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Cesme
The Çesme Peninsula, lapped by the waters of the Aegean Sea, lies west of Izmir,
in Turkey's Aegean region. Çesme, meaning fountain, derives from the many
sources of water found in the area. It is one of Turkey's most beautiful
stretches, surrounded by clear blue seas, with landscapes of cultivated fields
of aniseed, sesame and artichokes dotted with fig and gum trees. In the
un-spoilt bays you can swim in absolute peace. Visitors will find excellent
holiday accommodations, restaurants and sports and entertainment facilities. It
is possible also to get to Greek island Chios (Sakiz) with regular daily ferries.
Çesme has an international harbor linked to Izmir with a superb highway (80kms).
The very popular holiday center of Ilica boasts an excellent white sand beach
and the outstanding facilities of the Altin Yunus Marina and Holiday Complex.
The bay here is ideal for water sports, especially windsurfing and sailing;
there is even an International Windsurfing Race held every year in Çesme and
Alaçati, apart from Bodrum. The thermal baths around Ilica are very popular; the
best being located on Sifne Bay. In 146 AD the Greek geographer Pausanius
described these mineral springs as the ‘sea springs’ and claimed that their
therapeutic effects were superior to any other spa in Ionia. They relieve
rheumatism, inflammation of the joints, partial paralysis, digestive complaints,
and infections of the spine marrow. Pasa Limani has a camp site which offers
campers comfortable facilities. Every July on Ilica Bay, the colorful
International Çakabey Optimist Yacht race is held.
Dalyan, a fishing village, built on a sheltered deep water inlet just north of
Çesme, has some of the region's best fish restaurants which border the quay of
the lively marina.
Tourist are attracted by Çiftlik's many accommodations and by a long, sandy
beach (Pirlanta Plaj) just outside of town to the southwest. Camping facilities
are available to the south and nearby stretches one of the area's best beaches,
the Altinkum Plaj (Golden Beach).
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