Çeşme itinerary
7 days, hour by hour · İzmir, TürkiyeOctober–May
- Days
- 7
- Stops
- 33
- Per day
- ≈ 3,300 TL
- First stop
- 07:30
Short answer
The TripWalkers Çeşme itinerary runs 7 days and lays out 33 stops, hour by hour, for October–May. The first three days:
- Day 1 Çeşme centre: castle, bazaar and Greek heritage
- Day 2 Alaçatı: stone streets, kumru and wine
- Day 3 Islands and coves: the sea around Çeşme
Staying less? Start with the first days — TripWalkers uses the opening days of this plan for shorter trips too. Days 6 and 7 are day trips out of the city. Food, entry fees and local transport come to about 3,300 TL a day (excluding accommodation and flights).
Day 1 · 09:30–21:00
Çeşme centre: castle, bazaar and Greek heritage
Culture
Çeşme Castle
Open 08:00-17:00 in winter. Go early in the morning and you can see Chios from the ramparts. The replica ship catapults in the inner courtyard make a good photo spot.
≈ 100 TL per personShopping
Çeşme Bazaar and Greek Houses
Along Inkılap Street, restored stone Greek houses hold small olive oil and spice shops. You don't have to buy anything: walk through to take in the character of the streets.
FreeFood
Sakarya Lokantası
A 40-year-old tradesmen's restaurant with no fixed menu. Ask about the day's sac dish (meat and vegetables cooked on a griddle) and order accordingly. Open at lunchtime only, closed in the evening.
≈ 600 TL per personCulture
Ayios Haralambos Church
A stone church from 1832, restored and turned into a cultural centre, free to visit. Go in if there is an exhibition; otherwise admiring the stonework from outside is enough.
Free- 2 h 45 min · travel, break, free time
Landmark
Çeşme Waterfront and Marina Sunset Walk
In January the sun sets around 17:15. It is the ideal time for photos of the boats along the marina with the castle behind. It can be windy, so bring a coat.
Free- 1 h 45 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Imren Lokantası
A calm place serving home cooking at the start of the bazaar. The olive oil stuffed vine leaves and the casserole of the day are good choices. No reservation needed, and it is quiet in winter.
≈ 550 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Hanımeli RestaurantA family-run place serving home cooking at the start of the bazaar. Choose from the dishes of the day; good value for money.
- Çeşme CaravanseraiAn Ottoman inn from 1528, now a boutique hotel. Its outer courtyard and stone gate are free to see, right next to the castle.
Day 2 · 10:00–21:00
Alaçatı: stone streets, kumru and wine
Landmark
Kemalpaşa Street Stone Alleys
The streets are empty before 10:00 in the morning, the best time to photograph the stone houses with bay windows without crowds. The bougainvillea is bare in winter, but the door colours are still photogenic.
FreeLandmark
Alaçatı Windmills
Four 150-year-old windmills on a hill at the entrance to Alaçatı. It is a short climb, and from the top you see both the town and the sea. Free, open at all hours.
FreeFood
Kumrucu Şevki
Open since the 1980s. Try Çeşme's signature sandwich, kumru, here; the classic with kashar cheese and sucuk (spicy sausage) is the usual pick. There may be a short queue at lunchtime.
≈ 350 TL per personLandmark
Çakabey Neighbourhood Walk
This neighbourhood behind Kemalpaşa Street sits outside the tourist flow. Wander quietly through the streets where real Alaçatı locals live.
Free- 2 h 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Vino Alaçatı Wine House
A boutique wine house in a 100-year-old stone "priest's house" serving 37 varieties of Aegean wine. Ask for a small tasting menu, and they will pair it with a cheese plate.
≈ 550 TL per person- 1 h 15 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Aysel Restaurant
A simple but tasty meyhane-style place on Kemalpaşa Street. Seasonal meze and sautéed wild greens (ot kavurma) go down well.
≈ 650 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Kumrucu ErolOpen since 1980, another classic kumru spot and an alternative to Şevki. It is on the same street, and the bread is a little thicker.
- Çark BeachAlaçatı's surf bay, deserted and wavy in winter. Even watching surfers train from a distance is enjoyable, and the wide, windswept beach makes a good photo backdrop.
Day 3 · 08:00–20:30
Islands and coves: the sea around Çeşme
Landmark
Çeşme Pier Morning Walk
Take a short walk on the pier before boarding the boat. In the morning light the fishing boats make good shots.
FreeNature
From Izmir: Full-Day Boat Tour around Çeşme with Barbecue Lunch
A full-day tour covering spots such as Sek Island, Blue Cove and Kış Limanı (Winter Harbour). Lunch (barbecue) is included. In winter it runs depending on weather and demand, so confirm with the operator before booking.
≈ 4,100 TL per personTickets: GetYourGuide- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Landmark
Dalyan Pier Sunset Walk
On the way back, stop at Dalyan and take a short walk on the pier. The fishing boats and evening light are good for photos.
Free- 45 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Defne Yaprağı Fish Restaurant
A place in Dalyan Village rated 4.7 and known for fresh seafood. Try the fish of the season and the shrimp casserole, and book ahead by phone.
≈ 900 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Ba-Ni Fish RestaurantAn alternative to Defne Yaprağı in Dalyan: another long-established place in the same area serving fresh fish and meze.
- Çeşme MarinaIf the boat tour returns to Çeşme, take an evening walk at the marina instead of Dalyan, with a sunset view of the castle silhouette.
Day 4 · 10:00–20:30
Ilıca-Boyalık coast and Şifne hot springs
Nature
Ilıca Beach Coastal Walk
This long beach is crowded in summer but almost empty in winter. Walk along the shore and photograph the view of Chios, but don't swim.
FreeNature
Boyalık Beach
The 4 km beach is deserted and photogenic in winter. It is ideal for a long walk along the sand in the morning light; there are no beach facilities.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Tokmak Hasan'ın Yeri
In the same spot for 30 years in the Musalla neighbourhood, a tradesmen's restaurant serving doner and home cooking. Pick the dish of the day; reasonably priced.
≈ 550 TL per person- 1 h · travel, break, free time
Nature
Şifne Hot Springs
Sulphurous healing water at 42-55 degrees, ideal for winter tourism. Towels and slippers can usually be rented at the facility. Entry may be a little cheaper on public days.
≈ 500 TL per person- 3 h · travel, break, free time
Food
Ilıca Veysi's
A place in Ilıca known for fast service and good food. The dessert treats are good too, and it is a relaxed option for the evening.
≈ 550 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Yıldızburnu NeviA restaurant by the sea with a stylish atmosphere and especially good meze. A good alternative if Veysi's is full.
- Paşalimanı CoveA quiet cove as an alternative to Boyalık. Completely empty in winter, and good for a shoreline walk and photos.
Day 5 · 10:00–20:30
Ovacık countryside and Çiftlikköy coast
Nature
Ovacık Village Countryside Walk
The agricultural heart of the Çeşme Peninsula. Take a calm walk among artichoke fields and vineyards; no tourist buses come here.
FreeFood
Noni's House
A calm place serving village breakfast and brunch in a garden. Don't miss the homemade jam and the olive oil börek with wild greens. Booking is recommended.
≈ 600 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Shopping
Alaçatı Antiques Bazaar
A local cluster of antique shops selling old olive oil and grain presses and decorative items. It is less touristy than the main Kemalpaşa Street.
Free- 4 h 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Salonis Restaurant
A fish restaurant in Çiftlikköy with a view of Chios, open since 2009. Seasonal meze and grilled fish are a good choice; book by phone.
≈ 750 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Kumrucu HikmetRight at the entrance to Alaçatı and known for its generously filled kumru. A light lunch alternative to Noni's House.
- Ovacık Olive Groves ViewpointA short hill walk through the olive groves around the village. Quiet views after the olive harvest in winter.
Day 6 · 07:30–20:45Day trip
Day trip to Ephesus: in the ancient city's footsteps
Culture
Ephesus
A guided tour departing from Çeşme, covering the archaeological site including the Library of Celsus and the theatre. The site entry fee is usually included in the tour price; check your booking confirmation. The round trip takes about 1.5-2 hours.
≈ 11,100 TL per personTickets: GetYourGuideCulture
House of the Virgin Mary
A small chapel visited as part of the same tour. Be quiet inside; there may be a queue for those who want to drink from the fountain outside.
FreeLandmark
Selçuk Bazaar Short Break
A short break in central Selçuk before heading back. You can see the Isa Bey Mosque and the view of Mount Bülbül from a distance.
Free- 4 h 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Port Restaurant
A quiet place near the marina for a light dinner after returning to Çeşme. After a long day, choose options that aren't heavy.
≈ 500 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Mercan RestaurantIn Selçuk, known for Şirince kebab and olive oil greens. A good option if the tour programme includes a lunch break.
- Şirince Village Short BreakSome Ephesus tours add a short Şirince stop to the route: a brief walk through the stone streets and a chance to look into local wine shops.
Day 7 · 09:30–14:00Day trip
A short escape to Karaburun
Landmark
Sarpıncık Lighthouse
A secluded lighthouse at the tip of Karaburun. The last stretch is a dirt road, so drive carefully. It offers one of the widest open-sea views in the Aegean.
FreeNature
Mordoğan Seafront Walk
A calm pier with fishing boats, almost empty in winter and also good for a short coffee break.
FreeCulture
Sazak Old Greek Village
A ghost village abandoned in the 1923 population exchange, left among wind turbines. There are no clear signs, so mark the location on your map beforehand.
FreeFood
Poyraz Balık Evi
A small fish house in Mordoğan rated 5 and known for fresh seafood. Ideal for a light lunch before heading back; the tour ends here.
≈ 600 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Rakım Sıfır Restoran & PubAn alternative to Poyraz in Mordoğan: another place focused on Mediterranean food and seafood.
- Mimoza CoveA little-known quiet cove on the Karaburun route. Nobody is there in winter, so it is good for a short viewpoint stop.
Hidden gem: Sakarya Lokantası
A 40-year-old tradesmen's restaurant right in the middle of the touristy meyhanes and restaurants of Çeşme bazaar, rarely mentioned in guidebooks because of its plain sign. Local shopkeepers and fishermen eat here at lunchtime, while most tourists walk past without even noticing it.
- How to get in
- In Çeşme bazaar, on Inkılap Street, within walking distance of Çeşme Castle. It serves daily home cooking and sac kavurma (griddle-fried meat) at lunchtime only (about 12:00-15:00) and closes in the evening.
- Local tip
- There is no fixed menu. Ask about the day's sac dish in the display and order accordingly; whatever comes out of the kitchen is what gets cooked. The bread arrives fresh from the bakery at the door, so order extra.
- When
- Open all year. In winter you share tables with local tradesmen at lunchtime. In summer the tourist numbers rise, but the regular local customers never disappear.
- Contact
- Yok - walk-in esnaf lokantası, telefon rezervasyonu gerekmiyor.
Getting around: get an Izmirim Kart
Izmirim Kart is the single card valid on the minibus lines between Çeşme, Alaçatı, Ilıca and Dalyan, and on all of Izmir's public transport (ESHOT buses, metro, ferries). So you can handle almost all the in-town days of the plan with one card. The card is not valid on days outside the district, such as Karaburun and Ephesus; a private transfer or taxi is budgeted for those days. Compared with a single paper ticket, Izmirim Kart is both cheaper and advantageous for journeys with transfers.
Good to know: 7 things that make a Çeşme trip easier
- Although Çeşme is a coastal town, the sea season is closed in January. Many summer beach businesses and some restaurants may be closed. Confirm by phone before you go.
- Most tradesmen's restaurants (such as Sakarya and Tokmak Hasan) prefer cash, while card payment is standard in restaurants and cafes. Carry some cash with you.
- In winter, minibus services are less frequent (once an hour instead of every half hour), so download the BiTaksi app to your phone.
- Tips are usually left by rounding up the bill or at 5-10%. No tip is expected in tradesmen's restaurants.
- In January the Aegean wind (poyraz) is harsh. Dress in layers, and a windproof coat is essential for coastal walks.
- Çeşme is a very calm and safe town in winter. On quiet village roads (Ildırı, Karaburun), traffic thins out in the evenings, so prefer sightseeing during the day.
- Old Greek churches such as Ayios Haralambos are cultural heritage. Be quiet inside; if there is no event, they can also be photographed from outside.
Spending: ≈ 23,100 TL per person for 7 days
- Food7,150 TL
- Entry and tours15,800 TL
- Local transport120 TL
- Other50 TL
Excludes accommodation and flights. 2026 price estimate, per person.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Çeşme?
This itinerary is built for 7 days. With 3 days, do the first 3 — TripWalkers uses the opening days of the plan for shorter trips too. The day trip is on day 6 and 7; skip it on a short stay.
How much does a day in Çeşme cost?
In this plan, food, entry fees and local transport come to about 3,300 TL per person per day. Accommodation and flights are not included. Figures are 2026 estimates.
What time should you start the day in Çeşme?
The first stop is at 07:30. Most days start early so you arrive before the crowds, and evenings end with dinner.
Which places in Çeşme should you book in advance?
In this plan, it's worth booking ahead for: From Izmir: Full-Day Boat Tour around Çeşme with Barbecue Lunch (day 3), Ephesus (day 6).
Which season is this itinerary for?
This page covers October–May. There is a separate plan for June–September: opening hours, the sea and the weather change the route.