Travel
Çeşme is a coastal town on the Aegean Sea, just a short drive from İzmir, and is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and golden beaches. It also holds a very special place in our hearts, as Ada spent many summers here growing up, and now it has become a place we return to together with Achille every summer. We’re excited to share this beautiful town with you and give you a glimpse of the places and experiences that mean so much to us. Here's a small sampling of the things you can do in the area.
Directions
Çeşme is a district of İzmir, located on the westernmost tip of the peninsula. You can fly into İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport and then follow the instructions below.
For our guests traveling from Belgium: when booking your return flight, please note that direct flights are often very early in the morning. You may also want to consider flights with a connection via Istanbul, which usually offer more convenient departure times. If there are enough guests traveling around the same time, we would be happy to arrange a shuttle service for airport pick-up and drop-off.
Where to stay
ON'LIVE HOTEL ÇESME
The wedding ceremony will take place at On'live Hotel on 6 September. We recommend staying here. For alternative hotel options private message us!
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ON'LIVE HOTEL CESME
Cumhuriyet Mahallesi 4310
Sok No: 1/2, Cesme, Turkey
Join us for pre-wedding activities
Agenda
We would love to share a special local experience with our friends from abroad. Before the wedding day, we invite you to discover Urla, a charming coastal town known for its vineyards and gastronomy.
We will arrange round-trip transportation from On’live Hotel to all the activities.
05.09.2026
Urla Wineyards
Urla is one of the first places that come to mind when it comes to viticulture in Turkey. In its fertile vineyards, international wine grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Alicante Bouchet, Sangiovese, Nero D’avola and Turkish wine grapes such as Bogazkere, Bornova Misketi and Sultaniye are grown. Along the Urla Vineyard Route, we will enjoy wine tastings at three different vineyards.
05.09.2026
Urla Dinner Night
After our wine tasting, we will head to one of our favorite restaurants, Barba Urla, where you can enjoy modern interpretations of Turkish cuisine, breathtaking sea views, and a lovely outdoor dining atmosphere as the sun sets over the Aegean.
What to do
Activities in the area
Here's a small sampling of the things you can do in Çeşme.
EAT & DRINK
İzmir and Çeşme are famous for their fresh Aegean cuisine, with an emphasis on olive oil–based dishes, seasonal vegetables, and seafood. While you’re here, be sure to try local specialties such as various mezze made with yogurt, artichoke dishes, grilled fish and octopus, boyoz (a traditional pastry), fresh Aegean greens with olive oil, and rakı enjoyed alongside seafood by the sea. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast or sip a glass of çay (Turkish tea).
Our recommendations:
Asma Yaprağı – Emphasis on vegetables and Aegean flavors; a home-cooked feel with a wonderful atmosphere
Ortaya – Sharing-style dishes featuring flavors from the Aegean and Mediterranean
5 Masa – Rakı-focused experience with a fixed menu and live music
Kolburano’s – Italian cuisine, best known for its pizzas and sunset view
Yeniyer – Rich selection of mezze and main dishes featuring Turkish flavors; restaurant by day, club at night
Tarla – Famous for Turkish breakfast; restaurant by day, club at night
Fahri’nin Yeri – Fish restaurant located in Alaçatı Marina
Bars at Yıldızburnu – Small seaside bars, perfect for cocktails and wine in the evening
Dost Pide - Traditional Turkish dishes, especially known for pide, lahmacun, and döner
Kumrucu Erol Ilica - Famous for its local sandwich kumru
Tokmak Hasan - Turkish home-style food, casual
Eflatun Alaçatı - Located at the heart of Alaçatı high street, delicious quality food
Kapari Bahce - Food and/or cocktails
SWIM
Çeşme is a paradise for those interested in water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing. With its sea suitable for surfers of all levels. Even if you’re not surfing, the beach clubs along the coast are great places to hang out, with a lively atmosphere, good music, and food.
Our recommendations:
Yuzu – No beach area; access to deep sea from a pier. Great food
Zoi – Beach available; no happy hour. In the evening, it turns into a restaurant, and great food again
Momo - Beach available
Ilıca Beach – Public beach with a shallow, turquoise sea and gentle waves. Best enjoyed early in the morning
Please note: Reservations are required for all beach clubs. Entrance and/or minimum spending fees may apply
EXPLORE
The historic Çeşme Castle stands in the town center, offering panoramic views of the marina and a glimpse into the region’s past. Be sure to also visit Alaçatı, famed for its cobblestone streets, stone houses draped in bougainvillea, and an atmosphere that feels straight out of the 1800s.
Our recommendations:
Çeşme Center (Castle Area) – Historic area around the Çeşme Castle
Çeşme Marina – Great for walking, cafés, and sea views
Alaçatı Old Town – Famous for its charming streets, boutique shops, and vibrant atmosphere, especially in the evenings