Kuşadası sits on Turkey’s Aegean coast, served by Ízmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) approximately 80 kilometres to the north — a transfer of around 60–75 minutes. It is a well-established resort town with a long history of welcoming British holidaymakers, a good beach, a lively town centre and one of the most important historical sites in the world within easy reach: the ancient city of Ephesus, just 20 kilometres inland.
Ephesus is the reason many guests choose Kuşadası over other Turkish resorts, and it justifies that choice entirely. The site — a Roman city of extraordinary scale and preservation, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre where St Paul is said to have preached, the Temple of Artemis foundations and kilometre after kilometre of marble-paved streets — is one of the great archaeological sites of the Mediterranean world. It deserves a full day, an early start to avoid the midday heat and crowds, and comfortable walking shoes. Thomas visits whenever he is in the area and considers it one of the most impressive historical experiences available anywhere within a short-haul flight of the UK.
The beach in Kuşadası is good — Ladies Beach, the main resort beach, is sandy, well-equipped and a short walk or dolmuş ride from the town centre. The water here is the clear, warm Aegean — typically calmer and slightly cooler than the Mediterranean coast further south. The resort town itself has a well-developed promenade, a marina, good restaurants along the waterfront and a covered bazaar that is one of the better shopping areas on the Aegean coast.
The surrounding area also rewards exploration. Didim, further south along the coast, has the magnificent Temple of Apollo at Didyma — one of the largest temples of the ancient world. The island of Samos is visible from the Kuşadası coast and is accessible by ferry in season. The inland town of Şirince, a beautifully preserved Greek village now famous for its fruit wines and traditional architecture, is an easy and rewarding day trip from any Kuşadası hotel.
One honest note: the all inclusive hotel offer in Kuşadası is more limited at the very top end than in Belek or Lara. Properties like Pine Bay Holiday Resort and Aqua Fantasy Aquapark Hotel are strong all inclusive choices, but guests specifically looking for the most extensive ultra all inclusive experience will find more options on the Antalya coast. What Kuşadası offers in return — Ephesus, the Aegean character, the proximity to Ízmir and the genuine historical richness of the surrounding region — is something the Antalya coast cannot provide.
For all inclusive holidays in Kuşadası, luxury Kuşadası hotels or Kuşadası holidays from the UK — book through GotoBeach with full ATOL protection under licence #11211, low deposits from £30 per person and the honest advice of a team that knows this destination properly.
