Our simple Alaçatı travel guide provides details on the history, geographic layout and what to do in Alaçatı and the attractions of Alaçatı. If you are visiting Alaçatı soon, check out our details on upcoming festivals, such as the Alaçatı Herb Festival and the Raymarine Tuna Masters Alaçatı.
Alaçatı Table of Contents
Brief History & Geography of Alaçatı
Historically, Alaçatı was a quiet agricultural town, but in the late 20th century, it transformed into a bustling tourist destination, partly due to its appeal to windsurfing and sailing enthusiasts. Today, due to their popularity and demand for luxury holiday villas, hotels and infrastructure, the town and the port of Alaçatı are rapidly expanding. Fortunately, most of the expansion is architecturally sympathetic, modelled on its mid-19th-century roots. However, it remains to be seen what impact this expansion has on the delicate natural environment of the Alaçatı Wetlands.
Geographically, Alaçatı Town and Alaçatı Marina are two distinct locations separated by the İzmir-Çeşme Otoyolu (0-32 motorway) and the Alaçatı Wetlands. The charming town of Alaçatı lies between the 0-32 motorway to the south and the district and beaches of Ilıca to the north (separated by the D300, Old İzmir Road). The modern and dynamic Alaçatı Port and Marina is south of the 0-32 motorway on the west side of the shallow Alaçatı Bay and, with the demands for hotels and beach clubs, is now being extended along the south coast of the peninsular on the Aegean Sea.
Alaçatı Town
Alaçatı Stone Houses & Narrow Streets
Alaçatı is famous for its well-preserved Greek stone houses, approximately 300 of which date back 100 to 150 years. These houses create a picturesque setting with vibrant blue shutters and bougainvillea-draped walls. The narrow, winding cobblestone streets add to the town’s quaint and charming atmosphere.
Alaçatı Houses consist of two-storey buildings with thick walls, small walled gardens, colourful wooden window shutters and matching protruding wooden balconies. The houses are constructed using Alaçatı stone, also known as white tuff stone, a natural building material composed of ash, sand and lava created by volcanic eruptions, a light-coloured, slightly porous igneous/sedimentary stone. When extracted from the quarry, it is soft in structure, and when it comes into contact with air, wind and sun, it hardens and becomes a natural building structure. The stone preserves the coolness of summer and the warmth of winter due to its construction, which involves skilled craftsmanship to ensure the stones fit together seamlessly without extensive mortar use. The stone has a distinctive light colour, often a creamy white or pale yellow, which gives Alaçatı houses their characteristic look. Over time, the stone develops a weathered patina that adds to its rustic charm.
Alaçatı Windmills
The windmills of Alaçatı date back to the 19th century and were initially constructed to grind grain, producing flour, a staple food product. During that era, wind power was a crucial element in the local economy, supporting agricultural activities and the livelihoods of the town’s inhabitants. Primarily built from local stone, they have a robust and rustic appearance that blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. Cylindrical in shape, the windmills feature conical roofs. Their sturdy stone walls are designed to withstand strong winds, a characteristic feature of the Çeşme and Alaçatı region. The windmills had large wooden sails that caught the wind to turn the millstones inside. Although many sails are no longer functional, some windmills have been restored and retain their traditional appearance.
The windmills are strategically located on elevated points in Alaçatı, particularly on the hill at the south entrance to the town. This positioning maximised their exposure to the wind and now offers visitors panoramic views of Alaçatı and the Aegean Sea. Many windmills have been restored as part of efforts to preserve Alaçatı’s cultural heritage. These restorations have made the windmills accessible to tourists, who can explore their interiors and learn about their historical role in the community. Some restored windmills have been converted into cafes or small museums.
Michelin-Listed Gourmet Dining, Café Culture and Clubs
Alaçatı boasts a thriving culinary scene that is somewhat more sophisticated than that of Çeşme centre, with numerous restaurants and cafes offering local and international cuisine utilising the seasonal and unique products of the region. Many eateries emphasize farm-to-table dining, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Traditional Turkish dishes, fresh seafood, and innovative fusion cuisine can all be enjoyed here.
As of the summer of 2024, Alaçatı features two Michelin-listed restaurants, including Amavi and SOTA Alaçatı. Michelin describes the chef at Amavi as “…a master of both street food and fine dining – from crispy bagels stuffed with lobster to grilled dry-aged cod with bold sides – and he will be more than happy to talk you through his creations.”. The guide describes SOTA’s ambience thus: “SOTA’s Mediterranean soul is evident in everything from its mosaic tiles to the fresh seafood on the menu.”
While the larger concert venues are at Alaçatı Marina, the town offers several smaller clubs, including Cahide Alaçatı at Kemalpaşa Cd. No. 76, which features cabaret acts, dance shows, artistic performances and live music. Şerefe Alaçatı on 3000 Sokak is a dining club that attracts well-known Turkish acts and offers a fixed menu on concert nights with approximately 130 tables of various price categories. Club Baba Köyiçi on Sokak 3010 is part of the Hayal Kahvesi Turkish franchise featuring dining, cocktails and live music.
Alaçatı Boutique Shopping
Alaçatı is home to numerous boutique shops that offer a curated shopping experience. The town has many small fashion boutiques selling designer clothing, accessories, and unique pieces you won’t find in mainstream stores, often focused on bohemian and Mediterranean styles. Several boutiques specialise in handmade jewellery, including pieces crafted from local materials such as seashells, beads, and metals. Shops in Alaçatı offer a range of home decor items, including handmade ceramics, textiles, and furniture reflecting the local aesthetic, combining traditional Turkish designs with modern touches. For food enthusiasts, gourmet food stores sell high-quality olive oils, local wines, spices, and other gourmet products from the region. Some shops specialise in natural and organic health and beauty products, such as handmade soaps, lotions, and essential oils, often made from local ingredients.
Antique & Handicraft Shops
For those interested in antiques, Alaçatı has several shops offering a variety of vintage items, including furniture, jewellery, and decorative objects. These shops glimpse the peninsula’s rich history and cultural heritage. Handicraft shops in Alaçatı sell a range of items made by local artisans. From handwoven carpets and kilims to pottery and traditional Turkish lanterns, these shops are ideal for finding unique, handcrafted items.
Art Galleries
Alaçatı’s artistic spirit is evident in its numerous art galleries, where visitors can purchase paintings, sculptures, and other artworks created by local and regional artists. These galleries often feature contemporary pieces and works inspired by traditional Turkish art. Such galleries include the Leon Gallery on 2001 Sokak, an art gallery, a library, and a ceramic & sculpture workshop. Kirli Çıkı Sanat Galerisi on the corner of Kemalpaşa Cad. and 3002 Sokak (next door to Bi Tek Alaçatı), an art gallery and café featuring repurposed objects such as painted doors, painted kitchen items, knitwear & fabrics, crafted toys and ceramics.
Arkas Sanat Art Gallery
Location: Alaçatı, 12500. Sk. No:2, 35950 Çeşme/İzmir. Arkas Sanat Art Gallery English Website. Entry is free of charge. Open: Tuesday-Sunday 11:00-19:00. Tel.: +90 850 307 0200.
Arkas Sanat Art Gallery Alaçatı, located just west of the town centre, opened its doors on 13 July 2024 with a permanent exhibition of works by Victor Vasarely (1906-1997). The gallery has exhibition halls and a café on the ground floor. In the centre, there is an event yard surrounded by stunning contemporary even surfaces between two exhibition halls with spatial depth, considering the structure appears to be a single-floor building from the outside. The use of single materials plays an essential role in its architecture, which makes the building strong with its simplicity. Denizli travertine was used on exterior and interior facades, courtyard walls, courtyard floors and hard floors in other open areas.
Arkas Sanat Alacati’s first temporary exhibition, “New Lands”, was prepared by compiling from 29 private collections under the curatorship of Dr. Necmi Sonmez. The exhibition on display between 13 July and 3 November 2024 offers 157 pieces of work from 155 young artists under the age of 40, including works created with different techniques such as painting, sculpting, patterns, photographs, videos and installation. Although the exhibition has an international character, it offers a collection that predominantly comprises works by artists from Türkiye. The gallery will host artist presentations, seminars, and workshops throughout the year. Within the centre is the Monreve Patisserie.
Alaçatı Amphitheatre
The Alaçatı Amphitheatre, also known as the Alaçatı Açıkhava Tiyatrosu, is a prominent cultural venue in the town of Alaçatı. Throughout the year, it hosts concerts featuring a range of musical genres, including Turkish pop, rock, classical, jazz, and traditional folk music. The natural acoustics of the open-air setting enhance the experience for both performers and audiences. The amphitheatre is also used for staging theatrical productions. Local and touring theatre companies perform a variety of plays, from classical dramas to contemporary pieces. The open-air environment provides a unique backdrop for these performances, adding to the cultural richness of the town. The amphitheatre is often used for open-air cinema nights during the summer.
Alaçatı hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year, many featuring events at the amphitheatre. These festivals celebrate local traditions, arts, and crafts, often including performances, workshops, and exhibitions. The amphitheatre is a central hub for these activities, bringing the community together. Workshops and educational programs are sometimes hosted at the amphitheatre, providing opportunities for learning and cultural exchange. These can include art workshops, music classes, and other creative activities to engage adults and children.
Pazar Yeri Camii – Alaçatı Marketplace Mosque
The Alaçatı Marketplace Mosque (Pazar Yeri Camii) is a significant cultural and religious landmark in Alaçatı. Its traditional Ottoman architecture, central location, and role as a community hub make it an integral part of the town’s identity. The structure opened as a church in 1832. It has three naves and a basilical plan, and it was built using the masonry rubble stone technique. This building, one of the three large churches built for the Greeks in Alaçatı, is the only church that has survived to the present day. The church was converted into a mosque after the proclamation of the Republic. It has served as a central place of worship for the local Muslim community and remains an important religious and cultural site. It has a stone façade with a single minaret that rises prominently, visible from various points in the low-rise town. The restoration works initiated in 2009 with the support of the Alaçatı Municipality were completed in July 2010. Separation walls covering the exterior narthex section were removed, and general cleaning and strengthening were performed on the facades. The existing marble iconostasis (screen-bearing icons) was cleaned, and paintings were revealed.
Alaçatı Market (Every Saturday)
The weekly market, held on Saturdays, is the largest in the region, exceeding that of Çeşme’s Sunday market. It is a bustling affair where locals and tourists come to shop for fresh produce, seasonal vegetables & herbs, artichoke, melon, cheeses, olives, spices, lavender, hazelnuts, mastic and jams, local linens and towels, ceramics, baskets and wooden craft items and clothing. It’s an ideal place to experience local life and sample regional specialities.
Alaçatı Herb Festival (April) and Tasting Alaçatı (last held May 2022)
Held annually in April, the Alaçatı Herb Festival celebrates the region’s rich flora. The festival features a variety of activities, including cooking classes, herb-picking excursions, and stalls selling local products. It’s an excellent opportunity to taste traditional Aegean cuisine and learn about the culinary uses of local herbs.
The Tasting Alaçatı Festival was a series of cultural and culinary activities over a three-day period in various locations around the town and the local countryside. These include tasting menus from Alaçatı’s finest restaurants, farm/beach picnics, presentations and seminars on unique local products such as artichoke and mastic provided by head chefs and suppliers, culinary, wine/whisky, craft, environmental preservation and agricultural workshops, art & photography exhibitions and musical performances. Some events are complimentary, while others, such as the tasting menus, are priced individually. The festival seeks to highlight the quality of the region’s natural products and the food and beverage culture while promoting sustainability.
Alaçatı Lavender Park
Opened to celebrate 100 years of the Turkish Republic in October 2023, the 4,000 square metre park just southwest of the town centre on İnönü Cd., adjacent to the 0-32 motorway spur road, is dedicated to lavender. The area is covered with well-ordered and manicured lines of lavender bushes intersecting walkways, seating, an olive tree, and a floral feature, providing an attractive photographic backdrop. Lavender’s native habitat is the area around the Mediterranean Sea, which has dry, chalky/rocky ground; it thrives on hot, dry, rocky, or sandy soil and has an affinity for maritime breezes, so it is ideal for cultivation in Alaçatı.‘Lavender’ is derived from the Latin word ‘lavare,’ meaning ‘to wash.’ Lavender is significant, dating back to ancient civilisations, including the Romans; lavender was commonly used in baths and to scent linens due to its fresh, calming scent.
Alaçatı Wetlands
The Alaçatı Wetland is the nature area between the town and the marina, south of Alaçatı town, close to the İzmir-Çeşme Otoyolu (0-32 motorway). The site covers approximately 250 acres of primarily salt marsh, small streams and beaches; the general vegetation consists of richly diverse, fertile silt sediments and scrubland. The lagoon-like intertidal estuary is formed by the Karşıyaka Azmağı (river), a natural watercourse flowing down from the Alaçatı Kutlu Aktaş Dam (under old İzmir road and the motorway) into the shallow waters of Alaçatı Bay and the Aegean Sea. The wetland provides feeding and shelter for 150 species (recorded over six years) and breeding land for 24 bird species. See also: LikeCesme.com Alaçatı Wetland
Alaçatı Marina
Alaçatı Marina has transformed the town from a quiet agricultural area to a dynamic tourist destination. It has brought economic benefits through increased tourism and has established Alaçatı as a key location for nautical activities in the Aegean region. The marina’s modern amenities and services cater to diverse visitors, from casual tourists to serious yachting enthusiasts, making it an integral part of the Alaçatı experience.
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing
Alaçatı Marina is one of the world’s top windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations. The steady and reliable winds, combined with the shallow, flat waters of the bay, provide ideal conditions for both beginners and experienced surfers. Numerous schools and rental shops line the waterfront, catering to the needs of water sports enthusiasts.
Alaçatı Marina Annual Fishing Competition (September)
The Raymarine Tuna Masters Alaçatı is a competition that has been hosted by Alaçatı Marina seventeen times up to 2023. The competition takes place in mid-September (before 2020 in early October) and is over four days (Thursday-Sunday), with two days of fishing from 08:00-14:00/16:30. The largest single catch, typically of Bluefin Tuna, is often in excess of 100kg (2018 was 158.0kg and 2022 was 154.4kg). Only (non-wire) line fishing is permitted, and fish species include Bluefin Tuna, Albacore Tuna, Skipjack Tuna, Swordfish, Mediterranean Spearfish, Dorado, Greater Amberjack, Leerfish, Dentex, and Pargus. The registration fee in 2023 was €800+VAT, including four anglers and boat mooring for the four days of the competition. See also likecesme.com festivals & competitions.
Alaçatı Port Nightclubs & Music Concerts
Alaçatı Marina has hosted various artists over the years, attracting both local Turkish musicians and international performers. Notable artists who performed at Alaçatı Marina include Sezen Aksu, Tarkan, Duman, Sertab Erener, Teoman, Buena Vista Social Club (Cuban ensemble), and Dee Dee Bridgewater (American jazz singer) and DJ Boy George.
The main music venues are Jolly Joker Private Alaçatı – see website and Kali Beach Club Alaçatı (previously known as Alaçatı Beach) – see website, near the Zigana Resort. Both clubs are approximately 4km southwest of Alaçatı Marina and host famous singers throughout the summer.
Alaçatı Marina is also a key venue for music festivals featuring local and international acts. The Alaçatı Music Festival typically occurs in the summer, usually in July or August. This festival features a mix of genres, including pop, rock, jazz, and classical music, attracting both local and international artists.
Another significant event in Alaçatı is the Alaçatı Jazz Festival, which usually occurs in late summer, often around August or September. This festival focuses on jazz music and brings together talented jazz musicians from Türkiye and worldwide. The event features live performances in various venues around Alaçatı, including outdoor stages and intimate indoor settings.