Aegean villages rich in tourists

Some villages in the Aegean provinces of İzmir, Aydın and Muğla have become a draw for foreign and local tourists thanks to its unique houses with blue shutters, rich cuisine and amiable locals. 

The villages cannot offer their guests five-star accommodations, all-inclusive systems, water parks and luxurious shopping centers but they provide the opportunity of having a holiday among stone houses, flower gardens, coffee houses, friendly environments and homemade food cooked by locals.
 
Until 10 years ago, Alaçatı used to be a place visited in July and August only by those who wanted to have a swim; now it is one of the most visited among these villages. 

Today's famous tourist resort is now hosting thousands of tourists every season, especially after the village's unique stone houses were restored and turned into boutique hotels. It also offers its guests various festivals of delicious dishes and designer clothes. 

Alaçatı is also known for windsurfing, windmills and cookies, and daily accommodation prices range between 200-700 Turkish Liras per person. 

Another highly-popular village in the Aegean is Şirince, which is close to the Ephesus Ancient City and Kuşadası. Şirince gained international popularity in 2012 when doomsday believers flocked to the village, which was prophesized as one of the two locations to survive doomsday predictions based on the Mayan calendar. 

With its unique houses, viticulture, bread and olive oil, the village has 38 boutique hotels with accommodation prices ranging between 80 and 400 liras per person. 

Unique architecture, regional dishes

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