Cesme is a charming convergence of healing mineral springs, excellent beaches, crystal clear waters and sun, perfect for vacationers. Cesme is 94 km west of Izmir, on the very tip of the peninsula that bears its name. It was called the 'little harbor' by sailors, but with the passing of time, the area became known as Çeşme due to the ice-cold waters in its fountains, which is çeşme in Turkish. The colony of Erythrai, settled by the Ionians in the 10th century BC, is at Karaburun, east of the harbor  at Çeşme and 15 km to the north. The regions archeological and historical remains consist of the ancient city of Erythrai, discovered in the village of Çeşme-Ildırı, and the Ottoman fortified inn at Kale Kervansaray, as well as numerous fountains  and other examples of civil architecture from the ancient city.

Statuettes offered in the Temple of Athena Pallas were found during excavations in the Acropolis located on the top of a hill in the center of the city. One of the most  important findings is the statue of a woman belonging to the Archaic Age. It is on display in the Izmir Museum of Archeology. There is an international music festival held here every year in July.

Cesme's Historical Fountains; To build public fountains in the street is one of the oldest traditions of Anatolian culture. For centuries in this country, fountains have been built in the street, squares and throughfares where crowds gather during the day. These fountains serve two purposes; one is to provide a service to the community, to try to cool them through the hot Mediterranean weather. The second purpose is to act as a memorial to those whose names they bear: in Anatolian culture it is a gift from those who built them to the generations to come, a gesture of goodness. This is also how Çeşme got its name as "Çeşme" in turkish means fountain or water tap.
The fountains, which date mainly from the Ottoman period, can still be seen on almost every street corner. Some of the fountains were named after local administrators, some after rich members of the community such as Fountain of Memiş Ibn-i Ahmed, Fountain of Hacı Memiş Ağa, Fountain of Şerif Ağazade, Fountain of Seyid-i Hasan Ağa, Fountain of Hafize Rabia Hatun, Fountain of Mehmed Kethuda, Fountain of Kaymakam Sadık Bey..

When you come across one of these historical fountains, drink from its delicious ice cold water. You'll be impressed by the beautiful stone carvings on these fountains and you'll cool off.

Erythrai/Ildır and Legends; The raft sailed along the lonian coast until it came to rest on a jut of land called Mesate Burnu situated right between the island of Chios (Sakız in Turkish) and Erythrai. Both the people of Chios and the citizens of Erythrai did their utmost to bring the statue would not budge. A blind fisherman of Erythrai pronunced that a rope made by a man from the hair of a woman would be able to pull the statue from its place, but the noble ladies were not convinced. So blue-blooded slave girls from Thrak were chosen and a rope of their hair brought the statue of Erythrai.

And as well as that, the blind man's sight was restored. An area of town was consecrated for the statue of Hercules and the slave women of Thrak were forbidden to leave this area. In the museum, take a look at the coins taken from the ruins of Erythrai, look especially at the temple and the description of the statue. You will see that the story we have told you is true and you will be in for a great surprise. Another legend from Erythrai belongs to the local gooddess of women,

Cybl : Cybl was born on Korykos Mountain and was blessed by the gods with the power of divine revelation, an oracle. Cybl's father was a mortal started her daughter divining from the moment of her birth. The words that fell from her mouth formed a series and it is said that she lived the lives of nine people, each life of 110 years.

Cesme's Beaches; Along a stretch of coastline of 29 km, can be found the beaches of Çeşme, each one as beautiful as the other. The best features of these beaches are the clear seas and fine sands that are to be found in its innumerable coves. You won't find such fine, golden sand anywhere else in the world! It is so fine that no matter how hard you try to keep it in your hands it will run through your fingers so fast that even an hour glass would be jealous! To list a few of the main beaches of Çeşme-Şifne, Ilıca, Boyalık, Küçük Liman (Little Harbour), Pırlanta, Paşa Limanı, Çiftlik, Ayayorgi, Altınkum, Çatalazmak, Tursite, Sakızlıkoy and Tekke Beach.

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