Adventure
Exploring the Charm of Çeşme, Turkey
A couple of days later, we arrive at our second destination in Turkey, Çeşme (Cesme). I must say, after walking around Kuşadası, I was fully prepared this time for the aggressive haggling by every shopkeeper and restaurant owner. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet the port was as I walked into town along the marina and past the old castle. Çeşme is not a large port, but it has a certain charm; the locals are much calmer and respectful, and they are more than happy not to hassle you.
Discover Çeşme, Turkey: enjoy the marina, delightful coffee, lively bakeries, and fresh seafood in this charming coastal town!
Weather
I recommend visiting Çeşme all year long; however, the best time is between May and July.
Month High / Low ()°C)
January 15° / 7°
February 16° / 8°
March 18° / 9°
April 22° / 12°
May 25° / 16°
June 30° / 21°
July 31° / 23°
August 31° / 23°
September 29° / 20°
October 24° / 15°
November 20° / 12°
December 16° / 8°
Savouring the Local Coffee and Cheesecake
My first stop on all my trips is a good coffee; my research hadn’t been extensive, purely because there didn’t seem to be that many options. No 50 Coffee Mood—you read that right—took me some time to find, and I almost stumbled upon it by accident. We were the day’s first customers, and as we walked in, the owners quickly downed their dregs of coffee and welcomed us in.
The coffee machines and grinders here are quite impressive, which is always a good sign. Additionally, the place is spotless. The coffee menu is small, as is the breakfast selection. Since I’m not a fan of strong coffee, I avoid the strong Turkish coffee and order a cappuccino instead. We also ordered a cheesecake, which was very good indeed.
I had bought some ingredients for my cooking demos (see recipes), so I wanted to find a deli or local market shop and wandered up the main street. One thing I’ve noticed about the places I’ve visited in Turkey is the number of small bakery shops. Pretty much every street has at least five or six, sometimes located next to each other. Each of them sold Simit, a light bread shaped in a round form and typically coated with sesame; it is sometimes referred to as the Turkish bagel.
There were even small carts on street corners selling them, something I had seen in Athens, too. Poking my head into one of the bakeries and looked around; I couldn’t resist—the smell on the street was so enticing. The young chap behind the counter beckoned me inside. I asked him if I could take a photo, and he just smiled and held up a Simit. They had a few variations here, some with what I think was cheese and some with tomato. We both laughed, and I just had to buy one.
Outside, I just had to tuck in; they are still warm. Honestly, it was simply a dough, not chewy at all, and coated in lots of sesame, but it was delicious.
Discovering Delicacies at Tugba Deli
A little further down the street, I discover a wonderful deli called Tugba, and it’s exactly what I was searching for. Walking into the shop, I’m truly impressed by the incredible variety of what they offer. I’d say they’ve about 40 types of Lokum (Turkish Delight), along with dried nuts, seeds, fruits, spices, saffron, and molasses – you name it, they’ve got it. I happily spend half an hour browsing, chatting, and sampling some treats. Picking up some pomegranate molasses to enhance my aubergine dish and some sumac for my flatbreads. I love sumac- the ground berries give a lovely tangy flavour and add a vibrant.
"Vibrant flavours meet sun-kissed shores, creating the ultimate island escape."
Relishing Seafood in Dalyankoy
Off to lunch, I found a restaurant about a 20-minute taxi ride to the village of Dalyanköy, the restaurant Defne Yaprağı Balık, apparently rated as the best seafood restaurant in Çeşme. The town is a small fishing village, and the streets become narrower as we get closer to the water’s edge. Our taxi drops us off and gestures down the steps to the right.
As we walk onto a small marina, we find the restaurant; the one next door has a few guests, but we are the only ones here. It’s a lovely setting, and the place is spotless.
There is no menu, and the owners take us in to show the fish on offer in a small glass-topped counter. We chose Dover soles and then a selection of mezze-style appetisers: fava beans in olive oil, pureed fava with red onions, pinto beans with peppers and chilli, and the thickest yoghurt I have ever eaten. Served with chilli and paprika oil.
As we nibble our starters, a young lad patrols the outdoor tables with a spray filled with water and cider vinegar to deter the local cats.
Fish arrives and is filleted at the table. By the time he fillets mine, it’s cold, but you know what? I didn’t really care. It was lovely, with fresh fish, a warm, sunny day, and an outside glass of wine. I had the best time.
Overall, it was a lovely place to visit, and the locals were very friendly.
must see places
Certainly! Çeşme Turkey, is a beautiful coastal town that blends history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Here are three must-visit places:
Çeşme Castle:
This historic fortress, built by the Ottomans in the early 16th century, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. With its well-preserved architecture, the castle hosts a museum displaying artefacts from the region’s rich history. The panoramic views of the sea and town from its ramparts are breathtaking.
Alaçatı
Known for its charming, narrow streets lined with Greek-style stone houses, Alaçatı is a picturesque village famous for its windmills, boutique shops, and lively cafés. Thanks to its strong winds and clear waters, it’s a hotspot for windsurfing. The village comes alive with vibrant festivals and culinary events throughout the year.
Ilıca Beach
This stunning beach is renowned for its white sands and thermal springs that flow into the sea, creating a unique swimming experience. It is family-friendly, featuring shallow waters ideal for children, and provides a variety of water sports and seaside dining options.
Where to eat
Ferdi Baba Restaurant
Ferdi Baba is nestled along the picturesque marina in Alaçatı, famous for its fresh seafood and exquisite mezes. The restaurant blends traditional Aegean flavours with a warm, charming atmosphere, making it ideal for a leisurely meal by the sea.
Website: https://ferdibaba.com.tr/
Asma Yaprağı
Located in the heart of Alaçatı, Asma Yaprağı offers an authentic taste of Turkish cuisine. Known for its home-style dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, the restaurant provides a cosy and inviting ambience that evokes a traditional Turkish home. Enjoy their famous dolmas and other flavourful specialities.
Website: https://asmayapragi.com.tr/
Dalyan Meyhanesi
Nestled along the tranquil Çeşme coast. Dalyan Meyhanesi is a favourite destination for enjoying fresh fish and a variety of mezes. Its vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere is ideal for sharing a meal with friends and family while enjoying the beauty of the Turkish sunset.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meyhanedalyan/
Inspired Recipes
Some recipes inspired by my brief trip to Çeşme, Turkey.
Turkish Roasted Vegetables with Thick Yoghurt
The key to this dish is to roast the vegetables in batches. If you roast all at once, the temperature in the oven will drop, and the vegetables will sweat and not roast correctly. The sauce must be thick enough to coat the vegetables, but not too thick.
This dish is best left overnight and re-warmed. It is great as a starter or a main course. If I’d had vegetable dishes like this as a child, it would have been fantastic.
View RecipeSautéed Chicken with Walnuts & Pomegranate
This dish features tender chicken sautéed to perfection, complemented by the earthy crunch of walnuts and the bright sweetness of pomegranate seeds. It's a delightful taste of traditional Turkish cuisine in every bite.
View RecipeBaba Ganoush or Baba Ghanoush
Baba Ganoush is a delicious Middle Eastern dish that has become popular around the world. It is made from roasted aubergine (or eggplant if you are from the US), tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The aubergine is roasted until it is soft and tender, then mixed with the other ingredients to create a creamy, flavorful dip. Baba Ganoush is often served as an appetizer or side dish, and it is especially delicious when served with warm pita bread or fresh vegetables. It is a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional dips like hummus or ranch.
View Recipe
