Kusadasi
Country: Turkey · Region: Eastern Mediterranean · Currency: Turkish Lira
Kuşadası is a beach resort on Turkey's Central Aegean coast, 95 km south of Izmir, serving as a major cruise port for day trips to the nearby ancient site of Ephesus and other classical ruins.
Top sights
Ephesus, Pigeon Island, Dilek Peninsula National Park, Zeus Cave, Priene and Miletus, Selçuk
Things to do
- Ephesus
- A magnificent Roman site 15 km northeast of town, easily reached by dolmuş or taxi.
- Pigeon Island (Güvercinada)
- Reached by a 200 m causeway from town with a restored castle museum open during daylight hours.
- Dilek Peninsula National Park
- A wild stretch of the Turkish Aegean coast with dense forests, hiking trails, secluded beaches, and monastic ruins; entry 13 TL on foot or 39 TL by car.
- Zeus Cave (Zeus Mağarası)
- A cavern with a 10 m deep brackish pool where karstic spring water mingles with seawater, creating deep blue mineral-stained water; free entry.
Beaches
- Ladies Beach (Kadınlar Denizi Plajı)
- A sandy beach close to town that gets very crowded; recliners and parasols cost around 100 TL for an afternoon.
- Long Beach
- A 10 km stretch of sandy beach with multiple access points and quieter southern portions toward Güzelçamlı.
Where to eat
- Casablanca
- A meat-oriented restaurant on Adnan Menderes Blv with great reviews for service and vegetarian options, open daily 09:30-02:00.
- Murphys
- A restaurant next to Casablanca that receives good reviews.
Bars and nightlife
- Beach cafes
- Free-standing pubs in old town near the port serve alcohol and Efes beer, which is brewed locally for nearby Ephesus.
Getting around
Use dolmuş (shared minibuses) along the coast or taxis from the harbour; taxis are best for exploring distant ruins like Priene and Miletus.
What to eat
Kebab and fish & chips stalls line the beaches, but the best restaurants are in pedestrianised alleys inland from the port, with Casablanca and Murphys offering great reviews.
Tips
Verify taxi number plates start with '09 T' to avoid scams, and watch for pickpockets on crowded beaches.
Best for
Ancient ruins, beaches, day trips