Kusadasi holidays

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.

More travel guides

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