Hotels in Cesme

Backed by pine-covered mountains and home to the country’s famous Blue Lagoon, Ölüdeniz holidays have blossomed into one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations. However, while there’s plenty of opportunities to laze the days away on a Blue Flag beach and soak up some sunshine, holidays here offer much more than a just chance to top up your tan. This resort acts as the host to the Ölüdeniz International Air Games, which sees aerobatic fanatics and pilots pitting themselves against each other against the backdrop of the Babadağ Mountain.

If you prefer your attractions to be a little bit closer to the ground, spend a day travelling the Lycian Way to explore ancient, rock-hewn tombs and seek out Roman ruins. Alternatively, once you’ve reached the right shade of brown and the sun is creeping off to bed, spend your evening in one of the beach bars along the waterfront and catch some traditional Turkish music, cocktail in hand.

Things to do

Without a doubt, the biggest attraction in Ölüdeniz is the Blue Lagoon. Not only does it attract sunbathers and photographers looking to snap a picture of the native Loggerhead turtles, but look beneath the sapphire waters and you might see a scuba-diver or two! However, if you can bear to tear yourself away from the beaches, you’ll find a wealth of things to do in the town. Whether you’re a fan of the Great Outdoors, an adrenaline junkie, a history buff, or you just want to soak up a sunset or two, there’s never any reason to be bored!

Incredible beaches

It all starts at the beach in Ölüdeniz, which is famous for its picture-perfect Blue Lagoon. As one of Turkey’s most iconic beaches, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the crystal clear waters and the beautiful scenery. If you want to escape the crowds, you can take a water taxi to more secluded beaches, where there’s a good chance you’ll have a lovely little spot all to yourself.

Great activities

There’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained in Ölüdeniz, whether your children are big or small. Head to one of the town’s two water parks for a fun-filled day out, or treat your little ones to a banana boat ride. If you’re looking for some romantic things to do, it doesn’t get much better than a day on a secluded beach, before a sunset meal with jaw-dropping views from the top of a mountain.

Relaxed atmosphere

If you love the atmosphere of a beachside promenade, you’ll be happy to know Ölüdeniz has a lovely one full of shops, bars and restaurants. The nightlife’s nice and relaxed, perfect for quiet meals out or a few after-dinner cocktails.

Whether you’re lazing around in the warm Turkish sunshine for your whole holiday, or being active and exploring spots like Kidrak Natural Park, you’re sure to have a memorable time in Ölüdeniz.

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Sitting pretty on Turkey’s west coast, you’ll discover the sun-soaked beach resort of Kusadasi. Once a tiny fishing village, it’s transformed over the years into a popular destination but has still managed to keep much of its character and personality. With eight beautiful beaches, bustling bars, and a chic marina on offer, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular with families, couples, and groups of mates.

Kusadasi holidays still have a traditional feel; take in the authentic atmosphere as you stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town, and experience the buzzing bazaar. This will show you a slice of local life as well as give you a chance to haggle for some bargains. A short way beyond the resort, you’ll have the chance to explore one of the region’s most popular historic attractions: the ancient city of Ephesus.

Things to do

Holidays to Kuşadasi are all about the beaches for many visitors. And whether you want to relax in a tranquil spot with a book in hand, or try your hand at watersports, there’s plenty to keep you happy. If you’re travelling with the kids, they’ll love playing around in the sand.

But if you fancy a change of scenery, there’s always the nearby waterparks. Kids and grown-ups alike will love splashing around in the pools and riding the slides. Love a bit of history? You’re in luck, because you’re just a short trip away from a fascinating ancient city that’s waiting to be explored.

History

Little is known about the history of Kusadasi apart from that the surrounding areas were ruled by the Roman Empire in 200 BC and it became a state of Byzantine.

Visit the Ottoman Fortress of Kusadasi which sits proudly over Pigeon Island, named after the large amount of birds that migrate to the area. The 13th century castle and its tall towers were strategically built to protect the sea and mainland from attack by pirates. Explore the grounds of the ancient fortress, visit the museum and enjoy the panoramic views of scenic Kusadasi.

Nearby is the Ancient City of Ephesus, which during this time was an important port for trade and religion. The city was destroyed by a series of earthquakes and as a result, lost its financial significance as the Byzantines had to find a new trading centre. Its magnificent ruins can be visited and it’s also home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Temple of Artemis, and The House of the Virgin Mary.

Beautiful beaches

Kusadasi has some beautiful beaches along the seafront promenade; one of the most popular is Silver Sand beach. The soft sands that shelve gently into the sea make it ideal for families with small children. Take in the stunning views of the glistening waters and the castle in the distance. Play a game of volleyball before taking a break and having a bite to eat in one of the beachside cafés or restaurants. Thrill seekers can take to the waves and try the variety of water sports available including jet skis, banana boats and canoes.

Great nightlife

You’ll be able to find a variety of nightlife after dark as there are two main bar streets. Enjoy the atmosphere of the Irish pubs, sip on a delicious cocktail or two in one of the bars and then dance the night away in one of the nightclubs. If you want something a little quieter, the beachside bars are where you’ll be able to spend your evening with a refreshing drink under the stars.

Where is Kusadasi?

You’ll find the sun-soaked beach resort of Kusadasi on the southern Aegean Coast in Turkey. It’s situated in the north-west of Aydin province, around 100km from Izmir city centre.

Once a quaint fishing village, Kusadasi has grown into a bustling holiday resort; it’s also one of the most popular holiday destinations in the region. You can expect nothing less than spectacular coastal scenery around here, as there’s a stunning selection of beaches to choose from, there are eight in total.

In town, you’ll find a blend of old and new to explore. You’ll discover pretty cobbled streets and bustling cafés tucked away in Ottoman houses, as well as a wealth of fashionable shops and chic restaurants to choose from. Don’t forget to head for the bustling bazaar; it’s a great place to experience Kusadasi culture first hand. It’s also a great spot to find handcrafted goodies galore for those essential souvenirs.

The famous ruins of Ephesus aren’t far away from here either (around 20km); once the Roman capital of Asia, it’s well worth visiting to explore ruins dating back 2,000 years. Kusadasi is also close to several other major archaeological sites; you can easily visit the Ionian settlements of Didyma, Miletus and Priene from here.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including, including: Antalya | Bodrum | Cesme | Dalaman | Istanbul | Izmir | Ozdere

Tucked away in a peaceful bay on the glorious Aegean coast in southwest Turkey, you’ll come across the charming village of Özdere. For many, holidays to Özdere are all about miles and miles of golden sandy beaches; the perfect spot for relaxing in the sunshine. And if you do want to pick up the pace, you could always give watersports a go or head into the lush green hills that surround the town. You’ll also find yourself within easy reach of the ancient city of Ephesus, which is an absolute must-see while you’re in the region.

Things to do

The beach may be your first port of call on holidays to Özdere (after all, it’s hard the resist the temptation of those gloriously white sandy shores), but if you do fancy a change of scenery, you won’t be disappointed. The village itself is a hive of activity, with its lively markets and bustling restaurants.

And if you fancy taking a trip beyond the village, you’ll find a wealth of fascinating historic sights to see. You could also take a short boat trip over to a different country altogether, and hop over to the Greek islands for a great excursion.

Excellent beaches

Along a lengthy coastline full of beautiful Blue Flag beaches and stunning coves is the secluded bay of Özdere. The shallow, calm water of the Aegean Sea is every shade of green and blue and blends in with the colours of the surrounding forestry. Özdere’s soft, golden sand shelves into the crystal clear waters, which are great to explore by swimming, water sports or scuba diving. Relax by the beach and soak up the warm, Turkish sun in a location that’s a taste of paradise and just perfect for watching the striking sun setting along the horizon.

History and culture

Özdere was once a small fishing village until about 10 years ago when it began to develop into a popular tourist destination. This means that the area is full of authentic narrow streets, undamaged forests and traditional Turkish charm. Located in the southwest of Turkey, it’s one of the country’s most archeologically significant resorts, with historical sites nearby including the ancient city of Ephesus.

Nightlife

The quiet seaside town has a modest nightlife with only a small selection of bars that are open until the early hours. The atmosphere in Özdere is calm and laid-back with tradition at its heart. Expect to find an excellent selection of traditional restaurants and bars where you’ll be able to enjoy a cocktail or two, down by the sea. A popular place in Özdere for delicious seafood in the evening is The Love Square, which is a newly built promenade along the waterfront that gives spectacular views of the shimmering sea and distant Greek island, Samos.

More travel guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including, including: Antalya | Bodrum | Cesme Dalaman | Istanbul | Izmir | Kusadasi