16/3/2007 - Cesme-Turkey

Çeşme

Çeşme is a charming convergence of healing mineral springs, excellent beaches, crystal clear waters and sun are perfect for vacationers. It is located 94 km in west of İzmir, on the very tip of the peninsula that bears its name. It was called as the 'little harbor' by sailors, but in the course of time, the area became known as Çeşme (Fountain) due to the increasing number of fountains with ice - cold waters. The Erythrai Ancient City excavated in (the village of) Çeşme-Ildırı, the Castle, Caravanserai and many fountains from Ottoman Period and the other examples of civil architecture in the historical texture of the city compose the historical and archaeological remains of the area.

Today the remains of the Acropolis can be seen on the top of the hill which is in the city centre. Small statuettes offered to the Temple of Athena Pallas were found during the excavations in the Acropolis. One of the most important finds is the statue of a woman belonging to Archaic Age. It is on display in the İzmir Museum of Archaeology.

History

Çeşme is a port of Erythrai Ancient City, was called as Cyssus in Ancient Times. It was an important settlement area in the 6th century BC. The city developed its trade by establishing relations with Egypt, Cyprus and Western Countries.

Climate

The Mediterranean Climate is dominant in Çeşme. It is quite hot and exposed to the winds blowing from the north.

How to Get

By Road

İzmir is 77 km away and is the regions transportation hub. There are two roads to Çeşme. One is a narrow asphalted (77 km); the other one is a modern superhighway (80 km). No matter what mode of transportation is used to get to Izmir, the tourist will find it easy to get the necessary transportation to Çeşme and Ildırı even on the busiest days of the tourist season. The Çeşme city center is the last stop on the bus and minibus routes. There are city buses and minibuses that provide transportation to Çiftlik, Dalyan, Alaçatı, Reisdere, Ovacık and the other beaches.

Bus Station Tel: (+90-232) 712 64 99

By Sea

There are ferryboats between Çeşme and Sakız Island. There are also the Turkish and Greek boats providing passenger service for those tourists who want to land in Çeşme coming from Sakız Island. The journey takes about an hour. For those tourists who want to depart from Turkey, there are passenger services to the Italian ports of Bari and Brindisi. Ferryboats traveling between İzmir-Çeşme-Kuşadası-Greece and Italy stop over in the Çeşme port.

Harbour Tel: (+90-232) 712 60 05

Don't Leave Without

Seeing the International Çeşme Music Festival,

Bathing in the thermal springs of Çeşme,

Tasting the olives, and the wine made from the grapes of Çeşme

Contact Information

Head Official's Office: (+90-232)712 66 15 - 712 68 41

Provincial Directorate of Information: (+90-232) 712 66 53

Municipality: (+90-232) 712 71 58

Police: (+90-232) 723 02 34

Hospital: (+90-232) 712 07 77