Balcova, on the
road to Cesme, is one of Turkey's largest thermal spas, with excellent
facilities for guests. Camalti, 15 km west of Karsiyaka, is an area of
coastal marshes and salt fields that is preserved as an important bird
sanctuary - the Izmir Bird Paradise. Enthusiasts can spot many species,
including flamingoes and pelicans. The Yamanlar Camligi, a pine forest
near the lovely Lake Karagol 40 km. northeast of Karsiyaka, is a popular
picnic spot that also has restaurants and a swimming pool. A Hittite bas-relief
is carved into the rock at Kemalpasa (20 km from Izmir) in the Karabel
Pass. Belkahve, the highest point above Izmir, overlooks the Gulf of
Izmir
and is a relaxing spot to enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee. Formerly a
favorite haunt of Ataturk's, it is now the site of the largest statue in
his honor. In the village of Birgi is the Cakir Aga Mansion, a fine
example of traditional Turkish architecture.
The Cesme Peninsula, lapped by the waters of the Aegean Sea, lies west of
Izmir. The name "Cesme" meaning fountain, refers to the many springs found
in the area during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is one of Turkey's most
beautiful coastal stretches surrounded by clear blue sea, with a landscape
of aniseed, sesame and artichoke fields dotted with fig and gum trees. In
the unspoiled bays you can swim in absolute peace Visitors will find
excellent holiday accommodation, restaurants, and sports and entertainment
facilities. A 14th-century Genoese fortress, restored and enlarged by the
Ottomans in the 16th century, dominates the small port of Cesme, 80 km
from Izmir.
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Today the town is a popular
holiday resort with excellent accommodation and restaurants. The 16th-century
caravanserai near the fortress, built by Suleyman the Magnificent, has
been converted into a hotel, while the 19th-century Church of Hagios
Haralambos has been restored as the Emir Caka Art Gallery. Thermal baths
offer a health-onented escape from modern life Excellent shopping for the
finest quality carpets, leather goods, as well as souvenir items is also
possible At night, a lively, fun atmosphere pervades the town, especially
in the restaurants, cafes, bars and discos along the promenade. Cesme
hosts an annual International Song Contest in the summer. Yachts can be
hired to explore the peninsula's splendid coastline. Also, fernes make the
run from Cesme to Venice on a weekly basis. The very popular holiday
center of Ilica boasts an excellent white sandy beach and the outstanding
facilities of the Altin Yunus Marina and Holiday Complex. The bay here is
ideal for water sports, especially windsurfing and sailing. The thermal
baths around Ilica are very popular, the best being located on Sifne Bay.
Cesme Castle
Pasa Limani (Pasha
Harbor) also has a campsite which offers comfortable facilities. In Ilica
Bay, the colorful International Cakabey Optimist Yacht Race is held everv
year in July. Ildiri, a quiet seaside village 20 km northeast of Cesme,
was ancient Erythrai. Those who climb up to the Acropolis at dusk are
rewarded with a beautiful sunset over the bay and islands. Nearby Gerence
Gulf is a pristine inlet northeast of the Cesme Peninsula which can be
reached by yacht or car. The natural surroundings are relaxing while the
bay is ideal for water sports. In Dalyan, a fishing village built on a
sheltered deep water inlet just north of Cesme, some of the region's best
fish restaurants border the quay of the lively marina.
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Tourists are attracted by the
variety of accommodations at Ciftlik and by a long, sandy beach (Pirlanta
Plaj), Just outside the town to the southwest. Tursite camping facilities
are available to the south, and nearby is one of the area's best beaches,
the Altinkum Plaj (Golden Sand Beach). Windmills, some of which have been
converted into attractive restaurants, dot the hill above Alacati, a
delightful and typical Aegean town. Alacati lies to the south inland from
Ilica and the coast. A couple kilometers to the south is a good beach.
Many lovely bays along the coast southeast of the town are accessible only
by yacht, ensuring peaceful and relaxing anchorage in this popular sailing
region Known in ancient times as Clazomenae, Urla iskelesi offers a marina
as well as plentiful accommodation in all price ranges. Restaurants on the
top of Guvendik hill afford a marvelous view of the bay and its islands.
The prosperous little fishing village of Cesmealti is notable for its
simple yet excellent fish restaurants. As you drive along the panoramic
coastal road of Karaburun Peninsula you pass several peaceful bays and
quaint fishing villages Balikliova, Mordogan and Karaburun among others.
At Karaburun, pleasant hotels, tea gardens and fish restaurants sit
between the beautiful mountain backdrop and the clear, clean water. From
Manastir Mountain, you can enjoy an unforgettable view of the Karaburun
coast, the Foca coastline opposite, and the entrance to the Gulf of
Izmir.
On the southern side of the Cesme Peninsula, near the town of Seferihisar,
is the small picturesque marina of Sigacik. This important yachting center
is surrounded by fortifications dating from the Genoese period and is a
good point from which to visit the Temple of Dionysus at the ancient site
of Teos as well as lovely Akkum beach. South of Akkum, the New Neptune
Holiday Village has windsurfing and diving schools and it is the best area
for these sports.
Altin Yunus
Cesme Beach
Also in the
Torbali area, between the villages of Ozbeykoy and Yenikoy lie the rums of
an ancient metropolis. Gumuldur has excellent tourist facilities,
beautiful beaches, restaurants and hotels. Near Ahmetbeyli (Claros) to the
east, stands the Apollo Temple and the remains of the colossal statue of
Apollo. Here you can also enjoy a good fish dinner or a swim at the town's
wide beach. A winding panoramic coastal road leads from Ahmetbeyli south
to Pamucak beach.
