Crowned by 19th century windmills overlooking the crystal-clear Aegean, Alaçatı lies serenely on Turkey’s Çeşme peninsula. Dip into chic boutiques, bustling markets and restaurants lining the charming cobblestone streets of Kemalpasa Caddesi. Here is where the nearby ancient ruins, and sun-bleached evleri homes draped in scarlet bougainvillea are as much of a draw as the perfect beaches.
BEACHES
Far from the tourist crowds, with its white rocky background, Delikli Koyu is a pebble beach gem, loved for its sparkling clean blue turquoise water. Alaçatı Yel Degirmenleri beach is a lovely laid-back spot to relax with a coffee and enjoy the view from one of the famous Alaçatı windmills. For a livelier vibe, head to the Beach of Palms, where sophisticated beach bars meet pristine sands. And whatever your skill level, enjoy some professional tuition at the Alaçatı Windsurf School, where the cool, steady winds and shallow sea create the perfect conditions for whizzing across the waves.
FOOD & DRINK
Alaçatı is where slow living and the slow food movement are all the rage. So, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to Turkish cuisine. Start with traditional mezes such as gözlemea, a stuffed flatbread – made fresh in front of you. Tuck into freshly caught seafood, paired with a glass of locally produced rakı, or refreshing şerbet, a traditional spiced fruit drink. And to end your meal on a sweet note with a difference, try sakızlı muhallebi. This silky milk pudding is infused with mastic, a resin unique to the area that lends a subtle, piney aroma.
HISTORY
Alaçatı’s rich and diverse history stretches back to the 17th century when the Greeks settled here – leaving their delicate architectural mark on the beautifully restored white stone houses. Slightly further afield in the legendary Ephesus, you get to explore the most well-preserved, Greco-Roman city in the world. Visit the Çeşme Museum to see artifacts from the Ottoman and Genoese eras. Closer to home, Alaçatı’s iconic windmills and verdant olive groves are a picture-perfect reminder of the region’s agricultural roots and wonderful Aegean cuisine.
Visit the Alaçatı Food Festival that takes over the streets and restaurants in summer. Along with live music, entertainment, and other cultural events, you could also join one of the cooking workshops run by renowned chefs.
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