Alaçatı is a neighbourhood of Çeşme known for its stone houses, windsurfing and Saturday market, reached in 1–1.5 hours by private car from Izmir Airport. It lies 76 km from Izmir city centre and 8.6 km from Çeşme town centre, and suits anything from a short weekend to a long summer holiday.
What Is There to Do in Alaçatı?
The top things to do in Alaçatı are walking its stone streets, trying windsurfing and browsing the Saturday market. In short:
- An evening walk and dinner in the narrow streets lined with stone houses.
- Sunset in front of the windmills, the symbol of the town.
- A windsurfing lesson in Alaçatı bay, or simply watching the surfers.
- Shopping for Aegean herbs, cheese and handmade goods at the Saturday market.
- Herb dishes and a generous village breakfast.
Where Do Alaçatı's Stone Houses Come From?
Alaçatı's present character began to take shape in the 18th century, when Hacı Memiş Ağa, the local notable, brought workers from Chios and the surrounding area to drain the town's marsh. In 1904 Alaçatı had a population of about 15,000, all of them Greek, and most of the stone houses are a legacy of that period.
After the population exchange, migrants from Kavala, Kastoria, Veria and the Karacaova area settled in the town, and the name Alaçatı has been in use since 1928. Today many of the stone houses serve as boutique hotels, restaurants and cafés.
Why Is Alaçatı So Famous for Windsurfing?
Thanks to its steady wind and shallow water, Alaçatı is a favoured centre both for learning windsurfing and for international races. The part of the bay close to the shore is shallow, so beginners can take lessons standing on the bottom, while the open water gives experienced surfers room for speed.
Racing reinforced the town's international reputation: from 9 to 14 August 2010 Alaçatı hosted a stop of the PWA Slalom World Cup, attended by windsurfers from 35 countries. The surf schools along the bay offer everything from beginner lessons to equipment rental.
Where to Stay in Alaçatı?
There are two main options for staying in Alaçatı: boutique hotels converted from stone houses, or places close to the surf bay. The town centre is more practical if you want to walk to dinner in the evening; the bay side suits those who want to be on the water early.
In the summer season boutique hotels fill up, so book early. Most stone streets in the centre are narrow, so if you arrive with luggage, confirm in advance that a car can reach the hotel door.
What to Eat in Alaçatı?
The signature of Alaçatı's cuisine is the wild Aegean herbs picked in spring. This tradition is celebrated every spring since 2010 at the Alaçatı Herb Festival.
On Saturday mornings the Alaçatı Market set up along 13000 Street is a good stop for herbs, village cheese and mastic. If you are curious about the peninsula's street food, see our Çeşme kumru guide.
How Do You Get from the Airport to Alaçatı?
By road, Alaçatı is about 80 km from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport and the drive takes 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic. If you travel with a surfboard, a bicycle or a large family's luggage, mention it when booking so that a vehicle of the right size is arranged.
You can book your car and driver on our Izmir Airport to Alaçatı transfer page; the driver tracks your flight and drops you at the door of your hotel in the stone streets.
Who Is Alaçatı Suitable For?
Alaçatı is a great fit for couples, groups of friends, surfers and food lovers. The shallow water of the bay is an advantage for families with children, but on summer evenings the central streets can be crowded and loud. Those looking for a quiet, calm beach holiday should choose spring or September instead of summer, or head for the quieter bays of the peninsula.
Alaçatı combines easily with the rest of the peninsula: for beaches see our things to do in Çeşme guide, for an ancient city see our Erythrai guide, and for vineyards and food see our Urla guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Alaçatı from Izmir?
Alaçatı is 76 km from Izmir city centre. From Izmir Airport the road is about 80 km and takes 1–1.5 hours.
How far is Alaçatı from Çeşme?
Alaçatı is 8.6 km from Çeşme town centre, a short drive away.
Which day is the Alaçatı market held?
The Alaçatı Market is set up every Saturday morning along 13000 Street.
Do you need experience to learn windsurfing in Alaçatı?
No. The part of the bay near the shore is shallow, so the surf schools also give beginner lessons to people with no experience at all.
Is Alaçatı worth visiting in winter?
Yes, but it is very different from summer: the neighbourhood, home to about 10,500 people according to 2024 data, quietens down in winter and some hotels and restaurants close. Spring is the best time for an Alaçatı without the crowds.