Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source 5 places to visit in the Çeşme district of Izmir: Çeşme Castle, Ilıca Beach and Çeşme Marina. Plan your trip to Çeşme with local food, practical tips and transport information.
The district’s population as of 2025 is 51,903.
According to Pausanias, Erythrai (Ildır) was founded by the Cretans. The city, ruled by tyrants in the 7th century BC, came under Lydian rule in 560 BC. The Çeşme region came under Turkish rule in the late 11th century with the Turkish sailor Çaka Bey. It passed to Ottoman rule in the late 14th century.
The average elevation of Çeşme district centre is 10 metres above sea level.
The district’s economy is driven by tourism. Çeşme is one of the country’s leading centres for both domestic and international tourism.
Çeşme and its surroundings have a rich vegetation of maquis shrubland, coastal dunes and farmland under the influence of the Mediterranean climate. Dune ecosystems along Türkiye’s coasts are ecologically important because they harbour specialised plant communities adapted to harsh environmental conditions.
Çeşme Castle was built by Bayezid II in 1508. The caravanserai built by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1529 is one of the typical Ottoman-period caravanserais.
The Çeşme region came under Turkish rule in the late 11th century. The Temple of Athena and a theatre dating to the 7th century BC have been uncovered at Erythrai. Çeşme Castle was built by Bayezid II in 1508.
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Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source Built in 1508 during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid II, the castle overlooks the Çeşme harbour. It houses the Çeşme Archaeology Museum, and the castle walls offer views of the Aegean Sea.
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Photo: Nihat1988 (CC BY 3.0) · Source Ilıca, one of Türkiye's most famous beaches, is known for its fine white sand and shallow turquoise water. Thermal springs rising beneath the beach keep the sea water warm.
View on mapThe modern marina is an important centre for yachting and water sports. The restaurants and cafés around the marina offer a pleasant atmosphere with sea views.
View on mapThe castle built by Bayezid II; today it is used as a museum and is the most visited historic monument in the district.
View on mapAn ancient Ionian city in Ildır village; excavations are ongoing at the archaeological site.
View on mapWhile you are in Çeşme, you can also see the highlights of Izmir province. These places are in other districts.
Çeşme kumrusu, a toasted sandwich of sucuk, kaşar cheese and tomato in kumru bread, is the best-known street food in İzmir.
Wild herb dishes served at Alaçatı's world-famous herb festival are among the most authentic flavours of Aegean cuisine.
Fresh fish and seafood caught in the Aegean are served at Çeşme's seafront restaurants with olive oil and herbs.
Alaçatı is a windsurfing destination known around the world. International windsurfing competitions are held there every year.
The Alaçatı Herb Festival, held every April, celebrates the wild herb culture of the Aegean and attracts thousands of visitors.
Çeşme's economy relies heavily on tourism. The population rises tenfold in the summer months. Windsurfing, yacht tourism, gastronomy and accommodation are the main sources of income.
Çeşme is 85 km from İzmir. It can be reached in 1 hour by the İzmir–Çeşme motorway. İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport is 100 km away. Ferries run to Chios (Sakız Adası) in Greece.
The top 5 places in Çeşme are Çeşme Castle, Ilıca Beach, Çeşme Marina, Çeşme Castle and Museum, and Erythrai Ancient City (Ildır).
Çeşme Kumrusu, Alaçatı Ot Yemekleri and Taze Deniz Ürünleri are the standout flavours on Çeşme's tables.
Çeşme is known for Çeşme Damla Sakızı and its windsurfing culture. Çeşme Damla Sakızı is a product registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected geographical indication.
Çeşme is 85 km from İzmir. It can be reached in 1 hour by the İzmir–Çeşme motorway. İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport is 100 km away. Ferries run to Chios (Sakız Adası) in Greece.
The recommended visit is 2–3 days. The best time to visit is the summer months (June–September).