Alacati on Turkey’s Aegean coast is one of the country’s most charming and stylish coastal towns. With its cobbled alleyways, beautifully restored stone houses, boutique hotels and a vibrant café culture, Alacati is the perfect mix of beach, lifestyle and tradition.
Whether you’re stopping by for a few days or planning a full Turkey itinerary, this travel guide will show you the best things to do in Alacati, the most beautiful beaches, top restaurants, and how to get there from Izmir.
What To Do in Alacati
Explore the old town
The old town of Alacati is the heart and soul of this charming coastal village. Unlike many tourist spots, you won’t find grand monuments or classic sightseeing attractions here. Instead, Alacati’s cobbled streets, beautifully restored stone houses, cozy cafés, local galleries, and artisan boutiques create an atmosphere that invites you to slow down and simply enjoy. As you wander through the alleys, you might feel more like you’re in a Greek island town than in Turkey — and that’s no coincidence. Alacati was once Greek territory, and its architecture still reflects that heritage.
Ornate wooden doors, colorful shutters, and blooming bougainvillea climbing the walls create a postcard-perfect setting, especially in the golden hour light of early evening.
Market Square & Pazaryeri Mosque
In the heart of Alacati’s old town lies Pazaryeri Mosque, a beautiful structure that reflects the town’s layered history. Originally built as a church during the Greek period, it was later converted into a mosque — a rare and striking example of architectural transition. The mosque is free to enter and worth a quick visit, but remember to dress respectfully: shoulders and knees should be covered. Its quiet atmosphere and central location make it an easy cultural stop while exploring the surrounding market streets and cafés.
The Windmills of Alaçatı
No visit to Alacati is complete without seeing the iconic Alacati windmills. Perched on a hill at the edge of the historic center, these centuries-old structures were once used to grind grain and now stand as symbols of the town’s past.
Especially at sunset, the walk up to the windmills is a highlight — offering panoramic views over the rooftops and countryside. It’s a peaceful spot to pause, enjoy the breeze, and snap that perfect Alacati photo.
Ilıca Beach – Alacati’s Most Beautiful Beach
Ilıca Beach (Turkish: Ilıca Plajı) is widely considered the most beautiful and popular beach in the Alacati region. Its soft, white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water stretch for several kilometers along the coast, offering plenty of space to relax, swim, and soak up the sun.
The beach is ideal for families as the water remains shallow for quite a distance, making it safe for children. Ilıca is about a 10-minute drive from Alacati’s old town, and can easily be reached by dolmuş (shared minivans), which provide a cheap and convenient way to get around.
Kitesurfing and Windsurfing
Alacati has earned an international reputation as one of the top wind- and kitesurfing destinations in the world. Between May and October, the area enjoys steady, reliable winds that draw both beginners and pros to its shores. The lagoon is shallow with a sandy seabed, making it especially beginner-friendly, while more advanced surfers will find excellent conditions for speed and freestyle practice. Whether you’re booking your first lesson or bringing your own gear, this is the place to catch the wind.
Day trip to Çeşme
Just a short 15-minute drive from Alacati lies Çeşme, a livelier and more well-known seaside town on the Aegean coast. A visit to Cesme makes for a perfect half-day or full-day trip during your stay in Alacati.
The town’s main landmark is the Çeşme Castle, a well-preserved Ottoman-era fortress overlooking the harbor. Today, it houses a small but interesting museum. From here, it’s only a short walk to the bustling waterfront and Çeşme Marina, where luxury yachts bob in the turquoise water and the promenade is lined with upscale restaurants, cafés, and boutique shops.
If you’re looking to swim, Çeşme Beach is the closest sandy spot near the center — known for its golden sand and clear waters, perfect for a refreshing break after exploring the town.
Day Trip to Urla
After exploring Alacati, consider taking a day trip to Urla, a charming coastal town about 35 kilometers away. Once a sleepy fishing village, Urla has grown into a relaxed yet vibrant destination — perfect for a slower-paced afternoon.Wander through its quaint alleyways lined with authentic stone houses, explore art galleries and cafés, and end the day with dinner at one of the seaside restaurants overlooking the Aegean.
Wine lovers will feel right at home in Urla. The region is known for its growing wine scene, with several local vineyards offering tastings of wines made from indigenous grape varieties. A short drive through the countryside will lead you to beautiful family-run wineries that combine traditional winemaking with modern design.
👉 Don’t miss my full Turkey intinerary with top spots, tips & hidden gems.
Nightlife in Alacati
Alacati isn’t just about charming streets and boutique hotels – it also has a surprisingly vibrant nightlife. When the sun sets, the town transforms: bars open their doors, music drifts through the alleyways, and people gather for drinks, dancing, and good vibes. From stylish cocktail bars in the old town to open-air nightclubs and beach parties by the sea, Alacati’s nightlife is all about atmosphere and elegance. Especially during the high season, the town becomes a hotspot for Turkish celebrities, and the parties often last until sunrise.
Best Restaurants in Alaçatı
Alacati has a variety of first-class restaurants and cozy cafés offering everything from local Turkish dishes to international cuisine. Gülistanca Manti Gözleme: A small, inconspicuous restaurant that serves incredibly delicious, homemade manti. A clear recommendation for anyone who wants to eat authentic manti.
- Sailors Alaçatı: A charming café that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The menu includes plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, and the shady courtyard is an ideal place to unwind. Bonus: It’s also great for digital nomads — the café has fast Wi-Fi and plenty of outlets for getting work done while enjoying a fresh smoothie or Turkish coffee.
- Bumbas Breakfast Club: If breakfast is your thing, this is the place to be. As the name suggests, Bumbas serves up generous and delicious morning plates in a relaxed atmosphere — ideal to start your day in Alacati.
- Pizzeria da Roberto
- Martı Restoran
- Elfatun
- Gülistanca Manti Gözleme: A small, unassuming gem for anyone craving homemade Turkish manti (dumplings). This family-run spot offers authentic, flavorful dishes at great value — perfect for a casual local lunch away from the tourist buzz.
Where to stay in Alacati?
In Alaçatı you will find an wide range of accommodation: from luxury hotels and countless boutique hotels to cozy bed & breakfasts. As prices rise dramatically in the high season and many hotels are fully booked, it is worth booking early or visiting Alacati out of season.
My recommendation
How to get to Alacati
The most convenient way to reach Alacati is via Izmir Airport. There are regular flights from many European airports such as Frankfurt, Rome or Paris as well as from many other cities. From the airport it is about 1 hour by car.
Rental car
The best way to get to Alacati and explore the surrounding area flexibly is with a rental car. This way you can organize your days individually and also make spontaneous trips to Cesme or Urla.
Bus and minivans
Mini-vans (Dolmuş) run regularly between Alacati and Cescme and to Ilija Plaji beach. These are a simple and inexpensive alternative for getting around.
- Departure point Dolmus in Alacati (Google Maps linked)
- Alacati — Cesme: 20 TL
- Alacati — Ilija Plaji: 14 TL
Costs in Alaçatı
Alacati is relatively expensive compared to other destinations in Turkey and is a popular vacation destination for the well-heeled and celebrities. Restaurants, cafés and accommodation can be a little more expensive, but offer high quality. Nevertheless, with a little research you can also find inexpensive options for food and accommodation. Generally speaking, however, those who want to enjoy a more luxurious vacation will get their money’s worth in Alacati. But even for travelers on a moderate budget, Alacati offers enough options to have a wonderful time, especially in the low season.
- Hotel: 40 — 150€ / night
- Cocktail: approx. 8 €
- Dinner: 10 — 50 €
- Coffee: approx. 2 €
Best time to visit Alaçatı
Alacati is almost a year-round destination, but at least from April to the end of October, depending on what you want to do. If you want to enjoy the sunny beaches and warm sea, the summer months from the end of May to September are ideal. At this time, you can look forward to temperatures of up to 30 degrees. However, this is also the peak tourist season and it can be particularly crowded in July and August.
Spring to early fall is the best time for surfing enthusiasts, as the wind offers perfect conditions for windsurfing or kitesurfing at this time of year.
If you prefer to explore the cultural sights or go hiking and are less interested in bathing weather, we recommend spring or fall. During these months, the temperatures are pleasantly mild and you can enjoy the beauty of Alacati without the crowds of tourists.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
May to mid-June and September to October are ideal. Little rain, pleasant temperatures and no mass tourism.
Ilica Beach, Alacati Surf Beach and the more secluded Delikli Koy Beach are particularly popular.
The old town is a wonderful place to explore on foot. A scooter or rental car is worthwhile for the surrounding beaches or day trips. Local public transport is also well developed.
Yes, absolutely! The atmosphere is good, the locals are friendly and helpful. Only in the wild nightlife is it advisable to exercise more caution.
My conclusion about Alaçatı:
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