The
Cesme Peninsula,
lapped by the waters of the Aegean
Sea, lies west
of Izmir,
in Turkey's Aegean region. Cesme, meaning fountain
in Turkish, derives from the many sources of water
found in the area. It is one of Turkey's most
beautiful stretches, surrounded by clear blue
seas, with landscapes of cultivated fields of
aniseed, sesame and artichokes dotted with fig
and gum trees. In the un-spoilt bays you can swim
in absolute peace. Visitors will find excellent
holiday accommodations, restaurants and sports
and entertainment facilities. It is possible also
to get to Greek island Chios
(Sakiz)
with regular daily ferries. Cesme has an international
harbor linked to Izmir with a superb highway (80kms).
Cesme is renowned for thermal
spa's, blue seas and golden beaches, which range
from crowded to remote and secluded. There are
about 20 of them spread around the peninsular
so transport is necessary to get to any of them.
One option is to use one of the many the public
"dolmus" (mini bus) services or just
take taxi. You could also hire a car or motorcycle
for the day too and explore the peninsular at
your own pace and convenience.
Cesme town itself is a "compact"
and "bustling" collection of souvenir,
leather, carpet, clothing, footwear and jewelry
stores punctuated by bars, disco's bistro's, restaurants,
coffeehouse's and ice cream stalls.
The central waterfront of
Cesme stretches from the yacht harbor to the south
and a public beach to the north with the Castle
taking center stage. It is mainly a collection
of hostelries and travel agencies but you also
find there the PTT, the Tourist Information Center,
the Ferry Port for day trips to the island of
Chios and in case of Emergency a Tourist Police
Station.
A casual visitor should
have little trouble finding accommodation, Cesme
boasts over 10,000 tourist hotel beds, ranging
from small and friendly Pensions to 5 star luxury
hotels or holiday villages, something to match
every budget. One good starting point for accommodation
is the Tourist Information Center another is to
surf inside this site and work out your own arrangements.
There are plenty of travel agencies in Cesme who
are ready and willing to help. Another option
is of course the ubiquitous taxi drivers who always
"have a friend." Finally for the really
adventurous ones amongst you, the, walk the streets
and ask, method works well too.
Ilica
is a large resort area 5 km west of Cesme to which
it depends administratively, although it bears
aspects of a township apart in many of its characteristics.
It is famed for its thermal springs, which is
the very meaning of its name.
Ilica started out as a distinct
settlement towards the end of the 19th century,
initially as a retreat for wealthy people, especially
from Izmir and during summer holidays. Today,
it is a popular destination for many. Ilica thermal
springs, which extend well into the sea.
Ilica has a fine beach of
its own, about 1.5 km long, as well as favorable
wind conditions which make it a prized location
for windsurfing.
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