The Central and Southern Aegean Coast
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Central and Southern Aegean Coast - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Alaçatı Beach
The sandy beach at Alaçatı, about 6 km (nearly 4 miles) south of town, is ideal for windsurfing, with strong winds and few waves. Unfortunately, there is only a small public beach here, but many of the comfortable private beach clubs and hotels with private beaches allow nonguests for a day rate. The water is cooler at Alaçatı than it is at other beaches, and stunningly blue over the pale, fine sand. In addition to windsurfing, water sports like waterskiing, banana boat rides, and kitesurfing are available here. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; showers; water sports. Best for: windsurfing.
Alaçatı Plajı, Alaçati, Izmir, Turkey -
2. Pırlanta Beach
The name means "brilliant" or "diamond" and this beach outside Çiftlikköy certainly has seawater that's as clear as glass, gentle and shallow (you can sit in the water and read a book!). The waters are warmer here than at nearby beaches such as Altınkum, and mercifully free of seaweed or sea urchins. The pale, fine sand is usually clean, the beach peaceful, and there are changing rooms. You can snorkel, but kitesurfing is prohibited. If you want shade, you'll have to rent a beach chair and umbrella from the snack shack. There are many motels and pensions near this area, as well as a campground. Amenities: food and drink; parking; toilets. Best for: sunbathing; swimming; walking.
Pırlanta Plajı, Çesme, Izmir, Turkey -
3. Altınkum
For a break after all the history, continue another 5 km (3 miles) from Didyma south to Altınkum, popular for its pale-sand beach. The sand stretches for a bit less than 1 km (½ mile) and is bordered by a row of bars, restaurants, and hotels, all facing the water. At peak times, a lifeguard watches over the 500-yard, Blue Flag–designated public beach (halk plajı), which quickly gets crowded in summertime. There are some Jet Skis and pedal boats for rent at either end of the halk plajı. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming.
Didim, Aydin, Turkey -
4. Altınkum Beach
The name is Turkish for "golden sand," and this beach has crystal-clear and calm water lapping the silky sand. The area has yet to undergo a huge development boom and there are many private and public beaches to choose from, most with shallow waters. You can rent a beach chair and umbrella at many points along the beach for a very reasonable price compared to trendier beach clubs. Amenities: food and drink; parking; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking.
Şehit Mehmet Yolu, Çesme, Izmir, Turkey -
5. Ayayorgi Bay
The most sheltered water and trendiest spot for a dip is at this dazzling turquoise bay named after St. George, Turkey's legendary dragon-slayer. A quick drive from Çeşme center, near Boyalık Bay, Ayayorgi Bay's beach clubs and restaurants are ever-popular with hip İzmirians and Istanbullus. There's no public beach, so plan to hang out at one of the swanky beach clubs (Paparazzi is a snazzy favorite, while Kafe Pi has a more youthful vibe), which metamorphose into beach bars as the sun goes down, often with live music. Amenities: food and drink; parking (fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; swimming.
Off Ayayorgi Yolu, Çesme, Izmir, Turkey -
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6. Boyalık Bay
Just west of Ilıca, Boyalık Bay has a 5-km (3-mile) beachfront of warm turquoise waters and pale, smooth sand. Boyalık Bay has many private and public beaches and hotels, as well as a campground. You may have to walk between summer residences to reach the sea. But once you reach the shore, you will find clear, relatively calm waters over smooth, almost milky-colored sand, with umbrellas and beach chairs available to rent. Boyalık Bay is getting better known, but its relaxing waters are not yet as crowded as Ilıca beach. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: swimming.
Off Altinyunus Cad., Çesme, Izmir, Turkey -
7. Dikili Public Beach
Of the three beaches in Dikili awarded blue flags for their water quality, environmental management, safety, and services, the public beach is the most popular and accessible. Starting just north of the port, almost 6 km (4 miles) of dark golden sand stretch along the water. The beach is well stocked with umbrellas, sunbeds, and people selling refreshments. Lifeguards keep watch most of the day, but not always. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; toilets. Best for: sunset; swimming.
Dikili, Izmir, Turkey -
8. Ilıca
Still a summer retreat for İzmir's wealthy, Ilıca fronts one of the peninsula's most popular beaches, with many hotels lined up along the seafront and unusually warm, crystal-clear water and white sand. The public beach here is large, and has lots of waves, but gets crowded on weekends. There's no kitesurfing at Ilıca beach in summer, but it's allowed in winter, though you'll have to bring your own gear. Jet Skis and banana boats are available. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking.
Ilıca Plajı, Ilica, Izmir, 35930, Turkey
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