experiences
Windsurfing
Windsurfing Center
Constant wind makes Alaçatı the perfect location for windsurfers and kite surfers. It’s also perfect for those searching for a quaint village lifestyle.
When approaching Alaçatı, the windmills that embrace the sky with their white sails are the first thing to catch one’s eye. The windmills - some of which have been here for more than a hundred years - point out the good relationship between Alaçatı and the wind. When a clear view of the sea is before you, you’ll be greeted by many colourful surfing boards dancing on the water. If your visit coincides with the Kite Festival, a visual feast of kites dominates the sky.
One of the seven most popular windsurfing centres in the world, Alaçatı and the wind have a joint history. The wind is what distinguishes Alaçatı from the other coves on the Aegean coast. For windsurfing fans, another winning factor is that the sea never gets wavy. As the well-known Turkish captain and navigator Piri Reis tells us, the sea in Alaçatı is like a phyllo pastry sheet. In addition, the sea depth is not more than 1.5 meters even far from the shore.
Alaçatı welcomes windsurfers from all over the world mostly between May and September.
In this period, Alaçatı hosts national and international races and tournaments. There are also windsurfing schools here for those who want to give windsurfing a try – the calm sea and shallow water make Alaçatı the perfect place to learn!
The Sea and Wind
The omnipresent wind blowing over the blue waters makes Alaçatı an ideal spot for water sports and windsurfing. With winds around 15-25 knots, Alaçatı is the choice of many amateur and professional windsurfers from around the world. So much so that Alaçatı is on the road to becoming the global heartland of windsurfing. You will find a large windsurfing centre here as well as many windsurfing schools along the shore.
Should you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of Alaçatı, head to Delikli Cove with Delila its imposing rock formations and pristine waters. The hidden cove offers protection against the wind, providing nothing short of a paradise for those who wish to enjoy the blue sea and a sense of serenity.
Alaçatı’s status as a favoured windsurfing destination is reflected in the fact that the PWA (Professional Windsurfing Association) World Windsurfing Cup is held here every August.
Just 10 km from Çeşme, the town is a stopover point for adrenaline enthusiasts. The suitable length of the waves despite the strong winds makes Alaçatı an ideal spot for many water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing.
Alaçatı has been the home of windsurfing since the nineties and the strong winds that prevail here have brought windsurfers of all abilities to its shores. Don’t worry about bringing your board since there’s plenty available for hire here. There’re also numerous windsurfing schools that offer lessons.
Kitesurfing, sea kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) are also popular.
Alaçatı has a number of unspoiled, white-sand beaches, lovely bays, and a selection of luxury beach clubs you can choose from.
There are many thermal springs and facilities with healing mud baths in the Çeşme Peninsula around Alaçatı that offer anything from modest services in natural settings to world-class spa treatments.
Another popular activity in a town that is identified with its wind is flying kites. Especially during the Alaçatı Kite Festival, the sky of Alaçatı becomes coloured by hundreds of magnificent kites.