Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Turkey / Turkish Aegean / Kusadasi
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| | | | Review by member gough from dublin ireland
i spent the entire summer in kusadasi and found it brilliant the people , food esp GOLDEN BOYS for irish cooking ... amazing people always willing to help you with anything
loved the summer their and hopefully ill be back again to see kusadasi ..
Expensive but friendly locals
Kusadasi is a very expensive. When the cruise ships arrive, all the shops change their price tariff.
The locals? It's a big tourist area. The locals are very friendly and the bazaar is a great place to visit if you can put up with being badgered for trade. Do go for the fun.
Travel guide: Kusadasi
Great for solo travellers
I went to Kusadasi in October 2003 for the first time. I went alone and was a bit apprehensive not having done this before but I needn't have been.
I got a flight for £148 and found the Gultepe Apartments on the internet. The price was £12 a night but I e-mailed the owner and got a dicount to £10 a night.
The apartment was basic but very clean. It had two single beds and a sofa bed.
I had a great time and I'm hoping to go back this year if I can find a cheap flight. I have found cheaper accommodation but am just waiting for e-mails back from them.
Travel guide: Kusadasi
A beautiful resort
I went to Kusadasi in July and I think it's beautiful. I went to relax but what a big mistake to have thought that. I had the most fun in a long time.
I am considering returning soon and I would most definitely consider living and working there on a permanant basis if I found the right house and job.
Travel guide: Kusadasi
Ten out of ten
I am just back from Kusadasi and it was the holiday of a lifetime. The hospitality was great, the food and the nightlife too.
The only bad thing? Hassle in the shops to buy everything,
I really want to go back. Ten out of ten!
Travel guide: Kusadasi
Sunset to die for
Stay, if possible, in the Ladies Beach area - a beautiful location.
It's quiet with a choice of bars and restaurants, a traffic-free beach road and a sunset to die for.
Only 10 minutes or 30p local dolmus ride from a cosmopolitan resort with more shopping, drinking and eating than you could possibly do in one holiday.
Travel guide: Kusadasi
For people of all ages
I was in Kusadasi two years ago and loved Turkey that much that I returned this year, but to a different resort, Bodrum. Turkey as a whole is an amazing place to go for everyone of all ages.
Kusadasi is an excellent resort that combines traditional Turkey with a great holiday destination.
The Turkish people themselves have so much time for adults but even more so for children. I would recommend anyone to go anywhere in this amazing country.
Travel guide: Kusadasi
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| | Destination Guide : Kusadasi |
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| | | Lively Turkish resort |  | Why go on holiday to Kusadasi?
To combine a stay in a lively holiday resort with excursions to some of Turkey's top historical sites. To laze on the town's sandy beaches and revel in hectic nightlife.
How much does it cost?
As a rough guide, expect to pay from about £250 for one week's bed and breakfast. Flights from £89. Hotels start at around £20, but at larger hotels most beds are taken up by package holidaymakers; independent travellers will do better to try small hotels.
When should I go?
Early and late summer is best. Temperatures in July and August often top 90F (32C). Winter is much cooler, although daytime temperatures are rarely below 50F (10C).
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| | | Historic legacy | | What should I do when I'm there?
Kusadasi has the lot - from inflatable banana boats and waterskiing to hundreds of bars, restaurants and discos. There's no risk of anyone being bored here but it's not the place for those looking for a quiet break. The nightlife is particularly noisy.
Where's the local colour?
Kusadasi's role as a major port began in medieval times when it was used by Venetian and Genovese traders. A mosque and city walls were built in the 17th century to improve the town's prospects as a trading port with Europe and Africa.
Tourism took off in the 1980s. Kusadasi's old quarter is crammed with souvenir shops, but the maze of alleyways still throws up a traditional Turkish atmosphere.
Bartering is the norm and you may well be offered a cup of apple tea while haggling over the price with the shop owner. Recover from the shopping by relaxing in a Turkish bath.
Where are the best beaches?
The best beach is Ladies Beach, about two miles south of the town, but it gets very crowded in summer and is not restricted to women.
Worth trying are Yilanci Burnu, nearer the town, and the northern beach near the yacht marina. Further afield is Pamucak, nine miles north of Kusadasi.
What about excursions?
The most popular excursions are to the magnificent ruins of ancient Ephesus and the spectacular mineral spring terraces of Pamukkale.
Other historic sites within easy reach of Kusadasi include Didyma and Miletus. There are also daily ferry services in peak season to the Greek island of Samos.
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| | | Hectic nights | | Where's good for nightlife?
There's a wide selection of English-style pubs and clubs; prices are reasonable so you can afford to let your hair down. For those who like to party less, there are some quieter, classier courtyard bars in Kaleici's narrow streets.
Or sample a raki at sunset out at Guvercin Adasi fort. Most hotels will also organise a traditional Turkish night with music and dancing.
What's the food like?
Turkey is one of only a handful of countries in the world to produce a surplus of food - so most dishes are made with the freshest of ingredients. Try pide (Turkish pizza), borek (cheese pastries) and kofte (minced lamb patties).
Also good are seafood, chicken, fruit and sweet pastries. That's if you can get away from the fish and chips and "full English breakfast" eateries, of which there are plenty.
What should I buy?
Kusadasi's bazaar is a treasure trove of Turkish souvenirs such as onyx, leather clothing and accessories, brass, carpets and jewellery. But prices there are high compared to other Turkish towns and climb even higher when the cruise ships are in port.
What is there for children to do?
The beach is what keeps most kids happy. There's a man-made beach near the marina which offers watersports, and at Ladies Beach there are pedalos.
Tourist office
Turkish Tourist Office, 170-173 Piccadilly, London, W1V 9DD. Tel. 020 7629 7771. Brochure line: 09001 887755.
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| | Fact File : Kusadasi |
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| | | Kusadasi | | Did you know?
Kusadasi means "island of birds".
Language
Turkish
Visas
At time of writing, a visa costs £10 and is available on arrival in Turkey. Payment must be made in sterling. There is no need to apply for the visa in advance.
Getting there
Scheduled flights to Izmir from London. Charter flights from throughout the UK.
Flying time from London
Three hours 40 minutes.
Getting around
Regular dolmus (mini-bus) services to beaches in the area. Daily ferry to the Greek island of Samos in peak season.
Currency
Turkish lira
Costs
Litre of petrol £1; bottle of beer £1; 24-exposure roll of film £2; moderate restaurant meal £5-7; short taxi ride £2.
Weather
Temperatures in July and August often top 32C (90F). Winter is much cooler, although daytime temperatures are rarely below 10C (50F). Average humidity is 69% and average annual rainfall 647mm, with May-September the driest months.
Time difference
Two hours ahead of GMT
International dialling code from the UK
00 90 256
Voltage
220V. You'll need an adapter for the mostly round two-pin plugs.
Opening hours
Major post offices 8am-midnight Mon-Sat. 9-7 Sun. Banks 8.30am-noon and 1.30pm-5pm (closed Sat/Sun except in tourist areas where they open daily). Shops 9.30am-1pm and 2pm-7pm (closed Sundays). Museums close Mondays except the Topkapi in Istanbul which closes Tuesdays.
Health - Before you go
No jabs required but hepatitis A, polio and typhoid are recommended. The UK has no reciprocal health arrangements with Turkey so take out adequate health insurance.
Health - When you are there
Tap water is safe to drink as all towns have chlorinated supplies now. However, bottled water might taste better. Avoid milk products as electricity is expensive and some places will scrimp on fridge temperatures, though you should have no problems in major tourist areas like Kusadasi.
Warnings
Be very alert when driving. Many Turkish motorists believe in 'kismet' - fate - and don't always pay too much attention to other road users.
Emergency
British Consulate, 1442 Sokak No 49, Alsancak, Izmir PK 300. Tel: (232) 4635151.
Customs
When visiting a mosque, wear modest clothes and remove your shoes. Women should cover knees, arms and heads and men should not wear shorts.
Pets
Animals returning to the UK from Turkey will be subject to six months' quarantine.
Tipping
In restaurants, tip 5-10% even when a service charge is included in the bill. Small change in taxis. About 50p per bag for hotel porters.
Tourist office
Turkish Tourist Office, 170-173 Piccadilly, London, W1V 9DD. Tel: 020 7629 7771. Brochure line: 09001 887755.
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| | Available rental properties in Kusadasi |
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| |  | | Dolphin Penthouse
Beautiful Penthouse situated in the scenic area of Ozdere,Turkey.Stunning Location, 5 minutes walk to the superb beach. All main rooms have air-con.
|  | | The Aegean Penthouse
Superb Duplex situated near the beach, Ozdere,Turkey.Stunning Location,less than a minute walk to the superb beach. All main rooms have air-con.
|  | | Private Villa in Kusadasi
Private 4 bedroom villa, close to Kusadasi Centrum and beaches on Aegean sea. Sleeps 8 has 2 large terraces + roof terrace. Also has air-con unit.
|  | | Barboros Villa, Ladies Beach
4 bedroom Villa with 2 bathrooms, large roof terrace, shared Pool, Great location at Ladies Beach close to all amenities, 5 mins to town centre.
|  | | 4 bed villa
4 bed villa on a superb complex at ladies beach,huge shared swimming pool,pool bar,shop,games room,very friendly site staff ,only 10 min. walk to beach
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Holiday Rentals in Kusadasi |
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 |  | Family and kids (6) | | | Culture and history (3) | | | Good dining (3) | | | Activity holiday (2) | | | Beautiful Scenery (2) |
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