Kusadasi is known as a coastal resort, but the real reason to come is another one. Ephesus is only twenty minutes from here, and Ephesus is the best-preserved ancient city in the Mediterranean basin. That means on the same trip you can stay by the sea and walk streets two thousand years old. Below I have written the route, the beaches and the prices.
The ancient city of Ephesus
At Ephesus the facade of the Library of Celsus, the great theatre and a marble-paved street have survived as they were. The theatre held twenty-five thousand people. The terrace houses are a separate ticket, and the mosaics and wall paintings preserved there are fully worth the extra money.
There is almost no shade on the site. Go at opening time in the morning or after four in the afternoon; walking there at midday in summer is hard work. There are two entrance gates, and going in by the upper gate and out by the lower one means walking downhill. Taking the tickets and tours in advance gets you past the queue on days when a cruise ship is in.
The beaches in Kusadasi
Ladies Beach is the closest to the town and the most crowded. Long Beach, as the name suggests, is long and quieter. The best water, though, is in the Dilek peninsula national park, half an hour from the town: entry is paid and the water is clear.
Pigeon Island is joined to the town by a breakwater, has a small fortress on it, and walking there is free. Go at sunset. The bazaar in the town centre is for souvenirs, and prices are negotiable.
Pamukkale and Sirince from Kusadasi
Pamukkale is three hours away and is known for its white travertines, with the ancient city of Hierapolis above them. It needs a full day and is tiring, but it is a place to see once. The village of Sirince, on the other hand, is only half an hour away and is known for its stone houses and fruit wine.
The House of the Virgin Mary is near Ephesus and is held sacred by pilgrims. The ruins of Priene, Miletus and Didyma are combined into one day route. For long distances, a transfer booked in advance is more comfortable than the bus for a group.
Read more: A Türkiye travel guide: Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia, the Black Sea and the thermal resorts
Season and budget in Kusadasi
The swimming season runs from the end of May to October. June and September are the most suitable months, with 28–32 degrees. July and August climb above 35 and seeing Ephesus becomes hard work. April and May are ideal for the ancient cities but cool for the sea.
A four-star hotel is 70–130 euros in summer and 45–80 outside the season. All-inclusive options are widespread here too and work out well for a family. The Ephesus ticket and the terrace houses together come to around 40 euros. To combine Ephesus and the coast in one programme, look at Aegean resort tours. Official information is on the Go Türkiye site.
In short
Kusadasi is the best choice in Türkiye for anyone who wants to combine the sea and an ancient city in one trip. Go to Ephesus at opening time, give the Dilek park a day, and plan for June or September. For a visa and a route, fill in the application form.
Note: the prices in this article are those at the time of publication and may change with the season.
