Turkey is often visualised with mosques, the dry lands of Cappadocia, and the most popular activity- the hot air balloon. But many cities and regions in this country are overlooked. And I am going to cover everything that deserves more attention.
One of those cities is Kusadasi, a coastal gem located on the scenic Aegean coastline. The things to do in Kusadasi are less talked about. Of course, with Instagram and likes, we tend to focus on one thing and let go of others simply because they didn’t go viral on social platforms.
So, here I will share with you all the best experiences you can have in Kusadasi. What makes Kusadasi special is its effortless mix of the old and new. One moment you’re walking down ancient Roman roads in Ephesus, and the next, you’re sipping Turkish tea by the beach or shopping in a colourful bazaar.
The city caters to everyone, making it ideal for adventure seekers who can enjoy everything from quad biking to skydiving. The 15 things to do in Kusadasi mentioned in the article will serve as your perfect travel guide.
The 15 Best Things to Do in Kusadasi, Turkey
Kusadasi is a lesser-known city compared to Istanbul or Cappadocia. However, this has its advantages. The area is less crowded, with affordable hotels and numerous sightseeing options with reasonable wait times. So, let’s see how you can spend your days here.
Private Boat Tour
Rent a boat and spend your time sailing in the shimmering turquoise water. Kusadasi, being a coastal town, offers sailing as an incredible experience that captures the vibrant essence of the town.
The locals’ favourite thing to do is to sail around the bays and small islands nearby. They go fishing and relax, but now it has become a major tourist activity.
The boat tours start from Kusadasi Marina, which is a lively hub with colourful yachts and seafront cafes. The second-best option is to sit by the cafes and watch all the boats sail away.
Once you’re on the boat, the views are unreal. You’ll stop at hidden coves, swim in turquoise waters, sunbathe on the deck, and enjoy a delicious onboard lunch.
Cost: Starts from 3,800 INR per person.
Witness the Ancient City of Ephesus
Kusadasi is now a popular resort for tourists. Before that, Ephesus, an ancient city just 30 minutes from Kusadasi, stood proud as a magnificent Roman city. It was once a home to scholars and emperors.
It was built around the 10th century BC, and more than 250,000 people lived there. It is pretty impressive to see how well it is preserved even today. You can see libraries, theatres that can occupy 25,000 people, temples, and marble streets from that age, which still echo with the footsteps of history.
And when you are there, you should not miss the iconic Library of Celsus. Then, look into the famed Terrace Houses that give you a glimpse into how the elite once lived.
Entrance Fee: 4,000 INR.
Explore the House of the Virgin Mary
The mother of Jesus, Mary, lived here in her final stages of life. The story says she came here after the crucifixion to find peace and silence. Now the pilgrims have been coming here for over a century, lighting candles and leaving notes with wishes.
You don’t have to be religious to explore this place. Anyone can come here, just to feel how incredibly calming the place is. It can be sensed the moment you step in.
Just a 25-30 minute ride from Kusadasi, you can find the House of the Virgin Mary on Mount Koressos. And remember to dress modestly, as it is a religious place and keep your voice down.
Entrance Fee: 12,000 INR
Visit Kuşadası Castle
This Kuşadası Castle is located on Pigeon Island, which is connected to the mainland by a stone way. So, you can easily take a walk and reach here.
Kuşadası Castle, also known as Güvercinada Castle, is the most beautiful place where the postcard comes to life. This is a tiny island, which once served as a guardian of the city’s shores.
In the 19th century, the Ottomans built this fortress to protect against pirate invasions. You will be mesmerised by the architecture here. With minimal machinery or technology at the time, they managed to build a strong wall and a watch tower that stands tall and tall.
Visiting here in the evening is highly recommended by the locals as it offers one of the best sunset views that layers the sky and the ocean with shades of colours.
Entrance fee: 1,000 INR
Go on a Quad Bike Safari
This is not just a random bike ride. It is an adrenaline-packed way to explore the wild side of Kusadasi and its nearby places. For an adventure enthusiast, these kinds of activities in Kusadasi are a must-visit.
Most of the rides start in the pine forest near Pamucak Beach or in the countryside spots that surround the town. However, most of the organisers pick you up from your hotel, making things hassle-free for you.
When you are actually on the ride, expect to go on muddy paths, hills, down slopes, or even the scenic coastal places where waves run beside you.
Quad bikes have been made popular by locals in the event to encourage tourists to explore the unexplored. Now, it has become one of the most thrilling adventure activities in Kusadasi, especially for those who love off-roading and dusty fun.
Cost: 2,000 INR.
Shop at the Kusadasi Bazaar
The Bazaar is nestled at the heart of the city. It’s even within walking distance to the seafront. And a beachside picnic, then ending the day with shopping, will be the best plan for the day.More than the things you can buy here, the Kusadasi Bazaar is recognised for its lively energy of local vendors. It is like a maze, with noises, colours, foods, and the soul of a Turkey.
This place has been a trading hub for ages, making it a great spot to find a souvenir to take to your family or friends. Or a cute little thing to remember this trip, you will only find the best here.
Not just shiny items, you can find clothes, spices, the famous Turkish tea and coffee products, bags, and local desserts. The bazaar can amaze you with everything it can offer.
Time: 08:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Turkish Bath Experience
The Turkish bath provides an experience of how Sultans and other royals of the past took baths. Let me give you a glimpse into how this session can soothe your body and mind.
Imagine lying on the warm marble, and nicely scented oils and soap are being scrubbed on your skin. It almost looks like you are buried in the clouds when the bubbles are formed.
After a quick rinse, it will be followed by an oil massage to kill all your travel fatigue. Even after 1 or 2 hours of this, you would ask for more or definitely come back for this bath, which is also called the hammam.
The Ottomans passed this down, as this practice was not just a spa experience as we see it today. It was considered a cultural ritual for the healing, mind cleansing and also a spiritual activity.
Cost: Starts from 2,500 INR
Spend a Day at Adaland
When you want a break from all the historical places, you must head to Adaland. It is the Kusadasi fun water park wonderland, which is not just your average water park.
When you take your kids to Turkey, we all know they will be annoyed by all the ancient ruins. They won’t even appreciate the feel of trying Turkish cuisine at various unique places. Actually, not just kids, even I get bored.
So, spend a day at Adaland and slide down the Amazon Family Slide, Kamikaze drop- if you’re brave enough, or float gently down the Lazy River. Even a dolphin show awaits inside.
If your kids need something soft, then let them be at the Kids’ Pool with mini slides, and a Rain Dance area where the music is loud and the fun never stops.
There is so much inside, and even 4-6 hours inside can feel like minutes spent. Charge yourself to have fun.
Ticket Cost: 3,900 INR
Explore Pergamon
Pergamon is built on the hilltop, offering you panoramic views. This is one of the perfect places to see in Kusadasi with your family or friends. As it is a short 2-hour ride from Kusadasi, it gives you the chance to explore many things on the way here.
This isn’t just another historical site. It was once a part of the great ancient world and a cultural capital. Many philosophers, scientists, physicians, and especially the renowned healing centre called the Asklepion, all found a home in the place.
You will have the best time witnessing the ancient theatre in the world, where plays were once performed for thousands. Then, there are temples, old fountains, and the must-see is the Asklepion- it is an early hospital where dreams were part of the healing process.
Entry Fee: 3,333 INR
Try Watersports in Kusadasi
Kusadasi isn’t just about calm beaches and historic sightseeing. It is the best adventure ground for thrill-seekers. And the watersports have long been part of the city’s beach culture, ever since tourists started pouring in.
The town adapted quickly, and today, it offers some of the best water-based adventure activities on the Aegean coast.
The main watersports hubs are located at Ladies Beach, Long Beach, and near the Old City Marina. These are easily accessible from the centre of Kusadasi by dolmuş (shared minibus) or a quick taxi ride.
So, you can pretty much do everything from parasailing for panoramic aerial views, hop on a banana boat ride if you’re travelling with friends, or rent a jet ski and race the waves.
There’s also windsurfing, paddleboarding, snorkelling, and even scuba diving excursions for beginners. Even if you have a fear of water or are a beginner, don’t worry. There are operators who will provide safety briefings.
Skydiving in Kusadasi
If you’ve ever dreamt of doing something entirely out of your comfort zone, skydiving in Kusadasi will make it unforgettable. The sport began here a few years ago and quickly became one of the most exciting activities in Kusadasi, especially for adventure travellers.
When you free-fall over a coastal town, it’s something you would never forget. After a short safety briefing and some training, you will board a small aircraft. As it starts flying, the views are already stunning, but nothing compares to the moment you jump out from a 4000 m high.
When you jump, you’re falling for nearly 40-50 seconds without opening your parachute. Then you open it, and you will float gently down for about 6-7 minutes. You’ll see the ruins of Ephesus, the farmlands, the mountains, and the sea.
Just like how hot air balloons are on the expensive side, this skydiving can cost you approximately 20,000 INR per person.
Relax at Ladies Beach
The Ladies Beach was only accessible to women in the early 1900s. That’s the reason for the name, but now it is open to all. The place is lined with pine trees, cafes, and umbrellas, making it a perfect place to hang out.
This beach is where both locals and tourists gather to swim, sunbathe, sip cocktails, and watch sunsets that seem to melt into the sea.
And you can find it just 2 km from the town, which is more of a walkable distance. If you are having an energetic day, consider walking around the streets and then heading to the beach. Choose to go here during weekdays. If you visit on weekends, the place is packed with locals and tourists as well.
Wherever you go, you will have the best time with plenty of beachfront cafes and restaurants. You can grab a Turkish breakfast, seafood lunch, or sunset drink. Umbrellas and loungers are available for rent, and showers and changing rooms are accessible too.
Explore the Temple of Apollo in Didyma
Most people head to only the major Kusadasi tourist attractions like Ephesus. But a true history lover should come to Didyma to see the Temple of Apollo.
It was once a home to one of the most important oracles in the ancient world. It was also a sacred site where priests delivered prophecies on behalf of Apollo.
Just to look at the temple itself is fascinating for its grandeur. Though the building is not completely finished, towering columns, detailed carvings, and sheer scale leave you speechless.
When you compare it to Ephesus, this place is quieter, giving you time to wander slowly. And it is located in Didim, which is an hour’s drive from Kusadasi. That one-hour drive can take you through beautiful olive farms, villages, and coastal highways.
Cost: 600 INR
Temple of Artemis
The Temple of Artemis is now one of the things to see in Kusadasi. It was constructed around 550 BC as an ancient Greek temple in Ephesus. Back then, it was a grand architectural masterpiece dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of fertility, the hunt, and wild animals.
At present, there is only a single standing column and scattered marble remains. And some people really go for the story it holds. So, Artemis is the twin sister of Apollo and the daughter of Zeus and Leto.
Artemis embodies strength and independence. She was always depicted with a bow and arrow, which says she is always ready to protect the people at any time.
And as the mythology goes, her role was to be the protector of women and young girls. This Goddess had a lasting impact on Greek culture and became a prominent figure.
Entrance Fee: Free to enter
Visit the Selçuk Saturday Market
If you want to witness the real heartbeat of Turkish culture, don’t go to malls and fancy restaurants. Go straight to Selçuk Saturday Market, which is a bustling shopping street that is held every Sunday, and is even considered a weekly tradition for locals.
When you go, you can see many homemade products. The people who sell are not regular vendors. These are common people who make things at home and sell their specialities on Sunday.
This is a place where grandmothers come to sell their homemade cheese or farmers display fresh fruits. So, from hand-made soaps, knitted towels, scarves, or home-grown herbs, everything sold here is with love.
And if you want to eat authentic Turkish home-cooked food, coming here is the best thing to do in Kusadasi. There is a separate food section where you can find gözleme (stuffed Turkish flatbreads), grilled corn, sweets and many more you’ve never even heard of.
Conclusion
Kusadasi is more than just a summer beach town that caters to summer lovers. This place is where ancient history, natural beauty, and modern fun come together in a way that’s both effortless and electric.
Whether you’re sipping wine by the sea, sailing to a Greek island, walking on Roman roads in Ephesus, or shopping at a street market, there’s a perfect moment waiting around every corner.
It’s a place where you can go back in time during the day and party at night. You’ll meet warm locals who are the friendliest, offering the freshest food. These moments in Turkey will make you come home with more stories than souvenirs.
If you’re heading to western Turkey, don’t just pass through Kusadasi. Stay and live in the beauty it offers. You won’t regret it.
Frequently Asked Questions on Best Things to Do in Kusadasi, Turkey
What is Kusadasi famous for?
Kusadasi is popularly known for its ancient sights and beautiful beaches. Most travellers visit the city for its ruins, such as the Library of Celsus, the Grand Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis, as well as for its cruise ship sailings.
Are the beaches safe and clean in Kusadasi?
Yes, most public beaches, even the famous Ladies Beach, are well-maintained. They are super clean, with lifeguards on duty to serve and care for people.
Is Kusadasi expensive to visit?
Kusadasi can be on the average side. When you compare it to Istanbul or Cappadocia, which are the main tourist cities, Kusadasi is on the less expensive side.
