If you are looking for an answer to the question "what to do in Kuşadası", you will find the answer here!
The resort town of Kuşadası on the Aegean Sea in Turkey is a very versatile destination. It is everything that a holiday destination can be. You will actually find the universal joy of extensive sandy beaches. Try the pleasure of dining in one of the many restaurants. Admire the dreamy views and golden sunsets. Have a good time in family water parks.
But that's not all. In fact, just a short distance away is the famous ancient city of Ephesus. The latter was a Roman provincial capital. Despite the passage of time, the city still shines as an archaeological site of imposing scale and unreal grandeur.
It is therefore possible, even in the same day, to do a lot of things in Kusadasi. What to do in Kusadasi, you ask! You can start with a visit to the Library of Ephesus, where you can admire its long columns. Explore the Dilek National Park, its rich biodiversity and forgotten bay. Lie back on a deckchair and watch a beautiful sunset over the Aegean Sea.
What to do in Kuşadası, Turkey?
Visit Ephesus;
Ephesus is among the largest and most important archaeological sites in the Eastern Mediterranean region. It is located a few minutes away from the city of Kuşadası in Selçuk.
This archaeological site is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In fact, it protects an ancient city that dates back about 3,000 years. This city was once one of the 12 members of the Ionian League. Moreover, it flourished and reached its peak in Roman times. In fact, during this time, Ephesus was the provincial capital of Asia.
It is difficult to see Ephesus as it used to be, because it was actually a coastal city. But the coastline has since drifted several kilometres westwards leaving the city in the centre of the plains.
The solemn façade of the Library of Celsus, the breathtaking 25,000-seat theatre and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, await you.
There are tons of other things to see, such as the sophisticated aqueduct system, Trajan's Fountain, the public baths, the 6th century Basilica of St John, the preserved terraced houses with frescoes and the medieval Ottoman fortifications of Selçuk.
Discover the Pigeon Island or Güvercinada;
Another historical wonder to discover if you are looking for what to do Kuşadası is this magnificent citadel. It is located in the bay at the end of a 350 meter causeway.
In fact, Hayreddin Barbarossa (1478-1546) gave the order to build this defensive structure. Its low outer walls date back to the Greek revolt of Orlov that took place during the 1770s.
Güvercinada is laid out as a kind of urban park, with a raised wooden platform and excellent photo opportunities from the ramparts, looking out over Kuşadası, its harbour and hinterland.
During your visit here, information boards help to guide you by also informing you about the local animal and plant life. In addition, from time to time you may see a rabbit hopping around.
One of the treasures of this place is a skeleton which is a real curiosity. It is in fact the skeleton that was discovered in 1990 a few kilometres to the south on the Dilek peninsula. In fact, it belongs to a fin whale.
Explore the Dilek-Büyük Menderes Peninsula Delta National Park
The mountains of this 27,500-hectare national park hover on the horizon south of Kuşadası, and it's a trip worth taking.
The park consists of a rocky peninsula with Mount Mycale along its spine, while to the south, in a much wetter landscape, is the delta of the Büyük Menderes River.
There is a dazzling biodiversity in the park from 800 different plant species to water birds such as pelicans, egrets and plovers, to hyenas, jackals and lynxes in the mountain forest.
You can venture here in search of secluded coves with crystal clear seas and track down the remains of ancient civilisation at Karina, The Panionium and Priene.
Swim in Ladies Beach
This beautiful beach is a fifteen minute walk or short minibus ride from the centre. It is a one kilometre long beach of soft sand. It opens onto a bay that faces west. In fact, the shoreline here is bathed in low, rolling waves.
The name "Ladies Beach" is a remnant of the Ottoman segregation era. In fact, it was really a beach where only women bathed in privacy. Even today, this beach remains a family beach. It is therefore perfect for a family visit. What keeps this exclusivity is the fact that the beach has a gentle slope. This means that even non-swimmers, especially children, are safe. In the large shallow area non-swimmers can paddle all day.
But don't be fooled! This beach is also a great plan for everyone for a hot afternoon. In fact, there are beach clubs all around the bay. These rent out sunbeds and umbrellas and offer a festive atmosphere. In addition, there are several restaurants, cafes and shops along the promenade that borders this beach. Here you can enjoy a beautiful view of Samos at sunset.
Relaxing at Uzun Plaj
This is a beautiful sandy beach that comes just past Ladies Beach. It is 18 kilometres long. There are several buildings and tourist signs along its length. In fact, it extends all the way to the town of Güzelçamlı. Among the strongest points of this beach are its views to the south which are not less than majestic. Indeed, the views can be heard all the way to the formidable ridge of Mount Mycale on the Dilek Peninsula.
Like the Ladies' Beach, Uzun Plaj has low, rolling waves. But even though this bay is more exposed to the sea, it offers a large stretch of shallow water. It is therefore perfect for children and non-swimmers.
At the very top of this beach, near the centre of Kuşadası, is the Tortuga Pirate Island theme and water park. This is one of the two major water attractions in the area.
Visit the village of Şirince
This is a perfect little village hidden in the mountains. It is located eight kilometres east of Selçuk. This village was mainly inhabited by Ottoman Greeks. But this was until the population exchange after the First World War. Şirince shows evidence of much earlier habitation, including the remains of aqueducts from the Roman period that would have supplied Ephesus.
Its white Greek-style houses cascade down the valley side. An idyllic landscape of vineyards, cypress trees, peach and olive orchards surround the whole area creating a captivating view. You can spend your visit exploring the winding, traffic-free streets. Don't forget to take photos in front of the whitewashed houses and enclosed gardens.
In summer, there are many stalls selling spices, crafts and local wine. If you stop at a stall, you can also stop for a Turkish coffee.
Discover Meryemana or the House of the Virgin Mary
According to several accounts, Mary, the Mother of Jesus, lived in this house after being brought by the apostle John. She stayed there until her Assumption. This is why this site is a place much revered by religious people, whether Muslims or members of the Roman Catholic faith. Moreover, since the World War, John Paul II and Benedict XVI have visited the sanctuary.
The discovery of the Meryemana site dates back to 1891. It is said that its discovery followed visions reported by the German Augustinian canoness, Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824). In any case, historians affirm that this building is most probably a very old chapel. They also confirm that it is about 2,000 years old. During your visit, you will see a red line that has been painted on the walls to show what is original and what has been restored.
Visit the Port of Kuşadası
This port had historical importance as it was the main way to reach Ephesus by water. This bustling port of Kuşadası stretches between Güvercinada on the south side and an opulent new marina to the north. Nowadays, it is a port that receives hundreds of cruise ships a year. And if you want to take a day trip to the Greek island of Samos, this is the place to embark.
The harbour is a great place to stroll, shop, watch the sun go down, cool off with a drink, grab a bite to eat and just see the world go by. Along the modern-looking Atatürk Boulevard, there is something for everyone, including international chains like Starbucks and Domino's.
About halfway along, on a small piece of land, is El Heykeli, a panoramic viewpoint with a sculpture of a hand releasing doves.
Discover the Caravanserai Öküz Mehmed Pasha
Not far from the harbour and the waterfront, in downtown Kuşadası, you will find a caravanserai that dates back to the 17th century. You can recognise it by its crenellated walls. It was the double grand vizier Öküz Mehmed Pasha who gave the order to build this caravanserai during the 1610s. At that time, the building was intended as a customs house and an inn for merchants arriving by water.
The large marble entrance faces north to the port. Incidentally, there is an information board right here telling the 400-year history of the building. The caravanserai was in ruins in the 1950s but was restored in stages until the 1990s. It now houses a 25-room hotel and an open-air restaurant in the courtyard.
However, you can walk through the large structure to experience the space and the two levels of galleries with pointed arches that surround it.
Explore the Çamlık Railway Museum
A short distance from the city centre of Kuşadası is the largest railway museum in Turkey with an impressive collection of steam engines. During your visit, you can discover 33 steam locomotives. These date from the 1890s to the 1950s. What is even more exciting is the fact that 18 of these locomotives are arranged around an impressive 18-rail turntable.
In this museum you will also discover the great names of the locomotive manufacturers. From Krupp to Henschel via NOHAB, Borsig and Mafei, you will not miss the name of the British company Stephenson, the oldest manufacturer dating from 1891. In addition, you are free to climb into any of the locomotive cabs, and there are nine historic wagons to discover.
Unfortunately, the museum also bears the mark of a tragedy. In fact, the engine 45501 can also be found outside. This was involved in the 1957 Yarımburgaz railway disaster, a head-on collision that claimed 95 lives.
Visit Adaland
On a holiday steeped in history and culture, you may be ready for a different kind of euphoria. Kuşadası Adaland could be just what you need and stands above most resort water parks.
There's fun for all comers here, including some truly extravagant attractions such as a pair of slides with a real 360° loop at the bottom of a long waterfall. Adaland claims the 'world's longest family slide', Water Coaster, at an epic 406 metres, while Kamikaze has a breathtaking 50 metre drop and Slide & Fly's splashdown propels you several metres into the air.
Many rides involve inflatable rafts, and there are plenty of pools and slides for the little thrill-seekers.
Climb the Gazibegendi Hill
To the northeast of the marina, there is a steep slope that climbs up to what is the best viewpoint in the town of Kuşadası, especially at sunset. Gazibegendi Hill commemorates the modernising Turkish statesman Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881-1938), who came to this town in 1924 and 1937. The name Gazibegendi literally means "Loved by the veteran", Atatürk's nickname.
The story goes that he was particularly impressed by the view of the jagged Aegean coastline from this vantage point, and to honour him there is a Turkish flag and a bronze statue of Atatürk gazing out to Güvercinada. A café and restaurant area opened here in 2014, and there is a small playground atop the terraces a few metres away.
Take a day boat cruise in Kuşadası
Do you want to explore the many bays and coves of the Aegean coast near the town of Kuşadası? Perhaps the easiest way is by a boat cruise.
It is actually possible to find several packages. Generally speaking, they offer you a full day of sailing. They carry you from one enchanting place of beauty to another. At each stop, you will have an hour's break. You can swim and dive in the clear sea, before pulling up anchor and continuing.
These cruises are often one day long, with a total of seven hours on the boat. An on-board lunch is also available. It consists of a rich and delicious menu of grilled chicken, meatballs, pasta, salad and fruit.
Try a Quad Safari
On the west coast of Ephesus is a special kind of beach. In fact, you don't come across this kind of coastline very often in the Turkish Aegean.
Pamucak beach is a wide sandy bay several kilometres long. Its biggest advantage: it remains quiet even when Kuşadası is the busiest. There is actually very little development here. The woods, riverbanks and open scrubland provide a real opportunity for adventure.
A number of agencies offer a 90-minute quad bike safari on this coast. The best ones offer a package that includes insurance, all equipment and pick-up and drop-off in the price. After your adventure through the landscape, you head to Pamucak beach. Here you can catch your breath and refresh yourself or have some snacks.
