The classic question for anyone staying in İzmir who wants to swim: "Can you go to Çeşme and come back the same day?" The answer: easily. From Bornova you join the motorway immediately, and the Çeşme peninsula is about an hour away. Going for the day also spares you the high cost of staying in Çeşme in high season. Here is a plan that works hour by hour.
Morning: The Streets of Alaçatı and Breakfast
Start early — for two reasons: Alaçatı is both cooler and quieter in the morning, and the crowds build considerably towards midday. Walk among the stone houses, bougainvillea-covered streets and boutique windows, and have breakfast at one of Alaçatı's well-known breakfast houses. At weekends, be ready to queue at popular places, or try to book.
Midday: Which Beach Suits You?
The Çeşme peninsula has a beach for every taste. Ilıca Beach: kilometres of shallow, warm water — ideal for families with children. Altınkum: the most photogenic option, with sands that live up to the name ("golden sand") and turquoise coves. Pırlanta and Çatalazmak: windy, and therefore the address for surfers and kitesurfers. The surf schools in Alaçatı also give beginners' lessons, which makes a wonderful first experience. Sunbed charges at beach clubs vary; there are public beach sections too.
Afternoon: Çeşme Centre and the Castle
After the beach, stop for ice cream in central Çeşme and walk around the marina. If you have time, climb up to the 16th-century Çeşme Castle for both history and harbour views. Eating the famous kumru sandwich in its home town is another essential.
Evening: The Drive Back
Think ahead about the hours when summer weekend return traffic builds: leaving the beach around 17:00, catching the sunset at Çeşme Marina and then setting off is the most balanced plan. The motorway gets you back to Bornova comfortably in the evening; leave the car in your hotel's free car park and take a hot shower.
If You Do Not Have a Car
Do not worry: there are regular buses from İzmir's intercity terminal to Çeşme, and minibuses run from Çeşme terminal to Alaçatı and the beaches. Our hotel is 4 km from the terminal, so an early start is easy.
Why Base Yourself in Bornova?
In high season, accommodation prices in Çeşme and Alaçatı run to several times those in central İzmir. Staying in Bornova and going to the sea for the day protects your budget and means you do not give up the city's conveniences in the evening — restaurants, a pharmacy, a supermarket. For the next day, Urla or our other beach routes are waiting.
For reservations and information: (0232) 461 95 95 — view our rooms in the gallery, or find us on our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit Çeşme from İzmir in a day?
Yes — it takes about an hour on the motorway, so going in the morning and returning in the evening is very common. Those without a car can use the Çeşme buses from the intercity terminal.
Which beach should I go to in Çeşme?
Ilıca for families, with its shallow, warm water; Altınkum for photographs and beautiful coves; and the windy beaches on the Alaçatı side for surfing.
When is the best time to visit Alaçatı?
Early morning is both cooler and quieter; the crowds build in the afternoon. Weekdays are far more relaxed than weekends.