Kusadasi

Kusadasi is a vibrant town situated on the west coast of Turkey, right across the Greek island of Samos. Kusadasi is renowned not only for its beaches and nightlife but also for its proximity to many important historical sites such as Ephesus.

On Ferryhopper, you will find useful information about the town: beaches, nightlife, gastronomic delights, and ferries to/from Kusadasi. Check out all the available routes and book your ferry tickets hassle-free.

Panorama of the port of Kusadasi on a sunny day

Vacation in Kusadasi

Kusadasi is a popular tourist destination for visitors searching for affordable beach vacations in Turkey. Aside the impressive seafront, there are excellent shopping options and entertainment activities that draw visitors here. 

Thanks to its beautiful beaches, national parks, historical sites, bazaars, bustling nightlife, and sailing adventures, Kusadasi should be on your travel bucket list!

How to get to Kusadasi

You can reach Kusadasi by bus, plane, train, and by ferry!

The main way to travel by ferry from Greece to Kusadasi is through Samos. Due to the island being only 17 nautical miles away, the duration of the ferry ride from Samos to Kusadasi is approximately 45 minutes.

Although Kusadasi doesn’t have an airport, you can travel by plane to Izmir (ADB), which is located 80 km from Kusadasi and then get to the center of Kusadasi. For those who prefer the bus, you will find many local bus companies traveling to Kusadasi from major Turkish cities such as Izmir.

If you are traveling by train to Kusadasi, your direct route will be Istanbul - Izmir and then Izmir - Selcuk. Selcuk is 20 km from Kusadasi and there are minibuses that leave Selcuk bus station every 20 minutes for Kusadasi.

What to do in Kusadasi

Kusadasi is an ideal summer destination for travelers of all ages. Thanks to its position, Kusadasi is the main getaway to the ancient city of Ephesus.

If you decide to stay in Kusadasi town, take a seaside stroll to the Pigeon island, where you can admire the Kusadasi Castle. For a breathtaking view of Kusadasi, head to the Gazibegendi Hill.

Kusadasi is also well-known for its turquoise sea and wonderful nature that draws people in. If you are into adventure, enjoy a jeep safari and explore the Dilek National Park or the Zeus cave.

Tip: if you travel with your kids, don’t leave Kusadasi without visiting the Aqua Fantasy Water Park.

Beaches in Kusadasi

The beaches that line Kudasi's Aegean coast are as varied in terrain as they are in atmosphere.

Here are 7 of the best beaches in Kusadasi:

1. Ladies Beach: this beach is close to the city center and has golden sand, shallow and clean waters. It is also well-known for its beach bars.
2. Long Beach: also known as Uzun Plaj, this 18 km long beach stretching from Ladies Beach to the town of Guzelcamli has all the necessary amenities.
3. Kustur Beach: a peaceful beach, ideal for parasailing, surfing or water-skiing.
4. Love Beach: located south of the city, this beautiful beach is less crowded and it gives you a stunning view of the National Park.
5. Green Beach: located just 5 minutes from the city center, this beach is ideal for those searching for some moments of relaxation close to town.
6. Diamond Beach: this not so crowded beach is ideal for families with kids.
7. Yilanci Burnu: this peaceful location is located behind the Pigeon Island and is reccomended for those looking for relaxation away from the crowds.

Tip: beaches close to town tend to get quite crowded during summer. If you prefer more serenity, head to the Dilek Peninsula National Park.

Aerial photo of the Ladies beach on a windy day

Sightseeing and Activities in Kusadasi

Besides endless walks along the promenade, Kusadasi has so much to offer. In close proximity to Kusadasi, there are many archaeological attractions and visitors choose Kusadasi as a starting point in order to explore more Turkish cities.

Here are some of the most famous attractions in Kusadasi:

• Pigeon island
• Ephesus Archeological Site
• the Isa Bey Mosque
• the House of Virgin Mary
• the Temple of Artemis
• Dilek Peninsula
• Zeus Cave

Breathtaking view from the Dilek Peninsula National Park

Nightlife in Kusadasi

When it comes to nightlife in Kusadasi, the options are limitless. Kusadasi's nightlife is really vibrant and among the best in Turkey.

The bars of Kusadasi are concentrated in two areas: one is the Bar Street outside the Castle and the other is the Bar Street inside the Castle. In both areas, you can find pubs, clubs, live music shows, and restaurants.

If you love partying near the sea, then you can head to the Ladies beach during sunset and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.

Food in Kusadasi

The flavors of Kusadasi include Mediterranean dishes, local specialties and many products made of figs, grapes and olives.

Here are some local dishes and delicacies you absolutely must try during your holiday in Kusadasi:

• kırlı fry (fried eggplant and pepper with onion and tomato sauce)
• gözleme (a traditional Turkish savory pastry)
• şevketi bostan (lamb chunks with onion, lemon, flour, butter, and cnicus)
• yuvarlama (soup with spiced meatballs, chickpeas, yogurt broth, and olive oil)
• semolina halva
• paşa pastry (spong pastry rolls in syrup)

One of the typical sweet delights in Kusadasi

Villages in Kusadasi

Kusadasi is surrounded by smaller towns and villages that provide a wide range of holiday experiences. 

Here are 3 places that we recommend you visit if you find yourself staying in Kusadasi:

1. Sirince: just 18 km from Kusadasi, this mountain village is well known for its wine. Surrounded by vineyards, peach orchards and olive groves, Sirince is one of the most picturesque villages on the Aegean coast.
2. Ephesus: the ruins of Ephesus is 18km away from Kusadasi and it is one of the best preserved ancient cities of the world that definitely worth visiting.
3. Selcuk: a small town 12km away from Kusadasi located at the foot of Ayasuluk hill, beneath an ancient fortress. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas and attractions, such as Priene, Miletus and Didyma.

Strolling around the ruins of Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

Tips for Kusadasi

Here are 3 tips that we hope will be useful to you during your stay in Kusadasi: 

1. The best time to visit Kusadasi is from April to October.
2. In case you visit any local traditional markets, be ready to bargain, as this is a part of the everyday life in Kusadasi.
3. A traditional Turkish hammam is a must-do during your trip to Kusadasi.

Useful information about Kusadasi

Kusadasi is one of the most popular tourist resorts in Turkey and offers many services to travelers, such as supermarkets, ATMs, pharmacies, medical offices, and car rental offices.

If you want to spend some time shopping during your trip to Kusadasi, you will find all kinds of shops, from shopping malls to open bazaars.

As for accommodation, Kusadasi offers a variety of options such as hotels, apartments, hostels, holiday homes, and villas. In Kusadasi there is also a wide range of medical services available. The Kusadasi Devlet Hastanesi State Hospital provides healthcare services for both residents and tourists.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Kusadasi

Here are some numbers that could prove useful during your holiday in Kusadasi:

• Tourist Information Office: +902566141103
• Kusadasi State Hospital: +902566182414
• Police emergency: 155
• European emergency number: 112
• Coast Guard: 158

Transportation in Kusadasi

If you stay in Kusadasi, you can easily explore the town on foot as the waterfront promenade, main attractions and beaches are all within walking distance.

In case you do not travel with your vehicle, the network of dolmus (minibus) represents a convenient and economical means of transport to reach most of the beaches and neighborhoods. If you decide to venture outside of the city, you can book an organized excursion or rent a car.

In Kusadasi, taxis are also available and usually reasonably priced.

Port in Kusadasi

The port of Kusadasi is within walking distance from the city center (approximately 5 minutes on foot). The cruise port of Kusadasi consists of 2 piers that can accommodate up to 4 cruise ships. The port of Kusadasi is also one of the major ferry ports and there are in total 8 docks.

The port offers various services and attractions for passengers: ATMs, restaurants and historic landmarks are located nearby. The tourist information desk is also outside the terminal building and at the exit of the port you can find a small shopping complex known as Scala Nuovo, full of souvenir stores, jewelry shops, cafes, and taxi drivers offering their services.

You can easily reach the port by taxi or by bus from several parts of the city.

Kusadasi ferry, schedules and tickets

Are you thinking of visiting Kusadasi this year? The coastal city can be reached by ferry from the Greek island of Samos!

The ferry companies that usually operate on the route from Samos to Kusadasi are Meander Travel, Makri Travel, Richardo SC and Aegean Shipping Company.

On Ferryhopper's Map of ferries, you can see all the available ferry routes to Kusadasi, so that you can easily and conveniently plan your ferry trip.

Here are some more details on the ferry connection to Kusadasi:

• Ferry Samos - Kusadasi: ferries to the port of Kusadasi depart from 2 ports in Samos: Vathy and Pythagoreio. Normally, there are around 1-2 daily ferry crossings from Samos to Kusadasi during the high season with sailing durations from around 1 hr.

Tip: visit our relevant blog post to find out all the latest updates on Turkey - Greece ferry routes.

Ferry approaching the port of Kusadasi during sunset

Book ferry tickets to Kusadasi online

Are you now ready to explore the rich culture and scenic spots of Kusadasi?

 Book cheap ferry tickets to Kusadasi online on Ferryhopper with no hidden fees. Find all the information you need about ferries to Kusadasi, compare companies, trip duration and ticket prices, and organize your holidays in Kusadasi easily and quickly.