A Guide To Kusadasi, Turkey's Beloved Resort Town

Kusadasi is one of the first tourist centres of Turkey, a district on the Aegean Sea coast of Aydin. The region grew quickly with the tourism influx that started in the 1960s. Now, it is one of the first destinations to come to mind regarding cruise tourism. In Kusadasi, there are Dilek Peninsula and B&uumly&uumlk Menderes Delta National Park, where blue and green meet, blue flag beaches, vibrant nightlife and historical and tourist spots that bear the traces of different civilizations. At the same time, with hundreds of accommodation facilities, the city stands out as a good alternative for those who want to vacation on the Aegean coast.

Things to do

The Ancient City of Ephesus

Ephesus is the single major reason why Kusadasi is a famous tourist destination. The ruins of the second largest Roman City of Ephesus are located just outside Kusadasi they are amongst the best preserved ancient Greco-Roman remains in the world. Matching up to the standards of famous Greco-Roman ruins in countries like Greece and Italy, Ephesus's ancient ruins are one of Turkey's top attractions. Restored landmarks from the original city include the terrace houses, Celsius library, Grand Theatre, Hadrian's Temple and Curates Street. 

Explore The House of the Virgin Mary

Situated in the Green Hills of Selcuk, near Ephesus, is a small stone house, an important pilgrimage destination for Catholics and Muslims alike. Monks and Nuns see this place's upkeep, and Church masses happen on selected days. Believed to be where Virgin Mary spent her last days, this ordinary-looking house has a lasting effect on those who visit this place. The tranquil gardens and ambience of the Virgin Mary's home, run by monks and nuns, leave a lasting impact, even on non-religious people. Suspected to be where she spent her last days, urban legends say three water springs bring much luck for health, wealth or fertility. Church services also take place on certain days. 

Visit Seljuk Town Temple of Artemis, Saint John's Basilica, Isa Bey Cami

As well as the old aqueduct running through the centre, Saint Johns Basilica, with its former baptism pool, church, and suspected tomb, takes just an hour to explore. Just 5 minutes' walk from there, Isa Bey Cami, with excellent architecture dating from the Seljuk era of Turkey's historical timeline, is a beautiful mosque. On the outskirts, Artemis Temple, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, sits in a small marshy field. Yet sadly, upon seeing what is left, you may be disappointed. Just one column pathetically stands among scattered carved stones, displaying little of its former glory. 

Visit the Temple of Apollo at Didyma

Home to the famed Oracle of Didyma and the second largest ancient Greek Temple, The Temple of Apollo still boasts its last remaining skyrocketing towers which once used to be 122 in number. Popularly known as the best preserved Greek Temple in Turkey, this was home to the second most important oracle of the ancient world, just second to the Oracle of Delphi. This place remains important for Greek Myth believers. 

Take a walk through history at Priene

Once a popular bustling ancient port city, this place saw its golden days between 300 BC to 45 BC, when its harbours were bustling with commerce. Meander River led to the city's ultimate demise until it was completely abandoned in 2 AD. The highlight of this ancient ruined city is the Ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the well-preserved 6500-seater Greek amphitheatre. 

Drink Wine at The Village of Sirince

High in the green hills of Seljuk, a small village, supposedly started by formerly enslaved people from Ephesus has earned itself an international reputation for its homemade fruity wines. The town itself, with old Greek houses, an abandoned church, and spectacular landscape views, are enjoyable. It is a long winding road to get up there, but once you have arrived, go wine tasting, explore cobbled streets, and, for good luck, throw a coin in the fountain of Saint Mary's Church before settling down for a hearty Turkish-style lunch in a traditional restaurant. 

Explore Pigeon Island And Visit The Museum

Pigeon Island, also known as Bird Island, is the symbol of Kusadasi and where the name Kusadasi (meaning Bird Island) originated from. The island was used for military purposes during the Ottoman Era and before, as the location of the island was strategic for securing the shores and preventing attacks from the sea. The Byzantine castle standing on the rocks, used against pirates, is known as "Pirate Castle." Visit the Museum or simply sit down and enjoy the panoramic view of Kusadasi. 

Relax at Dilek National Park

Four beaches, a spectacular coastline, fantastic views of the Aegean Sea and abundant flora and fauna make up Dilek National Park, just one of Turkey's many protected conservation areas. On my last visit, I met the park's resident wild boars and wandered many paths in the forested area. Zeus' cave is close to the entrance of Dilek Park. Hidden from the view of the pathway, mythology says this is where he hid from his brother Poseidon. Even in summer, the cold water is a favourite spot for a swim break. Ideally, you need a car to visit Dilek National Park and Zeus Cave, but many jeep safaris sold by local agents also visit it.

Getting there

You can reach Kusadasi by bus, plane, train, and ferry. The primary way to travel by ferry from Greece to Kusadasi is through Samos. Due to the island being only 17 nautical miles away, the ferry ride from Samos to Kusadasi is approximately 45 minutes long.

Although Kusadasi doesn't have an airport, you can travel by plane to Izmir (ADB), located 80 km from Kusadasi and then get to the centre of Kusadasi. For those who prefer the bus, many local bus companies travel to Kusadasi from major Turkish cities such as Izmir.

If you travel by train to Kusadasi, your direct route will be Istanbul-Izmir and then Izmir-Sel&ccediluk. Selcuk is 20 km from Kusadasi, and some minibuses leave Selcuk bus station every 20 minutes for Kusadasi.

Cover photo credit Shutterstock

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