Cesme Holidays – A beach-worshipper’s Mecca

A charming coastal town located on the western tip of Turkey, Cesme has become hugely popular with those seeking beach holidays in the Mediterranean. The town boasts miles of golden sandy beaches nearby, with Pirlanta Plaj just south of the town and the superb Altinkum Plaj (Golden Beach), one of the most beautiful in the area, also in the vicinity. There are also beaches particularly suited to watersports for those after a more active holiday, such as Alacati, which is remote, windswept and perfect for windsurfing or wakeboarding. The calm, shallow waters of Buyuk Plaj beach in Ilica, warmed by natural thermal springs, make a great family holiday seaside day out for those with children. There are even ‘trendy’ beaches complete with private beach clubs, such as the exclusive Seaside Beach Club at Piyade Cove. For a fantastic sun holiday with far more choice than your average seaside holiday, book a break in Cesme.

Beaches
The beaches at Cesme are some of the best in the Izmir region of Turkey. Pirlanta Plaj is long stretch of golden sand and Altinkum Plaj, known as Golden Beach is similar – sandy, with crystal clear waters! Buyuk Plaj is an idyllic beach of white sands and warm waters heated by thermal springs. Cark Plaj with its shallow waters is really safe to swim in, so if you have the kids with you on a family holiday, this is an ideal spot.

Water Sports
The beaches at Cesme are perfect for water sports. Famous for their excellent windsurfing conditions, expert surfers flock to Pirlanta Plaj. International windsurfing contests are held at Cesme every year. Other popular activities on Cesme beaches are sailing, surfing and water-skiing. You will also find a diving centre at Cesme so you can take lessons in diving or if you are already a diver, you can hire the equipment there.

Cesme
The main square is worth a visit, hosting a range of restaurants, tea houses and bars. Go and hang out and soak up the atmosphere. Why not a drink to watch the beautiful sunset views of the Aegean Sea? Perfect! There is also a market on Sunday, and an even better market in Alacati, on a Saturday.

Sightseeing
Check out Cesme’s small fortress that has now been restored, and has a local museum as well. This can be seen from the square and is a landmark in the town. You might be lucky enough to catch some annual festivals such as the Cesme Sea Festival Song Contest. The Roman amphitheatre will be of historic interest and regularly hold music concerts.

Mineral Baths
Cesme is famous for its therapeutic hot mineral springs, located directly on the coastline on the beach. Cesme Hot Springs has modern facilities including baths and thermal pools. With a water temperature of 58C the springs are known to hold curative properties.

Day Trips
Day trips from Cesme should include an inland journey to Sardis, Hierapolis and Pamukkale where ancient ruins sit beside mountains with frozen waterfalls, a definite photographic opportunity. The ancient ruins at Pergamon are worth the journey while Izmir itself holds fascinating museums and a Roman forum. Trips by boat can be taken to the beautiful Greek island of Chios or to the local islands to explore the beaches and stop off for snorkelling. If you fancy a holiday in Cesme, book now with directline-holidays.

Weather in Cesme- Long hot dry summers

The beach resort of Cesme lies in the Izmir region of Turkey, and like all the Turkish coastal resorts, experiences a typically Mediterranean climate, with long hot dry summers and mild wetter winters. The entire region receives a wonderful 300 days of sunshine, and enjoys a long summer holiday season spanning from April to October, when it sees average daytime temperatures of 28C.