The name 'Cesme', meaning fountain, refers to the many springs found in the area during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is one of Turkey's most beautiful stretches - surrounded by clear blue sea, with landscapes of cultivated fields of aniseed, sesame and artichokes dotted with fig and gum trees. In the unspoilt bays you can swim in absolute peace. Visitors will find excellent holiday accommodation, restaurants and sports and entertainment facilities. Today the town is a popular holiday resort with excellent accommodation and restaurants.
Thermal baths offer a health-oriented escape from modern life.
Cesme hosts an annual International Song Contest in the summer. Also, weekly ferry lines run from Cesme to Venice. T he very popular holiday centre of Ilica boasts an excellent white, sandy beach, and the outstanding facilities of the Altin Yunus Marina and Holiday Complex, The bay here is ideal for water sports, especially windsurfing and sailing. In Ilica Bay, the colourful International Cakabey Optimist Yacht race is held every year in July. I ldiri, a quiet seaside village 20 km northeast of Cesme, was ancient Erythrai, Those who climb up to the Acropolis at dusk are rewarded with beautiful views as the sun sinks over the bay and islands.