Kusadasi, which is built in a crescent-like gulf, is a very popular place due to its proximity to the surrounding districts and tourism centers, even though it is a small town of Aydın. Kuşadası, which is 157 km away from Çeşme and Bodrum, is 20 km away from Selçuk, famous for its ancient city of Ephesus. It is also very close to the House of Virgin Mary, which is of great importance for Christians.
Although the important touristic points around make Kuşadası attractive, the center of Kuşadası is also a very charming and attractive holiday resort.
The gulf, in which Kuşadası is located, has hosted many different civilizations throughout history. Therefore, there are many historical places and buildings in it. Kuşadası is one of the most preferred holiday destinations due to its historical structure, nature, proximity to touristic places and easy transportation from big cities.
Kuşadası, which was a district of İzmir until 1954, was connected to Aydın after this date. Most of its income comes from tourism. The presence of ports, especially near the bazaar, makes this district an attractive center for blue cruises.
Kuşadası is one of the most suitable places for a holiday route with its natural wonders, bustling bazaar, proximity to touristic places and sparkling beaches. The fact that there are beaches to swim and sunbathe in the center also creates convenience in terms of transportation.
Places to Visit in Kusadasi
Kuşadası’nın merkezinde hediyelik eşya satan butik dükkanların, restoran, kafe ve bar gibi eğlence mekanlarının olduğu bu yer Kuşadası Çarşısı ya da Kuşadası Kaleiçi olarak biliniyor.
Kaleiçi aslında Sadrazam Öküz Mehmet Paşa tarafından Osmanlı Döneminde dışarıdan her türlü saldırıları önlemek için yaptırılıyor ancak surların yalnızca bir kısmı günümüze kadar ulaşabilmiş.
Guvercin Island
Güvercin Island is both the symbolic image of Kuşadası and a place that gives its name to the district. Güvercin Island is connected to the land by a breakwater and there is the Pirate Castle, which is also from the Ottoman Period. The height of the castle, which is used as a military base against attacks from the islands, reaches three meters. Behind the mole, there is a statue of a pigeon. This island, which is free to enter, is crowded with fishermen and people going for a walk in the evening.
St. Jean Basilica and House of Virgin Mary
According to the narrative, St. Jean settles in Ephessos and brings Mary, the mother of Jesus, to this region. As a result of research on the dream of A. Katherina Emmerick, a German nun in 1891, it turns out that the Virgin Mary spent her last days in this house. st. Jean Basilica and the House of Virgin Mary came to the fore as one of the religious centers of the Christians. In other words, many people with Christian faith also visit the region for religious tourism. The first stop of the passengers of the big cruise ships in the port, which is never empty especially in the summer months, is St. Basilica and House of Virgin Mary.
Ladies Beach
Kadınlar Plajı’nın Kuşadası’nın en ünlü plajı olduğunu söylemek yanlış olmayacaktır. Kuşadası denilince akla ilk gelen plajlardan biri. Adına Kadınlar Plajı denmesinin sebebi ise eskiden henüz ilçe çevreye doğru genişlemeden önce merkeze daha uzak kaldığı için kadınların tercih ettiği plaj olması. Merkezdeki minibüslerle rahatça ulaşım sağlanabilecek olan plajın girişi ücretsiz.
Dilek Peninsula National Park
Dilek Peninsula National Park, which is within the borders of Kuşadası and Söke, is one of the must-see places with its magnificent nature. This is one of the cleanest and most natural coasts of Turkey. It has four separate beaches and many small coves. Among the beaches there are sandy beaches and pebble beaches.
In the National Park, there are the ancient cities of Panionion and Thebai, Hagios Antonios Monastery, Aya Yorgi Monastery and Zeus Cave.
Especially the Cave of Zeus is a unique place that must be seen. According to mythology, the sky god Zeus took refuge in this cave to escape from Poseidon.
The mixing of the underground waters coming out of the depths of the cave and the sea water, the 10-meter-deep karst-shaped pool has a fascinating beauty with every shade of green. Although it is dangerous to enter, most visitors prefer to swim here.
Ephesus Ancient City
Ephesus Ancient City, which is one of the first places that come to mind when it comes to Turkey’s historical and touristic structures, is actually located in the Seljuk district of Izmir, but is very close to Kusadasi. The ancient city of Ephesus, which is approximately 20 km away, is one of the most important civilization centers in the world. There is also the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the world, within the ancient city of Ephesus, which is known to date back 8600 years. Entrance to the Ancient City of Ephesus is paid.
