Alaçatı is the jewel of the peninsula: a picturesque former Greek village known for its honey-coloured stone houses, bougainvillea-covered courtyards and winding cobbled lanes. Behind its historic façades, you will find first-class independent boutiques, stylish cafés, art galleries and some of the region’s most celebrated restaurants including Michelin recognised dining. As evening approaches, the village changes pace. Candlelit courtyards fill with diners, cocktail bars come alive and discreet nightclubs continue late into the night. What makes Alaçatı so compelling is the balance between history and contemporary design. The architecture remains unmistakably Aegean, while the interiors, restaurants and boutiques feel sophisticated, creative and distinctly international. Ovacık, Tuscany by the Sea! Surrounding Villa Laluli, Ovacık has a completely different atmosphere. Rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and stone houses give the landscape a “Tuscany by the sea” quality. It feels peaceful and rural, yet remains only a short drive from Alaçatı, Çeşme and many of the peninsula’s best beaches. The elevated landscape brings open views, golden sunsets and a sense of space that is increasingly rare along the Aegean coast. This is the quieter side of Çeşme, ideal for slow mornings, long lunches and evenings beneath the stars. Head towards Çeşme town and you will pass its elegant marina, lined with excellent restaurants, cafés and boutiques.The marina is particularly lovely in the evening, when the waterfront begins to glow and the restaurants fill for dinner. It is an easy destination for a relaxed lunch, sunset drinks or a more sophisticated evening beside the yachts. Ilıca: The Original Çeşme. Ilıca is one of the peninsula’s oldest and best-loved residential neighbourhoods. Its quiet streets are lined with charming bungalow houses built by some of the earliest Çeşme families. The beach is famous for its pale sand, shallow water and naturally warm sea, fed by underground thermal springs. The bay can be breezy, making it wonderfully refreshing during the heat of summer. For one of the simplest and most authentic local experiences, arrive at Ilıca’s public beach in the late afternoon for a sunset swim. Afterwards, walk into town for a traditional ice cream from Veli Usta, a ritual enjoyed by local families for decades. Paşalimanı: Drive a little further around the peninsula and the landscape changes again. Paşalimanı is sheltered from the prevailing winds, creating calm, warm water that is ideal for swimming. This is where you will find Zoe Beach, one of our favourite discoveries of 2026. Stylish and relaxed, it offers beautiful swimming, excellent food and an elegant atmosphere. Zoe Beach currently welcomes guests aged 15 and over, making it particularly suited to adults and families with older teenagers. Pırlanta and Altınkum: The Diamond and Gold Coasts From Çeşme Marina, continue around the coast towards Pırlanta meaning “Diamond” and Altınkum, meaning “Golden Sand.” Pırlanta is internationally known for its exceptional kitesurfing conditions. Its wide beach, shallow water and reliable wind attract experienced riders and beginners from around the world. Nearby Altınkum offers clear turquoise water and soft golden sand. For an indulgent beach day, Zaya Beach combines chic design, attentive service and excellent food with one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline on the peninsula. Along the same beach, Fun Beach is a livelier option for teenagers, families and larger groups. Its inflatables, water sports and boat toys make it particularly good for guests who want activity as well as swimming. A Peninsula for Every Mood. The beauty of Çeşme lies in its variety. Within 10 minutes, you can move between the stone lanes of Alaçatı, the rural serenity of Ovacık, the waterfront restaurants of Çeşme Marina and some of the clearest, warmest seas on the Aegean coast. It can be sophisticated or wonderfully simple: a Michelin-recognised dinner in Alaçatı, lunch beneath a linen parasol at Altınkum, a sunset swim in Ilıca or a traditional ice cream enjoyed barefoot after the beach. This is the Çeşme we love and the perfect setting from which to experience Villa Laluli.