Downtown Cesme, Cesme Peninsula, Izmir Province, Aegean Region, Turkey - stock photo

High angle view of marina area in downtown Cesme, a coastal town on Cesme Peninsula by Aegean Sea, in Izmirn province, Aegean region of Turkey. Unlike many resort towns in this region, Cesme has retained a local population and flavour. Only 8km from the Greek island of Chios (Sakız), the town has a long seafront perfect for promenading, a magnificent castle built by the Genoese and a bustling merkez (commercial centre) with plenty of shops and cheap eateries. Popular with weekending İzmiris and with those who balk at the high prices and style overload at nearby Alaçatı, it's an excellent base for exploring the region.