KuşadasıTurkey · Ferry Destinations

All About Kuşadası

Settlements in and around the western coast of Turkey go back thousands of years, but the city of Kuşadası as we know it originated in the 16th century. Built by the Venetians, the town soon grew into an important port, transforming it into a much-desired city. Although the region experienced many occupations, following WWI, Kuşadası came under the rule of Italy, followed by Greece, and finally Turkey in 1922.

Situated 95km from Izmir, alongside the Aegean Sea, Kuşadası is often called Bird Island. As one of the most prominent ferries and cruise destinations in Europe, the city showcases a dynamic personality where history and tradition effortlessly blend with modern-day attractions and pleasures.
 

Routes and Ferries to Kuşadası

Many visitors arrive here from the Greek island of Samos by purchasing ferry tickets to Kuşadası using Ferryscanner. There are two 30-minute sailings every day, one in the morning and the other in the evening. Boats arrive from and depart to both Vathy and Pythagoreio ports in Samos.

When traveling by air, the two airports nearest to Kuşadası are Izmir and Bodrum. Izmir Airport at 66km is closest to the city and the preferred choice due to multiple European connections. Direct shuttle buses from either airport are easy to catch. From Izmir, one can take the train to Selçuk and then a 30-minute bus to Kuşadası.
 

Port of Kuşadası

Kuşadası’s EGE Port is primarily a yacht and cruise harbor that also offers ferry services. The marina here can house a whopping 600 leisure boats, and the port can accommodate up to four large cruise ships with its two finger-piers. Additionally, there are ramps and a quay to handle the ferries.

Whether you enter the city via a cruise ship or ferry tickets to Kuşadası, the arrival terminal is close to the center. There are buses and taxis available outside. The port also has restaurants, duty-free shopping, car rental, an information center, and the uber-chic Scala Nuova Shopping Village.
 

Best Beaches

Kuşadası boasts of an endless sandy shoreline, loved equally by domestic and international tourists. The beaches in and around the city alternate between being hyper commercial and secluded, offering something to enjoy for everyone.

Ladies Beach

No longer reserved for only women, Ladies Beach is the liveliest seaside spot in the city. You can get to this sandy strand by taking a dolmuş or by walking for 15-minutes. The beach has a jovial and welcoming character with cafes and shops along its lovely promenade. The 1km long strip borders clear shallow waters and has water sports options as well as lifeguards on duty and sunbeds for rent. Ladies beach is unquestionably the best place in town to witness the sun disappear into the horizon.

Love Beach

With a broad and long sandy coastline, Love Beach is a 30-minute southward drive from Kuşadası. It’s well-known because of an adjacent park where local families often come for picnics and barbeques. Also on the beach is a café, a shop, and basic facilities. Adding to Love Beach’s appeal is the sea, which is clean and stays low enough for kids to play securely. As is expected, Love Beach is very busy during the summers.

Town Beach

Kuşadası’s urban beach is right next to the harbor. A small and sandy shore, it has an on-site café and hotels and restaurants nearby. Granting beachgoers lovely views of Pigeon Island, it is an outstanding location to watch sunsets. Moreover, Town Beach is perfect for sunbathing and for moments when you want to be close to the water without traveling or making any effort.

Yoncaköy Beach

A pleasant beach with warm and clear water, Yoncaköy lies 20km to the north of the city. The sand here is soft, and the sea stays shallow near the edge. Occasionally, it does get windy post afternoon at Yoncaköy. Facilities such as a café, toilets, and changing rooms make it convenient to spend the day here. A little-known secret about the beach is that sunbeds and umbrellas are often free to use or at most will be the bare minimum charge. 

Long Beach

Located 6km south of the Kuşadası center, Long Beach is a lengthy strip of sand with uninterrupted views of Samos. Popular with the domestic crowd, the beach is a pulsating hub of activity with hotels, restaurants, and shops along its promenade. Originally 15km long, Long Beach is now a combination of several smaller strands, some with private clubs that rent out sunbeds and umbrellas. Reachable by taking a 15-minute dolmuş, the beach is a classic family getaway and is also ideal for water sports lovers.
 

Places to Visit

Remnants of ancient cities are the biggest draw of Kuşadası. Still, this seaside town is a multi-faceted holiday destination, where tourists of all ages can have an amusing and exciting time.

Ephesus

The highlight of any holiday in Kuşadası is a walk around the remains of Ephesus. Once an important trade center and pilgrimage, Ephesus was an essential port for both the Roman and Greek Empires. Featuring houses, streets, the Celsus Library, and Hadrian’s Temple, the relics of this ancient city are among the most well-preserved in the world.

Situated 20-minutes from the port, you can take a taxi or a minibus to this unmissable historic site, moments after having used your ferry tickets to Kuşadası to arrive in town.

Adaland Aquapark

For those who prefer thrill over lounging on the beach all day, Kuşadası has Adaland Aquapark. An entertaining destination for the entire family, the waterpark has plenty of rides ranging from slides, rafting, and swimming with dolphins to wave pools, a surf generator, a lazy river, and a large jacuzzi. Entry tickets for Adaland cost €10 for visitors 10 years and above.

Kuşadası Castle

Built during the 14th and 15th centuries, Kuşadası Castle is a magnificent sight to behold as you sail in with ferry tickets to Kuşadası. Located on Güvercinada, or Pigeon Island, this Byzantine castle is accessible via a 350-meter-long causeway that connects the islet to the mainland. Inside the fortress walls, extended upon as late as the 19th century, are gardens you can roam around and a small museum featuring antique maritime paraphernalia.   

Köy Sofrası

Kuşadası has many restaurants, serving everything from local cuisine to international favorites. However, nothing beats the authentic charm of Köy Sofrası, a rustic eatery in the village of Kirazlı, that plates the best breakfast in all of Kuşadası.

After a 25-minute uphill drive, visitors get to relish dishes made using ingredients handpicked from the restaurant’s organic farm. Open since 1992, a meal at Köy Sofrası is an event where you will get to try a variety of specialties, each as delicious as the previous one. Moreover, the restaurant serves both vegetarian and meat preparations.   

Şirince

It takes 40 minutes from the port to reach the gorgeous village of Şirince, famous across the globe for its fruity wines. If the drive up to the settlement won’t put you in a dreamy state, then its cobbled streets, vintage wooden houses, peach gardens, and unique two-story architecture most certainly will.

An authentic Turkish destination, this hamlet is also a lovely place to enjoy panoramic views of the region. A day in Şirince is all about indulgences, whether you partake in wine tasting, savor homemade food, or go about shopping for colorful handicrafts made by local women.
 

Transportation Around Kuşadası

If staying within city limits, you don’t need any transportation in Kuşadası. One can walk to the restaurants, some tourist sites, shops, and even a beach or two with ease. However, the local minibusses, called dolmuş, are pretty helpful and cheap when visiting nearby towns or beaches. They run on specific routes but stop along the way to pick up and drop passengers.

Taxis are readily available and metered. Still, try and bargain on a fixed price for your trip. Also, most taxis charge extra from midnight till early hours. An ideal alternative to all your transportation woes is renting a car. You’ll come across several car and scooter rental agencies as soon as you reach the port, having used your ferry tickets to Kuşadası.