Çeşme Beaches

With its unique geographical position, there are abundant world-class beaches in all directions around Çeşme. Each Çeşme beach offers something unique, whether seeking a lively social scene, water sports, or quiet relaxation. With crystal clear Aegean waters and beautiful sand, Çeşme is an ideal beach lover’s destination. Within 15km of the town centre, there are over 20 outstanding beaches and bays with more than 30km of coastline.

Being on a peninsula with 360-degree aspect, visitors have the choice of calm shallow long white sand beaches ideal for families, rocky outcrops and crystal waters perfect for snorkelling, constantly wavy beaches well suited for kite surfing, windy bays with less than one-metre depth stretching 700m offshore for competition windsurfing, sea waters warmed by thermal springs, busy organised facilities, on-trend party beach clubs, or remote quiet idyllic spots.

Centre & North Peninsula Çeşme Beaches

Tekke Plajı

16 Eylül, 3052. Sk. 61/A, 35930 Çeşme. Distance from Çeşme (Republic Square): 0.6km. Access: Within an easy walk from the town centre northwest along the waterfront (Hürriyet Cad.).

The most central Çeşme beach, within the urban area of the town, at the north end of Çeşme waterfront. 120 metres long and up to 22 metres wide. The southwest-facing, calm, sheltered bay is mostly sandy with some shale, rocks, and promenade on the south side, as well as a rock protection wall to the west of the bay. Popular with families and residents of central hotels and apartments.

Boyalık Plajı

Boyalık, 35930 Çeşme. Distance from Çeşme (Republic Square): 1.6km. Access: Walking distance from the east side of the town centre or by dolmus in the Ilica / Alacati direction. 5-minute drive along Ataturk Boulevard / Izmir-Çeşme Yolu.

Within the urban development of Boyalik, approximately 2km of beaches are fragmented by semi-restricted access by hotels, collective resident sites, and beach club plots. Stretches from Sk. 3186 (behind Migros MM) in the west, to Sk. 3410 (Altinyunus Sahili) in the east. North facing, long, relatively sheltered bay, mostly sandy, some raised concrete private beach terraces used for sunbathing and dining, predominantly organised beaches, including the Marriott Reges Luxury Collection and Boyalık Beach Hotel.

Ayayorgi Koyu

Dalyan, Ayayorgi Mevki, 35930 Çeşme. Distance from Çeşme (Republic Square): 3.2km. Access: 6-minute drive towards Dalyan. From Mehmetçik Park via Ataturk Boulevard, Sk. 3118, Sk. 3145, and Ayayorgi Yolu. Accessible by Dolmus on Dalyan route from otogar (main bus station) & town centre / Ataturk Boulevard.

500-metre coastline within a horseshoe-shaped cove consisting almost entirely of floating wooden decked terraces for sunbathing & dancing. Several day and night (open until 03:00) Çeşme beach clubs, including Cove, Sole & Mare, Tren (Train), White Beach, Paparazzi, and Kafe Pi. Among the main entertainment centres of Çeşme featuring a summer party atmosphere, well-known Turkish DJ’s and celebrity guests between mid-June and early September.

Kocakari (Dalyan) Plajı

Üniversite Mh., 35930 Dalyan, Çeşme. Distance from Çeşme (Republic Square): 5.2km. Access: 10-minute drive north near to Dalyan Harbour. From Mehmetçik Park via Sk. 3011, Sk. 4202, Sk. 4305, Sk. 4263, Sk. 4248, Sk. 4227, and Sk. 4266. Accessible by Dolmus on the Dalyan route from the otogar (main bus station) & town centre / Ataturk Boulevard.

A 150-metre strip of beach, 40-metre wide, golden sand with an east aspect in a shallow cove flanked by natural rock ridges at water level and a raised wall to the south leading to the centre of Daylan. The bay’s protection from wind and waves makes this Çeşme beach ideal for families, and the extended rock shelves provide a suitable environment for snorkelling.

Sakizlikoy (Ali Bostan Plajı)

Dalyan, 4207. Sk. No:5, 35930 Alev Ada, Çeşme. Distance from Çeşme (Republic Square): 4.3km. Access: 8-minute drive north out of town in the direction of Dalyan, from Mehmetçik Park via Sk. 3011, Sk. 4202, and Sk. 4207. Accessible by Dolmus on Dalyan route from otogar (main bus station) & town centre / Ataturk Boulevard.

150 metres long crescent-shaped sand and shale beach, with a north-west aspect and width of up to 30 metres. At the northeast end of the beach, the coastline is a natural rock suitable for snorkelling; at the southwest end, the shore is directly adjacent to the Cumhuriyet road. Protected by a natural 2km cove, the shallow crystal clear waters are usually very calm, though they often have a fairly stiff breeze. This Çeşme beach is usually much quieter than most beaches around Çeşme but has few facilities, usually just one semi-permanent summer cafe/beach concession.

Altınyunus Sahli

Altınyunus, Trafo mevki, 35930 Ilıca. Distance from Çeşme (Republic Square): 5.6km. Access: 10-minute drive east towards Ilıca. From Mehmetçik Park via Ataturk Boulevard / Izmir-Çeşme Yolu (D300), exit at the sign for Altınyunus on Sk. 3215, then Sk. 3435, Sk. 3467, Sk. 3456, and Sk. 3457. Accessible by Dolmus on the Ilıca route from otogar (main bus station) & town centre / Ataturk Boulevard.

Within the urban development between Çeşme Altınyunus Marina (Setur Marina) and Arkas Çeşme Youth Club Marina, just under 2km of beaches are fragmented by semi-restricted access by hotels, collective resident sites and beach club plots. North-east-facing, long, relatively sheltered bay, primarily sandy, some raised concrete private beach terraces used for sunbathing and dining, predominantly organised beaches, including the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Çeşme.

Ilıca Plajı

Ilıca, 35930 Çeşme. Distance from Çeşme (Republic Square): 8.3km. Access: 15-minute drive east to Ilıca. From Mehmetçik Park via Ataturk Boulevard / Izmir-Çeşme Yolu (D300), exit at the sign for Altınyunus on Sk. 3215, then Sk. 3435, Sk. 3467, Sk. 3456, and Sk. 3457. Accessible by Dolmus on the Ilıca route from otogar (main bus station) & town centre / Ataturk Boulevard.

1.7km of white sand beach, a raised sun deck and a promenade of 0.5km at the western end. With seas naturally heated by thermal waters, Ilıca Plajı was listed in the top 10 beaches in Turkey in the 2019 TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards. The main stretch of beach at the eastern end is between 30 and 45 metres wide, and the waters remain shallow for 90 to 140 metres from the shoreline. The notoriety, ease of access from Ilıca hotels, and many positive beach features make it extremely popular and busy. Parking can be problematic. While the water is clean, there is frequent criticism of the beach being dirty with rubbish and cigarette butts. The most extensive section of the public beach runs parallel to 5221 Sk., between the Swissôtel Resort & Spa (under renovation) and Şifne Cd. Occasional municipal toilets, changing areas and showers are positioned along the back walls of the beach.

Ilıca Plajı
Ilıca Plajı, Çeşme Beach

Şifne Koyu

Ardıç, Ardıç Mah. 5495 Sk. Şifne Mevkii, 35930 Çeşme. Distance from Çeşme (Republic Square): 11km. Access: 20-minute drive north near to Dalyan Harbour. From Mehmetçik Park via Ataturk Boulevard / Izmir-Çeşme Yolu (D300), exit left at Sk. 5193 (traffic lights at Shell Kamer Petrol), then Şifne Cd., Sk. 6000, and Sk. 5495 with Şifne bay on the right side.

A small bay with a little sand beach and the raised sun deck of the Şifne Termal Hotel hotel, totalling 140 metres, is notable because of the naturally heated thermal waters.

West Peninsula Çeşme Beaches

Çiftlikköy Plajı 

Çiftlik, 18. Sk. 35930 Çeşme. Distance from Çeşme (Republic Square): 5.0km. Access: 8-minute drive southwest out of town past the marina and ferry terminal along Hulusi Özten Cd. and Sk. 42 and Sk. 18 into Çiftlikköy centre. Accessible by Dolmus on the Çiftlikköy-Altinkum route from otogar (main bus station) and Marina.

600 metre, thin (less than 20 metres) stretch of sand and shale beach runs in front of the promenade in Çiftlikköy, formally a tiny fishing village, today mainly holiday villas and tourist restaurants. West-facing beach looking directly across to the island of Chios. A relatively exposed Çeşme beach, which can be windy and wavey, is suitable for windsurfing, though not as popular a watersports venue as Pirlanta and the beaches in Alaçatı Bay.

Pirlanta Plajı (Diamond Beach)

Şehit Mehmet, 35930 Çeşme. Distance from Çeşme (Republic Square): 8.5km. Access: 15-minute drive southwest out of town past the marina and ferry terminal along Hulusi Özten Cd. and Sk. 42 and Sk. 43. Accessible by Dolmus on the Çiftlikköy-Altinkum route from otogar (main bus station) & marina.

It is about 700 metres long and 75m wide with a north-facing perspective and golden sand Çeşme beach. Usually, it has a constant stiff breeze and high wave frequency. Due to consistent conditions and shallow waters 250 metres off the shoreline, Pirlanta is known as a world-famous destination for kite surfing. Undeveloped and unspoilt beach with occasional (appear in some seasons) temporary structures service concessions. It is excellent for surfing activities, and waves make the beach attractive for older children and adults. However, caution is required for fast-moving kite surfers, and the persistent winds can make the beach uncomfortable for sunbathing. Adjacent to the beach is the Kalyoncu Camping site, a natural area with few permanent structures close to the beach.

Altinkum Plajı (Golden Sands Beach)

Şehit Mehmet, Altınkum Mevkii, 35930 Çeşme. Distance from Çeşme (Republic Square): 9.3km. Access: 15-minute drive southwest out of town past the marina and ferry terminal along Hulusi Özten Cd. and Sk. 42 and Sk. 43. Accessible by Dolmus on the Çiftlikköy-Altinkum route from otogar (main bus station) & marina.

A series of three white sand beaches, separated by low rock formations, totalling over 2 km, are in parts over 70 metres wide and backed by dunes. The south-facing perspective is relatively exposed, but typically, it is a very calm sea with few waves and only gentle breezes. The beach is usually much quieter than those on the northern peninsular and Alaçatı, with natural surroundings and several temporary cafes, beach loungers & parasol concessions in the summer. Idyllic surroundings, shallow waters, fine white sands along most of the beach, underwater close to shoreline some pebbles and rocks. The calm sea, offshore rock formations and plentiful fish make Altinkum Plajı ideal for snorkelling. With the southwest location of the beach and exposure to open sea currents, the water can be slightly cooler, but not uncomfortable, than other beaches. Many parking lots to the rear of the beach clubs are extremely popular and can be fully occupied, so it is highly advised to arrive earlier in the day. Beaches are accessible by dolmuş from the city centre (near the marina) or otogar.

Azmak Koyu

Ovacık Mah., Azmak Koyu, 35930 Çeşme. Distance from Çeşme (Republic Square): 8.5km. Access: 15-minute drive southeast out of town to Ovacik, in or before Ovacık cross through a tunnel under O-32, south on the adjacent road to the west of 0-32, 200 metres after Sakızlak Çeşme Kahvaltı & Mangal take the right fork in the road and follow this unnamed road towards the coastline.

Also known as Ovacık Beach and Sunset Beach, it is a 1.3km long stretch of continuous beach in parts up to 100 metres wide with westward and south-west perspectives. Mainly white sands at the northern end, turning to shale, pebbles, then rocks at the southern end.

Cennet Koyu (Paradise Bay)

Güvercinlik Koyu, Ovacık, 35930 Çeşme. Distance from Çeşme (Republic Square): 12km. Access: 20-minute drive southeast out of town to Ovacik, in or before Ovacık cross through a tunnel under O-32, follow next to O-32 south to Çeşme Bağcılık Tarım Vineyard and at the entrance before vineyard take the right fork to coastline road towards Port Alacati, exiting to bay at Ser-tur Sitesi.

Also known as Güvercinlik Koyu (Pigeon House Bay) and Kleopatra Koyu (Cleopatra Bay). 150 metres long crescent bay, 40 metres wide at the mid-point. South-facing perspective, crescent sand beach in a bay surrounded by steep rock cliffs.

Southern Peninsula Çeşme Beaches

Alaçatı Körfezi – Çark Plajı

Alaçatı, Uğur Mumcu Cd. 16/a, 35930 Alaçatı. Distance from Çeşme (Republic Square): 14km. Access: 25-minute drive south-east via Alaçatı town. From Mehmetçik Park via Ataturk Boulevard / Izmir-Çeşme Yolu (D300), exit right at signs for Alaçatı onto Rıza Ertan Cd., Sk. 1500/2500, under the Izmir motorway (0-32) and bypass Port Alaçatı Marina on the dual carriageway to Design Plus Seya Beach Hotel.

300-metre south-facing white sand beach with a width of 40 metres at the southern end of the Alaçatı Bay’s beaches, surf and beach clubs between Port Alaçatı Marina. At the west end of the beach is the Design Plus Seya Beach Hotel, water entertainment concessions such as banana boats and jet skis, and the east end is occupied by the Alaçatı 11 Beach Club.

Piyade Koyu Plajı

Alaçatı, 35930 Çeşme. Distance from Çeşme (Republic Square): 15km. Access: 30-minute drive south-east via Alaçatı town. From Mehmetçik Park via Ataturk Boulevard / Izmir-Çeşme Yolu (D300), exit right at signs for Alaçatı onto Rıza Ertan Cd., Sk. 1500/2500, under the Izmir motorway (0-32) and bypass Port Alaçatı Marina on the dual carriageway; after the dual carriageway finishes, continue on the same road 3km southwest until Resort Zigana Hotel.

South-facing Piyade Koyu is nestled in a picturesque bay surrounded by gentle hills and lush vegetation, creating a secluded and peaceful atmosphere. The beach is a mix of soft sand and pebbles, and the sea is typically calm, clear, and shallow near the shore, making it ideal for swimming and relaxing.

Delikli Koy (Hollow Cave Bay)

Delikli Koy, Ovacık, 35930 Çeşme. Distance from Çeşme (Republic Square): 12km. Access: 20-minute drive southeast out of town to Ovacik, south to Çeşme Bağcılık Tarım Vineyard and at the entrance before the vineyard take the right fork to the coastline road towards Port Alaçatı, exiting to bay at first turning after Paradiso Beach Club. With the construction of the Port Alaçatı bypass, the road via Alaçatı from the east can provide quick access.

An attractive and popular south-facing three-bay public beach extending approximately 300 metres, high sandstone cliffs protect the westmost bay somewhat from the wind. The beach has soft white sands, with rock outcrops separating the three inlets and shallow rock shelves that are interesting for snorkelling. The “hollow cave” is a small arched gap in the rock formation in the sea on the rock outcrop that separates the central and west bay. Rock areas have many sea urchins, so it is not ideal for young children without sea shoes. Parking on and adjacent to the main road and parking closer to the beaches can be challenging to access. No public or food & drink facilities except beach vendors.

See also: LikeCesme.com Beach Clubs