If you have never visited this quaint old Greek town on the Aegean coast, then, put it on your bucket list. Alaçatı is part of Izmir province and is approximately a two-hour drive from Kusadasi.
Last month we hired a mini bus (thanks to Tony Blekinsopp) and a group of us went for a day tour to the town.
Alaçatı is renowned for its architecture, vineyards, and windmills. The town itself is charming with stone houses, narrow streets and plenty of restaurants. The area is also home to Alaçatı yacht marina and the famous Port Alaçatı development, created by the French architect Francois Spoerry and his son, Yves Spoerry.
There are also many beaches and the area is known for its windsurfing opportunities.
The Greeks fled the region after the population exchange treaty was signed between Greece and Turkey in 1923. Immigrant Muslims settled down in the city after that. And Alacati went from being a Greek Christian town to a Turkish Muslim city.
You can still experience Alacati’s engrossing history as you walk through its narrow winding lanes, taste the cuisine which is a delicious mix of both worlds, and step into the marketplace mosque which was once a Greek church.
As we went on a Saturday, it was market day. We all split up to do our own thing and some arranged to meet for lunch or take a taxi to nearby Çeşme.
After wandering around the market my friend and I took in the narrow streets and walked up to the windmills.
We had saw a restaurant called Sailors and were surprised to walk through and come out upon a huge outdoor seating area, which was buzzing with people. I had garlic beef and pasta and my friend chose a fish dish. The meals were excellent and along with the atmosphere, we were very impressed and have no problem recommending it.
The day passed very quickly, and we wandered back to the bus, via the market. Everyone seemed to enjoy their day and are now planning where to go next.
