Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Kuşadası, Turkey

The resort town of Kuşadası on the Turkish Aegean presents a diverse array of experiences for travelers.

With an abundance of long sandy beaches, a multitude of dining options, picturesque vistas, family-friendly water parks, and stunning sunsets, there is no shortage of activities and relaxation.

Additionally, in close proximity lies the renowned ancient city of Ephesus, which served as a Roman provincial capital and features an extraordinary archaeological site of significant scale and splendor.

Consequently, one can contemplate the towering columns of the Library of Ephesus, explore a hidden cove within the biodiverse Dilek National Park, navigate through the areas on a quad bike, and unwind on a sun lounger while watching the sun set over the Aegean in a single day’s itinerary.

1. Ephesus

Located just minutes from Kuşadası in Selçuk, Ephesus is one of the largest and most significant archaeological sites in the Eastern Mediterranean.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site safeguards a city established approximately 3,000 years ago, which became part of the Ionian League and reached its zenith during the Roman period as Asia’s provincial capital.

Originally a coastal city, it is now difficult to envision its shoreline, as the coastline has shifted several kilometers westward over time.

Visitors can explore the dignified facade of the Library of Celsus, the awe-inspiring theatre with a capacity of 25,000, as well as the remnants of the Temple of Artemis, recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Additional highlights include the intricately designed aqueduct system, the Trajan Fountain, bathhouses, the Basilica of St. John dating back to the 6th century, well-preserved terrace houses adorned with frescoes, and the medieval Ottoman fortifications of Selçuk.

2. Ephesus Archaeological Museum

First examined in the 19th century, this extensive archaeological site has yielded numerous artifacts that have since been exhibited in institutions such as the British Museum and the Ephesos Museum in Vienna.

Nonetheless, the richness of Ephesus has provided ample artifacts to populate several museums, with the Ephesus Archaeological Museum standing out as an essential complement.

The museum features objects from various periods of the city’s history, spanning from Mycenaean artifacts to Ottoman-era items, organized across nine distinct thematic rooms.

Each room focuses on specific categories, encompassing items such as coins, the terrace houses of Ephesus, city nymphaeums, or representations of the cult of Kybele.

Noteworthy displays include Mycenaean vessels, ornate sarcophagi, and busts of notable figures such as Socrates, Emperor Augustus, Livia, and Balbinus, in addition to splendid sculptural groups from monuments such as the Fountain of Domitian.

The museum’s highlight features two statues of Artemis from the acclaimed temple: the Colossal Artemis (1st century CE) and the flawlessly preserved Beautiful Artemis (2nd century CE).

3. Güvercinada (Pigeon Island)

Kuşadası’s own historical gem can be found on a citadel situated within the bay at the end of a 350-metre causeway.

This fortification, commissioned by Hayreddin Barbarossa (1478-1546), features outer walls constructed during the Greek Orlov Revolt in the 1770s.

Güvercinada is designed akin to a park, complete with an elevated wooden platform offering magnificent photography opportunities from the ramparts, with views back towards Kuşadası, its harbor, and surrounding countryside.

Informational displays describe the local flora and fauna, and occasional sightings of rabbits enhance the charm of the site.

Among the exhibits is a fascinating fin whale skeleton, discovered at the Dilek Peninsula a few kilometers to the south in the 1990s.

4. Dilek Peninsula-Büyük Menderes Delta National Park

The majestic mountains of this expansive 27,500-hectare national park overlook the horizon south of Kuşadası, making it a journey worth undertaking.

The park encompasses a rugged peninsula with Mount Mycale along its center, while the southern delta of the Büyük Menderes River presents a contrasting, more lush environment.

Notable for its impressive biodiversity, the park is home to 800 plant species, as well as a variety of waterfowl, including pelicans, egrets, and plovers, alongside land mammals like hyenas, jackals, and lynxes thriving in the woodland areas.

Explorations here can lead to serene coves featuring crystal-clear waters and the remains of ancient civilizations at Karina, The Panionium, and Priene.

5. Ladies Beach

Located a fifteen-minute walk or a short minibus ride away, this beach spans one kilometer of fine sand along a west-facing bay.

The designation “Ladies Beach” originates from the Ottoman era, which imposed segregation, and features gentle waves lapping against its shore.

This beach is notably family-friendly, due to a gradual incline and expansive shallow areas suitable for non-swimmers to enjoy.

It is a favored locale for relaxation on warm afternoons, with numerous beach clubs available throughout the bay offering sun loungers and parasols.

The promenade, elevated above the beach, is vibrant with restaurants, cafes, and shops, providing a romantic setting with scenic views of Samos at sunset.

6. Uzun Plaj (Long Beach)

Amazing in both length and setting, Uzun Plaj, translating to “Long Beach,” extends for 18 kilometers and is bordered by tourist facilities throughout its entirety, reaching down to the town of Güzelçamlı.

Boasting breathtaking views of Mount Mycale on the Dilek Peninsula to the south, this beach embodies the essence of beauty.

Similar to Ladies Beach, Uzun Plaj features gentle waves, providing a safe environment for children to play in its knee-high waters.

At the northern end, in closer proximity to Kuşadası, lies the Tortuga Pirate Island Theme & Water Park, one of the region’s major water-themed attractions.

7. Şirince

Situated eight kilometers east of Selçuk lies a picturesque village set in the mountains.

Prior to the population exchange following World War I, Şirince was predominantly inhabited by Ottoman Greeks.

The village possesses traces of habitation that predate this era, including remnants of Roman aqueducts that once provided water to Ephesus.

Featuring charming, white-washed houses cascading down a valley, the village is surrounded by an idyllic landscape complete with vineyards, cypress trees, peach orchards, and olive groves.

Visitors can explore the labyrinth of narrow, traffic-free alleys, adorned by whitewashed buildings and walled gardens.

During summer, numerous stalls offer spices, handicrafts, and local wines, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee.

8. Meryemana (House of the Virgin Mary)

The tradition holds that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was brought to this house by John the Apostle and resided here until her Assumption.

This site is revered by both Muslims and members of the Roman Catholic Church.

Discovered in 1891, the location was identified based on the reported visions of German Augustinian Canoness Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824). It is believed that this structure, likely a primitive chapel, is approximately 2,000 years old, with a red line demarcating original elements from those that have been restored.

Outside the shrine, the “Wishing Wall” is adorned with strips of paper and fabric on which countless pilgrims have inscribed their wishes.

Since World War II, three popes—Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI—have visited this sanctuary.

9. Kuşadası Harbour

Kuşadası boasts a bustling harbor, largely due to its status as the primary access point to Ephesus by sea, framed by Güvercinada to the south and a luxurious new marina to the north.

In the years leading up to 2020, Kuşadası welcomed approximately 600 cruise ships annually.

Moreover, for those considering a day trip to the Greek island of Samos, this harbor serves as the points of departure.

Offering a vibrant atmosphere, the harbor is an excellent location for leisurely strolls, shopping, enjoying a drink, and savoring a meal while witnessing the sunset.

Along the modern Atatürk Boulevard, visitors can find a variety of dining options, encompassing international franchises like Starbucks and Domino’s.

Located midway through, a scenic point known as El Heykeli features a sculpture of a hand releasing doves, providing a picturesque viewpoint.

10. Öküz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai

Situated next to the waterfront in the heart of Kuşadası, the 17th-century caravanserai features its distinctive crenellated walls.

Commissioned in the early 1610s by Grand Vizier Öküz Mehmed Pasha, this facility served as a customs house and inn for merchants arriving by sea.

The impressive marble entrance faces north, overlooking the harbor, with information panels outlining the 400-year history of the structure.

The caravanserai fell into disrepair by the 1950s, but restoration efforts commenced and continued through the 1990s.

Today, the site incorporates a 25-room hotel along with an open-air restaurant located in the courtyard.

Visitors can still access parts of the building to experience the grandeur and appreciate its two levels of galleries with pointed arches.

11. Çamlık Railway Museum

A brief journey inland from Kuşadası brings you to Turkey’s largest railway museum, which boasts an impressive collection of steam locomotives.

The museum features 33 steam engines that range from the 1890s to the 1950s; 18 of which are displayed around an impressive 18-rail turntable.

Well-known manufacturers on display include Krupp, Henschel, NOHAB, Borsig, and Mafei, with the oldest locomotive from 1891 produced by the British firm Stephenson.

Visitors are allowed to enter the cabs of all locomotives, and the museum also features nine historical carriages.

In a more somber aspect, engine 45501, which was involved in the Yarımburgaz Train Disaster of 1957 that tragically claimed the lives of 95 individuals, is also on display.

12. Adaland

Amid a holiday enriched with history and culture, you may find yourself desiring a different form of thrill.

Kuşadası’s Adaland, with its superior offerings compared to typical resort water parks, may be precisely what you’re looking for.

This venue provides entertainment for everyone, featuring exhilarating attractions such as a duo of slides with a genuine 360° loop following a steep drop.

Adaland claims to offer the “world’s longest family slide,” known as the Water Coaster, measuring an impressive 406 meters; while Kamikaze features a breathtaking 50-meter drop, and the Slide & Fly launch propels riders several meters into the air during splashdown.

A wide variety of rides incorporating inflatable rafts are available, and for younger thrill-seekers, there are ample pools and slides at their disposal.

13. Gazibegendi Hill

Northeast of the marina lies a steep incline leading to one of the finest viewpoints in Kuşadası, particularly enchanting at sunset.

Gazibegendi Hill commemorates Turkey’s modernizing statesman Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881-1938), who visited this town in 1924 and 1937. The name Gazibegendi translates to “Loved by the Veteran,” reflecting Atatürk’s nickname.

It is said that he was particularly captivated by the view of the jagged Aegean coastline from this location, and in his honor, a Turkish flag and a bronze statue of Atatürk gazing out over the landscape were erected.

A cafe/restaurant was established here in 2014, along with a playground atop the terraces, just a short distance away.

14. Full-Day Boat Cruise

A convenient approach to discover the numerous bays and coves along the Aegean coast near Kuşadası is via sea.

This package offers a comprehensive sailing experience spanning a full day, visiting a range of enchanting coastal locations.

During each stop, you will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the crystalline waters for an hour before continuing to the next destination.

The Full-Day Boat Cruise lasts a total of seven hours, with freshly prepared lunch served onboard, offering a menu of grilled chicken, meatballs, pasta, salad, and seasonal fruits.

15. Kuşadası Quad Safari

Pamucak Beach, located on the coast west of Ephesus, presents a unique sandy shoreline that is seldom found in the Turkish Aegean.

This expansive beach, spanning several kilometers, remains tranquil even during the peak tourist season in Kuşadası.

Virtually untouched by development, the surrounding woods, rivers, and open scrubland create an ideal setting for off-road adventures.

Offered as part of the package, this 90-minute quad safari includes insurance, equipment, and hotel transfers.

Following an exhilarating ride through the terrain, participants will arrive at Pamucak Beach to relax and enjoy refreshments.