6 Days in Çeşme & Alaçatı: Windmills, Stone Streets & Aegean Beaches — Çeşme & Alaçatı

🧳 Summary: Çeşme is a coastal town in the İzmir Province of western Turkey, famed for its crystal‑clear Aegean waters, sandy beaches, historic Ottoman fortress, and vibrant summer atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy windsurfing at Alaçatı, explore the 16th‑century Çeşme Castle, relax on beaches like Ilıca and Altınkum, and sample local Aegean cuisine such as fresh seafood, çöp şiş, and the region’s renowned kumru sandwich.

👉 Tip: Rent a scooter or a small car to easily reach the scattered beaches and nearby villages; the best wind conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing are from June to September, especially around Alaçatı. Bring cash for small tavernas, as some may not accept cards.

🔆 Highlight: A day at Ilıca Beach – walk across the shallow, turquoise lagoon, soak in the natural thermal springs that keep the water warm year‑round, then finish with a sunset dinner of grilled sea bream at a beachfront meyhane.