Cesme

Çeşme is a coastal town in Turkey's westernmost end. Çeşme is located 85km west of İzmir, the largest metropolitan centre in Turkey's Aegean Region.

Çeşme Castle was built during the 14th century but destroyed in the 17th century. It was reconstructed in the 18th century. The artefacts from the ancient site of Erythria are exhibited in the museum at the castle.

Çeşme Archaeology museum is located inside Çeşme Fort, built in 1508.

The ruins of the important ancient Greek city of Erythrai are situated within the modern day village of Ildiri.

Alaçati, 7km from Çesme is, is a lovely town combining Turkish and Greek architecture, rough cobblestone pavements, over 100 year old windmills and Sakizli gardens. The Ayios Konstantinos church has been converted into a mosque and still remains standing as Pazaryeri mosque. Alaçati natural harbour is popular with surfers. Buyuk Plaj beach is clear, shallow with white sands and water warmed by the local thermal springs, but it can get get windy at times.

The church of Ayios Haralambos is believed to have been built in the 19th century. It is a three naved and two storied basilica and today it is used as the Cakabey Cultural Centre.

Donkey Island is 3 miles from Çesme. No people live on the island but a great many donkeys, goats and rabbits do. Take a boat trip and experience the beautiful coves and inlets around this island.

There are many miles of golden sand beaches around the peninsula. Pirlanta Plaj is a long sandy beach just southwest of Çesme. Nearby is the popular Altinkum Plaj (Golden Beach) and Çark Plaj offers shallow gentle seas, perfect for children.

Çesme's main square has plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants. Souvenirs include embroidery, ceramics, pottery, inlaid woodwork, leather goods, jewellery and rugs.

A Turkish Meze has lots of small dishes and are very popular with visitors and locals alike. They are traditionally served with Raki, an aniseed flavoured spirit.

Other local dishes include 'köfte' (spicy lamb meatballs), 'shish kebab' (meat skewer), 'pide' (kind of pizza topped with cheese and eggs) and 'dolma' (vine leaves or vegetables stuffed with pine nuts and currants).

Cruise ships dock close to the centre of town at Cesme Port.

Taxis are cheap and metered, however, for longer journeys it's best to negotiate a price beforehand.

An alternative mode of transport is a 'dolmus', a van or jeep which can drop you off along the way. They depart when they are full.