"KUSADASI", TURKEY

Kusadasi, or Birds’ Island, is known as a “fisher- men’s village. Originally it is a quiet garden where farmers harvested thyme, sage, wild roses, figs, grapes and olives. It is - and we hope it will stay long - an animated village.

Kusadasi has an unimpressive beach, however, the waterfront promenade makes for a great sunset stroll. Ladies Beach, a topless beach, is located 3.5kms south of town. Acting as a buffer between the Greek island of Samos and the Turkish mainland, Dilek National Park offers some isolated beaches with pine trees. Perhaps the main attraction of a trip to Kusadasi is a journey to the nearby ruins of Ephesus. Other significant ancient sites in the area include: Miletus, Priene, and Didyma.

Kusadasi was ruled by the Ottoman Empire after the invasion of Sultan Mehmet Celebi in the year 1413. During the reign of Ottomans, glorious new structures were built in Kusadasi Okuz Mehmet Pasa Caravanserai is the principal legacy of the Ottoman architecture in the city, and was built by the man of the same name, who was the vizier during the reigns of Sultan Ahmet1 and Osman2. The fortress is gates and walls and many mosques in the centre of Kusadasi, as well as the citadel of the castle in Pigeon Island, were built in the Ottoman period, reflecting the architectural style of the era. "Kusadasi " that means "bird island" and took its name from Pigeon Island.

Kusadasi is the heart of the Turkish Aegean seaside. It is one of the most beautiful places for recreation and fun holidays. Thanks to the marina and great harbor, Kusadasi is a favorite calling place for yachts and tour vessels with the result that there are many good shopping opportunities to be found. Also is a a very good start point for trips at Ephesus, Pamukkale, Miletos, etc.

Turkey’s national language is Turkish. In Turkey, especially in Kusadasi, most people can speak English and also some can speak some other foreign languages such as German, French, Italian and other languages. The national currency is the Turkish Lira (TL). But currencies like USD, GBP, or DEM are universally accepted at various places at current exchange rates.Foreign currencies and travellers cheques can be changed all over Kusadasi in banks, hotels and money exchange offices. Banks are open nationwide Monday through Friday except public holidays between 8:30 am and 17:00 pm. Some banks and money exchange offices remain open until midnight, especially in summer.. Major international credit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, American Express and Dinners Club are accepted by all major banks, restaurants, hotels and shops.

In Kusadasi, your have the perfect mix of Eastern mysticism and modern western technology that is one of the reasons why Kusadasi is a shopper’s paradise and why shopping remains a top tourist attraction. Kusadasi is one of those remarkable places where shopping is a not just a journey around shops. Its more like a journey for your personal gain.

You will enjoy the fun of bargaining while a smiling salesman speaks many languages negotiating for their goods while you still feel at home. Shopping is high on most Kusadasi itineraries and deservedly so as it creates competitive prices. All this helps to make your spending spree a memorable experience.

One of the delights of shopping in Kusadasi is that most shops are open seven days a week There are no set hours of business but generally shops in Kusadasi remain open from 09:00 am to 12:00 AM in summer. Every Tuesday and Friday there is a large open market that sells locally grown fruit, vegetables, household items, Turkish embroideries and textiles.After the First World War, Kusadasi was invaded by the Greeks (1919). The city won a long struggle and in 1922 and became a part of Turkish Republic. Izmir was the capital of Kusadasi until 1954. Then the capital was changed to Aydin and the city of Kusadasi has shown a good deal of development, especially in tourism.

Today, Kusadasi is one of Turkey's most sophisticated holiday centres; it is a perfect place for vacation with its sandy beaches and glassy water. The contrast between the lively holiday life and the quietness of the ancient ruins create the special atmosphere of the city

The beaches in Kusadasi guarantees endless fun & unlimited sunbathing during your holiday....

1-Kusadasi City Beach: Located in the Kusadasi Centrum, the sandy beach provides a perfect environment.

2-Pigeon Island Beach: A private beach, situated on the shore of the island. Ideal for the swimmers enjoying translucent and deep waters of the Aegean.Pigeon Island Beach

3-Yilanciburnu Beach: A quiet beach, located on the peninsula behind Pigeon Island. It can be reached by Kadinlar Denizi (Ladies Beach) minibuses in every 5 minutes.Yilanciburnu Beach

4-Ladies Beach: The powdery sandy beach of Ladies Beach provides excellent entertaining within its borders. Kadinlar Denizi (Ladies Beach) minibuses departure from the city Centrum in every 5 minutes.Ladies Beach in Kusadasi

5-Long Beach: The long sandy beach and crystal-clear water of Long Beach are ideal for swimming, water sports and peaceful resting. The beach is 6km south of Kusadasi, -between Batihan Hotel and Nazilli Site, and can be reached by Sahil Siteleri minibuses in every 5 minutes.Long Beach Davutlar / Kusadasi

6-Paradise Beach: Situated between Aykustur and Sokeliler site, Paradise Beach offers a perfect environment.Paradise Beach

7-National Park Beaches: The beaches are located 30km southwest of Kusadasi. Icmeler, Aydinlik, Kavakli and Karasu bays are the principals of the numerous secluded bays and coves in the park. Clear waters of the bays provides an opportunity to dive. Only Icmeler bay has the sandy beach. You will feel the real quietness while resting peacefully in the shades of the pines. National Park minibuses departures in every 30 minutes from Kusadasi.