Summer has arrived. Izmir is sizzling. The thermometers are hitting 35°C in the shade, and the asphalt...
Summer has arrived. Izmir is sizzling. The thermometers are hitting 35°C in the shade, and the asphalt is melting. You have just landed at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB). You have escaped the chaos of the arrivals terminal, picked up your rental car, and you have one destination in mind: Çeşme, the pearl of the Aegean, the capital of Turkish summer.
But there is a catch. You check the news or social media, and you see the prices. Beach clubs charging entrance fees that rival a monthly mortgage payment. A simple Lahmacun costing as much as a steak dinner. Naturally, you think: "Wait a minute. Am I going to have to pay just to swim in the sea? Can't I just lay my towel on the sand and enjoy nature for free?"
The answer is a resounding YES. In fact, you can do better than the expensive clubs. Çeşme isn't just about overpriced sunbeds and loud "Happy Hour" music. It is home to some of the most stunning, untouched bays in the Mediterranean—places with water that rivals the Maldives and sand that looks like gold dust. And the best part? Entrance is completely FREE.
We are the Denta Perla Diamond family. We are located right here in Gaziemir, at the strategic junction where the airport road meets the highway to Çeşme. Our international patients often land, stop by our clinic for a quick "Hollywood Shine" (because holiday photos need white teeth), and then ask us: "Doctor, where should we go? Where do the locals swim?"
This blog post is the answer to that question. Trust your smile to us, and trust your route to this guide. Grab your folding chair, your umbrella, and your cooler. Here are the Top 10 Wallet-Friendly, Soul-Satisfying, Free Swimming Spots in Çeşme.
Located between Alaçatı and the Port, right beneath those iconic white wind turbines, lies a place that used to be a local secret. Now, it’s a legend. It gets its name ("Holey Bay") from a massive, natural rock formation in the middle of the sea with a window-like hole carved by the wind and waves.
The Vibe: Do not expect sand here. The landscape is made of striking white limestone rocks. The contrast between the blinding white rocks and the electric turquoise water creates a color palette that doesn't look real. It is a photographer's dream.
Warning: This is "Survivor" mode. There are no toilets, no showers, no markets, and absolutely zero shade. If you don't bring an umbrella, the sun will roast you. But for the silence and the scenery? It is worth every second.
If you want to escape the crowds of Alaçatı, this is your sanctuary. You access it by driving through the Özpamir housing estate (don't worry, access is allowed). You descend a winding road to find a hidden bay protected by high cliffs. It is named "Kleopatra" because the fine sand and the clarity of the water are fit for a queen. Since it is surrounded by cliffs, it is naturally sheltered from the famous Çeşme wind.
The Water: It is cold. Like, "take your breath away" cold. But give it 3 minutes. Your body adapts, and it feels incredibly refreshing in the July heat. Don't forget your snorkel; the underwater visibility is high definition.
We cannot write a list about Çeşme without mentioning the Queen: Ilıca. It is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the world. Period. Imagine kilometers of soft, white, silk-like sand. You walk into the sea... and walk... and walk... and the water is still only at your waist. It is shallow, safe, and perfect for families or non-swimmers. Thermal springs bubble up from the sea floor here, mixing with the seawater, making Ilıca warmer than other bays.
Pro Tip: On weekends, finding a spot for your towel can be a competitive sport. Go early (around 08:00 AM) to claim your territory and see the sea when it is flat as a sheet of glass. Note: To our patients coming for whitening at Denta Perla Diamond: This is the place for that perfect "White Teeth, Turquoise Water" selfie.
Located at the southern tip of the peninsula, accessible through a road lined with mastic trees. Altınkum is famous for its expensive beach clubs, but right next to them lies a massive, free public section sharing the exact same sea. It is named for its shimmering, golden sand grains.
The Warning: This is home to the coldest water in the Aegean. Because it faces the open sea, the current constantly refreshes the water. Even in August, when it is 40°C outside, entering this water might make your teeth chatter. (If your teeth hurt when they chatter or when you drink this cold water, stop by Denta Perla Diamond in Gaziemir on your way back—you might have dentin hypersensitivity!)
Located in the Çiftlikköy area, this beach is a protected natural site, which means no concrete buildings are allowed to ruin the vibe. The sand here is unique; it is so fine and high-quality that it sparkles like diamonds (hence the name). This is the home of the wind. If you want a calm, flat sea, this might not be for you. But if you love playing in the waves or watching the colorful kitesurfers fly across the horizon, it is magical.
You can drive your car right onto the sand in some parts (be careful not to get stuck!). It is the perfect spot to park, open your trunk, sit in your camping chair, and watch the sunset.
The name is a bit strange (it translates to "Old Woman's Beach"), but don't let that fool you. It is located near Dalyan, the fishing village part of Çeşme. Tucked away next to a university facility, it remains uncommercialized and serene.
Unlike Ilıca, the water here gets deep quickly—just 3 or 4 steps and you are swimming. The floor is a mix of sand and smooth stones. The water is a deep, dark blue, cooler than Ilıca but warmer than Altınkum. It has a very relaxed, local vibe.
If you are tired of the loud music and luxury cars of Alaçatı, head to Ildır. This is an ancient village (Erythrai). It is quiet, slow, and peaceful. The small coves around the village or the coastline near "Günkent" are completely free. The sea can sometimes have sea grass, but the sunset here is legendary. Watching the red sun dip behind the small islands is therapy for the soul. After your swim, grab some "Lokma" (fried dough with syrup) in the village square. (Just remember to brush your teeth afterwards—sugar is the enemy, Denta Perla Diamond reminds you!)
Located between Ilıca and Şifne, this area is favored by summer house owners and young people. There isn't a big sandy beach here. Instead, people park their cars by the road, lay their towels on the flat rocks or small piers, and jump in. The water is incredibly clear, warm, and usually wave-free (like a pool). In the late afternoon, it turns into a social hub with young people bringing their folding chairs and drinks to chat by the sea.
This spot is often a stop for boat tours, but it can be reached by land if you are adventurous (the road is a bit rough). It is located on the way to Altınkum. It is called "Blue Bay" for a reason. The color of the water is an intense, electric blue that allows you to count every single stone on the bottom, even at depth. Because it is harder to reach, it is never crowded. If you have a high-clearance car and want a "desert island" experience, this is it.
If you love the white sand and turquoise water of Ilıca but hate the crowds, Boyalık is your solution. It is the bay right next to Ilıca. It is slightly more sheltered from the wind. While some parts are occupied by hotels, there is a long, wide strip of public beach that is free to use. The color of the water here is often so stunning that if you put a photo of Boyalık next to a photo of the Maldives, you couldn't tell the difference.
While you are exploring these magnificent bays, drinking an ice-cold lemonade, or laughing with friends at a dinner in Alaçatı, do you know what the most important accessory you need is? A Confident Smile.
If your tooth aches when you drink that cold water at Altınkum, or if you feel self-conscious about yellow teeth in your holiday selfies, the vacation loses its magic.
As you leave Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport with your rental car, before you hit the highway to Çeşme, make a quick pit stop at Denta Perla Diamond in Gaziemir.
We are right on your way.
A 20-minute Airflow Cleaning to remove travel stains.
A 45-minute Laser Whitening to get you "Beach Ready."
Or a quick check-up to ensure no toothache ruins your trip.
You plan the route; let us design the smile. Enjoy the turquoise waters of Çeşme with a smile as bright as the Aegean sun.
Happy Holidays from Izmir!
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