Kuşadası

Kusadasi, one of the important tourism centres of Turkey’s Aydin province in the summer is visited by thousands of domestic and foreign tourists. So much so that the population of 110 thousand in the summer months is approaching up to 1 million. Kuşadası, which is also a popular destination for cruise ships, is visited by dozens of cruise ships during the summer months. Kuşadası, which was home to many civilizations, was founded by the Ionians and was called Neopolis, while it was called Scala Nuova in Genoese area and it was called Ania in the Byzantine era.

Kuşadası, which joined the Ottoman Empire in 1413, was occupied by the Italians and the Greek army between 1919-1921 and was liberated from the occupation on 7 September 1922. While the summers are hot and dry in January, the coldest month is January with 8 degrees and the hottest months are July and August with 32 and 36 degrees. It is recommended that those who do not like to have a holiday in hot weather come between April-May or September-October.

The proximity to the world-famous Kuşadası ancient cities, clean and blue-flag beaches, being intertwined with nature and ease of transportation constitute an important factor in choosing it as a holiday destination. For those who want to have a holiday in Kusadasi, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance.

How to get to Kuşadası

Transportation by plane The nearest airport to Kusadasi is located in Izmir, 65 km away. You can go to Kuşadası by bus from the airport to HAVAŞ shuttles to İzmir bus station and from there you can take buses, and some airline services have direct shuttles to Kuşadası. It is possible to reach Kusadasi by taxi or renting a car from the airport.   

Transportation by land It is very easy to find direct buses to Kusadasi from anywhere in Turkey both in summer and in winter, especially in summer. Those who cannot find a bus directly to Kuşadası can come to Söke, Selçuk or Aydın and reach Kuşadası easily by minibuses.  Those who want to come to Kuşadası with their special vehicles from İzmir direction should follow İzmir-Torbalı-Selçuk-Kuşadası direction Muğla direction Muğla-Yatağan-Aydın-Söke-Kuşadası direction. 

Kuşadası city transportation

Bus, minibus, taxi, car rental and bicycle rental are provided in points in and around Kuşadası.

Accommodation

There is a wide range of accommodation options for those who want to stay in Kuşadası. Accommodation centres are located in the centre of Kuşadası, around the Kadınlar beach and in Soğucak regions. Due to intense demand, hotel prices in Kuşadası are slightly above standards, while accommodation options include all-inclusive hotels, apart-hotels for large families, bed and breakfast hotels, rental apartments or villas, boutique hotels and pensions among tangerine orchards. Those who wish to stay during the summer months are advised to book at least three months in advance.  

What to eat in Kusadasi?

Since it is a touristic region, it is very easy to find all kinds of international cuisine in Kuşadası. Among the tangerine orchards, the restaurants offer different dishes from Turkish and international cuisine, as well as local dishes from Kuşadası. Local and recommended dishes include olive oil dishes, olive oil black–eyed peas, appetizers, tarhana, kulak soup, keskek, chickpeas with meat, hot casserole, eggplant and pepper fries, tandoor kebab and herb roasting made from herbs grown in the region. There are also semolina halva, bite and figs.   

Shopping

Shopping centres, shops, restaurants and cafes are gathered on Sağlık Street, İnönü Boulevard, Kahraman Street and Hayrettin Street in Kuşadası. It is recommended to buy citrus and fig jams made by local people for those who want to buy products belonging to Kuşadası in the shops where all kinds of products are sold. Places to see and visit in the Kusadasi market include the Castle Gate, Kaleiçi, Kaleiçi Mosque and Balıkhane.

Eski Çarşı (Old Town Bazaar)

The Old Bazaar, famous for its British and Irish bars, is visited by people who want to shop in the evening. The shops in the bazaar where all kinds of products can be found are opened early in the morning and are open until late at night.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Kuşadası can be experienced fully in the Kuşadası bars street or in the Kaleiçi bars street. Numerous bars and nightclubs serve visitors in both places. Kuşadası coastline or Gazibeğendi Hill are among the recommended spots for watching the sunset in the evening or for night walks.