Introduction

Reporting some 300 days of sunshine a year, Kuşadasi basks on the Turkish Riviera, drawing visitors who yearn for beaches and fun nights. But it also draws tourists interested in the area’s rich archaeological history. A walled Byzantine castle that once guarded the entrance to Kuşadasi is located on nearby Pigeon Island and connected to the mainland via a 350-foot causeway. A large statue of Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, looks down over the port city from the surrounding hillsides.  Dating from the 1600s, Kaleiçi Camii (Old Town Mosque) is the oldest mosque in the city and an excellent example of Ottoman architecture.

Kuşadasi also is the perfect starting point to visit Ephesus (or Efes), one of the largest Greco-Roman archeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean.  View the ruins of the Greek Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Other not-to-be-missed sites include the Great Theater, which seated some 25,000 people, and the Roman Library of Celsus, which at one time was said to have held thousands of scrolls. Other sites include temples, terrace houses, and Roman baths. 

Ephesus was also a center of early Christianity, with Saint Paul preaching there and tradition indicating that Saint John took Mary, the mother of Jesus, to live there in her later years.  Visit the remains of the Basilica of St. John, built during the reign of Emperor Justinian in the 6th century over the remains of the 4th century tomb reportedly housing the saint’s remains. The Basilica was used as a mosque and suffered significant earthquake damage in the 14th century. Nearby is the House of the Virgin Mary, accepted by the Catholic Church as a possible final residence of Jesus’ mother. 

Port Orientation

The Port of Kusadasi is located in the downtown area, with cruise ships docking at a new terminal on an arm reaching out into the harbor. The cruise terminal, called Scala Nuova, is a small modern mall housing western style shops as well as turkish boutiques. Since the terminal is across the street from the central part of town, it is an easy walk to the main shopping district and the beaches beyond the town.

Transportation

The city of Kusadasi can be easily explored on foot. Check at the terminal for information on bus and taxi transportation should you desire to take in some of the archaeological sites in the area.

Attractions

The walk from the port across the causeway to Pigeon Island and its Byzantine Castle takes about thirty minutes.  Aside from the shopping and dining in the harbor area, KuÅ?adasi also offers several beaches for swimming and water sports.  Ladies Beach, two kilometers from Kusadasi, is said to be the most popular.  Tours to archeological sites in and around Ephesus, including the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, Hadrian’s Temple, Celsus Library, may be booked through the ship.

For nature enthusiasts, Dilek Peninsula-Büyük Menderes Delta National Park (also called Milli Park) lies about 20 miles south of the city.  In addition to hiking and biking opportunities, the park features several beaches and the Cave of Zeus, a blue-green colored mineral water swimming hole.

For shopping, head to the Grand and Orient Bazaars for high quality leather goods, blue evil eye talismans, pottery, copper goods, jewelry, and carpets. Expect to bargain and watch for authentic carpets, being mindful of lower quality imports.  Take home Turkish Delight, flavored jelly-like candies called “lokum,” as well as spices and tea. While apple tea is widely sold as a souvenir, black tea is the preferred blend in Turkey.

Average Temperature

Average High Temperature

Average Precipitation