Kusadasi is one of Turkey's largest and most cosmopolitan resorts and a
stopping off point for the big cruise-liners. It is a good all round resort,
offering great beaches, excellent shopping and some serious nightlife. Kusadasi
literally means 'Bird Island' and takes its name from the tiny islet known as
Guvercin Adasi or Pigeon Island, which is attached to the mainland by a causeway
and boasts a 14th century Genoese fort. There are a number of sandy beaches in
the area. Kadinlar Plaji or 'Ladies Beach' is central but can get crowded so it
is wiser in high season to head a little further out of the centre where the
beaches are just as sandy but offer more space. Kaleici is the old centre of the
town and is a popular shopping and entertainment area. The Ottoman Kervansaray
or traveler's inn is now in private hands but is an impressive building and a
landmark in the town centre. Today's travelers can find comfort in a full range
of accommodation in all categories and of all sizes.
Kusadasi's setting also makes it a good base for those wanting to visit Ephesus
which is only approximately 30 minutes' drive away.
It is also surrounded by some of Turkey's most beautiful national park including
the Kalamaki National Park, which lies on the Dilek Peninsula, approx. 30 kms to
the south. Dense pine trees cover the mountains which plunge dramatically down
to beaches and crystal-clear sea. Some of Turkey's rarest wild animals can be
found here including the Anatolian cheetah and wild horses. Sundays are often
busy with local visitors. Another stunning spot in the vicinity is Lake Bafa
which is approx, 80 kms south east of Kusadasi
Guvercin Adasi (Pigeon Island)
This tiny island off the west coast of the town is just a few hundred metres
from the mainland, and connected by path way. It contains a fortress, which was
constructed by the Ottomans and restored and strengthened in 1834. Kusadasi was
an important defensive port along the Ottoman Aegean coast, and the fortress
helped prevent attacks coming from the islands. It is now a relaxing place with
landscaped terraces and several teahouses and snack bars.
Cruiser And Yacht Ports
There are two wharfs, where tourist ships are approaching and also a yacht port
with 650 yacht capacity in Kusadasi. Ships are approaching to Kusadasi Port
during all seasons. Passenger motor voyages are regularly organized from
Kusadasi port to Greek Island, Sisam (Samos) during spring and summer months
(Every day between 1st April and 20th October), and during winter months these
voyages are turned as charters. There are daily and hourly picnic touring
passenger motors in the port, and Blue Tour organizing yachts are also in the
yacht port.
Mosque And Caravanserais
Kale İci Mosque
It is constructed in 1618 by Grand Vizier okuz Pasa.
okuz Mehmet Pasa Caravansary
Built in 1618 by Grand Vizier Okuz Pasa, there are artillery holes still visible
on the external walls, in an effort to protect the city against pirates. It is
now a luxury hotel.
Beaches
The most famous beach in the area is Kadinlar Denizi (Ladies' Beach), 3km south
of town and well connected by dolmus, which is very crowded in high season.
Guvercin Adasi has rocky shores but it is possible to swim, and there is a small
beach 500m north of Yilanci Burnu peninsula. A better beach is Pamucak,15km
north on the road to Selcuk.
Thermal Spring
The most important thermal springs in the area are Ciban (Yavansu), Venus and
Guzelcamli.
Caverns
It is a passive cave. As the cave is passive, there is no rivers or creeks
present inside the cave. But the waters dripping from the cracks helped the
formation of various damlatas (drop - shaped precious stone) forms. There are
also some travertine pools and a few small lakes present inside the cave. There
is no significant air flow inside the cave. The moisture level of the cave
atmosphere tends to increase relatively as proceeded t-inside the cave.
National And Natural Parks