About Kusadasi

Thirty years ago, Kusadasi was a sleepy traditional Turkish fishing town on the Aegean Coast which has now been transformed by the arrival of luxury cruise ships carrying passengers from all over the world. Once a quiet dusty village it now even boasts a palm-lined marble promenade and restaurants serving international cuisine to the well-heeled cruise passengers and residents of Kusadasi.

Kusadasi is set in a beautiful Turkish Aegean bay and is known for its sparkling turquoise water, broad sandy beaches, bright sun and large marina with a capacity for 600 boats. Despite being an established tourist resort, Kusadasi has retained a certain earthiness, and it is still possible to find inexpensive meals and pensions.

Kusadasi is well-positioned for visits to the ancient city of Ephesus, famous for its ruined temples, monuments, streets, libraries and brothels, all thousands of years old. Also nearby is the tiny “Pigeon Island”, connected by a causeway to the mainland and boasting a restored 14-15th century fortress surrounded by a lush flower garden and housing a restaurant and disco popular with lovers and would-be lovers.

Numerous powdery sandy beaches with warm, clear waters host a great variety of water and beach facilities in Kusadasi. Windsurfing, water skiing, sailing and beach volleyball are only a few of the activities available for the energetic visitor. After a busy day, the city winds down towards the superb sunset. As the sun sets, the attractive cafes and restaurants along the palm-lined boulevard get busier, with tables on the sidewalks filling up with people watching the comings and goings of the yachts and ships in the sunset. The restaurants, serving a variety of fresh seafood, fish and Aegean specialties, offer a delicious meal in Kusadasi fortifying diners before it’s time to dance until dawn at a lively bar or disco – a perfect end to a typical day in Kusadasi.