Kusadasi is a relative newcomer on the European beach scene, having only been established by yachters about 25 years ago. Before these sailors first moored at the tiny harbour in the 1980s, Kusadasi was a typical Turkish village of fishermen and farmers. Where dirt roads once barely tread, a concrete sprawl has now engulfed the entire township creating Turkey’s most popular and hedonistic beach destination on the Aegean coast.
Giant cruise ships dock at the harbour these days, spewing their passengers into the narrow streets of Kusadasi’s old town to shop and drink. They also venture to nearby Ephesus, one of the ancient world’s best-preserved cities which dates back two millennia. If you can overlook the overt tourism and deal with the crowds of vacationers, Kusadasi makes a decent base for exploring the surrounding area, which is littered with inspiring Greek and Roman ruins, magical coastline and traditional Turkish villages.
Kusadasi’s idyllic weather and crystal clear water makes it a haven for beach lovers, swimmers, scuba divers and sailors. Its thriving nightlife scene is an equally big draw for the younger set looking to party all night to balance days spent working on their tan. Extensive shopping awaits in the traditional-style Grand and Orient bazaars, and if you really want to experience Kusadasi at its best simply come before or after the peak summer tourist season.
There is an abundance of accommodation in Kusadasi, much of it clustered within the old town district. While this is a convenient location, the hotels here tend to lack style and the scene is quite busy. For relaxation and quiet, check out one of the many hotels just out of the city centre, along the coast or inland. Booking online in advance is a must during peak season.
Most international travellers fly into Izmir’s airport, which is the closest air hub to Kusadasi. You can also take a coach or even a train here, and renting a car is worth considering due to the remote location of Kusadasi. Within the town, ubiquitous minibuses called dolmuses ply the old town and beach strip providing cheap and easy transport to virtually anywhere you need to go. Taxis pick up the slack and cater to those in need of greater comfort.
Kusadasi is perfectly situated on Turkey’s Aegean Sea to take full advantage of the region’s year-round, warm sunny weather. Even in the middle of Kusadasi’s short winter, the days are mild, hovering around 10oC most of the time. What little rain falls in this area falls between November and February. Although this is considered the resort town’s low season, conditions are still pleasant enough to make for an enjoyable visit.
With an average of 300 sunny days each year, Kusadasi almost guarantees blue skies during your visit. Summers kick in around April and last until the end of October. Expect hot temperatures during this period, especially at the height of summer in July and August, when the mercury cranks up to the mid-40soC. This is the prime swimming, diving and sunbathing time, so expect hoards of other tourists to be flocking to Kusadasi at the same time to enjoy the bustling party atmosphere and postcard-perfect sea.
