Kusadasi is one of the most famous resorts in Turkey and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. It retains an exotic atmosphere and the coastline is splendid, with turquoise waters and golden sand. In this article you will find a complete travel guide for a perfect holiday in Kusadasi!

Transport

Most convenient options to get from Izmir Airport to Kusadasi are bus and taxi. Take the Havas bus (43 TRY) outside the terminal. You need to purchase your tickets (about 4-5 euros) from the airport offices before boarding the bus and presenting them to the driver. They run between 1:30-23:30 and the journey will take about 1.5 hours. A taxi will cost around 25-30 euros and it will take 1 hour to get to Kusadasi. Taxis are available 24/7 and the taxi rank is outside the terminal.

By what do you travel in Kusadasi

If you don't bring your own car to Kusadasi, or even if you do, you should know that you can even get around Kusadasi on foot. The resort is much smaller compared to others in Turkey, and the places you can see on your walking tours will make you fall in love with Kusadasi.

But you can also find transport options, such as dolmus - a kind of taxi in which you ride with other people, very popular in Turkey. In summer, dolmus is available from 7am until midnight. The cost varies between 2-4 TL/person, which is less than 1 euro. There are 7 dolmus lines in Kusadasi that go to most places in the city. Even if you are not at the station, you can stop a dolmus by waving and the driver will stop and guide you to the best dolmus line to get where you want to go.

Accommodation in Kusadasi

In Kusadasi you will find low-priced accommodation from 25 euro/night or All Inclusive hotels from 100 euro/night, to the most luxurious resorts. Here are some options:

Kusadasi Sezgins Boutique Rooms - The property located less than 1 km from the beach and the center has rooms with private bathroom, Wifi, air conditioning and offers guests breakfast included in the price. 35 euro/night. In addition, you have access to the communal pool and terrace. The location is in the southern part of the resort, the nearest beaches being Jade Beach Club, Kusadasi Sahil and Kadinlar: https://www.booking.com/hotel/tr/kusadasi-sezgins-boutique-rooms.ro.html.
Palmin Hotel - The 4-star hotel is about 500 m from Ladies Beach and has rooms with private bathroom, air conditioning, private balcony with landscape, Wifi and TV. You have free access to the 3 swimming pools with waterslides, spa, fitness room and sauna. Here you will find All Inclusive offers starting from 140 euros/night: https://www.booking.com/hotel/tr/palmin.ro.html.
Ramada Resort Kusadasi & Golf - This 5-star resort in the North offers all the conditions for a dream experience to the guests: 5 outdoor pools with water slides, 1 indoor heated pool, luxury spa, sauna, steam bath, tennis & golf court and free Wifi in the whole complex. Prices per night start from 250 euros: https://www.booking.com/hotel/tr/ramada-resort-kusadasi-amp-golf.ro.html.

Top beaches in Kusadasi

Ladies Beach

The most popular beach in Kusadasi resort is Ladies Beach, and not just because it is close to the central area. Here you will find everything you could wish for on a holiday in Turkey: clear water that gradually widens, 1 km of fine, clean sandy beach, a street full of souvenir shops, terraces, restaurants, water sports activities, bathrooms, changing rooms, lifeguards (between 8-19), umbrellas and sunbeds (less than 1 euro/ sunbed).

Being the most famous beach, it is also quite crowded. But the scenery and atmosphere here will be worth it, especially once you've admired the sunset. There's even a special dolmus of the same name that runs from the centre of Kusadasi to the beach (the journey takes 15 minutes). Those who come by car can find parking both in the southern area of the beach (Rota Otopark) and in the northern area (Sincer Otopark) with prices of about 1-2 euro/day.

Green Beach

Green Beach is just a 10-15 minute walk from Ladies Beach. The water here has turquoise tones, and the fine sand complements the exotic scenery along with the palm trees next to the beach. Green Beach is set in a hilly area and is very popular in summer.

You can get here with dolmus number 5. If you come by car, you can leave it at one of the car parks near Ladies Beach and stroll along the cliff here admiring the quiet sea.

Long Beach

Long Beach was once 18 km long and is now separated into several beaches. So, the current beach is now 6 km long. Like Ladies Beach, there are many activities, and the sand is clean and the sea clear. And here you'll find terraces and restaurants where you can enjoy local specialities watching the sea.

The price of a sezlong is also less than 1 euro and you can arrive by dolmus with the name Sahil Siteleri. Street parking is available for a fee (approx. 1 euro/day) and also free during off-peak hours.

Kusadasi Sahil

Kusadasi Sahil Beach is located in the central area of the resort and here you find the clearest water. You'll find both sandy areas perfect for relaxing, but also rocky areas where you'll get great photos. You'll find all kinds of activities - from water sports to beach clubs.

The price of a sun lounger is the same as at the other beaches, and as the beach is quite large, you're sure to find a comfortable place to sit. Near the Marina area you can find free parking, but you can also find paid parking at Ada Otopark (1,5 euro/day).

Pamucak Beach

This beach is about 13 km from the centre of Kusadasi, but it's worth the drive. Pamucak beach is very long and quiet. The waves here are perfect for surfers, and the fact that it's not such a crowded beach (at least in the back area of the beach) is all the better. The sand here is fine, and the views are just right.

You can get here by bus Selcuk-Kusadasi, and from the bus stop you have to walk about 5 minutes. There are restaurants and terraces in the area, but no lifeguards. For 1 sunbed you will pay about 1,5 euro per day. If you bring your own car, you can park it at the street parking for about 2 euro/day.

What to visit in Kusadasi - Attractions

Ancient City of Ephesus

Ancient City of Ephesus is among the best maintained cities in the world. It was built in 10 BC and is an important Unesco site. Here stands the Temple of the Goddess Artemis of Ephesus - one of the Seven Wonders of the World, of which a few ruins remain today. Also here you can visit the former aristocratic residences, the old theatre and many other important former buildings.

The town is about 22 km from Kusadasi and you can get there by bus 202 or 403 (approx. 4 euro/adult). If you travel with your own vehicle, you will find parking for about 2 euro/day. To visit Efes, you will have to buy a ticket at the entrance for about 11 euros. Some locations inside will have an additional fee of between 3-6 euros, but if you still end up here, it's definitely worth discovering the old city up close. Children under 8 have free access, but proof is required.

Guvercinada Island

Guvercinada Island or Pigeon Island, as it is also called, is connected from Kusadasi by a small road of 350 m. The island is often called the emblem of Kusadasi resort. The castle of the same name dating back to the 1800s is located here. Both by day and especially at night, the scenery is splendid. Access is free and you can visit the small island and the castle daily between 9-22. The island is a 10-minute walk from the centre.

Milli National Park

Milli Park is a nature paradise: beach, sea, mountain and hiking. It is one of the most beautiful places in Kusadasi where you can have a picnic with your family or relax at one of the available terraces. The area is carefully maintained, so both the beach and the water are very clean.

The park is about 30 km from the city, and we recommend you to come with a tour here if you don't have your own vehicle because it is difficult to reach the area. You can come both by boat and jeep on safari from 25 euro/person - https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g10456715-d1729528-Reviews-Dilek_National_Park-Guzelcamli_Kusadasi_Turkish_Aegean_Coast.html . Access by car costs less than 1 euro.

House of the Virgin Mary

House of the Virgin Mary is located at approx 25 km from Kusadasi. Although not confirmed, it is said that at one time the Virgin Mary lived here. It's a place worth visiting if you come to Ephesus, as the House of the Virgin Mary is only 8 km away. From Ephesus you can take a taxi for about 15-20 euros. Access costs about 8 euros (tickets purchased on the spot) and you can visit the temple between 8am and 5pm (November to February) or between 8am and 6pm (March to October).

Tours in Kusadasi

As the resort is located by the sea, you can have a great time on boat tours while discovering the beautiful places nearby or on ATV taking advantage of the mountain areas. Pamukkale terraces of limestone with a small waterfall is less than 200 km away and is one of Turkey's most beautiful attractions. You can get here with tours from 55 euro/person on Trip Advisor - https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g297972-d17349533-Pamukkale_Small_Group_Tour_From_Kusadasi_Selcuk_Hotels-Kusadasi_Turkish_Aegean_Coa.html And it's a day trip worth experiencing.

If you're a fan of adrenaline, you'll find numerous ATV tours-from 25 euro/person on safari - https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g297972-d13334800-Kusadasi_Quad_Safari_Adventure-Kusadasi_Turkish_Aegean_Coast.html . And if you're a lover of the sea and oceans, a boat trip it certainly won't let you down. On Tripadvisor you can find them from 25 euro/person - https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g297972-d12647852-Daily_Kusadasi_Boat_Trip-Kusadasi_Turkish_Aegean_Coast.html and you'll get to beautiful places with clear water where you can swim or practice snorkeling.

Recommendations for holidays in Kusadasi with children

pThemed Water Arch, "Tortoise Island of Pirates

And the little ones can enjoy this beautiful resort to the fullest! One of the main attractions for children is Theme Water Park ,,Tortuga Island of Pirates''. With 8 pools by age group or theme, over 10 water slides, activities for children and a restaurant, it is a beautiful place that will bring a smile to the little ones' lips!

The ticket costs about 13 euro/adult, 11 euro/child between 4-12 years and free for children under 3 years. You can buy them on the official website - https://www.tortuga.com.tr/eng/index.html# . The location is 10 km from the city centre and you can get here by bus 403 in 15 minutes. From Kusadasi Davutlar Kavsagi station it is a 20 minute walk to the water park. If you come by car, you can find free parking spaces around the park.

Adaland

Another attraction for children and not only is Adaland. This water park with high slides even includes a dolphinarium where you can watch shows or swim with the little mammals yourself. The ticket costs 24 euro/child over 10 years and adult, 17 euro/child between 4-9 years and free for children under 3. This ticket does not include the shows (approx. 15 euro) or swimming with the dolphins (approx. 100 euro). The ticket includes access to the car park and can be purchased on https://bilet.adaland.com/ . The location is about 8 km north of Kusadasi and can be reached by bus 202.

Shopping in Kusadasi

Kusadasi has its own Bazaar consisting of Grand Bazaar (the second largest in Turkey) and Orient Bazaar. In Graand Bazaar you will find a lot of leather clothes, jewellery, souvenirs and of course, Turkish carpets, specific desserts and spices. Unlike Graand Bazaar where you will find more shops, Orient Bazaar has more stalls. Here you can buy clothes and accessories at low and negotiable prices. The Bazaar is located in the central area, 5 minutes walk from the harbour and is open from 9am to midnight.

Nightlife in Kusadasi

In Kusadasi you'll find areas as quiet by day as they are full of revellers by night. Some of these can be found on the streets of Barlar Sokagi and Asagi Barlar Sokagi where the most popular clubs and live music restaurants are located. A favourite place for young people looking for fun is Jade Beach Club where the party lasts until morning.

What to eat in Kusadasi

Gozleme is a kind of pie filled with all kinds of ingredients in Kusadasi (compared to other cities in Turkey), such as spinach, cheese, minced lamb or potatoes. A quick and delicious snack you'll find in most street food joints is kumpir - baked potatoes with different spices and sauces. As main courses, kebabul, kofte (meatballs) and fish on the grill are the most popular and tasty options. Obviously the main dessert baklava can't miss from the table, but we recommend you to try and lokma (a kind of ball-shaped dough cake with cinnamon) or sutlac (rice pudding).

Where to eat in Kusadasi

Kusadasi offers tourists the opportunity to enjoy a unique culinary experience suitable for every taste. Prices are no problem either, with an average dish costing between €3-25. Street food is also popular here and you should try it at least once.

Most restaurants and pubs are in the centre of the resort. We recommend restaurant Casablanca with a wide variety of dishes, from Mediterranean to traditional to vegan, and prices are modest. Megit is a restaurant with a slightly more elegant touch, with lots of fish and seafood dishes, and the Saray is a Turkish restaurant. If you also want to admire the sea while you eat you can go to Ali Baba or Antepli Et Restaurant, both located right on the waterfront.

Turkey once again proves to have some of the most beautiful resorts on the Aegean Sea! Kusadasi promises to impress any tourist looking for a relaxing oasis this summer, so don't hesitate to give the turquoise waters, warm rays and Turkish music a chance! We recommend a budget of at least 700-800 euros for a 7-day/2 person holiday in Kusadasi.

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Kusadasi, Turkey - Riding Guide