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Kusadasi Holidays
Nestled on the Aegean Sea this resort town sits on Turkeys western coastline, renowned for its attractive beaches, seafront promenade, bustling marina, and picturesque harbor. It's also the starting point for boat trips to nearby islands. The area has a rich cultural heritage offering plenty of nearby Byzantine ruins. The lively resort also has several modern hotels, bars and restaurants.
- Flight time
- 3h 50 mins
- From London
- Currency
- TL
- Turkish Lira
- Time Zone
- GMT+ 3h
Getting to Kusadasi
From London, the average flight time takes about three hours and 50 minutes to Bodrum International Airport (BJV), the closest airport to Kusadasi. Alternatively, you may wish to fly to Izmir Airport (ADB). Speak to our knowledgeable travel experts to discuss all the flying options best for you. Most resorts offer transport services, such as a small shuttle, to reach Kusadasi, and you may also opt for a private taxi or car hire.
Average weather in Kusadasi
- Temperature (°C)*
- Rainfall (Inches)*
Holidays in Kusadasi
Kusadasi has a nightlife that offers something for everyone with bars, beach clubs, themed pubs and live music. In the summer the area attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors who are intent on having a good time from dusk till dawn. Most of the entertainment is centred around two areas, both called Bar Street. The main Bar Street, in the heart of Kusadasi, is literally a thoroughfare lined with bars and clubs providing karaoke, music and disco entertainment.
The most popular places include Jimmy’s Irish Bar, Dubliners Karaoke, Kusadasi Orange and Paddy’s Irish Bar. Situated in the old streets of Kusadasi (often referred to as inside the Caste), is the other Bar Street. This combination of several connecting streets is slightly quieter and classier than its twin and is favoured by local tourists. Here, there are many clubs, live music shows and quaint taverns. We recommend that you check out the Mascara and Ex Clubs, to sample some vibrant, Turkish-themed nightlife.
Kusadasi has many places where you can satisfy your appetite from fast and street food to high end, five-star cuisine. In fact the options to dine can become overwhelming; so, by way of some assistance here are a few of our recommendations. Blue Beach Club on Long Beach is quiet after dark and is a great place to enjoy a meal close to the ocean and then stroll along the promenade whilst the children play in the now cool, sands.
Also on Long Beach is Mare Bistro, a quaint family business offering traditional Dutch and Belgian dishes as well as Turkish Mezes; we particularly adore the fish and onion soup. In Kusadasi town, it's Mezgit Restaurant for the best of fresh, Aegean seafood and Cinar Balik where similar fare can be found in one of the oldest eateries around.
Our final recommendation is Degirmen Restaurant in the Davutlar area where you can enjoy excellent a la carte food, have a traditional Turkish breakfast on the patio, explore a grocery store packed with local produce or visit the Olive Oil Museum.
Shopping opportunities abound in Kusadasi. From street vendors and bazaars through to large, western-style malls, you will be spoilt for choice. Head to the malls if you want to find all the usual international brands at competitive prices.
The best fun, in our opinion, is in the old town shops and bazaars. As you wander around, you will encounter stalls selling jewellery, souvenirs, carpets and a wide collection of locally sourced produce. Expect to be invited inside by enthusiastic shopkeepers who will provide you with free tea and coffee as you browse, as well as offer the deal of the century and the best of ‘genuine, original fakes’. But don’t be intimidated by this hospitality, it's totally expected that you may not buy anything and always remember that haggling is king in these locations.
Activities in Kusadasi
Besides sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling, exploring is one of the main activities undertaken on a Kusadasi holiday. Take a boat trip from the harbour to discover Byzantine ruins on one of the nearby islands, or head inland by bike to discover traditional villages and family run eateries. On the beaches, water-based activities are widely available including, water-skiing, diving and windsurfing.
Watersports
Diving in Kusadasi
The calm, clear and warm waters around Kusadasi make it an ideal place to either sample diving for the first time or, if you are more experienced, hire some equipment and explore the underwater delights of the Aegean. Several dive schools around the resort area offer diving experiences for all abilities. Instructors are fully certified and Turkey has strict underwater activity laws to ensure your safety.
Each dive will begin with a detailed briefing to ensure that all technical details are understood and beginners will be given a course of instruction before heading out to enjoy exploring some amazing caves and underwater landscapes teeming with exotic marine life. In 2016 a must-see addition was added to the dive itinerary, when an A300 Airbus jet was deliberately sunk just off the coast of Kusadasi to provide an opportunity for an artificial reef to grow.
Surfing in Kusadasi
The seas around the resort area of Kusadasi are clean, clear and generally calm, making them a perfect place to enjoy many water pursuits, but, unsurprisingly these conditions are not ideal for surfing which requires larger waves. If surfing is at the top of your holiday agenda, then we recommend choosing Alanya or head to a Black Sea resort such as Kerpe.
Windsurfing & kitesurfing in Kusadasi
While Kusadasi is not particularly renowned for windsurfing and may not be considered a top destination for this sport, you can still find companies at various beach locations offering lessons and equipment rentals as part of their water sports activities. If windsurfing is on your holiday agenda, we suggest conducting some research to identify the best operator that aligns with your specific needs.
Sailing in Kusadasi
Boat trips are an ideal way to escape the crowded beaches and resort areas and enjoy some relaxation, while seeing the region from a different perspective. Numerous companies offer a wide variety of trips and we are confident you will find something to satisfy your needs. Why not try the popular combination of a 4x4 safari and boat trip? Be bounced along mountain trails through unspoilt villages before sailing around the beautiful Baradan Bay. If that feels too adventurous then just join a relaxed, full day tour. There are scheduled stops for snorkelling and swimming as well as plenty of on-board food to be enjoyed. If you have a large family group, then consider hiring your own boat which will cater for up to 10 passengers. You will be able to set your own agenda and prices are a lot less than you may think.
Fishing in Kusadasi
Many companies offer escorted deep sea fishing trips around Kusadasi. Typically, excursions will include a hotel pick up and drop off and once on board, a knowledgeable crew will explain all aspects of the fishing tackle, safety points and how to maximise your chances of landing something special. Family members who may be less enthusiastic about angling are also catered for as sunbeds are provided and stops where swimming and snorkelling can be enjoyed are scheduled into the trip. An on-board lunch is usually provided, fish of course, and you can even ask for your catch to be part of the men
Canoeing & kayaking in Kusadasi
While Kusadasi is not widely recognised as a canoeing hotspot, some companies offer equipment rentals and lessons as part of their watersports activities. The seas around Kusadasi are typically calm, making canoeing an enjoyable alternative for exploring the coast from a different perspective. It provides an opportunity to discover hidden coves and otherwise inaccessible beaches.
Land activities
Golf in Kusadasi
Only one golf course is close to Kusadasi, but what a course it is.
The par 72 Kusadasi International Golf Club spans 6,322 metres of pure golfing joy. Overlooking a national park, this beautifully landscaped course undulates through pine and olive trees, creating the feel of playing in a Mediterranean forest. Stunning views across Kusadasi Bay add to the experience. Numerous lakes, water hazards, and pristine bunkers complement the Bermuda grass fairways, making this a challenging yet enjoyable golf venue suitable for all abilities.
Cycling & mountain biking in Kusadasi
In and around Kusadasi, several companies offer bike rentals and associated safety equipment or organise cycling tours. All types of bikes are available and are generally well-maintained. Organised tours come in varying lengths and accommodate riders of all abilities. Typically, tours cover major tourist hot spots such as the historical sites of Ephesus and Sirince or head to the Dilek Peninsula National Park, where a variety of challenging trails can be discovered.
Walking & hiking in Kusadasi
If you're looking to burn off a few holiday calories with a spot of walking, you'll find plenty of options in Kusadasi. Most of the famous historical sites around the resort are within walking distance, as are many beach locations. For those seeking something more challenging, head to Dilek Peninsula-Buyuk Menderes Delta National Park. Here, you'll discover many trails to explore and a wide variety of plant and animal life in this 27,500-hectare rocky peninsula and river delta environment.
