between July 2-7 every year. In front of the castle
is the statue of Kaptan-ı Derya Gazi Hasan Pasha from Algeria. The statue is
with a lion.
Çeşme Museum
In the Çeşme Archeological Museum inside the Çeşme Castle, there is a total of
477 items on display. They were discovered in the district center of Alaçatı and
the Kalemburnu region and consist of 320 archeological pieces, 126 ethnographic
pieces and31 coins.
Museum Tel: (+90-232)712 66 09
Open hours to visit: 08.30-12.00/13.00-17.00
Open days to visit: Everday except Monday
Caravanserai: The caravanserai, built in 1529 by Sultan Süleyman the
Magnificent, consists of
two storeys.The rectangular structure has a central courtyard with shops,
storage depots and other rooms around the perimeter. This historical building is
now being used as a hotel and provides excellent shopping for those interested
in gift items, leather clothing or high-quality Turkish rugs. At night the
restaurants, bars and discos surrounding the inn make for a lively atmosphere.
The Mastic Trees
Having been discovered 6000 years ago, the mastic trees of Çeşme are definitely
worth seeing.Rakı (alcoholic drink) is being flavoured with mastic.Also Mastic
Jelly is made of these trees.
Besides its use in the kitchen, it is also used in the manufacture of medicine
and paint. The doctors of ancient Greece made a variety of medicines from this
plant for rabies, snake-bites, stomach, liver and intestinal conditions. After
the 10th century, the fame of the mastic tree spread beyond Sakız Island to the
wholeworld. The plant is now used for a variety of purposes in 25 different
national pharmaceutical firms. It has has a very pleasant fragrance. Galinos
says, "This is excellent for chronic bouts of coughing." Today six different
products are made from the plant and it is a superior ulcer medicine, in
addition to being good for high blood-pressure. It is also used for diabetes and
high cholesterol. It is important in the treatment of cancer and cirrhosis. The
importance and benefits of this plant originating on Sakız Island and spreading
from here to the entire world is better understood day by day.
THERMAL SPRINGS
Çeşme Hot Springs: One of the most interesting and rare places in the world, the
springs are right on the coast near the Çeşme Hot Springs beach on the İzmir -
Çeşme road 5 km from Çeşme. The water temperature is around 58ºC and contains
sodium chloride, potassium chloride and magnesium chloride. The waters are good
for those suffering from chronic rheumatism, problems arising from poor
metabolism, such as gout and obesity, as well as rickets, skin conditions,
gynecological disorders, and liver and urinary tract conditions. There are
modern facilities in the vicinity of the Hot Springs, which even have thermal
pools and baths inside them. Transportation to the springs is provided by the
Çeşme buses which leave from Üçkuyular.
Şifne (Reisdere) Thermal Spring and Mud Baths: Located 5 km northeast of the
Çeşme Hot Springs on a small peninsula in the Şifne bay, the thermal springs
have accommodations and restaurants nearby.There is a large common pool with
benches in the water. The water contains sodium, chlorine and calcium and the
38ºC waters are radioactive (5.3 eman). The waters are good for people with
rheumatism, rickets, gynecological disorders,
urinary tract infections, stomach and intestinal conditions and skin conditions
like eczema and boils.
THE YACHT HARBORS
The province of Izmir, especially the southern tip of the Çeşme peninsula is one
of the primary yacht circuits in the country. The route from Çeşme to Kuşadası
has the most developed yachting infrastructure. The harbor at Çeşme can be used
by both yachts and commercial vessels and has docking space for two small cargo
vessels. The yacht section of the harbor was designed to accommodate 150 yachts.
In the winter many fishing boats use the harbor while yachts predominate in the
summer.
Alaçatı Harbor: Located south of Alaçatı, it is paradise for yachting
enthusiasts with its rows of small coves. The dock can hold up to 80 boats and
offers a variety of services for yachts.
Çeşme-Altınyunus Yacht Harbor: Having a capacity for up to 70 big boats and 40
small ones, this harbor offers every type of yacht maintenance. The harbor is
able to provide water, electricity, telephones, maintenance, repair and
wintering services.
SPORTS ACTIVITIES
Camp - Caravan: The Grand Harbor (Büyük Liman) and Paşa Harbor coves are
excellent places to camp and have many summer residences. The natural beaches
and camping areas in the area of Ildırı, the ancient city of Erythrai, are
perfect for those wanting a touch of history and nature.
Hunting: Çeşme is an excellent place for those who like hunting. The most
interesting and exciting hunt is without a doubt wild hogs. After permission is
received from the proper authorities, everyone can participate in this thrilling
venture. There are also quite a few partridges and rabbits in Çeşme. These
animals are most plentiful in the hunting season between September and December,
which is the hunting season. Those interested in hunting can visit Çeşme during
the winter as well.
Wind Surfing: Alaçatı is one of the most interesting surfing areas in Europe and
offers a variety not found in many places. It is located in a V-shaped cove with
crystal clear water and is surrounded with lush vegetation. The changing winds
and perfect conditions make it one of the best surfing areas in Europe.
The best thing about Alaçatı is that the winds blow from the land to the sea ,
and no matter how hard the wind blows the waves in the sea stay about the same.
Therefore Alaçatı is a safe place for wind surfing.
What to Eat
The local cuisine is made up of mostly seafood. You should definitely try the
sea bass, bream, octopus and oysters while there. Other Çeşme delicacies include
"şeker işi" served with a special fig jam, "kuru sıkma" (a flat wrappedbread),
goose drumsticks, almond milk and a grilled sandwich called "kumru." The
delicious melons and artichokes raised here are exported throughout the world.
Don't Leave Without
Seeing the International Çeşme Music Festival,
Bathing in the thermal springs of Çeşme,
Tasting the olives, and the wine made from the grapes of Çeşme.
Çeşme is a charming
convergence of healing mineral springs, excellent beaches, crystal clear waters
and sun, perfect for vacationers. It is located 94 km west of İzmir, on the very
tip of the peninsula that bears its name. It was called as the 'little harbor'
by sailors, but in the course of time, the area became known as Çeşme (Fountain)
due to the increasing number of fountains with ice - cold waters. The Erythrai
Ancient City excavated in (the village of) Çeşme-Ildırı, the Castle,
Caravanserai and many fountains from Ottoman Period and the other examples of
civil architecture in the historical texture of the city compose the historical
and archaeological remains of the area. 
Magnificent, consists of
two storeys.The rectangular structure has a central courtyard with shops,
storage depots and other rooms around the perimeter. This historical building is
now being used as a hotel and provides excellent shopping for those interested
in gift items, leather clothing or high-quality Turkish rugs. At night the
restaurants, bars and discos surrounding the inn make for a lively atmosphere.
