Kusadasi in Turkey is somewhere that I neither love nor hate. The place does not excite me, but it does not disappoint me either. Many years ago, I lived in the resort for six months, and since then, I have returned time and time.
Sitting on Turkey’s west coast, known as the Aegean, Kusadasi has the classic tale of a fishing village turned significant holiday resort. Previously called Scala Nova, cruise ships also dock in to take passengers to the nearby ruins of Ephesus, and while the population swells in summer, with holidaymakers, winter still sees day-trippers.
So, what is there to know, and more importantly, what are the main things to do?
About Kusadasi in Turkey and the Things to Do
Ladies Beach Area
This beautiful beach is probably my favourite among the numerous beaches. The sandy beach sits on the outskirts of the main town centre but exists in a world of its own. There are ample bars and restaurants, as well as that long stretch of beach water sports and jet skiing, and if relaxing is what you want to do, this is the best place.
Many years ago, local tales said, the area got its name from the ladies who used to wait for their husbands to come back on fishing boats. However, another tale says the beach was for ladies only. If sandy stretches are not fun for you, visit the four beach clubs: Jade, Rei, Ada Sunset, and Sandal. Kustur Beach and downtown Beach are also other choices.
Pigeon Island – Main Landmark
Kusadasi’s prominent landmark, Pigeon Island, joins the mainland by a 15-minute walk on a stone path. In summer, the daily boat trips line up on the walkway. Apart from the ruins of Kusadasi castle, there is nothing to do on Bird Island besides having fantastic coastline views. Interestingly, the island refers to the name —kus, meaning bird in Turkish, and ada, meaning island.
Öküz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai
You can’t miss this 17th-century building right opposite the cruise ship port. During the old times of the eastern Silk Road, Caravanserais was where travelling salespeople used to rest their heads. They could eat and wash while staff attended to their animal’s care, and their wares and tears were safe from bandits. Thankfully, Kusadasi is safer these days, and no bandits are running around, so the caravanserai now operates as a hotel. You can wander in, look around, or book tickets for the Turkish night shows.
Dilek Peninsula National Park
Sitting on the way to Davutlar and Guzelcamli, Dilek National Park (called Milli Park in Turkish) covers 27,000 hectares and is nationally protected. If you book a jeep safari, you will most likely visit the park and Zeus cave at the entrance, which is excellent for swimming and cooling off. On the far opposite side is an old Greek village, but nearer to Kusadasi are stone beaches and beautiful hiking trails. Don’t be surprised to see the odd wild boar or two running around.
Fun History Fact
The Ottoman Empire lost World War I, so Allied forces took over its lands. For a short period, the Italians and then the Greeks ruled Kusadasi. Then, the Turkish War of Independence started, and the Turks, upon winning, regained control.
Ephesus Historic Site and the House of the Virgin Mary
Ephesus Ancient City is one of Turkey’s top attractions, hosting millions of visitors yearly, and its ancient history amazes everyone. The UNESCO World Heritage site becomes crowded in summer as people flock in from the cruise ships and other surrounding holiday resorts like Bodrum and Altinkum.
You will pass the temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Sadly, just one column stands. Ephesus has a rich history, and you can tour the excavated Roman houses, Agora Street, Greek temples, terrace houses, Celsius library, and Amphitheatre. Also book tours that go to the Virgin Mary’s home, a popular pilgrimage destination. The drive from Ephesus is just 30 minutes.
Visit the Greek Island of Samos for the Day
During summer, the coastal resort town runs ferry services across the turquoise waters to Samos, just an hour’s ride away. The ferry lands in Pythagorio, on the southeastern side of the island. This is your chance to combine Turkish culture with Greek culture. There are many things to do and plenty of Greek taverns. The other Greek port is Vathi.
Turkey’s Best Waterparks
If public beaches aren’t your scene, outside of town, as if driving to Selcuk, are two waterparks: Aqua Fantasy and Adaland. The latter is known for the Dolphin Park, while Aqua Fantasy is also a hotel, should the kids want water-splashing fun every day. Both have lockers for your items and after paying the entrance ticket fee, you get a card to load up with the money you need to pay for food and drink. When driving to the parks, look over the coastline for fantastic panoramic views.
Wine Tasting in Sirince Village
In green hills above Ephesus sits a picturesque village with old Greek houses. Legends say the town was initially started by freed Greek slaves from the ancient city of Ephesus, but Sirince shot to superstardom fame in 2012 when the Mayan calendar predicted the world would end. We are all still here, but on that day, people flocked to the village for savour in the end days.
Enjoy the beautiful views across the valley, tuck into tasty Turkish breakfasts, sample the locally made fruit wine, and explore the architecture, including an abandoned church. The fun fact is that the name means ugly, which was meant to deter anyone from entering. This attractive Turkish village is an integral part of Aegean heritage.
Day Trips to Nearby Selcuk
Selcuk town centre is nearer to Ephesus, and even though it is far from those clear waters, there is much to do. The old Byzantine castle stands on a hilltop overlooking the 6th-century Saint John Basilica, which always has an ongoing travel discussion of whether he was buried there.
Look for storks nesting in the old aqueduct, and visit the marvellous 14th-century Isa Bey Mosque. The Ephesus Archaeological Museum is here, and a short drive away is the supposed cave of the seven sleepers, a biblical story, and the Çaml?k Outdoor Railway Museum, hosting locomotives from the 19th century. Loads of eateries serve delicious Turkish cuisine, and if you are driving, stop by Pamucak Beach.
Shopping Delights
Holidaymakers can expect everything they desire, including sun, sea and fantastic weather. Likewise, expect plenty of shopping opportunities, from traditional bazaars to modern, brand-name shops. Jewellery shops are plentiful since Turkish gold is of a different carot. Carpet shops are plentiful because these are popular souvenirs for people coming off the cruise ships.
Nightlife and Vibrant Atmospheres
The great thing about the vibrant nightlife is that it has two faces. There is cosmopolitan nightlife, all about cafes, fine dining, and good conversation, but head to Bar Street for the best nightlife. (Barlar Sokagi.) The Turkish personnel wearing football shirts often speak with broad European accents, confirming they spent the winter watching Western soaps to woo pretty, sunburnt holidaymakers. Although not as famous as Bodrum or Istanbul for partying after dark, enjoy good options for nightlife fun.
Hotels Galore
Now, this is where I pay homage and get down on bended knees to pay respect. Kusadasi has done things wrong, but the selection of hotels is excellent. Old B&Bs will suit the lone traveller who wants to rest their head, but Kusadasi specialises in large establishments. Top-notch luxury, all-inclusive hotels know how to provide service and are some of Turkey’s best. My experience has been with Pine Bay and Korumar, with its private beach; however, you have many choices.
Transport and Airports
The coastal town is 60 60-minute drive from Izmir Airport and two hours from Bodrum Airport. Both have frequent summer flight schedules; however, they use Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport in winter. The central bus station at the back of town runs routes to other destinations in Turkey further afield, but use the smaller “dolmus” station near the central town coastline in the city centre to get around locally. Taxis are yellow, but check for meters or get the price before getting in. Otherwise, some people hire a car and hit the open road because exploring the surrounding popular destinations and attractions is fun.
Places to Go Further Afield for the Day
If you don’t mind a four-hour round trip, tour shops sell day trips to Pamukkale called the Cotton Castle. The natural landmark sits next to the 2nd-century Hierapolis archaeological site, with ancient temples and a museum displaying historical artefacts. The pools are the main reason people visit because there is nowhere else like them, and they have healing properties.
Otherwise, Didim, called Altinkum, is within a 60-minute drive and is famous for the golden beaches and the temple of Apollo. Had construction continued, the ancient structure would have rivalled Delphi in Greece. On the way back, make a slight detour and see the historical sites of Miletus and Priene.
Roughly one hour’s drive away, Izmir is Turkey’s third-largest city, offering compelling reasons to visit. The original town, Smyrna, was one of the Bible’s seven churches of revelation. The larger Izmir area includes Cesme and Alacati, Turkey’s surfing capital, and both have pristine beaches. Expect stunning views and learn about ancient times in the old Konak district, agora, and castle. Izmir is one of Aegean Turkey’s best nightlife destinations.
Is it Worth Visting Kusadasi?
It isn’t worth visiting just for the town; but the surrounding attractions and places are worth seeing. I suggest booking a hotel, seeing the local sights of Kusadasi in one day, and then exploring the other surrounding attractions for two days.
What is Kusadasi Best Known For?
Pigeon Island makes Kusadasi in Turkey famous; however, the resort earns significant fame as a cruise ship port near Ephesus’s ancient ruins.