Not so long a time ago, Alaçatı was a near-deserted village of Greek-style stone houses, located some 10 km southeast of Çeşme, which much outshined its neighbor in glamour and glory, boasting a castle, the buzzing tourist town was centered around. While Alaçatı, which shares a history spanning back to the Inonian era, in its historical heyday, was a town situated around the now-marina. However, the vicinity turned into swamp-lands in the mid-19th century and Greek workers came to the region to build a canal, while also establishing the village we now know as Alaçatı. Over the years these homes became deserted and it wasn’t until about two decades ago, that life was brought back to them. It turns out, that the closest beach to the town of Alaçatı just so happened to have the perfect conditions to make it a windsurfer’s paradise: a nearly fully enclosed cove that is predominantly shallow coupled by the most consistent winds in the country.

The ancient city of Ephesus (Ephesos) takes you on an unforgettable journey through history; etched on minds as the home of the Blessed Virgin Mary, stretching back to the Neolithic period and inhabited in the greatest period of the Roman Empire. This ancient city was valued for a long time as a harbour town, and due to the excavations which have uncovered new sections and artefacts every year, the city continues to surprise its visitors and to maintain its historical value. Many famous classical philosophers, who are still read today, such as Heraclitus, lived in the scientific, artistic and cultural city of Ephesus. The ancient city of Ephesus, and especially its Temple of Artemis, one of the first temples, is recognised as one of the seven wonders of the world and since 2015 it has been included in the ‘World Heritage List’. Over the years the site has moved, and it is now spread over an area of 8kms. This breath-taking city attracts approximately 1.5 million tourists annually. It is believed that the Bible was written here and that the Virgin Mary died here, which gives it a special significance for Christians.

Kusadasi – one of Turkey’s beach resort town and a major cruise ship destination on the western Aegean coast – 90km south of Izmir – offers an excellent environment for an unforgettable holiday. Kusadasi is reputed for being one of the most attractive cities of the Aegean and it is a jumping-off point as it is close to the important historical sites including Ephesus, Temple of Artemis, Goddess Artemis, House of Virgin Mary, Seven Sleepers, Didyma, Priene, Miletos. Kusadasi has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, providing a long tourism season. The city is bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year.