First colonised as a health resort thanks to the many thermal springs in Ilica, which second century AD geographer Pausanius pronounced the finest in the region, Cesme (meaning 'fountain' and pronounced cheshmeh) became a major Byzantine and Ottoman port until Izmir outgrew it.
These days, it is the beaches and the thermal springs that are again the main attraction, with the little town having carved itself out a niche as a super cool resort, off the main tourist drag. The reality probably doesn't live up to the wish but it is a pleasantly laid-back little town, with great beaches, well centred for sightseeing along the coast and plenty of life without the frenetic excess partying that goes on elsewhere.
These days, it is the beaches and the thermal springs that are again the main attraction, with the little town having carved itself out a niche as a super cool resort, off the main tourist drag. The reality probably doesn't live up to the wish but it is a pleasantly laid-back little town, with great beaches, well centred for sightseeing along the coast and plenty of life without the frenetic excess partying that goes on elsewhere.
Beach:
There are many kilometres of golden sand beaches around the peninsula with enough variations for everyone to choose a favourite, although they may need to organise transport to reach it. Pirlanta Plaj is a lon
g sandy beach just southwest of the town while nearby Altinkum Plaj (Golden Beach) is one of the finest in the area. Çark Plaj offers shallow gentle seas that are perfect for children. Buyuk Plaj in Ilica is clear, shallow with white sands and water warmed by the local thermal springs, but it can get get windy at times. The wind never stops in remote Alaçati which is one of the finest windsurfing venues in the world, with a school and professional competitions. If you prefer to hang with the in-crowd, pay your money and spend the day at one of the exclusive beach clubs, of which the Seaside Beach Club at Piyade Cove is the best known.
g sandy beach just southwest of the town while nearby Altinkum Plaj (Golden Beach) is one of the finest in the area. Çark Plaj offers shallow gentle seas that are perfect for children. Buyuk Plaj in Ilica is clear, shallow with white sands and water warmed by the local thermal springs, but it can get get windy at times. The wind never stops in remote Alaçati which is one of the finest windsurfing venues in the world, with a school and professional competitions. If you prefer to hang with the in-crowd, pay your money and spend the day at one of the exclusive beach clubs, of which the Seaside Beach Club at Piyade Cove is the best known.
Beyond the beach:
Cesme's 14th-century Genoese Castle, heavily rebuilt by the Ottomans two centuries later, now houses a small museum and hosts concerts during the Cesme Sea Festival of Nations and Song Contest, one of Turkey's foremost festivals, held every July. Concerts are also held in the Roman amphitheatre while the Ottoman Kervansaray is now a hotel and restaurant. Just east of Cesme town, Ilica is the main beach and hotel area, many of its hotels built on thermal springs and offering a wide range of spa facilities to guests. About 20km (12 miles) northeast of town, at Ildiri, are the remains of ancient Erythrai, dating back to around 3000BC. Take one of the many boat trips out around the local islands to explore deserted coves and swim and snorkel away from the crowds. If a trip abroad takes your fancy, daily boats cross to the Greek island of Chios, which lies just off the coast (don't forget your passport).
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