Kusadasi Travel Guide & Top Tourist Attractions
Kusadasi History
The name Kusadasi comes from the Turkish words for bird and island, due to having a peninsula that is shaped similarly to a bird head. It was an important port and has seen many different civilizations pass through over the centuries, including the Aeolians, Ionians and the Ottoman Empire. Many of these have left behind traces of their presence through the cultural heritage that exists in the town today. Such traces include the Kaleici Camii Mosque that was built in 1618, along with the Okuz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai and the city walls, both of which were built by the Ottomans. These can be explored within the old town of Kaleici, where establishments have been influenced with an Ottoman style décor that makes the area feel like it’s taking you back in time.
Historical Attractions near Kusadasi
Kusadasi is also located close to Turkey’s third largest city of Izmir, where there’s even more to be seen. There’s the Kadifekale, which is also known as the ‘Velvet Castle’. This charismatic site dates back to 300 BC and provides spectacular views over Izmir. The Konak Clock Tower has become a symbol of the city, having been first built in 1901 and given as a gift from the Sultan Abdulhsmid. It stands as a strong impression of the Ottoman era and adds to Izmir’s ambience of being lost in time. The Archaeological Museum also houses many different antiques such as statues, sculptures, ceramics and more from around Izmir and its surrounding areas.
Most famous of Kusadasi’s historic neighbours has to be Ephesus. Once an ancient Greek city that dates back to the 10th century BC, there is a lot to see here. Each attraction such as the Temple of Artemis, gladiator’s graveyard, Library of Celsus and ruins create a ghostly ambience that feels fragmented with the spirits that once built or lived amongst these sites. A visit to Ephesus provides the chance to see one of Turkey’s most famous historical attractions and to wonder at the weathered character of once grandiose and important places.
Beaches in Kusadasi
It’s not just its historical fascinations that Kusadasi is famous for, but also some rather exotic beaches. In particular the ‘Ladies Beach’ is situated centrally in the area and has a vibrant atmosphere, with water sports on offer and usually quite a few visitors, creating a sociable energy.
For a quieter spot on the sand there’s the ‘Long Beach’, which can be reached by regular mini buses, and has clean waters and nearby restaurants. There’s also the aptly named, ‘Paradise Beach’ where little cafes can be visited for a light lunch beside the sea while Dilek National Park provides a strip of beautiful beaches along with being a prime spot for reveling amongst Kusadasi’s beautiful scenery.
Where to stay in Kusadasi
Kusadasi has a lot of choice when it comes to accommodation. Popular ones include the five star Fantasia Deluxe Hotel, which is just 3 miles from Kusadasi’s town centre and 12 miles from the marvels of Ephesus, while the Charisma Deluxe is another five star resort that sits beach front and has facilities and activities in abundance.
This makes it the ideal place to stay for families and those traveling in groups who want lots to keep them busy. Even the three star Hotel Carina offers as lavish a setting as its five star competitors, located just 1km from the beach and 500 meters from the town centre, with self catering studios and a gloriously blue swimming pool.
Why Kusadasi?
Kusadasi has everything you could want in an exotic getaway: beaches, bars, restaurants, shops, striking scenery, great hotels and plenty of fascinating history to devour. At the same time, it’s completely unique because of its history, which creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else and also lets visitors see a vision of Turkey that is authentic in its cultural identity. This is somewhere everyone should see at least once in their life, not only to find relaxation, but also to find a connection with civilizations before us.
