Kuşadası is one of the most popular cruise ship ports in the Turkish Mediterranean and this port city is all about sun, sea and fun holidays. Known for its bargains and vibrant nightlife scene, in recent decades it has become a favorite destination for visitors from Europe on package holidays. Hotel developments are spread all along the coast surrounding the city and the beaches are packed in high season. But Kuşadası is not only prime beach sloth territory. Nearby, the majesty of ancient sites such as Priene and the natural beauty of the Dilek Peninsula are tourist attractions that will convince even the most adamant sun-worshipping tourist to brush off the sand and take a day trip for some sightseeing.
Read also: 15 Best Tropical Vacations – Africa
1 Pigeon Island (Güvercin Ada)
Just off the port of Kusadasi, a 350-metre long road leads to the charming Pigeon Island, where the remains of a 13th-century Byzantine fortress (which later became a pirate lair) sit on the cliff. The walls of the island walls, which run partly around the island, are a later addition dating from the early 19th century. Pigeon Island is a favorite place for a walk along the sea, and there is also a nice cafe here. This is the place for an early evening promenade and to admire the sunset.
Location: Port of Kuşadası
2 Port area
Most of Kuşadası’s tourist attractions can be found in the port area. The Kervansaray (caravanserai) was built here by Öküz Mehmet Paşa in 1618. The crenellated facade was restored in the 1960s and it has operated as the Club Caravanserail Hotel since 1967. Just to the south-west you can still find some good examples of 19th century half-timbered houses in the typical traditional style of the region. The old city wall south gate still survives here as well. The bazaar area, full of Turkish souvenirs, starts right in front of the harbor jetty.
Location: Port of Kuşadası
3 Ladies Beach (Kadınlar Denizi)
This beach, two kilometers from the city, is the most popular stretch of sand in the area immediately surrounding Kuşadası. There are plenty of water sports to keep you active, plenty of cafes if you’re feeling hungry and you can hire sun loungers and parasols. Not surprisingly, in the summer it can be busy with both local families and foreign tourists. Weekdays tend to be a little less jam, but don’t expect empty sand at any time in July and August. When you’re out of season, you can really stretch yourself.
Location: 2 kilometers south of Kuşadası
4 Priene
The ruins of the Hellenistic city of Priene, overlooking the mountains, are thoroughly photogenic. This ancient port had its heyday between 300 BC and 45 BC, when the ports were busy with trade. The silting of the Meander River caused the demise of the city and by the 2nd century AD Priene was abandoned. The main attraction here is the Temple of Athena, with its classical Ionian design, while the 6,500-seat theater is exceptionally well preserved. Priene makes an excellent day trip, especially when combined with Miletus.
Location: 40 kilometers south of Kuşadası
5 Miletus
Like Priene, Miletus is another major port city of the Hellenistic period, although the port did not silt up and occupation here continued into the Seljuk era of the 14th century. This means that the ruins here are more of a mix of the different time periods. Not to be missed is the enormous theater, with its 15,000 seats and excellent views from the top tiers. It dates back to the Greek era but was extensively reconstructed by the Romans. There are a few just above the theater Byzantine fortress wallsand just to the east are the remains of the Temple of Apollo. It’s surprisingly well preserved Baths of Faustina go south, past a Seljuk Caravanserai and more of the city’s ancient Greco-Roman ruins. There is also a very good one museum dedicated to the history of Miletus and Priene on site.
Location: 62 kilometers south of Kuşadası
6 Didyma
Didyma
This Hellenistic religious center was home to the legendary Oracle of Didyma and the second largest temple in the ancient world. The Temple of Apollo still has its towering columns (which were once 122 years old) and is one of the best preserved examples of Greek temples in Turkey. The Oracle of Didyma was considered of great importance in the classical ancient world, only second in authority to the Oracle of Delphi. It was only under the rule of Constantine the Great and his conversion to Christianity that the Oracle’s influence waned.
Location: 77 kilometers south of Kuşadası
7 Kirazli
Surrounded by orchards and vine-covered fields, the quaint village of Kirazli has a timeless feel. This is the perfect place to spend an afternoon meandering through alleyways lined with traditional whitewashed village houses and enjoying the peaceful heartbeat of Turkish village life. There are some nice restaurants and cafes to spend a few hours in quiet contemplation. If you are a foodie, come here on Saturdays farmers Marketwhich specializes in local organic products.
Location: Kirazli is located 10 kilometers east of Kuşadası.
8 Dilek Peninsula
Full of beautiful mountain scenery and rugged coastline views, the Dilek Peninsula is a national park area that makes an excellent, easy day trip from Kuşadası, 26 kilometers away. There are many beaches for swimming and sunbathing – Aydınlık Beach and Karasu Köyü Beach are the picks of the bunch. The Cave of Zeus (Zeus Maǧarası) is a popular tourist attraction in the reserve and excellent hiking opportunities await on the park’s network of forest trails. This is the top things to do list for nature-loving tourists who want to get away from the city.
Location: 26 kilometers south of Kuşadası,
Where to stay in Kusadasi for sightseeing
We recommend these popular resorts and hotels in Kusadasi, near the sea and marina:
- Ramada Resort Kusadasi & Golf: luxury resort, water views, modern decor, indoor and outdoor heated pools, tennis courts, kids club.
- Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel: medium beach promenade, modern design, rooftop pool, restaurant with sea views.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kusadasi: affordable prices, stylish decor, marina views, multiple pools, water slides, activities for kids.
- Mr Happy’s – Liman Hotel: budget hotel, good price, convenient location, clean rooms, rooftop restaurant.
Read also:
Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in South Australia
