Holiday Destinations in Izmir

Cesme

I believe Çeşme deserves its title as one of the favorite vacation spots due to its proximity to Alaçatı and its sandy beach. We must also not forget its closeness to Reyhan Patisserie! 🙂

Hotels by the sea in Çeşme are generally pricey and often offer half-board or bed and breakfast options. We previously stayed at Radisson Blu, and while we were generally satisfied with the location and service, I think I expected more in terms of value for money.

Even though we went in September, we were lucky enough to have a wonderful sea experience. Since Çeşme can be windy, the sea can sometimes be wavy. I also swam at the beach next to the Sheraton in July, and the sea was beautiful again, thanks to our luck. If you’re opting for a bed and breakfast option like a guesthouse, keep in mind that the nearby dining options aren’t exactly budget-friendly.

On the other hand, Çeşme’s proximity to Alaçatı increases your options for entertainment, cafes, and restaurants. It’s also a great spot for windsurfing enthusiasts.

Alacati

Even though I went to Alaçatı with an overnight stay, it was during the Herb Festival, so the weather wasn’t really conducive to a beach search. On my subsequent visits to Izmir, I usually opted for evening strolls in Alaçatı. During summer, Alaçatı can get quite crowded, to the point where it can be difficult to walk on the streets.

During the Herb Festival, we searched for affordable accommodations, but the options weren’t great. While I enjoy strolling through its stone streets, visiting its boutiques, and stopping by its patisseries and restaurants, I think a two-day midweek getaway is enough. Of course, there are now many options for those who enjoy nightlife, and I think it became overly famous, partly due to the influx of celebrities. This, of course, hasn’t positively affected the crowd situation. 🙁

Seferihisar

Seferihisar is more of a favorite spot for those seeking a peaceful vacation or traveling with family. The sea is generally calm. The hotel we stayed at had a slightly pebbly beach, but I would still say it was comfortable. The only downside is that there isn’t much around, so you don’t really have options outside of the hotel. The hotel we stayed at years ago and left satisfied has unfortunately seen its ratings drop significantly, so I won’t even mention its name.

Ozdere

Özdere isn’t the right address for those seeking entertainment, but it’s ideal for a calm and seaside vacation. The sea in Özdere tends to get deep quickly, but it’s not something that would overly concern families with children. Sometimes it can also get wavy, but that entirely depends on the winds during the time you visit. There are also some nearby places to explore in Özdere, especially since it’s closer to the Efes-Kuşadası area. For my detailed post on Özdere, please feel free to check it out.

Foca

Foça has stayed in my memory with its restaurants and cafes in the center—and unfortunately, also with its mosquitoes. The sea was beautiful, but getting bitten relentlessly by mosquitoes in the evening wasn’t pleasant at all. Despite the mosquitoes, we were satisfied with the sea, but personally, I haven’t gone back since. I would recommend a day trip to see the stone houses of Foça, or better yet, check if the mosquito problem has been resolved. When I googled “Foça and mosquitoes,” I found a complaint-filled post from 2023 titled “Citizens in revolt.” 🙁