KUŞADASI
This seaside resort town has grown immensely in the last 30 years, and is
especially popular with package holiday-makers from Europe. From a population of
6000 in the 1970s, it is now closer to 50,000, although a high proportion of
this are part of the tourist industry and here only for the summer. Many
cruising ships travelling around the Aegean Islands stop here, especially
because of its close proximity (20km) to Selcuk. Kusadasi is a good base to
explore this and other ancient cities like Priene and Didyma.
Although there is little of historical interest in Kusadasi itself, the town is
popular predominantly because of its many hotels, restaurants, souvenir and
carpet shops, and lively nightlife. The Kale district has some old traditional
houses and narrow streets, and gives some indication of what the town used to be
like. The most famous beach is Kadinlar Plaji, 2.5km south of the town,
dominated by huge hotels and can get very crowded in summer. There are several
small beaches further south, and
closer to town is Yilanci Burnu, the peninsular.
Where to Visit
Güvercin Adası (Pigeon Island)
This tiny island off the west coast of the town is just a few hundred metres
from the mainland, and connected by walkway. It contains a fortress, which was
constructed by the Ottomans and restored and strengthened in 1834. Kusadasi was
an important defensive port along the Ottoman Aegean coast, and the fortress
helped prevent attacks coming from the islands. It is now a relaxing place with
landscaped terraces and several teahouses and snack bars.
CRUISER and YACHT PORTS
There are two wharfs, where tourist ships are approaching and also a yacht port
with 650 yacht capacity in Kuşadası. Ships are approaching to Kuşadası Port
during all seasons. Passenger motor voyages are regularly organized from
Kuşadasi port to Greek Island, Sisam (Samos) during spring and summer months
(Every day between 1st April and 20th October), and during winter months these
voyages are turned as charters. There are daily and hourly picnic touring
passenger motors in the port, and
Blue Tour organizing yachts are also in the yacht port.
MOSQUE and CARAVANSERAIS
Kale İçi Mosque
It is constructed on 1618 by Grand Vizier Öküz Paşa.
Öküz Mehmet Paşa Caravansary
Built in 1618 by Grand Vizier Okuz Pasa, there are artillery holes still visible
on the external walls, in an effort to protect the city against pirates. It is
now a luxury hotel.
BEACHES
The most famous beach in the area is Kadinlar Denizi (Ladies’ Beach), 3km south
of town and well connected by dolmus, which is very crowded in high season.
Guvercin Adasi has rocky shores but it is possible to swim, and there is a small
beach 500m north of Yilanci Burnu peninsula. A better beach is Pamucak,15km
north on the road to Selcuk.
THERMAL SPRING
The most important thermal springs in the area are Ciban (Yavansu), Venus and
Guzelcamli.
