Random Notes on Daily Life: Magnificent Aegean

Random Notes on Daily Life: Magnificent Aegean: This summer was very different from previous ones. I would usually sketch an itinerary which would include at least four countries, ten cit...

Magnificent Aegean

This summer was very different from previous ones. I would usually sketch an itinerary which would include at least four countries, ten cities, lots of walking, attractions, historical sights and all that. To the question "How do you rest if you don't even have time to sit down for minute?" I would always say that "My body might get tired, but my soul is in peace" (very poetic, I know).

This summer was very different from previous ones. Maybe it was the mental burden of the big changes that happened last year, maybe it was because of the MBA classes that exhausted me so much, but I did not feel like seeing any attraction, or spending hours of hours in airports or on planes. All I wanted to do was lying on beach, with fresh juice in my hand soaking up Sun. And I did it! And my choice of destination was small former Greek, now Turkish Aegean town on western coast of Izmir!

Famous for its stone houses, specific architecture, windmills and vineyards, I fell in love with this Aegean pearl right away! Alacati is one of the most authentic towns in Turkey with stone houses, narrow streets, boutique hotels and restaurants with tables on the streets. The centre of Alacati only has old Greek houses which are over 100 years old. 

As the town was declared as a historical site in 2005, the buildings are well protected. The new houses built recently built closely are constructed by using exactly the same architecture.

Below are some of my own musts in Alacati:

1. Beaches, beaches, beaches

The waters are quite cold and very much salty here. I started with Ilica beach in Ceshme and ended with Aya Yorgi beach club. Definitely spend a day also in Ramo beach - they offer all kinds of activities including jet skiing, banana boat rides, flyboard and many more (they can be a bit costy, but these kinds of aquatic activities are pricy everywhere). Another very good and glamours beach club is Fly inn Beach Club which is very good to spend the day but most importantly the night with loud music and parties. In Fun Beach you can try parachuting which will be an experience to remember. Entries are paid at the beaches starting from 15 TL to 50 TL per person.

2. Windsurfing

An absolute and ultimate MUST! That one hour that I spent in the water with a board in my hand and 150 TL spent for the teacher are the wisest thing I have done in my entire being (:P). Alacati Windsurf School - Paradise club is the best in town for beginners. They offer package of activities that you can also choose from.

3. Food

Definitely try Kumru (Kumrucu Hikmet is the best), Sakkizli muhallebi (Sakkiz House is the best), Sakkiz ice-cream (Veli Usta is the best) once you are in Alacati. For kebab go to Dost Kebab and Pide Restaurant.

4. Alacati Port Marina

Whether you would like to get a cup of coffee and enjoy the mesmerising view, or would like to to eat the most delicious fish meals, or spend a crazy night partying this is the place to be! Make sure you reserve a table as it is nearly impossible to get a sitting spot after 8 oclock in any cafe. For party try Öküz bar.

Other thing you will see around Alacati is a places called Tektekçi. If you are a fan of drinking and alcohol shots hit Tektekçis. They are in beaches, in the old town and Marina.