Cesme and Alacati are two beautiful cities in Türkiye. If you want to get away from the pollution and noise of big cities, definitely go to Alacati. Old stone houses, delicious breakfasts in beautiful courtyards filled with paper flowers and strolling through the narrow alleys of the city are all reasons to choose Alacati as your next destination. If you want to know more about this beautiful city, follow us in this article.
Where are the cities of Cesme and Alacati?
Cesme and Alacati are very close to each other. In fact, Alacati is the entrance to Cesme Peninsula. The small and lovely city of Alacati is located 75 kilometers west of Izmir, and after reaching it, you can reach Cesme coastal area with a short distance. The distance from Alacati to Cesme is about 10 km, and the distance to the wide Ilija beach in the north is 2 km, and Alacati Bay is also located in the south of the city, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in Turkey.
The city of Alacati is one of the areas where staying for one or two nights is not enough to see its beauty. But many tourists spend a day in this city after traveling to Izmir. Maybe you want to choose this beautiful destination on your next trip to Turkey after seeing the beautiful sights and places of interest of the city that we will talk about later.
History of Alacati and Cesme city
Cesme and Alacati have a rich history. Alacati was a Greek city in the 17th century. They built houses of natural stone with colorful doors and bay windows. Even today, these houses can be seen in the old city center and are the main reason for tourists to visit.
Although the Greek population of Alacati was forced to leave the region in 1914. In 1923, after the signing of the population exchange agreement between Greece and Turkey, the remaining Orthodox Greeks also fled. Immigrant Muslims settled in this city and Alacati turned from a Greek Christian city into a Turkish Muslim city. You can still walk through the winding narrow streets of the city and see the fascinating history of Alacati. The town was declared a protected historical site in 2005 and the traditional Greek stone houses are still preserved.
Best time to visit Alacati
The best time to travel to Cesme and Alacati is in spring (March to May) and summer (June to September), if you don’t mind the heat of the sun.
Spring weather is good and relatively dry. The best time to walk in the old city and not worry about the sun. June to September are the driest months of the year. Temperatures are rising and the weather is perfect for beach and water sports. We must mention that this time of Alacati is very busy. Prices go up and it’s hard to find cheap and comfortable accommodation.
Winter is not a good time to visit Alacati. Winter rains fall throughout the season, which makes the environment cold and humid, and you can neither walk in the city nor enjoy the turquoise blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
Land trip from Izmir to Cesme and Alacati
It takes about 45 minutes to drive from Izmir to Alacati. The most economical way to travel from Izmir to Cesme and Alacati is with Havas buses. Havash buses are present at the airport and go from Izmir to Cesme. By means of these buses, you will reach Alacati in about 1 to 2 hours with a lower cost.
The next mode is to choose a taxi. It will cost more. It takes 48 minutes from Izmir to Cesme and Alacati. Apart from taxi, another way is to rent a car. If you plan to travel in Turkey for a long time, renting a car may not be a bad option, but you should have enough budget. If you drive yourself, you will reach Alacati in about 45 minutes from Izmir.
From Istanbul to Cesme and Alacati
There are different ways to go from Istanbul to Alacati. The fastest way to travel from Istanbul to Izmir is by air. Then take shuttle buses from the airport to Alacati. Distance from Istanbul to Alacati is 566 km. Another way is to go to Istanbul Esenler bus station, which goes to Cesme and Alacati. This trip takes approximately 9 hours and 5 minutes, which may not be a good option because of the long distance, especially if you plan to stay in Turkey for a limited time.
The best accommodations in Cesme and Alacati
Alacati is a lovely and beautiful place. Full of small and stylish hotels that host tourists. Among them, the new GAIA ALAÇATI hotel is cozy and comfortable. The design of the hotel is stylish and accompanied by warm colors that invite you inside. One of the best features of this hotel is the inner courtyard where the hotel restaurant is located and you can get delicious food and drinks from this restaurant. This hotel is located in a small side street and is a little far from the main tourist area, but far from the noise.
The hotel has a handful of rooms, so be sure to reserve your room before you travel; Especially if you plan to travel during the peak heat and summer months. If you like the look of Gaya Alacati, we suggest you visit GAIA By The Sea near the city of Cesme.
- Motto Wind Boutique Hotel: a 4-star hotel in the heart of Alacati, just a few steps away from the city’s famous market and downtown nightlife. The hotel has a garden, terrace and outdoor pool. If you want to access the whole city, this hotel will be a good option.
- Aliko Hotel Alaçatı: It is a 4-star hotel in a 140-year-old historical building with traditional architecture and stone walls. A cozy accommodation with excellent facilities for tourists who like to stay in a historical place. Although this historical place has free Wi-Fi.
- Alacati Kapari Hotel: one of the 4-star hotels in the city overlooking the Aegean Sea, which has many facilities. From the outdoor pool to the fitness center and modern rooms, all are seen in this hotel. The design of each room is unique and some of them have a sea view.
If any of the hotels we introduced were crowded, you might be able to stay in Cesme city and take public transportation to Alacati for days of fun. Cesme hotels are affordable and you will have access to the beach and beach activities.
Sightseeing places in Alacati, Türkiye
Cesme and Alacati are not places that you have to visit according to the list. The best thing to do in this city is to walk. As you walk on the old cobblestones, each colorful city wall tells you a story of its past. After a short walk in one of the cafes of the city, relax and enjoy Turkish coffee and then continue your adventure.
Take a tour of the old city of Alacati
Walking in this small and historical city has a strange feeling. It is as if you are in a small Greek island and its architecture has kept the old culture alive in the heart of Turkey. Beautifully restored stone houses and paper flowers that welcome tourists with their happy colors, all make Alacati a unique city.
The main street is full of various restaurants, shops and cafes. Once you enter the quiet side streets, you will find more cozy and interesting cafes. We will talk more about restaurants and local food, now we will continue with the entertainment and sights of the city.
See Alacati windmills
These traditional Greek windmills were built to grind wheat and obtain flour and have conical thatched roofs. The windmills are still standing and can be visited at any time, with no entrance fee.
Four stone windmills are located at the highest point of the city center. They were built in 1850 and have become a symbol of Alacati today. The Aegean coast of Turkey enjoys strong winds almost throughout the year. As a result, the presence of such mills in this area is quite natural. Although they are not working now, they are still an important place in this old city.
Alacati and old houses
The architecture of the buildings of Alacati city is traditional and old, and the houses are 150 years old and all are made of stone. Many people live in these houses and the special beauty created in the city due to the stone houses is eye-catching and breathtaking. One of the priorities of travelers and tourists who travel to this city is walking in the alleys, watching the colorful, traditional and beautiful houses, which, along with photography, helps them to record their memories in the moment.
Alacati and city market
Another unique sight of Alacati city, which starts its activity on Saturday inside the city, is the famous and big bazaar of this city, which is considered one of the most popular sights among tourists and travelers. In this market, handmade bags, decorative items, rhinestones, fragrant and tasty spices and other traditional goods related to the city are presented, which are among the unique attractions for tourists. If you decide to travel to Turkey and Izmir, we advise you to plan in such a way that you can stay in the city on Saturday.
Alacati nightlife
The cafes of Alacati city are colorful and diverse, and the nightlife in this city is very exciting. Live and passionate nights that with the sound of music in the alleys of the city, prevent you from having a peaceful sleep and invite you to an indescribable excitement.
Alacati and indescribable alleys and streets
In the city of Alacati, everything is more than attractive and unique. The streets remind you of childhood memories and pleasant events that are undoubtedly not experienced anywhere. Kamal Pasha Street is considered the main street of the city and has indescribable and unparalleled views. This street is decorated with all kinds of restaurants, cafes, boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, etc.
In addition to all these sights, the ban on the entry of motor vehicles has made the presence of this street more attractive. You should walk the entire length of this street and enjoy its sights with every blink. Of course, Haci Memis street is also considered as one of the classic attractions of Alacati city, where shops along with restaurants and cafes invite you to an unforgettable excursion. The night clubs on this street are always active and the nightlife in them will not be without pleasure.
Alacati and surfing fun
The city of Alacati has many cool water activities like kite riding, surfing and other water sports that you must try in the hot summer season. On the shores of the Aegean Sea of this city, there are several different centers for teaching tourists to surf, which will help you to surf easily on the blue and azure waters of the Aegean Sea with short and 2-hour lessons. .
Alacati and an unforgettable stay
The city of Alacati has been highly attracted by many tourists and travelers in recent years, that’s why there are many residences, inns and hotels for travelers and tourists in this city. Most of the hotels are traditional and old and are known as boutique hotels. The cost of staying in boutique hotels is slightly higher than their counterparts in Cesme Peninsula, but they invite you to serve a healthy, varied, rustic, delicious and colorful breakfast. If you want to stay in modern and star hotels, 2 kilometers north or south of the city, you will find unique hotels around the pier and Alacati port.
But if you want to reduce the cost of accommodation, just travel a distance of 10 kilometers to the west and choose one of the dozens of hotels located in the center of Cesme city. Along the route as well as the beach, means of transportation such as minibuses or vans as well as taxis are constantly coming and going. Among the famous hotels of the city, we can mention Alacati Casa Bella, Cimbali Villas, Kariz Hotel Alacati, Afet hanim Guesthouse and Alacati Beach Hotel and Spa Center.
Tourists’ entertainment in Alacati
It is better not to get away from the fact that walking and strolling among the back alleys of Alacati is still known as the most popular and popular pastime among tourists. After that, we can mention sitting for hours in the cozy cafes and restaurants of this small town, which will never tire you. Regarding other entertainments in Alacati in Turkey, the following can be mentioned:
- Visiting the very old windmills of this city that were built by Greek immigrants.
- Buy from Saturday market of Alacati city
- Coastal recreation such as surfing, kite riding, and water sports and recreation along with sea tours from Alacati port and wharf, which is located 2 kilometers south of the city, and usually continue from May to October.
- Night cafe tours in special areas of Alacati city
- Participation in the festival of medicinal plants and food products that are provided in a completely natural and healthy way and is held in the month of April.
- Participate in the fishing competition that belongs to the month of October.
- Participation in the kite festival held in May.
In addition to the above entertainment, be sure to visit the following areas:
- The beautiful and recreational beach of Ilica in the north
- Aya Yorgi lively beach in Dalyan region in the northwest
- Spa springs and therapeutic mineral pools in Şifne
- Valuable ancient and historical works left in Ildiri (Erythrai) located in the northeast
- The beautiful and recreational beaches of Altinkum and Pirlanta in the Ciftlikkoy region in the west
- Visiting the ancient castle and the museum of its famous historical objects
Attractive shopping centers in Alacati, Türkiye
There are many local markets in the city. We mentioned above that one of them is an attractive art gallery that provides a good opportunity to buy special souvenirs.
After a short walk in the city, you will notice that there are no luxury and multi-story shopping centers. But as long as you want, you will find small and big shops that sell traditional and handmade items. In the antique market, you will find everything from bracelets to all kinds of jewelry. A bazaar is held around the mosque on Saturdays and Sundays and all kinds of paintings and sculptures are for sale.
Final word
A trip to Cesme and Alacati is a unique trip. You go to an old, historical and untouched city; Where you will stay away from the hustle and bustle of big cities and skyscrapers. In this article, we tried to address different aspects of this city. We hope you visit this lovely city on your next trip. Don’t worry about travel tickets either, you only need to contact the advisors of Manolya Tour Group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to visit Alacati Bazaar Mosque?
Yes, this mosque, which functions as both a mosque and a church, is open to the public.
Where is Alacati?
Alacati city is located in Türkiye and on the west coast of Izmir province.
What is there to do in Alacati?
One of the things you must do in Alacati is to walk the streets of the city, enjoy local food, visit the beach and go to the bazaar mosque.
When is the best time to visit Alacati?
Spring is the best season to visit Alacati, it gets very hot in summer but perfect for beach fun.
What are the popular foods in Alacati?
You will find various foods in this city, but a/mong them, Kumru sandwich, meatballs, stuffed oysters and Alacati vegetable pie are the best.
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