Alaçatı is a town located on the Çeşme peninsula on the Aegean Coast in Türkiye, 45 minutes from Izmir and is considered a hidden gem. It is known as the Turkish Santorini and is one of the most traditional towns in Turkiye with its stone houses and narrow streets. The town is adorable and I would go back in a heartbeat.
How to get to Alaçatı
Izmir is the closest airport (code ADB), and the drive to Alaçatı is about 45 minutes. My friend and I had rented a car because we were also going to Ephesus. The car rental was not expensive for the 3 days we rented it. Some hotels offer shuttles to and from the airport for a fee, but I liked the freedom of having a car. There is also a bus from Izmir to Alaçatı.
Since most of the town’s streets are walking, ensure your hotel has on-site parking or free street parking nearby. My friend and I had to walk a couple of blocks to our hotel with our suitcases.
How to get around Alaçatı
If you are staying in the old town area, everything is within walking distance. Alaçatı is a small area and everything you need i there. However, if you want to check out some beaches, a rental car is nice to have.
Where to stay in Alaçatı
Alaçatı has so many boutique hotels that you really can’t go wrong. My friend and I stayed at one of D’Azur Hotels. It’s 4 boutique hotels that are on the same street. I think the one we stayed at only had 4 rooms. And they offered a delicious free Turkish breakfast every morning.
What to do in Alaçatı
Alaçatı doesn’t really have museums and landmarks. It’s more of walking around the cute cobblestone streets and looking at the colourful buildings. But you can also sit outside at a cafe and drink your coffee and eat a meal. There are so many amazing restaurants and delicious food too! I had no issue finding vegan meals. But you can also go and drive to the beach and swim in the Aegean Sea.
Alaçatı is truly a hidden gem and I think it’s a great spot to check out if you stop in Izmir.