Kusadasi Travelers Recommend

While most visitors flock to Kusadasi for sun, sea, and sand, this holiday hot spot on Turkey’s Aegean coast offers plenty more. With three days there, you can take your pick of everything from boat trips to tours of must-sees such as Ephesus. Here’s how to make the most of your time in Kusadasi.

Day 1: Outdoor adventure

Spend much of your first day on the beach or in the water. Laze around on Ladies Beach, or go scuba diving. Alternatively, join a boat trip that includes swim-and-snorkel stops at beaches and bays unreachable on foot. Or, take a Jeep excursion to places difficult to reach independently, such as pine-forested Dilek National Park or Zeus Cave, a grotto with inviting turquoise waters. 

For something different, clip-clop through the countryside on the back of a horse, or visit the hill village of Sirince to sample homemade wines and learn about traditional Turkish life.

Back in Kusadasi, enjoy a stroll and dinner on the seafront before checking out Bar Street—its myriad neon-lit drinking spots make it party central.

Day 2: Historical and natural highlights

Devote your second day to the historical or natural treasures beckoning from around Kusadasi. Topping the agenda for many is Ephesus, one of the world’s best-preserved Greco-Roman cities. Opt for a tour to benefit from the knowledge of a guide and to ensure you don’t miss must-sees such as the Library of Celsus. Alternatively, see the white-terraced cliffs of Pamukkale, and the Roman spa ruins of Hierapolis just above. Other options are the ancient Greek sites of Priene, Miletus, and Didyma, as well as the Pergamum, whose relics include a remarkable theater and ancient healing center.

Day 3: Wild card

On your last day in Kusadasi, see anything you may have missed that still calls to you—maybe Pamukkale, Ephesus, or other ancient sites. If you’ve had your fill of history, consider crossing over to Greece on a ferry trip to Samos for a day of sailing, taverna-hopping, shopping, and swimming. Alternatively, stay in Turkey and join an ATV tour of sand dunes, or take the family to Adaland, a gigantic water park.

Wind down your trip with an evening Turkish bath. Visit a spa to recharge with a sauna, scrub, and essential-oils massage—you’ll leave feeling brand-new. Then, relax over classic Turkish food on the waterfront as you watch the sun set.

With its sandy beaches, upbeat vibe, and great outdoor activities—not to mention the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Ephesus nearby—there’s plenty to keep you entertained for a day in Kusadasi. Here are some of the best ways to fill 24 hours in this buzzing town.

Morning: Sightseeing, Sand, or Sea

Start with a trip to Kusadasi’s ancient showpiece, 2,000-year-old Ephesus, just a short drive from the city. This once-powerful Greek and Roman port boasts well-preserved streets and ruins, including the spectacular Library of Celsus and a theater where St. Paul once preached. Go with a guide—on either a shared group or private tour—to ensure you hear the story of the ruins and cover the highlights.

Alternatively, dedicate the morning to Kusadasi’s beaches and seas. Sunbathe on the town beach or Ladies’ Beach, or join a boat trip to swim and snorkel in bays inaccessible without a rental car. Another option is a visit the traditional hill village of Sirince to learn about rural Turkish life and sample local fruit wines.

Afternoon: Adventures Beckon

If you didn’t take a morning-and-afternoon boat trip earlier, dive into Kusadasi’s outdoor adventures this afternoon. Join a Jeep safari to visit hidden canyons and coves, or open the throttle of an all-terrain vehicle to zoom over sand dunes. Other options include horseback treks through shady pine woods—a perfect way to get active while also staying cool. If you’re drawn to the sea, seize the chance to experience Kusadasi’s underwater world: check out the Aegean’s reefs and marine life on a private scuba diving package—tour options include an introductory taster for those new to the sport.

Evening: Pamper and Party

This evening, recover from the day’s exertions at a Turkish bath, which includes a sauna, a foam bath, and an aromatherapy massage. Choose from various bath experiences, some of which offer round-trip hotel transfers. Afterward, stroll by the beach and relax over dinner at one of Kusadasi’s many restaurants offering fish and typical Turkish dishes. If you’re in a party mood after dinner, make a beeline for the lively, packed Bar Street to hit its neon-lit clubs and watering holes.

Known for its beaches and festive ambiance, the Turkish resort town of Kuşadasi is also a popular destination for archaeology enthusiasts, thanks to its proximity to a number of impressive ancient sites. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to millennia-old ruins, here are the top archaeological sites to explore in Kuşadasi and the surrounding region.

Kuşadasi Castle

While Kuşadasi is most often seen as a jumping-off point for Ephesus and other top-ticket archaeological sites, the lively coastal city has its own historical draws. Its highlight is the Byzantine-era Kuşadasi Castle, which occupies the petite Pigeon Island and was recently restored to its former glory.

Hierapolis and Pamukkale

Together a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient city of Hierapolis and the Pamukkale hot springs are two of Turkey’s most distinctive attractions. A busy spa center established in the 2nd century BC, Hierapolis is renowned for its enormous necropolis and sizeable theater. Just adjacent is Pamukkale, an extraordinary area where calcite-laden spring waters have created natural terraced basins and travertine formations. The site still hosts public springs today.

Ephesus

Notable for the enormity of its scale, UNESCO-listed Ephesus is a must-see for history buffs. Among the largest and most complete ancient cities in Asia, this sprawling archaeological complex includes dozens of highlights. The site’s Temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and its ruins can still be seen today. Other essential stops include the Fountain of Trajan, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Library of Celsus.

House of the Virgin Mary

Just adjacent to Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary is a popular destination in its own right, particularly as a pilgrimage site. Said to be the former residence of the Virgin Mary, the small stone chapel has been visited by several popes. The Basilica of St. John, part of Ephesus, is another popular stop for Christian pilgrims.

Sardis

The Lydian capital of Sardis offers a bevy of striking ruins. A major attraction of the ancient city, known for having had a large Jewish community, is the Sardis Synagogue, among the largest ancient synagogues ever excavated. The painstakingly restored Marble Court of Sardis and the Temple of Artemis are also impressive to behold.

With two days In Kusadasi, there’s time to enjoy beaches, boat trips, and outdoor adventures while also allotting a day to visit nearby ancient and natural wonders, such as Ephesus and Pamukkale. Here are tips for a perfect 2-day itinerary in Turkey’s largest Aegean-coast resort town.

Day 1: Sand, Sea, and Sports

**Morning:**Begin your visit by enjoying the sun at Kusadasi’s small downtown beach or heading to the popular chaise lounges of Ladies’ Beach. If you want to spend the day on the water, book a full-day boat trip to snorkel and swim in some of the prettiest local bays. 

**Afternoon:**Ramp up the adventure this afternoon: Drive an all-terrain vehicle over dunes, or ride a horse through pine forests and along the seashore to feel the breeze in your hair. Alternately, you can sign up for scuba diving and choose from a range of beginner and advanced experiences that take you out to explore Kusadasi’s colorful reefs.

**Evening:**Come dusk, stroll along Kusadasi’s waterfront and savor authentic Turkish cuisine at one of its many restaurants before grabbing a drink on Bar Street. Cap the evening off by diving into Kusadasi’s nightlife, perhaps joining the party set at a beach club.

Day 2: Ancient Treasures or Aqua Parks

**Morning:**Start your second day by joining half- or full-day trips that take you to a variety of attractions with convenient round-trip transport included. Tour of the Greco-Roman remnants of Ephesus, classical Priene, or Pergamum, or enjoy a day exploring the island of Samos or the stunning white travertine rock terraces of Pamukkale, which sit below the Roman ruins of Hierapolis. Alternatively, for a more adventurous option, you can take a day out at Adaland, Kusadasi’s biggest waterpark.

**Afternoon:**If you chose a day trip earlier, continue it this afternoon—roaming the streets of Ephesus and the broken temples of Hierapolis or plunging down Adaland’s chutes. Or, if you’re back from a morning adventure, join a countryside Jeep safari or a tour of the wine-making village of Sirince to experience the region’s rural culture.

**Evening:**Round off your 2-night stay by booking a classic Turkish bath, which includes a relaxing sauna, scrub, and massage. Once you’re feeling refreshed, watch the sunset from the waterfront before heading into Kusadasi’s Old Town for a romantic Turkish dinner with wine.