Sığacık
A Cittaslow Alternative For Alaçatı
By Slowtravelguide
Is it necessary to look for an alternative to Alaçatı? Can this be a question worth asking? Is it almost perfect? Are there quaint, great dining options close to the sea and Izmir? Yes.
But Sigacik also has something that Alaçatı doesn’t have or doesn’t have anymore. This is a seaside village of Cittaslow with a different pace of life.
Whilst locals will say it’s turning into a tourist destination, it’s still a village where you can enjoy plenty of authenticity and wellness amenities that tourists love, such as good restaurants and quirky small stores.
In short, if you like beautiful villages by the sea, you will love Sığacık.
So Inviting…
Sığacık; The Pearl Of Seferihisar
The town of Seferihisar and the district of Izmir to which Sığacık belongs and is the first slow city in Turkey. Seferihisar became a part of the Cittaslow movement (Slow City in Italian) in 2009. Cittaslow stands for respecting tradition by enjoying a slow and quiet life.
The authenticity of products and cuisine is high in value, and so are craft traditions and unspoiled landscapes’ beauty. Cities that want to become members must meet several criteria and be committed to preserving local tastes and products, using clean energy, and maintaining historical and cultural value areas.
One Of The Many Charming Inner Castle Dining Options In Sığacık
This is the case in Seferihisar and Sığacık, surrounded by archaeological sites such as Teos, citrus, olive groves and beautiful beaches like Akkum and Ekmeksiz.
The ever-present wind is ideal for providing wind energy to supplement geothermal and solar energy utilisation. Sığacık’s life is different, and that’s a good thing!
Whiling Away The Afternoon In Sığacık
Color, And More Color, That’s Sığacık
Explore The Inner-Castle Of Sığacık
There is an old and a new part in Sığacık. The old part of the inner castle will fascinate you. It’s a picturesque labyrinth of narrow streets lined with colourful shops and restaurants decorated with jasmine bushes, roses and bougainvillaea. This is the perfect place to relax for a day. Walking the streets of Sığacık, you can taste the local delicacies prepared by village women. Their baklava and homemade treats are delicious and waiting to be tasted in traditional cooking pots.
The village is increasingly popular with Izmirites, who spend their weekends or Sundays there. The entire inner castle area has a uniquely eclectic feel, although we have to say we didn’t meet a single non-Turkish person during our entire stay. For us, this is a plus!
Sunflowers In Sığacık
Sığacık View From The Akkum Road
Inside the city walls, the hustle and bustle of the streets outside disappeared. The vibe is a little different, and you forget the world.
This may not have been the case in 1521-22 when the castle was built as a defence during Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent’s war with Rhodes. The castle and its walls protected the village and served as a naval base. Later it served as a customs control centre. Only one storey remains of the original two-storey building.
A Peak On Both Sides Of Sığacık’s Castle Wall
What To Expect
How To Get There: Private, rental car or public transport (check the map below).
Nearest Airport: İzmir Airport.
Parking: Yes.
Terrain: Easy.
Stroller: Yes.
Income: Free.
Facilities: Yes.
Best Time To Visit: All year, depending on the weather.
Sığacık, once the northern port of nearby Teos, is now a pier for many yachts visiting the Aegean Sea. With a marina on one side and a fishing port on the other, you’re all set to stroll along the water’s edge. Do you like to enjoy water yourself? There are daily boat departures from Sigacik to Azmak, Papaz Boğazı, Aktaşlı, Taş Ada and Çamağız.
Although Sığacık has a port and a beach, people don’t swim in the bay. Instead, head to the road opposite the harbour. It will take you directly to Akkum Beach, a paradise for swimmers and sunbathers!
How About A Little Something To Eat?
Fishing Boats With The Castle Wall In The Background
Places Nearby
Teos, century-old olive trees, an antique harbour, and Dionysus (1 km)
Jet-setting in picture-perfect Alacati (37 km)
Izmir, one of the most underrated cities in Turkey (41 km)
Wandering the streets of Cesme in Turkey (44 km)
If you have any questions about a place, feel free to ask. You can send us a message through our contact page or leave a comment on our Instagram or Facebook pages.
You can also join our group Turkey Travel Photography on Facebook to share your lovely photos or experiences about Turkey.
Practical Information
This is a great day trip from İzmir or Kuşadası. Sığacık is easily accessible by car and public transport. If you fly to Izmir, take a bus to Üçkuyular and a bus to Seferihisar. You can find both timetables on the ESHOT website; select the line numbers on the left (202 and 985). Please note that cars are not allowed in the inner castle. Parking nearby can be a hassle. The most accessible place to park is on the northeast side of the village, behind the beach.
Do you want to stay overnight in Sığacık? The inner castle is home to countless boutique hotels. Also, be aware that while the castle walls dampen outside noise, many restaurants near the marina have live music in the evenings. If you are an early sleeper, you may want to choose a hotel a little further from the city centre.
Places We Recommend
Akyaka
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Kalkan
Kalkan is without any doubt one of these villages that seem to have it all: charm, seaside location, picturesque harbour and a Greek past that still is visible everywhere you go. (Read more)
Eski Doğanbey
A wonderful day trip from Bodrum, Didim or Kuşadası to Eski Doğanbey, which is located on the beautiful Dilek Peninsula, a national park between Didim and Kuşadası in Western Turkey at the Mediterranean Sea. (Read more)
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