Newsletters
During the Eid al-Adha holiday, Cesme, one of Izmir’s most popular tourism spots, was nearly bursting at the seams. The district’s population swelled from around 39,000 residents to over 1 million as holidaymakers flocked to the area.
Hotels reached 90% occupancy, with Ilıca Beach experiencing hefty crowds. Visitors eager to enjoy both sun and sea packed the beaches, while long traffic queues formed at the district’s entrances on the holiday’s second day.
Cesme had recently been in the spotlight due to concerns over the Kutlu Aktas Dam’s water level, which had fallen to just 13%. Despite this, the seaside town attracted significant attention during the holiday period.
A local resident, Hatem Gokay, 36, who traveled from Izmir’s Bayrakli district for a day trip, praised Ilıca Beach.
“We really like Ilıca Beach. It’s a beautiful place with warm water and a family-friendly atmosphere,” he said. His wife, İzem Gokay, 32, added, “It’s truly wonderful."
"The water is very clean, the environment is peaceful, and it’s close enough to Izmir for day visitors to enjoy.”
1 min read
