- Kusadasi Golf & Spa Resort
- Things to do in Kusadasi
- Things to do beyond Kusadasi
- Kusadasi Golf & Spa Resort
- Things to do in Kusadasi
- Things to do beyond Kusadasi
How long have you got? Kusadasi offers myriad possibilities both in and around the town and within relatively easy distances from it. Whether looking for entertainment, participation sports and activities, the unusual or cultural and educational experiences, they are all to be found, which is why this is one of Turkey's top holiday locations.
Listed below are some of the most important, but you should also consult guidebooks and visit www.gototurkey.co.uk , the official Turkish tourist board website, for more things to do and further information.
Beyond Kusadasi
Ephesus(Selçuk)
Is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and offers magnificent and extensive remains of monumental buildings that bring ancient history alive. Selçuk, which dates back to 6000B.C. is a fascinating meeting point of 3 religions: pagan worship (Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 ancient wonders), Christianity (churches of the Virgin Mary and St. John) and Islam (Isa Bey Mosque). On the 3rd weekend in January there is a Camel Wrestling festival and another for culture, art and tourism in the first week of September.
Didim
Famous for its temple to the sun god Apollo, it was one of the ancient world´s most sacred sites. The face of Medusa, who watches over the temple and had a reputation for turning people to stone, is evident all around Didim.
Priene
More fabulous ruins including the impressive Athena Temple, 37km from Kusadasi
Miletus
Important site for ancient ruins, 22km from Kusadasi.
Izmir
Is Turkey's third largest city, about a 1 hour drive by motorway from Kusadasi, with all the international shop names, as you might expect, and an insight into modern Turkish life.
Şirince
Is an old Greek village, high in the mountains, and a place of vineyards and orchards. It has a small enclosed market selling handicrafts and you can taste its famous fruit wines.
Doganbey
On the edge of the National Park is an open-air museum as its buildings are fine examples of Turkish and Greek architecture. A former Greek village, it became Turkish in 1923 with the population exchange at that time.
Pamukkale (Cotton Castle)
Is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders of the world, a unique and surreal experience of cascading white terraces formed by limestone from thermal springs. Coaches unload here daily to view this magical landscape which appears as though made of cotton. Therapeutic mineral water fills the 'Sacred Pool', housed inside the Pamukkale hotel, where swimmers are able to swim amid the historical remains of ancient Hierapolis.
Kirazli (Cherry Land)
Is a scenic drive over a gorge, just 12km from Kusadasi. A centre for cherries and many other agricultural products, it is home to a small community and has an interesting history. It is also a region of tombs, monasteries and caves.
Dilek National Park (Milli Park)
Is a protected forest area with much bird and animal life, including endangered species. It runs to the shore, where nature continues to offer a rich sea life, and has facilities for picnics with tracking and climbing possibilities. A nature lover's paradise.
Davutlar Kursunlu Monastery
Possibly 11th century, lies hidden away in an area of immense natural beauty. It offers up amazing views from 600m, as well as examples of frescoed chapel ceilings.
