GENERAL INFORMATION
61 km from Aydın city center. It is located on the coastline where the Aegean Region meets the sea. District center bordered by Selçuk and Pamucak in the north and Dilek Peninsula in the south; it is at the center of important touristic centers such as İzmir, Ephesus, Virgin Mary, Miletus, Didim, Pamukkale, Marmaris and Bodrum. Port of Kusadasi, due to its proximity to the island of Samos, Greece is Turkey's second major sea port for arriving tourists.
KUSADASI , THE PEARL OF THE AEGEAN
Famous historian Heredot used the expression “The most beautiful earth under the sky” for Aydın province. It is connected to the province of Aydın, where the blue of the sky meets the Aegean Sea, where magnificent sunsets can be watched and you can do all kinds of activities; Kuşadası, the first place with the start of tourism in Turkey, is the pearl of the Aegean.
With its sea, sun, sand, blue flag beaches, history, culture, national park, cruise port, marina, the Congress Center, thermal facilities, local food, shopping opportunities, entertainment life, Kuşadası includes all kinds of tourism and activities.
Kuşadası, one of Turkey's the most important tourism centers, located in the district is the name of the Pigeon Island. Selçuk, Pamucak in the north; in the south, surrounded by the Dilek Peninsula National Park, Kuşadası; it is also preferred with its close location to popular holiday destinations such as Ephesus, Virgin Mary, Didim, Milet, Pamukkale, Marmaris and Bodrum.
Especially in the summer months, Kuşadası, the harbor, the marina where stylish places are located, beautiful beaches, aquaparks, 5-star hotels and holiday resorts, bazaars that appeal to all tastes, lively nightlife, the sun that warms the people and the friendly people flock for 12 months. It becomes a center where the raid comes.
Hosting the world's largest plane wreck, Kuşadası has become the favorite place of diving enthusiasts.
HOW TO VISIT, WHAT TO EAT?
Beaches: The world-famous blue flag beaches of Kuşadası host not only the lovers of Kuşadası, but also the Caretta Caretta sea turtles, who prefer these beaches for spawning, with their unique sand. Bays in the National Park, the Sea of Women, Cape of Yılancı, the Beach of Love, Pigale and Beaches are the main beaches where you can enjoy sea, sun and sand. Güvercinada: Described as the most important symbol of Kuşadası today, Güvercin Ada is the favorite of domestic tourists as well as foreign tourists with its magnificent sunset views and historical atmosphere. Öküz Mehmet Pasha Caravanserai: It was built in 1618 by Grand Vizier Öküz Mehmet Pasha. Around the rectangular courtyard surrounded by thick and high walls, there is a two-storey covered portico. It was built using rubble stone and spolia. The caravanserai, which looks like a small inner castle, has rooms lined up around the large courtyard. It was restored in various periods. Kaleiçi: It is one of the biggest open air shopping malls in our country. It is a unique place where you can buy products such as carpets, jewelery, leather, textiles, shoes, souvenirs, eat in their restaurants and have fun with live music of all kinds in Bar Street in the historical texture.
Gazibegendi: You can watch the panoramic view of Kuşadası from Gazibeğendi hill, which Atatürk watched and liked when he first visited Kuşadası, and witness the unique sunset views while sipping your coffee. Dilek Peninsula National Park 28 km from Kuşadası, is one of the places you should definitely see if you love nature. If you leave to the right after the 1st km while driving along the main road after the entrance, you will reach İçmeler Bay. İçmeler, which is a beautiful bay in the shade of the trees, has a fully covered sea and is low in depth compared to other bays of the National Park. 4 km further from Icmeler beach, Aydinlik cove, after leaving the main road, you encounter a gravel road and then a dirt road. The road leading down to the beach approaches to the sea until 4-5 meters, and after that it runs along the whole beach parallel to the sea. If you are not lying by the sea and sunbathing, you can enjoy walking in the National Park through the paths between the dense woods, into the hills. The Canyon and Steep Rock Valley at the 6th km is a good trekking track with its small streams, dense vegetation and paths. It was determined that approximately 250 bird species live in the delta and 70 of them reproduce. Delta, which is included in the "Important Bird Area" list with this feature, is included in the bird research observation program.
Sea food Restaurants, Local Foods and Aegean Herbs. Kuşadası, the pearl of the Aegean, is also rich in gastronomy. You can eat fresh fish daily at sea food restaurants along the coastline or taste local delicacies such as Keşkek, rounding, bola, capping, black-eyed peas with olive oil, stuffed zucchini flowers, roasted roots. Cibes grass, blessed bostan, sea beans, tangle and radish grass are just a few of the Aegean herbs you can find in Kuşadası district markets and restaurants. You can taste the unique tastes of Aegean cuisine in Kuşadası.
Kuşadası and Ephesus Ruins:
Ephesus Ruins, 18 km from Kuşadası, have always played an important role in the fields of civilization, science, culture and art throughout the history of the 5th millennium BC and is one of the most important centers of the ancient world. Ephesus was an important port city that was the main gate between East and West (Asia and Europe) and with this position, it has developed as the most important political and commercial center of its era. The fact that the Temple of Artemis, which is based on the ancient mother goddess (Kybele) tradition of Anatolia and considered one of the seven wonders of the world, was also located in Ephesus further increases the importance of the city. In Ephesus Ruins, you can see unique architectural works such as Celsius Library, Slope Houses, Theater, and breathe the air of Antiquity.
Virgin Mary House (Virgin Mary): 19 km from Kuşadası. The House of Virgin Mary is located on the Bülbül Mountain. 4 or 6 years after Jesus' death, it is known that St. John brought the Virgin Mary to Ephesus. In 1891, the Lazarist priests discovered that the house where the Virgin Mary spent the last days on the dream of the German nun A. Katherina Emerich was this place. This event was a brand new invention in the Christian world and shed light on the world of religion. This cross-planned and domed building was later restored. Considered holy by Muslims, Pope VI. After Paul's visit in 1967, rituals are held every year on the 15th day of August and these rituals attract great attention.
Şirince Village: The history of the Şirince village, only 29 km from Kuşadası. It dates back to 500 BC. Şirince offers visitors unforgettable tastes with its historical, architectural texture, vineyards, homemade table wines, delicious garbage kebab, pancakes and village products.
HOW TO GO?
By the highway; Kusadasi; it is 660 km from Istanbul, 635 km from Ankara and 95 km from Izmir. To reach Kuşadası from Istanbul; The route of Istanbul – Bursa – Balıkesir – Manisa – İzmir – Selçuk – Kuşadası can be followed. In order to reach Kuşadası from Ankara, one of the routes of Ankara – Uşak – Manisa – İzmir – Selçuk – Kuşadası or Ankara – Afyon – Denizli – Aydın – Kuşadası can be preferred.
By bus; Kuşadası bus to anywhere in Turkey can be found with firms.
By air; the closest airport is İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport. In addition, domestic and / or foreign tourists use Bodrum and Dalaman Airport to reach Kuşadası. The distance of Kuşadası to İzmir Airport is 95 km. The distance to Bodrum Airport is 185 km. The distance to Dalaman Airport is 260 km.