Kuşadası which means " bird island " is set in a superb gulf in The Aegean region of Turkey and is known for its turquoise sparkling sea , broad sandy beaches and bright sun.

Güvercin ada or Pigeon island is a little island next to the harbour and is connected to the mainland with a causeway , the well maintained flower garden surrounds the restored 14th-15th century fortress and make it to a romantic setting.

Kuşadası also have a lovely Marina with a capacity for 600 boats , a beautifull bay and a new renovated harbour: "Scala Nuova" where six large cruise ships can dock at the same time.

Ephesus , a glorious ancient city stands beside Kuşadası with every year many visitors from all over the world . Ephesus , once the most important commercial centre of western Anatolia, is one of the highlights of Turkey. The city was established as a port , and was one of the foremost cities of the world, for its being on a strategic trade route in Anatolia. The city itself and the ruins are all on the sides of a fertile valley. The ruins including the theater , library or gymnasium create the special atmosphere of Ephesus , and appeal to every visitor.

Virgin Mary's shrine is located on the top of a mountain 9 km ahead of Ephesus , in a marvelous atmosphere hidden in the green. It is here where Mary may have spent here last days.

In Kuşadası centre you find also a beautifull restaured Karavansaray from the 17th century , in the past it was a restingplace for traveling traders and there animals, now it is a hotel , where you can look at splendid performances of belly dancers , singers and musicians.

Except a cosy centre , there are also two big Oriental Bazars , where you can purchase antiquitys , carpets and rugs , pottery , leather , juwellery and typical spices.

Beaches in town tend to get quite crowded during the summer , but nearby are popular beaches like Kuştur beach , Long beach and Ladies beach .

For the real water lovers : in Kuşadası are also 3 water resorts , two of them are the biggest in Europe: Aqua Fantasy , Ada Land and Aqua Centre for actif water pleasure.

If you prefere more serenity , you can head for Mili Park ( national park ) about 28 km from Kuşadası , it covers an area of 27 675 hectares ( 68 357 acres). The visitors can carry out sportive activities in the designated areas .

 You can click here for further information and resources about every city in Turkey

Kuşadası

Arround 200 BC people coming from Lelek , Caria and Lydia had settled down as a society to the slopes of "Pilav dağ " ( pilav mountain ). Later , one by one with the unit settlements ; Pigale , Maratheson , Neopolis and Panionion came to life.

Ionians and later Romans ( by Ephesus coming into the dominance of Rome ) , had lived in these lands.

Todays Kuşadası is founded in the 16th century by Venetians as a colony. The castle on the small island was built for the purpose of observation in Byzantine times.

In the Middle ages Kuşadası was ruled by Venetians and Genoese which had taken the name of Scala Nuova.

The city was surrounded with castle walls to be protected from the violence of pirates , very common in the Mediterranean those centuries.

Kuşadası is living paralel to Ephesus in history and the settlements around it.

Pigale

Pigale is located about 3 km North of Kuşadası town . According to Xeonophon , one of the autors of the 5th century BC , Pigale was assembled by the king Agamemnon of Myknai and Argos , he settled a large amount of his soldiers there who made good use of the healing water of Pigale.

During the period of the Trojan wars that continiued ten years , Pigale was used for curing soldiers and repairing ships. Later Pigale was also used for treatment of the soldiers of Alexander the Great

Today prove us that one of the first city's established on purpose of health in the world was Kuşadası known with its name " Pigale"

It is possible to find various sandy or rocky beaches in or near Kuşadası , some of them are private beach clubs other are free public beaches. The most popular beaches are Ladies beach , Kuştur beach , Kalamaka beach ( national park) and Long beach.

1.Ladies beach:

The most popular beach and the closest to Kuşadası centre ( in walking distance) , is Ladies beach . The 1 km long , white sandy beach offers changing rooms , sunbeds , umbrellas , shower and toilet facilities. Those who like watersports can find them there. The area across the street is occupied by hotels and restaurants , which offers excellent service and disches for visitors , it is a traffic free zone so nice to walk and watch the sunset.

2. Kalamaki beach ( national park)

This park is situated on the Dilek peninsula , about 28 km south of Kuşadası and is the most well-protected area in the region. There are some small bays worth seeing . The mountains arround the bay are covered with pine trees and in order to reach Kalamaki beach you need to drive down trough the pine forrest. The water quality is excellent and the numerous beaches are definitly a true paradise . This well protected area provides different activities such as swimming in the crystal-clear water , sunbathing and relaxing on the beach , hiking in the mountains and forrest , mountain biking , horse safari , nature walks and bird watching or a peacefull pic-nic

3.Green beach

The sandy green beach is near Ladies beach , it is a small and quiet beach lined with palm trees. After swimming in the clear blue water you can either lie on the fine sand or relax on the grass in the shade of the trees.

4. Kuştur beach

This beach is located 5 km to the north of Kuşadası centre , and is propably one of the most popular and cleanest beaches in the region , it offers showers , toilets , sunbeds and umbrellas. Water sports and a beach volleyball court will attract those who like an actif holliday. The rocky shores alternated with sandy shores make the area attractive for all holiday makers. The sea is suitable for those who like to relax in the clear water and also those who like to play in the waves , because the sea is usaly calm in the mornings and more lively in the afternoons

5. Pamucak beach

This 5km long beach is about 10 km away from Kuşadası centre and is 80 meters wide. There are some 5 star hotels nearby . The beach is also used by horse and camel riding groups , organized by tour companies from Kuşadası

6.Long beach

This beach is about 6 km south of Kuşadası centre and is 6 km long ( it can be reached by local minibus) . Long beach is devided in several areas , so you find Love beach , Silver beach and many other beaches lined up , one after the other , all merged together known as Long beach . Near the coast-line are many hotels , summer houses and restaurants offering fresh fish and sea food and meat dishes . Along the sandy beach are cosy cafes where you can have a cool drink and also sunbeds , showers and toilet facilities are available. The clean refreshing water in this area is ideal for swimming , the fine sandy beaches for relaxing and sunbathing , those who like water sports can do water skiing , para sailing and jet skiing.

7. Yılance burnu ( snake island )

This is actualy a tiny peninsula to the left of Pigeon island , very close to Kuşadası town. The peninsula have two beaches , one on the north side of the island were they have sunbeds ,  umbrellas and some cafes and reataurants , the other one on the south-west side is  rocky and dont provide any facilities , it is caled Yeşilhamam ( green bath ) and is actually a small rocky cove ,  rather then a beach , its a good place for those who like to be close to nature.

Kuşadası accomodates 3 aqua parks , two of them are the largest in Europe.

1. ADA LAND

Adaland is the coolest hotspot of Kuşadası , featuring drenshing water adventure rides for a full splash fun day.

Totaly 25 acres of unlimited funn , with more than 20 fantastic rides and attractions , with a wide range of excellent facilities , the fasted water slides and the wildest water-based rides.

A world of unlimited fun , thrills , excitement and lush greenery , you and your family will enjoy the heart thumping adrenaline rush , in the most fascinating sun-washed waterpark ever created for a full day of fun , whether you make a splash in the cool waves , take a trilling plunge down the awsome water slides to the splash-pond below , leisurely relax and float around the lazy river , or soak-up the sun on the cool grassy beaches.

Adaland also featuring dolphin shows as of 2006 , where children get the oportunity to swimm with the dolphins ( reservation required ).

2. AQUA FANTASY

Offers a wide range of waterfun in a wonderful fairytale scenery .

a) the pro-racer : the only head down 4 lance racer slide , race eachother and share the trill with your friends

b) wavepool-blue lagoon : relax in the blue lagoon , cath the waves in the wavepool , experience the 10 different wave paterns.

c) the lazy river : tube along the 300 meter long , 4 meter wide unique en longest lazy river in Turkey.

d) treasur island : the kids paradise , a lot of fun and excitement for the toddlers.

e) the tripping barrel : watch out or get soaked under hundreds of gallons of water in no time.

f) the castle : anaconda , cobra and viper : the 3 serpentine slides will take you down trough 120 meters of twists and turns.

g) the lily pad : kids challenge the parents. Battle your way accross the lily pads whithout falling down into the pool

h) the x-treme and screamer : the two highest tobbagan slides in Turkey , once you try it , you will want to go again and again and again.

i) the adult pool : cool of with a cold drink at the pirates ship-bar and relax in the jacuzzi.

3. AQUALAND

Aqualand is located in Long beach , with local and foreign customers who are all given the very best service , and it offers recreational water fun , and sea activities aswell , what's rather exceptional and unique in the world.

Aqualand offers 20 water slides and 9 hugh water slides , for 1450 m2 of unlimited fun and trills with a deep pond , a unique swimmingpool from nearly 800 m2 , 2 children pools , bumping boats , waterfootball , a trampoline pool , a treasure room , waterfalls and surprize water jets who pop-up when you dont expect them , .... simply a great experience for the young and the young at heart .