Places to see in Cesme

Çeşme Castle: Built in 1508 by Ottoman Sultan Bayezid II, Çeşme Castle showcases all the characteristics of Ottoman architecture. This historic structure serves as a concert venue during the International Çeşme Music Competition, showcasing its beauty to the world. The annual International Çeşme Festival is celebrated here from July 2nd to 7th. In front of the castle stands the lion-statue of Captain Derya Cezayirli Hasan Pasha.

Caravanserai: Constructed in 1528 by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, this two-story caravanserai now functions as a hotel. It offers shopping opportunities with souvenirs, leather clothing, and quality carpets. The area is lively at night, surrounded by restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Çeşme Thermal Springs:Located on the İzmir-Çeşme road, about 5 km from Çeşme, these thermal springs are among the most unique and rare in the world, featuring a beach and thermal springs in the same location. The water temperature is around 58 degrees Celsius. The springs are beneficial for chronic rheumatism, gout, obesity-related metabolic disorders, rickets, skin diseases, liver and urinary tract issues. Modern accommodation facilities with thermal pools and baths are available nearby. You can reach the springs with buses departing from Üçkuyular.

Şifne (Reisdere) Thermal Springs and Mud Baths:Situated 5 km northeast of Çeşme Thermal Springs on a small peninsula in the Şifne Bay, these springs are surrounded by various accommodation and dining facilities. The waters and mud are beneficial for rheumatism, rickets, gynecological diseases, urinary and digestive issues, eczema, and skin boils.

Ottoman Fountains in Çeşme:In addition to many structures reflecting typical Aegean architecture, Çeşme is also home to fountains from the Ottoman period, giving the town its name ("Çeşme" means "fountain" in Turkish). Building fountains has been a long-standing tradition in Anatolia, serving both to immortalize the benefactor’s name and provide a charitable service. There are 16 notable fountains in Çeşme, including Mehmet Kethuda Fountain, Memiş İbn-i Ahmet Fountain, Ahmetoğlu Hacı Memişağa Fountain, Kabadayı Fountain, Maraş Fountain, Hafize Rabia Hatun Fountain, and more.

Mosques of Çeşme:The mosques of Çeşme, mostly from the 19th century, share similar architectural styles. Those still in use include Hacı Memişağa Mosque, Hacı Mehmet Ağa Mosque, Osman Ağa Mosque, and Alaçatı Memiş Ağa Mosque.

The Erythrai Legend:According to legend, a statue representing the god Heracles was set adrift from Tyros, a city in Phoenicia. The raft traveled across the seas, eventually grounding on the shores between Chios Island and Erythrai. Despite efforts from both Chios and Erythrai citizens, the statue could not be moved. A blind fisherman suggested creating a rope from the hair of local women to pull the statue. Initially doubted, a Thracian slave finally followed his advice. As the statue was moved, the fisherman miraculously regained his sight. A sacred site was built for the statue, where only Thracian women were allowed.

The Cbyl Legend: The legend of Cbyl, a female soothsayer from Erythrai, has been passed down through generations. Born on Mount Korykos, Cbyl was blessed with the gift of prophecy by the gods. Her father was mortal, while her mother was a nymph, a spirit believed to live in nature. According to the legend, Cbyl lived for nine human lifetimes, each lasting 110 years. The mystery of her long life is believed to be connected to the healing and restorative powers of Çeşme’s thermal waters and climate.

Marina of Çeşme: The southern part of Çeşme Peninsula, especially the İzmir region, is a key route for yacht tourism. The Çeşme-Kuşadası route has the most developed infrastructure for yacht tourism. Çeşme Harbor has commercial and yacht piers, accommodating two small-tonnage ships and 150 yachts. In winter, it serves as a fishing shelter, while in summer, it caters to yachters.

Alaçatı Marina:Located in the southern part of Alaçatı, this marina is a paradise for yachters with a capacity of 80 yachts. It offers various services for yacht accommodation.

Çeşme-Altınyunus Marina:With a capacity of 70 large and 40 small yachts, this marina provides yacht maintenance services. It offers water, electricity, telephone, repair, maintenance, and wintering services for staying yachts.

Must-Visit Places in Çeşme:Spend time in Alaçatı, strolling its streets reminiscent of Bodrum and capturing beautiful photos.
Visit the Village Market and Antique Market in Alaçatı.
Explore Germiyan Village, one of the oldest settlements in Çeşme.
Witness the areas where mastic trees grow.
Walk through the Çeşme town center and visit its shops.
Join boat tours to discover Çeşme’s coves.

For accommodation suggestions, you can check our Cesme Hotels page.