85 kilometers to the west of Izmir is the port town of Cesme. Although many people come to Cesme with the intention of catching a ferry to the Greek island of Chios, there are also a number of sites worth passing some time in Cesme before catching that ferry. The town’s name means ‘fountain,’ or ‘spring,’ and without tourists has a population of about 100,000 people. The beaches of Cesme or of the nearby Ilica are also enjoyable, and have become popular resort areas. But there are discount Cesme hotels, and EasyToBook.com gives you great information on budget hotels in Cesme.
Cesme’s main square is the heart of the town, and where much of the town’s activity takes place. The town’s fortress is in the square, but it has been refurbished and turned into the town’s main museum. The square is also the location of the tourist information office, and has a variety of restaurants, tea parlors, and cafes. These are excellent places to watch the sun set over the Aegean.