Alaçatı, one of Aegean Turkey's most popular vacation getaway havens, is a charming town famous for its vibrant nightlife and scenic views in the daytime. There are many cafes, restaurants, bars, and clubs to discover and make unforgettable memories. This breezy town is most popular during the summer season due to the beautiful beaches nearby.
Where is Alaçatı?
Alaçatı is 72 km (45 miles) on the west coast of İzmir near the tip of the Çeşme peninsula (map). There is a wind farm (ranks of wind-propelled electricity generators) on a neighboring hilltop that testifies to the strength and reliability of the winds.
Top Sights
Visitors from all around the world come to Alaçatı for the charming traditional Greek stone houses on narrow, cobblestone streets lined with sidewalk cafes, restaurants, and stylish boutiques.
The most popular activity is to spend the day at the beach and stroll through the bougainvillea-lined alleys in the evening, enjoying local delicacies and browsing through artisan boutiques.
Beaches
There are several nearby beaches popular with visitors. Ilıca Beach is the most popular choice, famous for its long stretch of golden sand and shallow, warm waters, which are particularly appealing to families with young children. It is a public beach that is free to access but has fewer facilities than one would find at a beach club or hotel that offers exclusive access. Beach clubs sometimes charge a large entrance fee so it is best to inquire or make reservations beforehand.
Delikli Koy is known for its secluded atmosphere and natural rock formations, making it a perfect spot for those looking for a quieter beach day, though it is harder to access without a car.
Windmills and Stone Houses
Windmills, one of the iconic symbols of Alaçatı, date back to the 1800s and present a scenic view. Visiting the windmills is free, and you can go there anytime.
The stone houses of Alaçatı are from Ottoman times and still preserve their original structures (except for necessary renovations) with ivory-white stones and wood gates. The houses reflect the village's rich history.
What to See & Do in Alaçatı
Windsurfing
Alaçatı is famous for its windsurfing worldwide. Windsurfers who come for the predictable brisk winds over a safe, wave-less, sand-bottom bay especially choose this village for a five-star surfing experience. There are a few windsurfing courses you can enroll in if you are interested in windsurfing.
Shopping
Alaçatı is famous for its bazaar, in the heart of the village. You can find many boutiques that feature upscale and artisan products, including jewelry, Alaçatı souvenirs, clothes, and local delicacies.
Transportation
Getting to Alaçatı from Izmir is fairly easy. There are many ways to arrive on Alaçatı from Izmir:
1. Getting to Alacati from Adnan Menderes Airport
There is no airport at Alaçatı. You can go there from Adnan Menderes Airport. The first option is going by HAVAS buses, which arrive at Alaçatı Terminal as the last station. They operate regularly. Your second option for getting to Alaçatı is going by taxi.
2. Getting to Alacati from the Izmir Bus Terminal
Located in Izmir, Bornova, Izmir Bus Terminal is in the heart of the Izmir city and easily arriveable. Çeşme Seyahat buses operates from Izmir Bus Terminal to Alaçatı. Depending on traffic, it takes an hour or 1 hour and 15 minutes to arrive in Alaçatı.
3. Getting to Alacati from Fahrettin Altay Terminal or Üçkuyular Bus Terminal
It's very convenient to get to Alaçatı from Fahrettin Altay and Üçkuyular. Çeşme Seyahat buses also operate from Fahrettin Altay and the Üçkuyular Bus Terminal to Alaçatı. The buses are operating every 15 minutes from 6 AM to 6 PM. You can get off anywhere you want if it is on the way.
4. Getting to Alacati by Car
It only takes approximately an hour to get to Alaçatı with your car. All you need to do is follow through the Izmir-Cesme highway and return to Alaçatı exit when you see the signboard.
5. Getting to Alaçatı from Çeşme
It's quite straightforward to arrive at Alaçatı from Çeşme. You should take the Çeşme-Ilıca-Alaçatı minibus departing from Çeşme Centre. Your second option is to go by taxi, but it can be quite expensive.
Cuisine
Alaçatı is one of the best places to experience the authentic taste of Aegean cuisine with its delicious food. As it is a coastal town, it’s famous for seafood and has many restaurants that serve typical food that features olive oil, a staple in the region. There are many dishes that reflect the traditions of delectable Turkish cuisine. You can try an aromatic Damla Sakızlı Kahve (mastic-flavored Turkish coffee), another regional delight.
Alacati is also known for its natural herbs and the Alacati Herb Festival is held annually.
Nightlife
Alaçatı is also famous for its vivid and lively nightlife with its clubs, which are very different concepts and bars. They are mostly open until 3–4 AM. On the other hand, if you prefer something more authentic and cozy, there are also restaurants and meyhanes (traditional Turkish restaurants mostly serve alcoholic beverages.) that have live performances. Note that most bars and clubs are very busy, especially on the weekend.
Lodging in Alacati
Whether you prefer an all-inclusive luxury resort or boutique hotels made of stone, you can find a variety of establishments to choose from. My favorite is the Taş Otel.
Note that summer prices tend to be much higher than during off-season due to the influx of local and foreign tourists. It’s recommended to book early for peak season.
You may prefer to even take a day trip to discover this hidden gem. Many attractions, such as Ilica Beach and the cobbled streets and windmills are within walking distance of the main bus stop.
History of Alaçatı
Alacati Turkey was founded around 1850 when Ottoman Greek workers from the Aegean islands were brought to the mainland to drain malaria-breeding marshes.
Afterward, the Ottoman Greeks and their families decided to stay in this cute and bohemian village. They named their village Agrilia. Very soon after their settlement, vineyards started producing wine for export.
Following World War I, Agrilia underwent a change in population due to the League of Nations mandate, which brought Turkish Muslims from the Balkan countries to the village. The Greek population dwindled as Greek residents were moved to new homes in Greece.
Agrilia/Alaçatı, a little farming community, was left in slumber for many years, protecting the village and preserving much of its charm.
Visit Alaçatı
Alaçatı is a popular summer destination with its lively and colorful ambiance. You can feel the bohemian atmosphere the moment you arrive. There are many clubs and bars to have fun at night and during the day you can stroll around the bazaar and boutiques. This small town on the Aegean coast is a must-see sight for those visiting Izmir, featuring many hidden gems in this historic old town.
-by Tom Brosnahan updated by Duru Nemutlu
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