A thriving cruise ship port and Mediterranean harbour town, Kuşadasi is near the ancient temple of Athena and a verdant national park. Kusadasi is also home to golden beaches, Turkish bazaars, bargain shopping and ancient architecture.

Things to Do

Start your Kusadasi holiday in the harbour area, where you’ll find remnants of the old city gates and the restored Kervansaray, built in 1618. Just in front of the dock is the beginning of the bazaar area lined with stalls selling Turkish foods, antiques, clothing, swords, trinkets and spices.

Explore the city’s rich history with a stroll down the promenade to Pigeon Island to see the ruins of a Byzantine fortress and subsequent pirates’ lair. After walking the rampart walls, stop for tea or dinner at one of the island cafes.

Sunseekers flock to Ladies Beach, about two kilometres from the city, to lounge on its soft sand and enjoy water sports. You can rent jet skis, body boards, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards or kick back under an umbrella. Drive about 25 kilometres to experience the natural splendour of Dilek Peninsula National Park, which is filled with forest trails, beaches and the Cave of Zeus.

Looking for a day trip? Drive one hour to the Hellenistic city of Priene, home to the historic Temple of Athena. You can marvel at the classical Ionian architecture and preserved 6,500-seat theatre. At the harbour city of Miletus, visit the Temple of Apollo ruins and nearby Baths of Faustina.

Getting around

Taxis, coaches and “dolmus” minibuses service Kusadasi and the surrounding region. You can rent a car in the city or at Samos International Airport in Greece, about 36 kilometres away.