Alacati is a charming town located on the Cesme peninsular on Turkey's beautiful Aegean coast. Virtually unknown to British and European tourists, it is a mecca for windsurfers and kiteboarders thanks to the area's strong winds - which also provide a welcome escape from the Turkish summer heat. Overlooked by a row of stone windmills, the town's cobbled streets are lined with stone houses, shops and tavernas, and dotted with friendly guesthouses and boutique hotels. The shops sell local crafts, jewellery and antiques; while the village square is filled with market stalls and open-air cafes.
Alacati is a charming town located on the Cesme peninsular on Turkey's beautiful Aegean coast. Virtually unknown to British and European tourists, it is a mecca for windsurfers and kiteboarders thanks to the area's strong winds - which also provide a welcome escape from the Turkish summer heat.
Overlooked by a row of stone windmills, the town's cobbled streets are lined with stone houses, shops and tavernas, and dotted with friendly guesthouses and boutique hotels. The shops sell local crafts, jewellery and antiques; while the village square is filled with market stalls and open-air cafes.
Alacati Bay, 3 km south of the village, has become Turkey's top wind sport location thanks to its protected, shallow water and strong, reliable wind. It is an established destination for kiteboarders and windsurfers from across Europe and a venue for international competitions, which attract thousands of spectators each summer.
In summer, the meltem wind starts like clockwork at 10-11 am, strengthening during the afternoon, before dying out at sunset. But it is not uncommon for the wind to continue blowing day and night for a week or more. Kite-Turkey provide kiteboarding lessons for all levels, with experienced, qualified instructors and the lastest equipment. The sport is realtively easy to pick up with group or private lessons available, and has become the fastest growing water sport in the UK according to a Royal Yacht Association survey.
Aside from windsurfing and kiteboarding, there are many interesting sights and great beaches on the Cesme peninsular and plenty of other things to do like mountain biking, diving and sailing.
After dark, Alacati has nightspots to suit all tastes, from friendly tavernas to slick cocktail bars, with a selection of nightclubs and beach bars open until dawn nearby. Outside the main holiday months of July and August, the pace of life is slow and Alacati reverts to being a sleepy Turkish town.
For more information about windsurfing and kiteboarding in Alacati, Turkey visit http://www.kite-turkey.com/
