Discover Kusadasi: The Only Travel Guide You Need for Turkey’s Coastal Gem
My first visit to Turkey brought me to Kusadasi, which translates to Bird Island, inspired by the iconic landmark nearby, Pigeon Island. While it’s not the first destination you might think of when planning your Turkish getaway, Kusadasi stole my heart irrevocably, thanks to its amazing hotels, great beaches and water, but also the fact that it is a LOT more than just a resort town.
For the hotel we stayed in, check out my review of Hotel Arora. Or, if you prefer an All-Inclusive vacation in a more popular spot, check out my list of the best family resorts in Lara, Turkey (in the Antalya region).
Now let’s get back to Kusadasi and learn everything you should know about this amazing, often overlooked Turkish gem: what to do, where to go, hidden gems, day trips, adventure, food, beaches, shopping, practical advice, and all the personal insights and honest opinions I picked up along the way.
Start at the Heart: Kusadasi’s City Center
The starting point for anybody visiting Kusadasi should be the city center: situated just minutes away from the Aegean Sea and the beautiful promenade, the city center is also near the Grand Bazaar, considered one of the main attractions for tourists.
The atmosphere here is lively and inviting – sometimes chaotic, but in a pleasant way, if you can imagine that – with lined-up cafés, traditional restaurants, and ice cream shops – yes, including those famously playful Turkish ice cream vendors who make you work hilariously hard for your treat.
Don’t miss:
- Wandering the Old Town: The historic core is a warren of alleys, whitewashed buildings, local shops, and hidden squares.
- Kaleici Cami Mosque: The city’s oldest and most striking mosque, built in 1618, is right in the center. A respectful dress code is required, but it’s worth a quiet visit. (I have marked it here on Google Maps)
The Grand Bazaar: A Must Visit
The Grand Bazaar in Kusadasi is a real experience that you have to go through. Narrow alleys and hundreds of shops selling all sorts of goods, with sellers competing to lure you in: colorful textiles, hand-crafted jewelry, traditional Turkish delights, ornate lamps, and, of course, countless souvenirs… there’s a bit of everything here.
Shopkeepers here are famously persuasive, greeting you in your native language (they seem to be able to guess where you’re from even without asking – they’re THAT good!), inviting you in for tea, and charming you up with jokes and stories.
Yet, beneath the welcoming smiles lies a playful game they’re masters at: bargaining. If you’re anything like me, haggling might initially feel uncomfortable, but trust me – it’s basically mandatory or else you will get burned, like I did.
I can still remember how disappointed one seller was when, after I asked the price for a product and he told me, I just took out the cash and bought it. He told me (only after I paid) that I should haggle. So I listened to his advice and, even though it was uncomfortable for me, I managed to buy everything afterwards for at least 20-30% less than the originally quoted price.
We bought plenty things from the Bazaar in Kusadasi, and we still have some of the souvenirs, years after our original visit. Our friends and family were also happy with the gifts we brought them, so it’s a place worth visiting for more than just the experience of being there.
My advice: Be patient, be firm, and enjoy the interaction. Also, prices rise significantly when cruise ships dock – so if you’re staying a few days, shop on quieter days to snag better deals.
Additional places to visit in the area
Apart from the Grand Bazaar, there are also three different markets in the city: Tuesdays and Fridays the fruit and vegetable markets and Wednesdays the very popular clothes market with tons of “genuine fake” designer goods for everybody – like the Genuine Fake Watches shop I photographed below (I found it truly hilarious!)
Beyond the bazaar, Kusadasi’s shopping scene is modernizing. Alternatives include:
- Kusadasi Marina Shopping Center and Kusadasi AVM offer international fashion, cafés, and air-conditioned comfort, just a short walk from downtown.
- Selcuk Saturday Market (in nearby Selcuk) is fantastic for local crafts and fresh foods.
4. Pigeon Island (Guvercinada)
You owe it to yourself to take a walk on the beautiful Kusadasi promenade and visit the Pigeon Island: an ancient fort and museum where the entry is free.
The fort dates back to the 16th century and is built atop much older foundations. Stroll the ramparts for stunning city and sea views, visit the small museum and gardens, or explore the underground passages if open. Look for cats (cats are everywhere in Turkey!), olive trees, and Instagrammable sunsets.
5. Take in the Marina, too
To get to the Pigeon Island itself, you’ll walk through the fish market and the Marina, where beautiful ships can be seen. Watch the yachts, admire the “Hand of Peace” statue at the port, and enjoy people-watching with an espresso or a cold Efes.
For something truly special, book a sunset cruise – these short boat trips from the marina give you the best view of Kusadasi lighting up at night, and let you enjoy the Aegean breeze after a hot day in town.
My tip: Try booking your trip directly from the boat captains, as you can sometimes haggle for a better price. It’s risky, as the boat might be full… so if you’re on a tight schedule, reserving in advance is still a must.
Make sure to find a terrace there and experience a true Turkish dinner, watching the sunset and enjoying the amazing view! We stayed at an all-inclusive resort (not the best of them, but offering free food and drinks…) and we just had to sit there, enjoy a drink, a snack, and a waterpipe.
6. Best Beaches in Kusadasi
Most hotels have their own private beaches, and probably you won’t need anything else, but in case you are one of the unlucky tourists in a hotel without a beach, there are plenty of good options available. Some are public and free, others are private or require a fee. Here they are:
- Downtown Beach: Super accessible, close to the city, with umbrellas and sunbeds.
- Ladies Beach: Lively, clean, and popular with locals and tourists alike.
- Kustur Beach: Family-friendly, sandy, and only a 10-minute ride away from the city.
- Long Beach: Perfect for long walks and swimming; stretches for kilometers, hence its name.
- Silver Sands Beach & Love Beach: Quieter, scenic, and perfect for couples or solitude.
- Beach Clubs (Eleven’s, Jade, Miracle, Elias): For the top, luxury experience (think chic loungers, cocktails, and dancing under the stars) these private beaches bring the fun to a new level!
All of these beaches are in different areas of Kusadasi and are accessible with cheap Dolmus (a sort of a small bus) rides. The beaches in Kusadasi are usually narrow but sandy. However, having water shoes will probably make the entire experience better since there are rocks in the water, as well as vegetation.
7. Waterparks, Watersports & Family Fun
There are a ton of ways to spend the nights and days in Kusadasi, and I can honestly say one important thing: if there’s anything you’d like to do or see, it’s possible here. While some of these experiences involve day trips (and I will cover them below), some are available within the city itself.
Adaland Aquapark
One of Europe’s largest waterparks, this is a must for families or people who enjoy aquaparks! Huge slides, wave pools, a lazy river, plus a SeaPark where you can see dolphins and even swim with sharks are available!
When we visited, the entrance fee for Adaland was around 50 Euros per person, which is not a lot since most of what the water park offers is included in the price. I recommend getting your ticket online – this is a skip-the-line ticket, which also includes hotel pick-up and drop off, which are important since the Water Park is relatively far from the city.
In Adaland you can also go on a rafting course or check out their Seapark (you have to pay extra here though) where you can watch the dolphin show and even swim with sharks! Therefore, I think that one day of your Kusadasi holiday should be dedicated to visiting the Adaland – ours was and we had no regrets.
Other activities include Water Sports: Try jet skiing, banana boating, parasailing, and flyboarding on the main beaches recommended above (some private ones might offer some or all of these too – it varies from resort to resort).
You can also go Diving: Kusadasi is great for beginner divers – book a lesson and discover the underwater world (it includes lunch and hotel transfer).
8. Turkish Nights, Turkish Food, Baths & More
You haven’t truly experienced Kusadasi until you’ve been to a Turkish Night, which involves live, traditional music, belly dancers, folk performances, and the best kebabs and meze around. If you’re staying at an all-inclusive hotel, chances are you’ll have such a night included during your stay.
You can also find independent venues if not – usually bookable directly from your hotel, from the various travel agents that are always around.
Hamams (Turkish Baths) are also a must-try during your stay. I highly recommend going to a hamam as soon as you get to Kusadasi to get your skin ready for the sun. The experience itself is cleansing and relaxing, although many places can be disappointing – so make sure you do your due diligence before booking.
Or grab yourself a skip-the-line ticket for this Turkish Bath, which includes a foam massage, peeling and sauna – it’s one of the best, and also includes hotel transfer.
Traditional Turkish food is delightful. While your All-Inclusive hotel will offer plenty of local delicacies, you should make sure that you experience a full Turkish Breakfast: Turkish tea, fresh bread, olives, cheeses, tomatoes, jams, honey, eggs, simit, and the addictive menemen (eggs with tomato and peppers). Local cafés often serve a feast if your hotel or resort doesn’t offer something solid.
Kusadasi’s restaurants offer everything from seafood to spicy kebabs. Grab a wrap to go or sit for a feast -always follow your nose and look for where the locals eat, and make sure to double-check ratings for the restaurant you’re about to eat at on places like Google Maps. Many are tourist-traps or offer low quality food.
Finally, don’t forget about desserts & coffee! Enjoy baklava, sutlac, kunefe, and the real Turkish delight, ideally paired with a small, strong Turkish coffee. Try a local confectioner or a classic coffee house for the best experience, but keep in mind that Turkish coffee is STRONG!
9. More History, Museums & Unique Sights
As I mentioned in the intro, Kusadasi is not a simple resort town, it’s a huge city with a rich history and plenty of sights and attractions in the city itself. Here are my favorites: choose as many as you can and visit during your stay:
- Caravanserai (Öküz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai): Built in 1618 for traders along the Silk Road, now a museum and event space, it’s centrally located, near the Bazaar.
- Arkeo Park: Open-air archaeological museum with Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman artifacts found in and around Kusadasi, perfect for history buffs and also located centrally.
- Adamodern Sanat Galerisi: Kusadasi’s hub for contemporary art – free entry for the main exhibit, but various specific ones might be available for an extra cost (usually low).
- Mosques: Visiting a mosque is a must when here. Apart from the afore-mentioned Kaleiçi Camii, you also have the imposing Ms. Mosque Kusadasi, the Mehmet Fuat Akkus Cami (farther away from the center), or the centrally-located Türkmen Cami.
10. Day Trips: Ephesus, Pamukkale, Ancient Cities, and More
Kusadasi’s location makes it the perfect base for unforgettable day trips to various nearby sites – some of which are, in my opinion, must see, like my first two recommendations below:
Ephesus
Just 30 minutes away from Kusadasi, this world-famous UNESCO site is home to the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Temple of Artemis, and the House of the Virgin Mary. You can spend as little as half a day here, and guided tours are a must.
I recommend a highly rated one like this Ephesus tour we took (which included a decent meal but without drinks, and a stop at a local tannery – which is an experience in itself – on the way back).
Even if you spend just a bit of time in Kusadasi, this tour must be taken. Just make sure to bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water if traveling during the season, as there’s little shade available in Ephesus and temperatures can get really high.
Pamukkale and the ruins of Hierapolis
No visit to Turkey is complete without a trip to Pamukkale, Turkey’s unique attraction that seems to be out of this world. I wrote in-depth about it here, if you want to learn more, but the tldr is that it’s amazing and it must be visited, no matter what.
About 2.5 hours away, soak in the mineral-rich pools of this natural wonder and explore the Roman ruins. While some pools have sadly dried up in recent years because of the temperatures, there’s still plenty to enjoy and create amazing memories.
I recommend booking this guided tour from Kusadasi to Pamukkale, which also includes a visit to the nearby Hierapolis and Cleopatra’s Antique Pools (equally amazing, and you can swim in them for a fee), as well as a traditional lunch.
Full-day boat trip
Remember the ships I mentioned when I talked about the Marina? They offer full-day swimming trips, with various stops along the way and allowing you to swim in the middle of the Aegean sea. An amazing experience that is relaxing and entertaining as the ships also have waterslides allowing you to slide directly into the sea.
This trip – on an amazing Pirate-themed ship – also includes hotel transfer, free snorkeling and scuba diving for those interested, a traditional lunch served on the boat, and plenty of time for getting tanned. Keep in mind that drinks are free only during lunch, so bring your own, or bring some extra money.
Check out the recommended tour we took here.
Additional Travel Tips
Kusadasi is generally safe and pleasant (just like Istanbul is safe, for example), but there are a few tourist traps and things you should keep in mind. I decided to list them all below, based on my experience, so that you can go through them once and have them in mind if needed.
Currency: Turkish Lira is the local currency and I advice you to always have some on hand. Exchange it ONLY at exchange shops that show the rate and charge 0% commission (hotel reception rates, for example, are bad). While Euros and USD are accepted in many tourist areas, the exchange rates are terrible, so make sure you have TL on hand at all times.
Transportation:
Dolmus minibuses are cheap and cover most routes. I recommend them to Taxis, as there are plenty of scammers. Car rentals are available and convenient for exploring the region, but it’s ideal to book trips that have transport included to avoid potential headaches.
Water: Do not drink tap water – buy bottled instead to avoid tummy problems.
Dress Codes: Dress modestly at mosques and when exploring the city, but otherwise there are no specific requirements (like women covering their heads or anything alike).
Final Thoughts
When I booked an all-inclusive hotel in Kusadasi for my wife and me, I thought we’d be spending our days lounging by the pool and adding extra pounds.
While that definitely happened, we spent way less time at the hotel than originally anticipated, but still enjoyed every moment in Turkey. Kusadasi is simply too rich, too welcoming, too exciting to ignore. I am sure you will feel the same when you visit – Kusadasi has a way of giving you more than you expected.
And if you want to explore more Turkey (we sure did), I recommend checking out my Hotel Alva Donna review, my Pam Thermal Hotel Review (great place to stay in next to Pamukkale), read about Titanic Mardan Palace – one of Turkey’s most amazing hotels – or consider another part of Turkey for your vacation: Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia.
