Up until relatively recently Alaçati, and its beautiful bay with its long, shallow, flat entry, attracted only windsurfers and those interested in Alaçati's history - it was part of Greece until the 1920s, so there are some interesting stories in this town. But since the 90s it's been attracting an arty crowd and the smart set has followed - this is a good place to stop overnight if you're driving between Istanbul and the Turkish Mediterranean. Many of the best places to stay in Alacati are pitched at those clients, though it is still possible to find some more reasonable rooms in town.
As well as being beside a gorgeous stretch of the Aegean - one of the world's best windsurfing destinations, and having a town so perfectly cobbled, whitewashed and bougainvillea laden it looks like a film set, Alaçati is also cool.
There's a reason Alaçati is so loved by the windsurfing community - the conditions are both perfect for beginners, and perfect for practicing manoeuvres and getting up some real speed. So if you've ever fancied having a go, do it here! There are so many boards out on the water no one will notice you if you fall in...
It took a couple of years before Turkey's smarter, more stylish, set began to discover Alaçati's charms, but then the boutique hotels started popping up, restoring some of the town's most beautiful buildings, and making the town look even more appealing. But despite the hip crowds, Alaçati still has a friendly village feel.
Alaçati is a couple of kilometres from the nearest beach - the windsurfing cove is about 2kms south of town - but there are a number of perfect sandy stretches within 20 minutes drive, so there's plenty of sand for all. And the dirt tracks you have to traverse to reach some of the most beautiful, dodging the odd goat, mean that you've got a reasonable chance of having plenty of sand to yourself. And you can't say that about Bodrum.
Alaçati is also a great spot for a gulet trip. These traditional Turkish wooden yachts run day trips to Black Island and Donkey Island, which are just off the coast, and Wind Bay, a great local snorkelling spot.
But don't forget that if you wish to visit during the peak summer months, the best places to stay in Alacati will be incredibly busy. So do yourself a favour and book well ahead to avoid disappointment.
Being popular with the smart set shouldn't mean it's not worth travelling to Alaçati if you're on a budget. This town is full of all sorts of travellers, and there are plenty of good value ways to enjoy yourself. Shop at the Saturday market, eat Turkish pizza - called pide, and if you want to pay less for your slap up seafood meal, travel to one of the smaller local villages.
If you're on a budget, one of the best places to stay in Alaçati is IncirliEv. A boutique hotel converted from a gorgeous white stone building with plenty of charm and a lovely inner courtyard, this hotel has oodles of character and charming details - like four poster beds and parquet floors - but its rooms start from just €80 per night.
For the same price you can also stay in one of the seven rooms of Tas Otel, one of the best places to stay in Alaçati if you're looking for a rustic, country house kind of feel. Romantic and close to the beach, this beautiful hotel is so reasonably priced because it doesn't have a restaurant. Though it does do breakfast and a complimentary afternoon tea.
If you're looking for hotels in Alaçati which offer boutique comforts, charm and style, these are our favourites:
Many of the artists, potters, restaurateurs, bakers and hotel owners are the people who came here as children - this is the kind of place that people leave but return to, and there's a lot of romance to that. In the 1920s when the entire Greek population was moved to the islands, the Greek buildings were left, so there's a certain unique look to the town's architecture.
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Alaçatı (Çeşme )
This boutique hotel is located in Cesme, Alacatı. Rooms are bright and simply dressed, with natural accents bringing the coast inside; the best suites have exposed stone walls and a private terrace. Unwind by the crystalline outdoor pool or in the verdant hotel gardens. A chic home away from home.
Alaçatı (Çeşme İzmir)
A charming boutique hotel. Traditional elements combined with contemporary chic. Lovely white washed rooms with four poster beds and parquet floors. A quaint inner courtyard garden and breakfast room. Easy access to beaches, and good value.
Alaçatı (Yeni Mecidiye Mah. 3009 Sk)
A gorgeous country style house come rustic chic guesthouse. Romantic bedrooms with creamy furnishings and white washed walls. Lovely pool, garden and breakfast terrace. Close to the beach and lots to do in the area. A romantic spot.
Alaçatı
A charming stone house with romantic bedrooms. Four poster beds, killim rugs, stand alone bath tubs and antique furniture. Gorgeous breakfast courtyard and walking distance to all attractions. A characterful choice close to the beach.
Turkey
Enjoy the rustic charm and comfort of LuCe hotel, just a 3-minute walk from the heart of Alacati. This hotel offers a modern take on traditional wood decor. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, relax by the outdoor pool or explore town. Each room and villa has its own unique, eclectic style.
Alaçatı (Çeşme)
This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Hacımemiş, Alaçatı. Rooms are individually styled and feature hand-selected antiques; the best offer split-level living space and a spa bath. Enjoy a delicious mezze breakfast before unwinding by the secluded courtyard pool. A chic and stylish stay.
Alaçatı (Alaçatı)
A three minute walk from Alaçatı centre, this hotel is proudly run and offers colourful ensuite rooms set around a courtyard and pool. Extra touches include fresh flowers in rooms and free breakfast. Fishing, windsurfing and market shopping available nearby.
Alaçatı (Çeşme )
This boutique hotel is located in the picturesque village of Alaçatı. Rooms are individually styled with a blend of vintage and modern furnishings; the best suites offer a private balcony and four-poster bed. Enjoy the outdoor pool in the day before dinner in the cosy restaurant; a charming hotel.
Alaçatı (Sok. No:18)
A traditional Turkish hotel just a few miles from a number of exquisite beaches. Rooms are very tastefully designed with lovely linen, all within a simple yet elegant house. The hotel has a garden with pool, cafe with al fresco dining and private beach space. Perfect for exploring the local area.
Alaçatı (Çeşme)
This contemporary hotel is located in a traditional property in Alaçatı, Çeşme. Rooms are individually dressed using a pastel palette and with a focus on natural accents; the best suites have a pretty balcony. Relax by the hotel pool with a refreshing drink or wander the gardens; a stylish hotel.
Alaçatı
A delightful boutique hotel with gorgeous rooms and stunning grounds. Romantic rooms and suites with opulent furnishings, hot tubs, balconies, and large living areas. Beautiful gardens, pool, terraces, and a yacht to charter. A dreamy spot.
Alaçatı (Kemalpaşa Caddesi)
A beautiful white house in a lovely town close to the coast. Traditional chic interiors have white washed walls and boutique decorations. Excellent pool, restaurant, and original artworks. A very romantic spot near the beach and historical sights.
Alaçatı
An utterly romantic and luxurious boutique hotel. Chic rooms and suites spread across six houses. All have sumptuous furnishings, large bath tubs, and lots of natural light. Fantastic restaurant, lively bar, pretty orchards and swimming pool. A delightful spot.
Alaçatı (Alacati)
A stunning boutique hotel that combines traditional romance with modern comforts. Beautiful bedrooms and suites have huge bathrooms, private balconies, and charming decoration. Excellent organic breakfasts, small pool, and immediate beach access. Very romantic.
Alaçatı (Alacati)
A chic, adult-only retreat in Alacati. Inside, the ambience blends industrial grace with a touch of rustic charm, featuring expansive garden views and a heated pool. There's a vibrant bar and international restaurant - plus it's a venue for theatre and musical performances. A lively getaway.
Alaçatı (Izmir)
A deluxe beachside resort in Alacati. The vibe is chic and carefree, with decor that balances bohemian flair and elegant touches, mirroring its Phoenician roots. With eight pools, an upscale spa, fitness centre, and a selection of refined dining and bar experiences - luxury knows no bounds here.
