Çesme is a popular resort and spa town, located 80 km to the west of Izmir, at the end of the beautiful Çesme peninsula, facing the Greek island of Chios. The lively town center is dominated by a massive Genoese Castle. Nearby at Ilica and Sifne, there are numerous thermal springs. The peninsula has innumerable bays washed by crystal clear waters with white sand, blue flagged beaches. There are also a number of picturesque towns and villages with old Greek houses, dating from the late Ottoman period, as well as such important ancient sites as Teos and Erythrae.