kawh

We will be in Kusadasi toward the end of our trip-- and then need to head to Izmir to fly on to Istanbul.

We have several spare days and would like to go to a coastal town... somewhere we can stay along the water's edge and enjoy the local flavor. Since i will be toward the end of our trip, we don't want to have a lot of difficult or complicated travel. No need for amazing historical sights at this point in our trip.... strictly relaxation wanted. Would hope for an easy bus, ferry, or hired driver to get there. also need to get easily from there to Izmir for our flight. ANy thoughts on beautiful spots to stay?

otherchelebi

Can I assume that you will be traveling late Spring, possibly early Summer?
And, that your traveling style is more towards "Budget"?

If I am correct in first assumption, you should consider South of Kusadasi because of the daily temperatures and especially of the sea. Which leaves you with the area around "Davutlar" and "Dilek National Park"
Gumuldur, about 50 miles or so North of Kusadasi is another possibility but the only hotel I know in the area may be rather expensive.

If Mid June till October, North of Kusadasi, these are the possibilities :

- Sivrihisar : An internationally listed "Slow Town"
- Urla, between Izmir city and the resorts in and around Cesmto the West. Older towne. Very local. I do not know the lodging types, quality of prices but should be simple to mid range.
- Kara Burun (possibly written together) Is away from the main highway. More like a large village. Very laid back and pleasant. Simple lodging possibilities.
- Alacati : Popular and upscale resort but has mid range lodging possibilities also. Well known wind surfing center. Some parts laid back. Others rock.
- Ilica : same as above.
-Cesme : mid range resort, further to the West. Sea side lodging may not be so cheap but possible with good sandy beach.

The resorts after Sivrihisar usually have cool winds and are good during hot Summer days. Alacati sea can be rather cold because of fresh water springs (17-21) but the sea at the others are reasonably warm (20-25)

I may come up more information depending on time of travel and budget.

You will be pleasantly surprised with the food, especially vegetables and salads in this region.

Fish can be very expensive unless you stay with farmed sea bass and sea bream, which are quite good if grilled expertly.
(do not be put off when you see their sad eyes staring at you from your plate)

kawh

othercelebi--
thank you so much for taking the time to answer in such detail. yes, we will be travelling in mid-may. budget is about $100 u.s. a night. i quickly looked up some of the places you mention-- and alacati seems like it could fit the bill.... seems charming and could probably find a place right on the water. will look into it more... and at how hard or easy it is to get to from either kusadasi or izmir.

if you have any other thoughts, would love to hear them.

another possibility is just to fly to istanbul (city of our departure home) and go to one of the islands near there. jsut want to go someplace local with charming smaller buildings along the water. don't need a party scene-- though not against it either.
thanks again, kawh