Kusadasi

Gateway to ancient Ephesus on Turkey's stunning Aegean coast. This lively resort mixes gorgeous beaches, legendary ruins, and brilliant Turkish hospitality – all just an hour from Izmir.

✨ Why visit Kusadasi?

• ☀️ Gorgeous Aegean sunshine with temperatures hitting 30°C+ all summer long

• 💰 Brilliant value - meals, drinks, and entertainment way cheaper than UK prices

• 🏛 Gateway to Ephesus - one of the world's best-preserved ancient cities on your doorstep

• 🏖 Stunning Blue Flag beaches with crystal-clear waters and water sports galore

• 🎉 Buzzing harbour nightlife with lively bars, restaurants, and cruise port atmosphere

• 🌲 Natural beauty meets history - pine-backed coves in Dilek National Park

🎉 Good to Know

• 🤩 Fun fact: Kusadasi means "Bird Island" in Turkish, named after Pigeon Island sitting in the bay. The tiny Byzantine castle on top was built to defend against pirates - now it's one of the most photographed spots on the Aegean coast!

• 🏖 Best beach: Ladies Beach gets our vote - don't worry, men can also visit this long stretch of golden sand just south of the town centre, brilliant for swimming and water sports. Dolmuş minibuses pass every 10 minutes, making it dead easy to reach from anywhere in Kusadasi.

• 🍽 Must-try: Fresh Aegean fish at harbour restaurants - order grilled sea bass or sea bream with meze plates. Also try gözleme (stuffed flatbread) from beach vendors, and don't miss the fruit wines in nearby Şirince village.

• 🚗 Getting around: Dolmuş minibuses run constantly between all beaches and town centre for just a few lira. The main shopping street near the port is pedestrianised, perfect for strolling. Most hotels offer shuttle buses to beaches.

🏨 Top hotels in Kusadasi

Liberty Kusadasi - Massive resort with 10 swimming pools including infinity pools, aquapark with freefall slides, and kids' splash areas. Book restaurants via their app up to 3pm same day. Multiple dining options, cold towel service poolside, and glasses cleaning service. Proper family-friendly with loads going on.

Ramada Hotel & Suites Kusadasi - Stunning clifftop location with three swimming pools and gorgeous Aegean Sea views. On-site spa, gym, and great entertainment programme. 1km from beach with multiple restaurants including Trilye buffet and Dionysos a la carte. Perfect for couples and families wanting spectacular views.

Ramada Resort by Wyndham Kusadasi & Golf - Fun family resort with aqua park, entertainment programme, nightclub, and shuttle bus to beach. Close to Kusadasi International Golf Club. Multiple restaurants serving Italian and Turkish cuisine, DJ parties, and kids' club. 2km from beach with gorgeous bay views.

Grand Blue Sky International - Located at Ladies Beach south of town centre. 325 rooms with balconies, all-inclusive programme includes three a la carte restaurants. Dolmuş minibuses pass every 10 minutes to town centre. Proper all-inclusive option with loads of dining choice.

Fantasia Hotel De Luxe - Kusadasi's premiere hotel in lively town centre with private beach minutes away. Luxury rooms with elegant decor, multiple restaurants and lounge bars, swimming pools. International and Turkish cuisine at Nostalgia Restaurant. Perfect for those wanting central location near shops and nightlife.

🎯 What to do in Kusadasi

🏛 Things to do for history lovers

• Explore ancient Ephesus - walk marble streets where Romans once strolled, see the Library of Celsus

• Visit House of the Virgin Mary nestled in hills - revered pilgrimage site with peaceful atmosphere

• Discover Pigeon Island's Byzantine castle with panoramic harbour views

• Tour Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk with stunning Artemis statues

🏖 Things to do for beach lovers

• Spend days on Ladies Beach with golden sand and brilliant water sports

• Explore Dilek National Park's pine-backed pristine coves and crystal-clear waters

• Try parasailing, jet-skiing, and banana boats at Long Beach

• Book a Blue Cruise on traditional gulet sailing boat along the coastline

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do for families

• Visit Adaland waterpark - one of Europe's largest with dolphinarium and white water rafting

• Take dolmuş to beaches with shallow, safe swimming for kids

• Explore Pigeon Island's castle and park right near the port

• Book boat trips with swimming stops and fish spotting

🍷 Things to do for foodies

• Sample fruit wines at charming Şirince village in the hills

• Try fresh grilled fish at harbour restaurants with Aegean views

• Explore the bazaar for Turkish delight, spices, and local honey

• Book cooking classes to learn authentic Turkish techniques

🗓 When to visit Kusadasi

May to September (Peak season perfection) - There's a reason everyone loves Kusadasi in summer! Temperatures hit 28-38°C with cloudless skies and constant sunshine. Every beach, restaurant, and attraction is buzzing at full capacity. The sea's beautifully warm for swimming and water sports. Beaches will be busiest (especially cruise ship days) and prices reflect the popularity, so book early for best hotel choice. May and September are slightly cooler at 25-30°C, brilliant if you want guaranteed sunshine without peak August heat. Perfect for combining beach days with exploring Ephesus before it gets too scorching.

April, October (Brilliant value) - Proper good shoulder season without sacrificing sunshine. April reaches comfortable 20-24°C, lovely for exploring ancient ruins without melting. The sea warms up nicely by late April. October delivers 22-26°C with seawater that's retained summer warmth - sometimes the best swimming of the year. Hotels offer better rates, beaches aren't rammed, and most restaurants stay open. Ephesus is way more pleasant without peak summer crowds and heat. Slightly quieter atmosphere but still plenty going on.

November to March (Off-season) - Much quieter with many hotels and beach facilities closed or running reduced hours. Temperatures drop to 10-18°C with occasional rain, especially December-January. Too cool for serious beach days but pleasant enough for sightseeing. Ephesus, museums, and historical sites stay open year-round with virtually no crowds - brilliant if that's your main focus. Only recommended if beaches aren't your priority and you want to experience authentic Turkish life without tourists.