Kuşadası (lit. the Bird Island) is the most beautiful bay of the
Aegean Sea. Its international marina is a popular port of call for
yatchs, while its harbour is a favourite stopover for cruise ships.
Discerning visitors return time and again to Kuşadası, for its
crystal-clear sea, its miles of Blue Flag sandy beaches, its hotels
offering secure acoommodation, its holiday resorts and its pensions
geared to meet the visitors every need.
The hinterland of Kuşadası is endowed with a rich historical
heritage, whose archaeological diversity is reflected at sites such as
Güvercinada (Dove Island), Pygale (a center for Mycenean ceramics),
Kadıkalesi (the judge’s fortress), Davutlar Kurşunlu Monastery, hidden
in the hillside, Öküz Mehmet Paşa Caravanserai, the Kaleiçi (Citadel)
Mosque, and the ancient Ionian settlement of Neopolis.
Dilek Yarımdası Milli Parkı (Dilek Peninsula National Park) teems
with the rich flora and fauna endemic to the region. The Zeus Cave, once
favoured by Zeus, still preserves its mystery and beauty.
Activities available for more active or adventurous visitors include
trekking, scuba-diving, swimming, thermal baths, safaris, cultural tours
and cave exploration. Those seeking evening entertaniment will find it
on Barlar Sokagı (Street of Bars). Hotels, holiday villages, discos,
clubs, cafes and the Adaland Aquapark provide plenty of other
opportunities for recreation in Kuşadası.
The attractive kuşdası cuisine with its delicious tastes merges
traditional Turkish cooking with other Aegean specialities. The hotels
serve Turkish and international cuisine, often blended in their
world-renowned open buffets. With more than four thousand boutiques
offering both traditional and modern wares, Kuşadası is a paradise for
shopping.
The short look at the history of Kuşadası
Founded by the Lelegians in 3000 BC, the area was settled by the
Aeolians in the 11th century BC and later by the Ionians in the 9th
century BC. The Ionians were seafarers, overseas traders and some of the
world’s first “get-rich-quick” merchants. Their ensuring political
power enabled them to found twelve cities, known as the Ionian Colonies.
Kuşadası was known in antiquity as “Neopolis” (New Town), and it became
one of the most important ports of Anatolia opening to Mediterranean.
The rule over the city by the Lydians (7th century BC) and the Persians
(546 BC) lasted until Alexander the Great of Macedonia captured the
whole of Anatolia in 334 BC. The city fell under Roman domination in the
2nd century BC; then, Kuşadası become a religious centre in the early
years of Christianity, when St. John and the Virgin Mary settled in
nearby Efes (Ephesus). During the Byzantine Period Kuşadası was known as
“Ania”, and become a haven for pirates during the Middle Ages. During
the period of Venetian and Genoese domination (15th century) it was
known as “Scala Nova”.
Turkish domination began with the conquest of the region by Seljuk
Sultan Kılıç Aslan 2 in 1186. The area then became an export gateway to
the Aegean for caravan routes. Kuşadası fell under the domination of the
Ottomans in 1413 during the beylikler period (the period of
principalities); after that, it remained under Turkish domination and
was adorned with many new works.
The ancient ports of the Menderes (Meander) Valley were Ayasulug
(Ephesus) and Balat (Milet). However, when the sea withdrew both
harbours became silted up and the region needed a new port; this was
built at Kuşadası. Trading in the eastern Mediterranean was at that time
controlled by the Venetians and the Genoese, and so the new port was
called “Scala Nova” (New Pier in Italian). It became a complete trading
colony with its consulates, warehouses and trading houses. The Muslim
Turks generally preffered to live in the “Andızkule” regioni five
kilometres inland of Kuşadası.
Kuşadası arrived at what is more or less its present day layout in
the 17th century, when the Ottoman Grand Vizier ÖküzMehmet Pasha built
the city walls and a religious complex, as well as bringing in water for
the city dwellers and creating a public water distribution network.
During the primacy of the Venetians and the Ottomans, Güvercinada served
as a military base; in 1834 it was extensively rebuilt and its renowned
fortress was built. The present day name Kuşadası, was derived from
this fortress. Kuşadası was part of Izmir province until 1954, when it
was reassigned to Aydın province, since then its development rapidly
took off. The tourism potential of the area began to be tapped in the
1960s, and hotels, pensions, camping sites, holiday resorts and summer
residences were built in quick succession. During the same period a
marina was constructed and port facilities improved and enlarged.
Since then Kuşadası has became an established recreational centre,
much esteemed for the quality and multiplicity of its attractions and
for the hopitality and kindness of its inhabitants.
The geography of Kuşadası: A natural beauty spot
Kuşadası County, alongside the Aegean Sea, is the touristic region of
Aydın Province. It is encompassed by the counties of Selçuk (in Izmir)
to the north, Germencik to the northwest, and Söke to the east and
south. It encompassesthe coastal plain in the east and southeast of the
gull of Kuşadası and the low-lying plateau behind. The western part of
Kuşadası, with its 50 kilometres long coast, faces the Aegean Sea. To
the east and south-east are mountains, while the county’s natural beauty
spots and tourist attractions are located in two main areas and six
villages.
Güzelçamlı (Marvellous Pines) National Park may justly claim to be
the richest national park in Turkey, for itsvariety of flora and fauna.
All types of vegetation cover native to the coastal Aegean, Marmara,
Mediterranean and Black Sea regions can all be found here.
Climate
Kuşadası has a temperate Mediterranean climate
Average Monthly Temperature
- Month Air Seawater
- January 12 15
- February 12 15
- March 14 15
- April 20 16
- May 25 19
- June 32 22
- July 34 23
- August 38 24
- September 30 22
- October 25 20
- Novomber 18 18
- December 14 17
How to get Kuşadası
By Air
Visitors fly to the Adnan Menderes Airport in Izmir, and continue by road to Kuşadası
By Road
Many coach companies provide regular services between the various cities of Turkey and Kuşadası.
The coach journey from Izmir to Kuşadası takes about 1.5 hours. There
are regular services between Kuşadası and Izmir departing at half-hour
intervals.
By Sea
There is a major port with two piers in Kuşadası. International
cruisers regularly stop here. In the summer season day-tours to Sisam
(Samos) and cruises to other Greek Islands can be arranged throughlocal
travel agents.
Must see sights of Kuşadası
Öküz Mehmet Paşa Caravanserai with its distinctive architecture could
be the first stop on your itinerary in Kuşadası. It was an Ottoman
stronghold, built by the Grand Vizier Öküz Mehmet Pasha in 1618 to
foster overseas trade. The caravanserai situated near the pier of
Kuşadası, was extensively renovated in 1996.
The courtyard of the caravanserai, approximately 18.5 by 21.6 metres,
is surrounded by a two-storey portico. The entrance of the caravanserai
on the north facade is a 2.96 meter-wide marble doorway bonded by a
shallow arch, and the gate has a plain design. The safekeeping section,
where the wares were held, the gatekeepere’s lodge and the ablution
fountain, recently converted to a swimming pool, are the principal
points of interest for visitors. The portico sections are spanned with
cross vaults, each with a cell behind. Every cell has a fireplace and
niches of various dimensions for storage. The caravanserai was covered
with a flat roof, and, in order to stand firm against attacks from the
sea, the north and north-eastern facades were built especially to be
stronger than other parts. There is also a gate on the eastern facade
leading to the marketplace.
Kaleici (Citadel) Mosque has a distinctive architecture. It was
commissioned by the Grand Vizier Öküz Mehmet Pasha in 1618, and it is
also called as Öküz mehmet Pasha Mosque. The gate of the mosque is
embeelished with mother-of-pearl inlays and decorated with interlocking
geometric panels. The mosque has a dome resting on a dodecagonal
(twelwe-sided) drum perforated with sixteen windows. Situated in the
marketplace, the building was extensively restored in 1830.
Güvercinada, the amulet or lucky charm of Kuşadası, is a small island
just off the Kuşadası coast. The island is connected to the mainland by
a causeway, and the fortress, built on a rock outcrop, is very
picturesque. The fortress fulfilled its function for many years, and is
also known as the Korsan (Corsair’s) Fortress. Today it is a tourist
attraction, but during the Ottoman Period it served as an outpost to
defend the port against potential attacks from the Aegean islands, all
the more likely in the aftermath of the More Uprising. The tower,
central to the function of the fortress, was built at the highest point
on the island. A cistern was also installed. The fortress has been
extensively refurbished, and restaurants, cafes and recreation areas
have been introduced, so that visitors can enjoy the historical building
amid pleasant facilities. In the evening the fortress is illuminated,
adding to its enchanment. Naturally, it has become a favourite spot for
young couples to imbibe the charming ambience of moonlight nights.
In the Dilek Peninsula National Park chasms of wild canyons adorned
with unique flora cut through the mountains to meet the sea breeze in
secluded coves where visitors can be captivated by the bosom of nature.
An impressive variety of plant species can be found in the National
Park. It is the last place where the Anatolian Leopard was wont to roam,
and today it is a regular haunt of sea turtles and Mediterranean seals.
The Dilek Peninsula National Park incorporates the decline of Mount
Samson int the Aegean Sea, as well as the Akdere and Karakter forestry
areas, and a total of 11.012 hectares. It is a hilly area, approximately
20 kilometres long and 6 kilometres wide. Mount Samson is the
westernmost part of the Mountain Range of Aydın. Its average height is
600-650 meters, and the highest peak is Dilek Hill (1237 m). The Dilek
Peninsula is wedged between the Küçük (Lesser) and Büyük (Greater)
Menderes Rivers and is a part of the Menderes Massif, which is 500
millennia old.
The peninsula is punctuated by the many deep canyons and gorges that
have been carved into it by descending streams. These canyons and gorges
are the habitat of many plant and animal species. Red pine, European
black pine, Mediterranean cypress, Judas-tree, Phoenician juniper and
oak are among the most prevalent arboreal species; however, adible
examples, such as Anatolian chesnut, carob, fig, common hawthorn and
blackberry shrubs, are also abundant. The strong perfumes of lima
(Tilia) trees, of jasmine and honeysuckle, and oleander shrubs, may
intoxicate you as you pass among them.
The wild animals that you may have the chance to see on your walk
include wolves, foxes, jackals and lynxes, as well as badgers, martens,
hedgehogs, boars and golden eagles. The marine animals you may catch a
glimpse of are sea turtles, dolphins, common sea breams, eels and
octopi. The azure sea, the golden sand and the lush greenness of
vegatation all come togother in the coves of the National Park. İcmeler
Cove is quite shallow and safe, and it can be reached through a woodland
of monumental trees. Aydınlık Cove has a fine sandy beach, five
kilometres in lenght. Apart from the tranquillity provided by the
natural surroundings, there are picnic sites on the beaches. More
adventurous souls can head deep into the canyons of Dilek Peninsula
National Park and climb the arduous route through Dikkaya Gorpe up to
the peak. The rich plant life of the National Park makes the rest stops
more enticing. Good swimming may be found at Kavaklı Point and Karasu
Cove, and Zeus Cave, which harbours a natural swiiming pool, offers the
chance of further adventure.
You will observe the imperviousness of the cities and buildings of antiquity to the passage of time.
Pygale is 3 kilometres north of Kuşadası. The arcaeological finds at
Pygale bear witness to an ancient settlement, believed to have been
founded by the Mycenaean King Agamemnon. Geographer Strabo refers to a
Temple of Artemis in the city. Experts believe that Pygale was one of
the centres of Mycenaean ceramics.
Neopolis (Yılancı – Snake Charmer’s point), the city of antiquity, is
in the appearance of a second peninsuls beyond Güvercinada, jutting
into the sea. Having been the first settlement at Kuşadası, it is
believed to have been founded by the Ionians. Only a few ruined traces
have survived to our day, but it is a favourite spot on the itinerary of
local tours.
Kadıkalesi Fortress is a historical gem. It is situated on the 10th
kilometer of the road leading to Davutlar from Kuşadası. It was a
Byzantine fortress built on the shore and intended to dominate the gorge
between Samos (Sisam) Island and the mainland. The fortress was built
on top of a Bronze Age earthen mound. Archaeological excavations around
the small mosque have revealed a chapel from the Mid-Byzantine Period
and fourteen burials of woman and children. The city gate and
square-planned tower have also been restored. Among the archaeological
finds are many imported items, Mycenaean ceramics and local terra-cota
ware, a lead seal, fragments of architectural statues, and coins from
the Roman and Islamic eras.
The Panionium is an Ionian sanctuary that impressed even Herodotus.
The ancient city of Pnationium is situated in the town of Güzelcamlı. It
was the centre of the twelve Ionian cities that had come togother to
form the Ionian League. The Panionium has an impressive natural site,
located on the northern shore of the Dilek Peninsula National Park, at
the foot of Mount Samson, known as Mount Mycale in ancient times.
Heredotus described the Panionium’s geography as follows: “The Ionians,
meeting in the Panionium, founded their cities in the best climate of
the world that is known to us. Neither the northern nor the southern
region comes close to equalling the climate of Ionia. As for the eastern
and western areas, some are cold and humit, others hot and barren.”
The site contains an Ionian temple devoted to Poseidon, dating from
the 8th century BC, and functioning as a centre for festivals and games
as well as religious ceremonies. It is noteworthy that when the Persians
wiped the Lydian Kingdom from the surface of the earth (in the 6th
century BC) and started occupying Anatoliai the Panionium became the
first centre of Ionian unity and resistance to the threat. During the
period of Alexander the Great the Panionium was renowned for its
splendid festivals.
Access to the Davutlar Kurşunlu Monastery is quite diifcult, but the
scenery is worth the effort. The historical building situated in the
Davutlar area of Kuşadası is throught to have been a Byzantine Orthodox
monastery built in the 11th century. It is believed that the site was
chosen on safety grounds, as it is quite high and hidden away from
sight. The monastery, which also provided education, contains a
refectory, a larder, a kitchen, monks cells, an infirmary, a chapel and a
necropolis (cemetery), the defensive walls and cellars. The frescos
that adorn the monastery’s ceiling are still very impressive. During the
Iconoclastic Period, which began in 726 and ended in 843, symbolic and
geometric motifs were deployed; with the end of this period religious
events and personages were figuratively depiced. When the region came
under the domination of Seljuk sultans in the 12th century, a period of
religious freedom provided the opportunity for new frescoes generally
depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ as well as biblical
stories.
The Çalıkuşu House Culture & Art Centre, with its impressive
architecture, should also be visited. The houses, constructed in the
traditional architecture of Kuşadası, were taken under protection and
have become an important point of call on culture tours. The most
prominent of them is the old Turkish house of Feride, the teacher, whose
story was told in the novel “Çalıkuşu” (The Wren) by Turkish author
Resat Nuri Güntekin. It was renovated and converted into a culture and
arts centre and opened to visitors. The two-storey building, with its
hipped roof and larger upper-floor plan with protruding cantilever
expansion, as well as louvered windows with wooden grills, is quite
picturesque. The garden of the house and the exquisite bird figures
carved in the building’s eaves are eye cathing.
Age-old traditions of seafaring and harbouring live Kuşadası’s
international marina. The harbour provides one of the most important
marinas for yachts along the Turkish coast, on account of its developed
capacity, its technical equipment and the quality of service it
provides. The marina operates around the clock and has the capacity for
650 boats. It is visited annually by 2500-3000 craft. There is a regular
daily passenger boat service from Kuşadası port to the Greek island of
Samos (Sisam) between 1 April 20 October. The same service is available
on a charter basis during the winter season. Along with day-tripping
boats and boats hired by the hour, Blue Cruise yachts are also available
at the port.
Setur Kuşadası Marina provides highly qualified technical support and
service to yatchs and mariners. It is the closest marina to the Temple
of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as well as to
the House of the Virgin Mary and St John’s Church in Ephesus. The
diving school operating in the marina provides special diving tours
during the summer season, and during the winter season there are various
fishing excursions.
The port of Kuşadası, visited by 600 larger-tonnage cruise ships
annually, hs two piers and is a popular stopover on Mediterranean
cruises. It is a visitors respite on the regular routes of the most
famous cruise-ship operators in the world. The boats carry visitors from
foreign lands. It is clear that Kuşadası port has become a favourite
with visitors because of its natural beauty as well as its modern
facilities that meet the highest international standarts.
Ephesus Convention Centre, put into service in 2013 , has enabled
Kuşadası to host many large-scale events. The venues and technical
facilities provided for international conferences together with manifold
local attractions, have made Kuşadası an ideal location for such
events.
Kuşadası’s much loved hiking routes have also placed it among the
most prefferred locations for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. The
Dilek Peninsula Nationaal park, with its beaches and coves and its
walking routes for observing various species of plants and wildlife,
attracts the visitors. On the walking routes clean and crips air
accompany you as you go in search of the many indigenous plants and
animals.
The thermal springs near Davutlar offer another alternative. The
thermal springs have provided a combination of natural beauty and
natural health to visitors across the centuries. Modern facilities,
including the option of restful accommodation, have been designed to
blend in with the natural beauty and tranquillity of the area.
Nature summons camping enthusiasts to Kuşadası. There are numerous
camping sites, offering the best of modern facilities and services to
campers.
Asyalı (Yaren) Cave at Kirazlı village is the meeting place for the
lovers of adventure. The cave is 110 meters long and reaches a depth of
36 meters. To reach it, you need to walk for three kilometres from
Dereagzı, on the road to Kuşadası.
Zeus Cave, resting place of Zeus, the mythological king of gods and
goddesses, is situated in an enchanting part of the Dilek Peninsula
National Park. The national park is a heaven on earth. The cave, named
after Zeus, is a major attraction for hikers and cave enthusiasts.
Access to the cave is through a slate-paved pathway which is about 20
metres long. Many visitors assamble at the sight of Zeus Cave and its
formation. The place, a fitting habitat for mythological gods and
goddesses, is actually a sinkhole whose base resembles a pool with a
spring. Here Zeus, king of gods, frequently teasted his brother
Poseidon. Growing angry, Poseidon used his trident to raise the waves,
and created a storm. To save himself from Poseidon’s fury, Zeus took
shelter in the pool at a depth of 10 to 15 meters. There he bathed and
found peace. The clear mineral water with a hint of green is a mixture
of spring water filtered from the mountains and salt water seeping in
from the sea. This is the sight that tourists flock to see. In the cave
and pool where Zeus found peace and tranquillity, visitors now enjoy
going for a dip.
The cyristal clear waters of the sea and underwater attractions are
irresistible. Kuşadası is a prime location for travel agencies and
hotels catering for water sports. Every kind of opportunities for the
water sports are presented in Kuşadası together with the spectacular
natural beauties. These beauties make the activities much more
enjoyable.
Going on safari remains one of the favourite activities that Kuşadası
offers. For horse riding enthusiasts there are many opportunities for
horse back safaris. In addition, jeep safari and Quad (ATV) safaris are
offered by various travel agents for those with a spirit of adventure.
The Handicrafts of Kuşadası
Kuşadası is a part of Aydın Province, and the handicrafts of the
region are highly acclaimed. The colourful hand-woven carpets and
kilims, and saddlebag-style handbags bearing Turcoman and Yörük motifs,
made with fibres imbued with natural dyes, are much admired. Also tents
of woven goat-hair, and sacks of the same material, made by the nomadic
Yörük people, along with traditional clothes and headgear, needle lace,
embriodery, applique and artefacts made out of wood, are also
noteworthy. In order to help the traditional handicrafts to proposer in
the modern age, training and practical experience courses are regularly
held, the products are exhibited to visitors and some made available for
purchase.
Not only gourments but also the gastronomes agree that the cuisine of Kuşadası is rich and delicious.
Kuşadası cuisine examplifies the cuisine of Aydın province; its
specialist can be sampled in both traditional and modern restaurants.
The best known products of the region are figs, grapes, and olives.
Kuşadası is gastronomically very active. It holds the record for the
“largest open buffet in the world”. Every year the traditional
Gastronomic Festival of Kuşadası is held in the town to promote its
mouth-watering cuisine.
Vegetable dishes cooked with olive oil and served cold, soups,
seafood, citrus fruits, Seville orange jam, various fig and grape wines,
desserts such as semolina halva, saffron-coloured rice pudding (zerde),
milk pudding (muhallebi), rice pudding (sütlac), Noah’s pudding
(aşure), fried pancake balls in syrup (lokma), rice-flour pudding
sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds (pelvize), hot casserole, black-eyed
peas in olive oil (börülce), stuffed wine leaves (yaprak sarma),
aubergines and chilli peppers fried in olive oil and served with a
tomato-onion-garlic sauce (kırlı kızartma), tomato-chilli pepper-cottage
cheese salad (gipsy pilaf), black-bryony shoots and wild asparagus
fried in olive oil (sarmaşık-kedirgen kavurma), fennel fried with wild
leek and served with egg and yoghurt (arap saçı), meat and artichoke
hearts stuffed with a meat sauce (etli enginar), fried aubergines
(patlıcan kavurma) are the dishes most favoured in Kuşadası. The rich
local specialities, such as salads of golden thisle (şevketi bostan),
purslane (semiz otu), wild radish (turp otu), served with fried
meatballs (yuvarlama) and pastry filled with an
aubergine-tomato-chilli-garlic mix (paşa böreği) and fried vegetables
(sebze ızgara) offer a plethora of choice: a veritable cornucopia of
gustatory delights.
Centre of entertainment: Kuşadası
The dolphinarium of Adaland (Aquapark) offers various performances by
dolphins, the main attraction. As well as such entertainment, visitors
may swim alongside the dolphins which will certainly be a unique
experience.
If you are looking for music and dance, The Kaleiçi (Citadel) and the
Street of Bars offer a variety of choice. You can enjoy authecnic
Turkish Music as well as music of various styles from many different
countries. You may watch dance shows or take part in them. Bars, cafes,
clubs and discos provide entertainment catering to all tastes, and
sometimes you might find yourself in the mids of a surprise party.
Besides, most hotels offer evening shows and performances.
Comfortable Accommodation
Kuşadası offers visitors various types of accommodation, ranging from
modern and comfortable hotels to traditional and authentic
pension-style accommodation. Hotels also provide an exquisite choice of
Turkish cuisine as well as entertainment and shopping facilities.
Camping facilities are also available.
Pleasure of shopping in Kuşadası
Being a centuries-old port city, Kuşadası has a long tradition of
commerce. More than four thousand shops welcome visitors to a shopping
haven. Carpets whose motifs reflect the local culture, colourful kilims,
leather jackets and other items, jewellery of gold and silver, tiles
displaying remarkable design and colours, real spices, local clothing,
decorative objects, authentic home decorations, blue amulets, water
pipes or hubble-bubbles (nargile), ceramics, rare Turkish coffee cups,
souvenirs …. Is’s an Alaaddin’s cave of infinite variety.
Car hire (rent a car) may facilitate your visit
To visit the sights around Kuşadası you may prefer to hire your own car. Many car hire companies offer a comprehensive service
Do not leave Kuşadası unless you have;
Explored the untouched nature of the Dilek Peninsula National Park
Visited güvercinada, Öküz Mehmet Pasha caravanserai and Çalıkuşu House
Visited the port of Kuşadası, and taken a boat trip
Toured the most secluded coves of the Aegean Sea
Swum at Blue-Flag beaches, and taken a dive at the best diving spots
Seen the Zeus Cave
Found health and beauty at the thermal springs and spas
Tasted the cuisine of Kuşadası
Enjoyed a dose of retail therapy
Inspected the regional handicrafts
Enjoyed some evening entertainment
Those are the things you must do before leaving Kuşadası.
Important contact information
Kuşadası coach terminus: 00 90 256 614 39 81
Tourism information: 00 90 256 614 11 03
District governorship: 00 90 256 614 10 16
Municipality: 00 90 256 614 10 03 – 614 24 64 – 614 10 93
State hospital: 00 90 256 618 24 14
Dilek peninsula national park: 00 90 256 614 10 09
