Blessed with golden-sand beaches, a vibrant nightlife and within easy reach of some of Turkey’s finest archaeological sites, Kusadasi is the perfect honeymoon destination at any time of year.
In Kusadasi, honeymoon couples can discover a range of fun-filled options at the largest and most lively resort along Turkey’s Aegean Coast.
Explore on foot the narrow alleyways of the Old Town, lined with restaurants, bars and clubs. Browse the Grand Bazaar with more than 1000 stalls offering just about everything, from traditional carpets and authentic handicrafts to fake Rolexes and pirated designer clothing.
Observe the local life while sipping strong Turkish coffee at a harbourside cafe overlooking Pigeon Island – a small offshore island crowned by a Genoese fortress. Once the home of three infamous pirates, the fortress now plays host to attractive teahouses, gardens and a popular disco.
Go snorkelling and scuba diving in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean, cruise the rocky pine-fringed coastline aboard a gulet (traditional wooden sailing boat) on a so-called ‘Blue Cruise' or get wet on the flumes and slides at a choice of three water theme parks nearby: try Aqua Fantasy at Pamucak Beach, one of the largest water parks in Europe.
Further afield, discover some of the world's best-preserved cities from antiquity, including: the 2000-year-old picture-perfect ruins of Ephesus, where St Paul preached to the Ephesians (photo).
Don't miss the ruined city of Hierapolis, famous for its necropolis or the well-preserved Ionian settlements of Priene, Miletus and Didyma – home to an imposing Temple of Apollo.
Marvel at the extraordinary white calcified limestone waterfalls of Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
More about Kusadasi sights and attractions…
Kusadasi offers a choice of beaches: Unwind on the town’s narrow Downtown Beach, one of the many beach clubs that offer parasols and deck chairs plus music, snacks and cold drinks, or choose from several more attractive beach options just a short dolmus (shared minibus) ride away.
The best beaches in Kusadasi and nearby, include …
(Kadinlar Beach) – Relax on this narrow, kilometre-long, golden-sand beach that lies along a palm-fringed promenade lined with shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and hotels, just 3km south of the town centre.
Once segregated for female bathers (hence the name), Ladies Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kusadasi, but it can get crowded in the summer months of July and August.
Facilities include umbrellas and sun beds for hire, changing rooms, toilets and lifeguards. The beach shelves into clean and shallow waters and offers a range of water sports such as banana boating, jet skiing, pedalos (foot pedal boats) and parasailing.
Sip a glass of wine or an iced coffee at one of the many al fresco cafes while watching the sun set behind the nearby Greek island of Samos.
Or unwind on the big cushions of the Cuba Beach Club, one of the beach’s best clubs, offering music and dancing until the early hours of the morning.
Pick your own spot to sunbathe and swim on this long golden-sand beach that stretches for 18km south of Kusadasi.
Divided into sections, the main 6km-long section to the north and nearest the town is lined with a choice of cafes, restaurants, shops and hotels.
Facilities include umbrellas and sun beds for hire, changing rooms, toilets and lifeguards. Water sports include pedalos, banana boating, jet skiing and parasailing. Go swimming in the clean, shallow waters or have fun on the slides of the beachside Aqua Centre water park.
Long Beach is 6km south of Kusadasi and easily reached by dolmus.
Escape the crowds of Kusadasi’s main beaches and discover instead a choice of idyllic coves that indent the coastline of pristine Dilek National Park.
A mix of golden sand and pebble beaches lie framed by low rocky cliffs and fringed by pine forests that climb into the mountains beyond.
Picnic in the shade of sweetly scented pine trees, swim in crystal clear turquoise waters and follow hiking trails for magnificent views. Facilities on each beach include parasols and deck chairs, picnic tables, freshwater showers, toilets and snack bars.
Generally, the first beach closest to the park entrance, Icmeler Koyu Beach (photo), is often the most crowded, with those further south less crowded. For more solitude continue on to Aydinlik, Kavakli Burun and Karasu beaches.
The pristine Dilek National Park is open from 8am to 6.30pm and is easily reached by dolmus or hire car. It is located on a scenic peninsula around 30km south of Kusadasi.
Unwind on the soft, pale, golden sand of this wide kilometre-long beach located around 5km north of Kusadasi.
The beach shelves into clean and shallow waters and offers a choice of water sports such as banana boating, jet skiing, pedalos and parasailing.
Facilities include umbrellas and sun beds for hire, changing rooms, toilets and a volleyball court. A choice of cafes and restaurants are just a short stroll away.
(Ephesus Beach) – Pick your own spot to sunbathe and swim on this 5km-long, 80m-wide golden-sand beach. Go horseback riding or camel riding along the soft sand.
There are no facilities here except for hotels on the southern end of the beach and at the Aqua Fantasy water theme park, where you can find food, drink and shade.
Pamucak Beach is located 10km from Selcuk, 5km from Ephesus and 12km north of Kusadasi.
Kusadasi offers an excellent choice of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets, including the following 5-star hotels…
Amara Sealight Elite
Location: Kusadasi
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD149 per room
Description: Located 3 miles from Kusadasi Marina, Amara Sealight Elite features a spa center and a private beach area. The hotel has an outdoor pool and sauna, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar. Free private parking is available on site. Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some units include a sitting area to relax in after a busy day. Views of the sea, mountains or pool are featured in certain rooms. All rooms are fitted with a private bathroom equipped with a shower. For your comfort, you will find slippers and a hairdryer. There is a 24-hour front desk and hairdresser's at the property. Guests can enjoy various activities in the area, including windsurfing, diving and biking. The hotel also provides free use of bicycles. Ladies Beach is 1.4 miles from Amara Sealight Elite, and Kusadasi Castle is 2.5 miles away. The nearest airport is Adnan Menderes Airport, 33 miles from the property.
Pine Bay Holiday Resort
Location: Kusadasi
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD146 per room
Description: Totally renovated in 2014, this resort is situated in Camlimani Bay. It has a private beach and private marina. There is also 3 outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a water park with 5 adult water-slides, 2 children water-slides and an expansive spa. 4 children's pool are available. The 5-star Pine Bay Holiday Resort offers air-conditioned rooms and bungalows decorated in warm colours. They are equipped with a private balcony and a TV. Guests can enjoy local and world cuisines at the indoor and outdoor sections of the main buffet restaurant. There are 9 bars on site including, Fuaye Bar, Sunset Bar, L'escalier Bar, Aqua, Marina Bar, beach Bar, Yelken Bar and Amphi Bar. Efe Café also offers tea, coffee and snacks throughout the day. Relaxation options at the resort include a spa bath. Guests can enjoy hammam, sauna, steam bath and fitness centre free of charge. For younger guests, there are also children’s playground, kids' club, kids game room with toys, youth club and care room. The resort can also arrange water activities, such as para sailing, windsurfing, water gymnastics, canoeing and camp nights. There are 5 tennis courts and tennis equipments on site. Mini golf, mini football, table tennis, beach volley, basketball court and pedalos are complimentary. Free WiFi can be accessed in public areas. The Pine Bay offers free private parking on site and free sun loungers, parasols and towels in private beach area.
Ramada Resort Kusadasi & Golf
Location: Kusadasi
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD130 per room
Description: Ramada Resort Kusadasi & Golf offers 6 outdoor pools with water slides, an indoor pool a luxury spa centre with massage treatments, a sauna and a steam bath, and a private sandy beach. The resort has a golf course and tennis courts. WiFi is free in all areas. The spacious units of Ramada Resort Kusadasi & Golf have a private balcony, which overlook the Aegean Sea. They all have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a minibar. A seating area and a safety deposit box are standard. The all-inclusive Ramada Resort Kusadasi & Golf provides buffet and à la carte restaurants, numerous bars, a snack bar and a pattisserie. Around-the-clock room service is provided. You can also enjoy yourself at Koko Night Club. Guests of Ramada Resort Kusadasi & Golf can pamper themselves at the spa centre, which includes a sauna, hammam and a gym. Experienced entertainment staff organizes various activities throughout the day. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surrounding area, such as billiards, table tennis, darts, and water sports. Featuring professional trainers, Kuşadası International Golf Club is only 15 minutes away and free shuttle service is available at the property. Guest can benefit from concierge services. Free on-site parking is possible. The town centre of Kusadasi is 1 km from the property. Adnan Menderes Airport is within 80 km and airport shuttle services are arranged at an additional fee.
Suhan360 Hotel & Spa
Location: Kusadasi
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD92 per room
Description: Offering an outdoor pool and an indoor pool, Suhan360 Hotel & Spa is located in Kusadası. Free WiFi access is available. Each room provides a balcony, a terrace and a minibar. Private bathroom include a bath tub or shower and a hairdryer. You can enjoy sea view and city view from the room. Extras include a safety deposit box and bed linen. Guests can enjoy various dishes at the restaurant. Special diet menus are also served on request. Beverages and refreshments are available at the bar. Guests can exercise in the fitness centre. The property is 1.7 km from yacht marina. Adnan Menderes Airport is 63.7 km away. The property organises free shuttle services to the beach nearby twice a day.
DoubleTree by Hilton Kusadasi
Location: Kusadasi
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD78 per room
Description:Situated across the marina in Kusadasi, this hotel features an outdoor pool, indoor pool and a 24-hour open fitness centre. Stylish rooftop restaurant and bar offers panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the city. Free WiFi is available at the lobby and in the rooms. Air-conditioned rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows have a contemporary design and include a balcony. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels, minibar and an electric kettle are provided. Private bathroom comes with complimentary toiletries, bathrobe and a hairdryer. DoubleTree by Hilton Kusadasi’s restaurant serves tasty dishes from the local and seasonal cuisine. Breakfast is offered in buffet style. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks can be ordered from the bar. Hotel’s spa and massage facilities are ideal place for relaxation. Room service, laundry and currency exchange are available on site. The hotel offer high speed internet access in all rooms and lobby at a surcharge. Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is 65 km from DoubleTree by Hilton Kusadasi. The ancient city of Ephesus is 16 km away. Free private parking is possible.
The best time to visit Kusadasi for a beach holiday is from early-June through September. It is usually very hot in July and August.
For general outdoor activities anytime from late-April to mid-June, and from early-September to late-October, is also good.
Located on the west coast of Turkey, Kusadasi enjoys a Mediterranean climate of long, hot and sunny summers, and cold, wet winters.
The ancient cities of the region are also best visited in May, September and October, so as to avoid the heat and peak season crowds.
For more climate info: Kusadasi Weather Guide…
Kusadasi is located midway along Turkey's Aegean coast, around 95km (59 mi) south of Izmir.
The most convenient route to Kusadasi is by air to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB), located 18km (11mi) southwest of Izmir city centre, and 70km (43mi) north of Kusadasi.
From Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, a regular train service to Selcuk takes 53 minutes, every 4 hours, connecting with a bus to Kusadasi, taking 21 minutes. Hire cars and taxis are available at the airport. Hotels can meet flights by prior arrangement.
Kusadasi is also a port of call for cruise ships. The Greek island of Samos is a 45-minute ferry ride away.
Information on how to get to Kusadasi…
Latest update: Kusadasi Honeymoon Guide: 14 July, 2022
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