Türkiye · Alaçatı
Places to Visit in Alaçatı: Stone Houses, Windmills and Wind
The top places to visit in Alaçatı are the old bazaar streets lined with stone houses, the windmills on the hill, the colourful doors of the Hacı Memiş quarter and the old church now used as the Pazaryeri Mosque. For sea lovers, Alaçatı Port to the south and the bay famous for windsurfing are a separate stop, as are Kemalpaşa Street and the surrounding streets for those who love shopping, eating and drinking. As the town is small, you can explore the centre on foot in half a day.
Getting to know Alaçatı
Alaçatı, part of the Çeşme district of İzmir, is one of the best-known towns on the Aegean. It is known for its stone houses built by Greek craftsmen in the 19th century, its bay windows and its narrow streets. Long a quiet town of vineyards and tobacco, Alaçatı has become one of Türkiye's most popular holiday spots in recent years, with its restored houses, boutique hotels and cafés.
The town's other identity is the wind. The strong wind that blows in the area almost all year round has made Alaçatı an international centre for windsurfing. The windmills on the hills are historical traces of this wind.
Places to visit
The old bazaar and stone-house streets
The heart of Alaçatı is its narrow streets lined with stone houses. Wooden shutters painted blue and green, walls covered in bougainvillea and café tables spilling onto the street make up the town's typical scene. In the morning the streets are quiet and the shops open slowly; in the late afternoon the town comes to life.
Windmills
The windmills lined up on the hill at the entrance to the town are the symbol of Alaçatı. Some have been restored and are now used as cafés or shops. The view from the hill over the town's tiled roofs is especially beautiful at sunset.
Hacı Memiş quarter
One of the areas that has best preserved the character of the old stone houses. With its colourful doors and windows, it is a favourite with photographers. If you want to escape the crowds, just head a few streets back from the main street.
Pazaryeri Mosque
Built as a church in the Greek period and later converted into a mosque, this building stands in the centre of the town. It is an important building that tells of Alaçatı's many-layered past.
Kemalpaşa Street
The town's main street. Boutiques, design shops, cafés and restaurants are concentrated on and around this street. It is the liveliest area for an evening stroll.
Alaçatı Port and the surf bay
Located to the south of the town, a short distance from the centre. The port area has a marina, restaurants and beaches. With its shallow, windy waters, the bay is known as a good place to learn windsurfing, and surf schools are concentrated here. If you want to spend time in the sea, bear in mind that the wind picks up in the afternoon.
The best photo spots
- Windmill hill: The view of the town at sunset.
- The streets of Hacı Memiş: Colourful doors and windows.
- In front of the Pazaryeri Mosque: Stone architecture and the bustle of the square.
- The side streets off Kemalpaşa Street: Bougainvillea and street tables.
- Alaçatı Port: Windsurfers and colourful sails.
For photography, the early morning has the advantage in terms of both light and crowds.
When to go
Alaçatı gets very crowded in summer, especially at weekends. In spring, the Herb Festival, usually held in April, is known as an event celebrating Aegean herbs and cuisine; the town is busy during the festival too. May, early June and September are times when the weather is mild and the crowds are relatively small. In winter the town quietens down and some businesses close, but there are still pleasant days for walking the stone streets.
What to eat and drink in Alaçatı
In Alaçatı, a coffee break is a ritual. Turkish coffee with mastic, mastic ice cream and milk pudding, and meze made with Aegean herbs are among the must-tries. We describe the cuisine of Çeşme and Alaçatı in detail in our post Local dishes of Çeşme and Alaçatı.
Seeing Alaçatı on a tour programme
On TatiliYakala's 3-night, 4-day Ephesus, Kuşadası, Çeşme, Alaçatı and Pamukkale tour, the third day is devoted to Alaçatı. The programme includes free time among the stone houses and windmills, a break for Turkish coffee with mastic, and a lunch of Çeşme kumru sandwich with ayran. This is followed by a panoramic tour of Kuşadası.
How to plan a day in Alaçatı
If you are seeing Alaçatı in a single day, splitting the day in two works well. Spend the morning, before the crowds arrive, on the stone streets, the Hacı Memiş quarter and around the Pazaryeri Mosque; the light for photos is soft at this time too. After lunch you can head down to the port to spend time in the sea or on the beach and watch the windsurfers. Climbing windmill hill in the late afternoon to watch the sunset, then taking an evening stroll along Kemalpaşa Street, rounds off the day. As it can be hard to find a table at restaurants on summer evenings, we recommend booking in advance.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does it take to see Alaçatı?
As the town centre is small, you can comfortably see the stone streets, the windmills and the main street in half a day. If you want to swim or surf, allow a full day.
Is there a beach in Alaçatı?
Yes. There are beaches at Alaçatı Port, south of the town, and in the surrounding bays. As the area is windy, the sea can sometimes be rough.
What is the symbol of Alaçatı?
Its stone houses and the windmills on the hill are known as the symbols of Alaçatı. The town is also famous for windsurfing.
Which season is best to visit Alaçatı?
May, early June and September are good choices, with mild weather and relatively few crowds. In summer the town is lively and crowded.
Can you learn windsurfing in Alaçatı?
Yes. With its shallow, windy waters, the bay around Alaçatı Port is known as a good place to start windsurfing, and many surf schools give lessons here. Bearing in mind that the wind picks up in the afternoon, you can plan beginner lessons for the morning.
