In this truly delightful corner of Turkey, ‘resort town’ means far more than the clear blue seas, golden sands and sweeping seafront promenade that make Cesme a popular weekend retreat for locals. In 2021, researchers unearthed a sixth-century B.C. temple dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, and the ancient ruins of seventh-century BC Erythrai are easily accessible. You can’t miss the magnificent Cesme Castle, built in 1508 to protect the city but today a place for stunning harbor views. Nearby Alaçati, with old stone houses converted into trendy boutiques and cafes, is a perfectly Aegean spot to sip Turkish coffee and watch windsurfers skim waves.