Cesme Marina

The basics

Guided tours of Cesme (some of which include nearby Alacati) undoubtedly include a walk through the historic port district. And while it’s a sightseeing staple, it’s more than a place to check off your list—the marina demands to be experienced. Whether that means hopping a ferry to the Greek island of Chios, savoring an ice cream cone while boat-watching, or popping into boutiques to grab a souvenir is up to you. Many people combine a visit here with a stop at hilltop Cesme Castle.

Things to know before you go

• While Cesme is known today as a picturesque resort town, the area has a turbulent history as the site of a number of naval battles. To learn more about its past, consider visiting with a guide or paying a visit to the Cesme Museum, inside Cesme Castle.

• If you plan on taking photos, consider arriving during the golden hour—immediately following sunrise or just before sunset.

• Don’t miss a wander through the surrounding areas of Cesme’s historic center, where you can see Ottoman-era houses and explore narrow, winding streets (make sure you have a well-charged smartphone on hand with GPS directions, in case you get lost.)

• For a different view of the marina, take a scenic boat trip. Anyone interested in water sports can also find windsurfing rentals nearby.

How to get there

If you’re coming from Izmir, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive down the 0-32 highway. Follow signs for Cesme. Arrive early to find street parking; you’ll also find paid parking available. You can also take a taxi or hop on a bus or dolmuş (shared minibus) from Izmir. The most scenic way to get to Cesme is surely by ferry; Chios is just a 30-minute ride away.

When to get there

To see the marina at its busiest and most buzzy, head here around sunset on a balmy summer evening. That’s when crowds pour in and restaurant terraces fill up, and you can take in stunning views overlooking the port. For a quieter, off-season vibe, avoid the peak months of July and August and aim for spring or fall. Shoulder-season weather may not suit the beach, but it’s more pleasant for sightseeing.

Panoramic views from Cesme Castle

Only a 15-minute walk from town, this hilltop fortress was built back in the 16th century. While it allowed Ottomans to keep a watch out for pirates and other invaders, the castle’s hilltop setting now makes for swoon-worthy views overlooking the Aegean Coast. Even better, tickets also include the site’s Cesme Museum, which covers the region’s history from Bronze Age excavations to Ottoman naval battles.