Photo: Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, Germany (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Source 5 places to visit in the Çine district of Aydın: Alabanda Ancient City, Gerga Ancient City and Çine Stream Valley. Plan your trip to Çine with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Çine is a district of Aydın province in the Aegean Region. The district covers 820 km², and its average elevation above sea level is 79 metres.
During the War of Independence, Çine was one of the rare Aegean districts that was not occupied by the Greeks.
The Çine Stream was turned into a river, according to the legend of Marsyas, after the god Apollo punished Marsyas for playing the pipes. During the War of Independence, the bridges over the Büyük Menderes were destroyed to protect the area from Greek occupation. Gül Esin, Türkiye’s first female village headman (muhtar), was elected in Karpuzlu Demircidere village in Çine. Çine köftesi was invented in the early 1900s by Tahsin Işık and his father, and the first restaurant opened in 1930.
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Photo: Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, Germany (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Source Alabanda, 7 km from Çine, is a Carian city founded in the 5th century BC. The Temple of Apollo, the theatre, the senate building and the agora ruins are the most important structures of the ancient city.
View on mapGerga, in the mountainous part of Çine, is a mysterious ancient city founded in the Hellenistic period. It is notable for its giant human sculptures and rock-cut structures.
View on mapThe valley formed by the Çine Stream offers green forests and farmland, making it a suitable route for nature walks. Ancient remains can be found along the valley.
View on mapThe reservoir of the dam built on the Madran Stream. Nearby villages use it for communication and fish production.
View on mapThe first earth-and-rockfill dam in Türkiye built on the Çine Stream for irrigation, energy and flood control.
View on mapWhile you are in Çine, you can also see the highlights of Aydın province. These places are in other districts.
Çine Köftesi was registered as a protected geographical indication on 29 November 2018 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 397). Product group: dishes and soups. Registered by: Çine Municipality.
Keşkek, made by boiling and pounding cracked wheat and meat for a long time, is the traditional dish at weddings and festivals in Çine.
Thin rolled dough filled with cheese, spinach or potato and cooked on a griddle. Gözleme made by village women on the griddle is the most sought-after treat at markets.
Çine was one of the important centres of the ancient Carian region. The ancient cities of Alabanda and Gerga are evidence of the rich cultural heritage of this civilisation.
Çine is one of the important centres of Aegean zeybek culture. Traditional zeybek dances are performed at weddings and festivals.
Çine's economy is based on agriculture, livestock farming and trade. Olives, chestnuts, figs and citrus fruit are grown. Çine köftesi is the gastronomic brand of the area. The ancient cities of Alabanda and Gerga have cultural tourism potential.
Çine is reached by road, 45 km from Aydın city centre and 80 km from Muğla. The nearest airport is İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (165 km). Regular minibus services run from Aydın.
The 5 standout places in Çine are Alabanda Ancient City, Gerga Ancient City, Çine Stream Valley, Topçam Dam Lake and Çine Dam Hydroelectric Power Plant.
Çine Köftesi, Keşkek and Gözleme are the standout dishes on Çine's tables.
Çine is known for chestnuts and the Carian Heritage. Chestnuts are grown in the mountainous parts of Çine, and Çine chestnuts are known for their size and flavour.
Çine is reached by road, 45 km from Aydın city centre and 80 km from Muğla. The nearest airport is İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (165 km). Regular minibus services run from Aydın.
Suggested visit length: 1–2 days. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.