The Çesme peninsula is a hidden gem - a seaside getaway on the western Aegean coast loved by windsurfers and wealthy Turkish vacationers who prefer its rural character to the more touristy Bodrum. We rented a car from the Izmir airport and checked in to our private villa in a lovely vineyard that grows shiraz and grenache, less than 10 miles away from the Alaçati center. Walking around the narrow, picturesque cobble streets lined with stone houses, and blue shutters against whitewashed walls, I kind of felt like we were in Greece. We decided to spend the afternoon lounging at the Fly Inn Beach Club, ate some mussels fresh from the sea, had a few tequila shots and took a nap on the wooden beach chairs strategically placed so you could dip your feet in the crystal clear water while you doze off.
