Türkiye: Alaçati & the Aegean

 I asked my sister how she wanted to celebrate her 40th birthday.   

 "I want to go to Türkiye."  

Door, Alaçati 

The Itinerary:

5 days on our own & 6 days with Tamam tour.

Tamam was gracious in accommodating travel dates, a delicate dance of maximizing school's Fall Break & returning just in time to Gallery 202 for Third Friday!

Alaçati

October was an awesome time to go.  We had perfect weather.  Daytime temps in the 70s, sunny, able to swim in the sea, able to dine outdoors comfortably, dreamy! 

Link to the map of most of the places visited, note a few extra places are bookmarked for next time


Thursday, October 6th: Flights: Turkish Air: Detroit -> Toronto -> Istanbul -> Izmir bus -> Alacati 
Friday, October 7th: Alaçati, Morisi Avlu
Saturday, October 8th: Alaçati, Morisi Avlu
Sunday, October 9th: Alaçati, Morisi Avlu 
Monday, October 10th: bus -> Izmir & flight Izmir -> Istanbul & Private transfer to Hotel Peradays
Tuesday, October 11th: Istanbul, Hotel Peradays
Wednesday: October 12th: Istanbul, The Bank Hotel
Thursday, October 13th: Istanbul, The Bank Hotel
Friday, October 14th: Istanbul, The Bank Hotel
Saturday, October 15th: private transfer to airport, Turkish Air: Istanbul -> Konya, Hich Hotel
Sunday, October 16th: Konya, Hich Hotel
Monday, October 17th: Cappadocia, Kilim Pension, Uçhisar
Tuesday, October 18th: Cappadocia, Kilim Pension, Uçhisar
Wednesday, October 19th: private transfer to Neveshir Airport -> Istanbul -> Boston -> Detroit 

Alaçati

Iconic Stone Windmills in Alaçati built in the 1850s

Friends (favorite Turkish Towel designers, Together Textiles) recommended Alaçati and it was the perfect jumping-off point for the trip: charming streets to wander, beautiful doors, colorful murals, stylish cafes, & close to the sea for sunny naps to fend off jet lag.  

Detail of floral mural in Alaçati

Alaçati is situated on the Çeşme Peninsula and easily accessible by a 45-minute bus ride from the Izmir Airport. The Havaş Bus was easy to find, comfortable, had plenty of room for luggage, and was inexpensive (around $8 one-way).

Alaçati

One of my favorite things to do in a new place is take an early morning walk.  I love seeing what the quieter times look like and watching the morning hustle and bustle.  In Alaçati, turns out, there is a massive Saturday Bazaar selling anything and everything, from produce to underwear.  I love a market.

Farmers Market 

Bread Delivery 

Turkish Towels

Gourds + Sunshine

Blooms + Olives

Carrie Lee found a charming B & B, Morisi Avlu, that featured an open-air, tiled courtyard where the first of many beautiful Turkish breakfasts was served.

Serene courtyard at Morisi Avlu 

Charming Morisi Avlu 

delectable breakfast spread at Morisi Avlu 

Alaçati is definitely geared towards tourists but was welcoming, beautiful, easy to navigate, and close (short, inexpensive bus ride less than $1.00) to the beach. 

Alaçati

First time at the Aegean, Ilica beach - noticed that locals were smearing sand on their faces spa spa-style so naturally, we joined in.  The seabed at Ilica Beach is fed with thermal springs and you could feel the warm waters rising in spots.  Incredible.  

The Aegean from Ilica Beach

Beach Club 

Took the bus over to Çeşme for lunch and to check out Çeşme Castle (built in 1508) and enjoyed the introduction to Turkish artifacts, old coins, ceramic vessels, and views.

Lunch spot in Çeşme

Lunch Guest 

View from Çeşme Castle 

View from Çeşme Castle 

BC 6th Century - BC 4th Century Clay Pots at Çeşme Castle 

Çeşme Castle 

I'd be remiss if I did not mention, Fava,  the favorite restaurant spot in Alaçati.  My sister and I dined there twice!  Their mezes (appetizer/tapas) were incredible.  One had blueberry and mint  was divine.  Felt like summer as dinner could be enjoyed outside on the beautiful patio.  The Turkish wine was also a delight to try anywhere but especially at Fava.  

Love a Flamingo Logo 

Hacımemiş neighborhood, Alaçati

Overall, the first days were spent soaking in the sun, wandering the streets & alleyways, exploring beautiful, handmade boutiques, frequent stops for Turkish coffee and tea.  
Alaçati was the perfect start to this adventure.  

Hacımemiş neighborhood, Alaçati 

Hacımemiş neighborhood, Alaçati 


One of many furry Alaçati Ambassadors 

Next visit: explore Ephesus and the Zeki Müren Art Museum, located at his home in Bodrum.  More on Müren when we get to carpets.


Next up: Istanbul



Thank you for reading,

Natalie 






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