Nearly every activity in Kusadasi revolves around the sea. Water sports such as parasailing, waterskiing, scuba diving and snorkelling are all popular activities at the commercialised beaches. There are plenty of secluded quiet beaches, too, if you drive out of town a little. The kids should have no trouble staying entertained in Kusadasi, but if you need a boost just head to one of the area’s three waterparks.

Beaches
Kusadasi didn’t even have a sandy beach until City Beach was constructed in the 1990s. It’s conveniently located, but crowded and not that pretty. Long Beach, Kustur Beach and Green Beach are much more scenic, but also crowded in summer. Ladies Beach (Kadinlar Beach) is popular for the large number of topless women tourists who sunbathe there. Try a beach club for more space and relaxation. A small fee gets you a deck chair and access to a private strip of sand and sea. The Papaz Hamani Beach Club and Grand Blue Sky are good choices.

Boat Cruises
Certainly one of the highlights of any trip to Kusadasi is an outing on a traditional Turkish sailing boat called a gulet. Sometimes called a ‘blue cruise’, this is the most romantic and exotic way to explore the stunning Aegean coastline, and plenty of local sailors are on hand to provide the service.

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
The waters around Kusadasi are impossibly clear, making for ideal underwater excursions. Dozens of operators offer everything from beginner’s training courses to complete boat dives far out at sea. Reefs, caves and shipwrecks await certified divers, and the prices are very reasonable.

Waterparks
There are three waterparks minutes away from Kusadasi if you need extra thrills in your day. AquaFantasy and Adaland are located at Ephesus Beach, and both are among the largest waterparks in Europe. Adaland has a popular dolphin show and some unusual rides like white-water rafting. AquaFantasy is loaded with flumes, slides and rides, while Aqualand is smaller but still a lot of fun. 
Phone: +90 256 6131203 (AquaFantasy)

Water Sports
Several of the more developed beaches around Kusadasi have a thriving water sports scene. Most of the standard activities are available here, from parasailing to waterskiing. The best beaches for water sports are Kustur Beach, Tusan Beach, and Long Beach.

Kusadasi is an excellent base for exploring the ancient ruins in the area, such as Ephesus, Miletus and Didyma. There is also a lively and entertaining Turkish cultural performance each evening at Club Caravanserai if you fancy some belly dancing. Kusadasi’s nightlife also deserves a mention, as it’s a major component to this resort town’s character. Every night is a party on Bar Street, and the town’s old quarter is a fun environment to cut loose or enjoy live music.

Didyma
It may be a bit out of the way, but Didyma is a real gem. The undisputed star of this ruined town is the Temple of Apollo, a magnificent and inspiring sight. Once the sacred sanctuary of Branchid priests, the Sixth-century temple is largely intact and still contains the oracle of Apollo. As a bonus, visitors can spend the night in a 150-year-old stone inn called Medusa House, just across from the entrance to the ruins.

Kusadasi Nightlife
Partying is a major component of the tourism scene all along Turkey’s Aegean Sea, and Kusadasi is no exception. In fact, it could be the rule. The old town district is the hub of Kusadasi’s booming nightlife scene, especially along its infamous Bar Street. Prepare for an excess of entertainment and dancing in the street. There are a few pockets of mellow bars where live jazz or a glass of wine is the priority, but most establishments cater to dedicated revellers.

Miletus
This ancient site is much bigger than Ephesus, but still largely under excavation. Miletus is famous for producing the alphabet and numerous philosophers during the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman eras. Its Roman Theatre and the Baths of Faustina are wonderful highlights, but there’s a lot more to explore at Miletus.

Seven Churches of the Apocalypse
One of the more interesting historical attributes of this area is that it is home to the ‘seven churches of the apocalypse’ mentioned in the Bible’s Book of Revelation. If you’re curious, tours are available to visit each of the sites, which are actually towns, not physical churches. The seven ancient ruins of Ephesus, Smyrna, Sardis, Philadelphia, Pergamum, Thyatira and Laodicea have a tangible sense of the early Christian era that dominated this region.

Turkish Folk Performances
The Club Caravanserai is the place to go in Kusadasi for a full-blown Turkish cultural performance. Set up like a huge wedding banquet, dinner accompanies the daily show, which consists of folklore dances from around Turkey, belly dancing, spoon drumming, and other thoroughly entertaining acts. 
Phone: +90 256 6144115

Although the dining scene in Kusadasi is unavoidably tourist-oriented, there are still a number of traditional Turkish cafés in the old town that can provide an authentic meal. Most Turkish meals start with a plate of mezze (appetisers), which can feasibly be a meal in itself. But save room for the ubiquitous kebabs that come in a range of styles and meats. You may also want to try a kofte, Turkey’s intriguing version of the hamburger.

For dessert, it’s worth indulging in the local baklava if you have a serious sweet tooth. Traditional Turkish drinks consist of raki, an alcoholic brew distilled from raisins and aniseed, and ayran, a salty yoghurt beverage that is refreshing on a hot afternoon. Every kind of international cuisine can be found in Kusadasi as well, even American fast food chains. Check out the restaurants along the harbour for incredibly fresh seafood.

Shopping in Kusadasi is largely a tourist-based experience, but can still be interesting if you’ve never been to Turkey. The old town’s Grand Bazaar boasts around 1,000 stalls selling every Turkish product under the sun. Beautiful crafts and carpets compete here with fake Rolex watches and other souvenirs. Be prepared for aggressive shopkeepers, and hone your bargaining skills. The Orient Bazaar is the other big traditional shopping centre in Kusadasi worth exploring.

A more local scene can be found at the weekly outdoor markets that cater to the residents of Kusadasi. There are three local markets in the city centre worth checking out. The Tuesday Market is full of fresh seasonal produce. The Wednesday Market focuses more on clothing and accessories, while the Friday Market is a combination of the two.