Kusadasi Travel Guide

Once a small fishing village, Kusadasi is now one of the most popular holiday resort towns on the southern Aegean Coast. It's set amid splendid coastal scenery and several significant archaeological sites, including the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus, which are just half an hour from the town. The beaches are the main attraction during the day, while after dark, the town comes to life with vibrant bars and clubs setting an upbeat pace. For those seeking a taste of old Turkey, there are cobbled streets, mosques, old-school tavernas and bustling bazaars. Kusadasi is also a popular stop on Mediterranean cruises, with connections to Venice, Piraeus and the Greek island of Samos. Ferries link the town with nearby Greek islands such as Samos and Mykonos.

Shopping

The Grand Bazaar in Kusadasi, near the harbour, is one of Turkey's largest shopping destinations for holidaymakers, crammed with 1,000 or more stores and stalls open seven days a week from 9 am until midnight. Bargaining for a variety of attractive items, such as leather jackets, sandals, carpets and hand-made jewellery, is a fun experience, often accompanied by a glass of tea. Despite the traditional trading atmosphere, most merchants accept credit cards and some foreign currencies. Visitors should be prepared to haggle for the best price, though, as it's part of the adventure. While the bazaar is a shopper's paradise, some may find it repetitive or overwhelming due to the sheer number of similar items.

Restaurants

Kusadasi offers something for every taste and budget, with dozens of restaurants, cafes and lokantas (local bars). Many visitors opt for traditional Turkish cuisine or indulge in the fresh seafood on offer. For those looking for international flavours, there are numerous alternatives, ranging from curry and Chinese to burgers.

Nightlife

Nights in Kusadasi throb with energy, particularly along the town's lively Bar Street in the old town centre, which is lined with pubs and clubs. Travellers can expect to find everything from top European DJs to quieter spots such as cabaret bars, Turkish folk taverns or cosy jazz clubs tucked away from the bustling crowds.

Holiday activities

Kusadasi's clean, sandy beaches are the main draw for holidaymakers, offering opportunities for sunbathing, swimming or indulging in a variety of water sports through local operators at beach clubs. Ladies Beach, with its long stretch of golden sand, is backed by a bustling promenade lined with restaurants and cafes. Long Beach and Kustur Beach, further from the town centre, offer a quieter atmosphere for those seeking more tranquility.

The turquoise waters of the Aegean are ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling. There are also numerous boat trips available for exploring the coast.

Away from the water, active holidaymakers can enjoy horseback riding or embark on a jeep safari to explore muddy nature trails in the nearby Dilek Peninsula National Park. The region of Anatolia is rich in historical and archaeological sites, with dozens of excursions available for those wanting to explore these ancient wonders. The ruins of Ephesus are the most famous, but many other sites in the area are equally captivating.

Any negatives?

Kusadasi's beaches can become extremely crowded during the height of the summer season, making it harder to find a quiet spot. Touts outside restaurants and bars can also be a bit of an annoyance, so visitors should be prepared for this common aspect of Turkish tourist destinations.