Alaçatı

In antiquity known as ‘Agrilia’, Alaçatı lies at the very heart of the Ionian civilisation in Western Anatolian history. The nearest Ionian cities are Ildırı — ancient Erythrai, today a village of Alaçatı — Chios Island, and Urla İskelesi (Klazomenai). Alaçatı is also only 155 km from the world-famous ancient city of Ephesus.

Today part of the Çeşme district of İzmir, Alaçatı sits 3 km inland at the narrowing point of the Çeşme Peninsula. To the north of Alaçatı is Ilıca, famous for its long sandy beaches; to the south is Alaçatı Port, home to many windsurfing clubs; and to the west is Karadağ, covered with olive groves and newly developing vineyards.

Discover the colours of Alaçatı…

The narrow streets of Alaçatı are adorned by old Greek stone houses, the youngest of which is over 100 years old and which have rapidly been restored in recent years. With its protected historic architectural fabric, Alaçatı is the best-preserved town of the Aegean. In Alaçatı, which is very busy and lively in summer, those who love its serene beauty prefer spring and autumn, which are hardly different from summer.

Sea and healing waters in Alaçatı

With its unspoilt white sands and beautiful little coves, it is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable places on the Aegean Sea.
Alaçatı is regarded as one of the top three windsurfing centres in the world.
Hosting the 2006 European Freestyle Championship (European Freestyle pro-tour) and the Professional Windsurfers Association’s World Slalom Championship introduced Turkey to the world in this field. Water skiing and kite-surfing are also available.
Right next to Alaçatı, on the Çeşme Peninsula, there are thermal spa spots where you can benefit from healing thermal waters and healing mud baths.

The flavours of Alaçatı

Alaçatı has become a true gourmet town with its many restaurants offering both traditional Aegean flavours and modern cuisine cooked with local herbs and products. The region’s ever-richer vineyards can also be visited.
The colourful local market set up on Saturdays and the fish auction held publicly every day are Alaçatı experiences not to be missed.
The Alaçatı Herb Festival held every April, and the Lost Flavours Festival held twice a year (June, October) since 2014, are enjoyable and colourful events aimed at preserving and celebrating local and traditional flavours.

Art and other activities in Alaçatı

Alaçatı hosts many galleries and creative artists and craftspeople, and you can also enjoy browsing its antique shops, design boutiques and small shops selling local products.

Places to visit near Alaçatı

Alaçatı is in an excellent central location for exploring the region. From here you can easily make trips to the beaches and thermal springs of Ilıca, the Çeşme Peninsula, the ancient ruins of Erythrai in Ildırı, the marina and fish restaurants in Dalyan village, Karaburun and İzmir.
The famous ancient city of Ephesus and Selçuk, the House of the Virgin Mary, and Bergama to the north are important historic centres that can be visited on day trips.
There are also day trips or longer excursions from Çeşme to the Greek island of Chios.