Making the most of Cesme
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The dock in Cesme is centrally located, close to the Tourism Information Office.
Printable map to take along.
Çeşme is a coastal town and seaside resort on the Aegean, west of Izmir and on the extreme western tip of Turkey. It is a popular holiday destination, boasting crystal clear waters and beautiful sand beaches.
Cesme is located on a promontory on the tip of a peninsula that carries the same name. The town itself is dominated by the medieval Cesme Castle while the back streets invite a casual stroll with their old Ottoman and Greek houses that charm passers-by. South of the castle there is an Ottoman caravanserai built in 1528 that has since been transformed into a lovely boutique hotel, and check the Greek Orthodox church of Ayios Haralambos to see the current art exhibition. Along with the historical attractions, visitors will enjoy local pleasures, such as a dip in the thermal baths followed by the culinary delights of native fruits, artisan…
Getting around
Cesme is very walkable.
Ephesus Excursion: While not in Cesme itself, the ancient city of Ephesus is a popular excursion for visitors. The well-preserved ruins include the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre.
In town, a taxi is cheap, and the fares are regulated. They are easy to find. For long journeys, however, drivers can charge more than the meter reads. So negotiate the fare in advance. The most unusual transportation in Turkey is called Dolmus for routes that buses don't take. The word actually means "To Fill"; thus, the dolumus leaves when it is full! They are usually a minibus, a jeep, or a van so they fill quickly. A bonus is that they will drop you off along the route.
Nearby places
The Greek island of Chios is just opposite Çeşme, about an hour away by ferry, and thanks to quite frequent ferries can be done as a day-trip from Çeşme. The ferry departs at 11AM from Çeşme and the return trip is at 5PM from Chios (4PM on Sundays).
Food and shopping
Cesme's main square has restaurants, cafes, tea houses, and nice sunset views of the Aegean Sea. Çeşme's small fortress, now nicely restored as the local museum, looms over the square. The Sunday market is great for a visit.
Money
Turkey's currency is the Turkish Lira. Many shops and restaurants in the coastal resorts and big cities accept payment in foreign currency. But if you are planning to travel to other parts of the country, it is advisable to take some Turkish Lira. With a credit or debit card, you can withdraw local currency from cash machines which are found in convenient locations in cities, towns, and resorts.
Staying connected
A handful of Cafes which offer free WiFi for customers are located in the center of town.
Emergency Ambulance: 112 (all over Turkey) Police: 155 (all over Turkey)
Opening Hours and
In tourist and coastal areas, opening hours are quite flexible and during the summer many shops stay open until late in the evening, seven days a week, leaving tourists to browse at their leisure and escape the heat of the day.