Kuşadası is a resort town on Turkey’s Aegean coast, and the center of the seaside district of the same name within Aydın Province. Kuşadası is 95 km (59 mi) south of İzmir, and 71 km (44 mi) from Aydın. The municipality’s primary industry is tourism.
Kuşadası has a residential population of 64,359, which can rise to over half a million in the summer as a result of the large resort filling with tourists. This also includes the hotel and bar staff, construction workers, and drivers who are required to work in/for the restaurants and other services accommodating these visitors. In addition to tourists from overseas, there is also a significant community of foreigners residing in the area.
Places of Interest
The city walls – There were once three gates; one remains.[16]
Kaleiçi Camii – The mosque built in 1618 for Grand Vizier Öküz Kara Mehmed Pasha.
The Öküz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai is near the docks. It was built in 1618 as a strong-room for the goods of seamen.
Güvercin Adası (“Pigeon Island” in English) – The peninsula/island at the end of the bay, which has a castle and swimming beaches, including a private beach and cafe with a view back across the bay to the harbour of Kuşadası. Public beaches are located at the back of the peninsula, towards the open sea.
Kirazli – Traditional Turkish village 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) from Kuşadası.
Yılancı Burnu – A second peninsula beyond Güvercin Ada. Possibly the location of the original settlement of Neopolis. Some walls are visible. There are beaches and beach clubs here.
Several aqua-parks with wave-pools and white-water slides are located near the town.
Ladies Beach – Very close to the town center, one of the primary tourist attractions.
Kadıkalesi – Venetian/Byzantine castle, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) along the Kuşadası-Davutlar road.
Panionium – 25 km (16 mi) south of Kuşadası, situated along the Davutlar-Güzelçamlı road. Once the central meeting place of the Ionian League. The ruins are in poor condition and their authenticity is disputed.
Dilek Peninsula-Büyük Menderes Delta National Park – About 30 kilometres (19 mi) south of the city centre, the national park is adjacent to the town of Güzelçamlı. It has several coves, beaches, canyons, and a sink cave. It is one of the most diverse and protected national parks in Turkey.
Population: 65,764 (2000)
Altitude: Sea Level
Airport: Adnan Menderes Airport 70 Km.
Transfer: Bus, mini bus, taxi.
Min/max temperatures in centigrade: Jan 6/12; Feb 5/12; Mar 6/14; Apr 12/20; May 17/25; Jun 22/32; Ju125/3S; Aug 25/3S; Sep 20/30; Oct 16/25; Nov 12/1S; Dec S/14.
City transport: Bus, Mini bus, taxi.
Sights and local attractions: Ephesus, Milet, Didyma, Priene, Pamukkale, Bodrum, Samos (Greece)
Sightseeing Tours and Excursion:
1. Ephesus – Mary’s House (5 hours – daily)
Visit the shrine of Virgin Mary; St. Paul, Temples, Library, Great Theatre, Stadium, Archeological Museum, Isabey Mosque, Basilica St. John, Temple of Diana.
2. Priene – Milletus – Didyma (5 hours – daily)
Priene – Theatre, Temple of Athena, Altar of Zeus.
Miletus – Theatre, Byzantine Fortress, Mosque.
Didyma – Temple of Apollo.
3. Pamukkale (12 hours)
Hierapolis, Karahayit, Amphitheatre, Thermal Pool.
4. Bodrum (12 hours)
Bafa lake, Bodrum Castle, Boat Tour.
Tourism Office: Liman Cad. Iskele Meydani Kusadasi
Visits: 464
