Ephesus
Things to do in Kuşadası
Compare tickets, tours, transfers, hotels and flights for Kuşadası in one place, and see who provides each one before you book.
Photo: GertjanV at Dutch Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Airportsİzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) is the main airport, about 80 km north of the town.
Getting aroundMinibuses called dolmuş, taxis and rental cars. Ephesus and Selçuk are a short trip north by minibus, car or tour.
CurrencyTurkish lira (TRY)
Best monthsApril to June and September to October, when the days are warm and the summer heat has not peaked.
Kuşadası in brief
Kuşadası is a resort town on the Aegean coast of Türkiye, in Aydın Province. It sits on a gulf of the same name, with hills behind the town and the Greek island of Samos a short way offshore.
The name means “bird island” and comes from Pigeon Island, a small island with a castle that is joined to the town by a causeway. The town also has a harbour used by cruise ships, an old bazaar quarter and several beaches, including Ladies Beach.
Kuşadası is a common base for Ephesus, the ancient city near Selçuk, and for Dilek Peninsula National Park to the south. Most visitors combine a beach stay with one or two day trips.
Top attractions in Kuşadası
Tickets and guided visits for the city’s best-known sights.
Ephesus
House of the Virgin MaryAttraction
House of the Virgin Mary
A small stone chapel on Mount Koressos near Ephesus, visited by Christian and Muslim pilgrims.
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Pigeon Island Castle (Güvercinada)Attraction
Pigeon Island Castle (Güvercinada)
An Ottoman castle on a small island joined to the town centre by a causeway.
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Dilek Peninsula National ParkAttraction
Dilek Peninsula National Park
A protected peninsula of pine forest, coves and mountain, facing the Greek island of Samos.
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Ladies BeachAttraction
Ladies Beach
A sandy beach close to the town centre, known in Turkish as Kadınlar Denizi, meaning “Women’s Sea”.
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Temple of ArtemisAttraction
Temple of Artemis
The site of a temple counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, near Selçuk.
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Photo: Ephesus — Benh LIEU SONG (CC BY-SA 3.0); House of the Virgin Mary — Ekrem.Ozcan (CC BY-SA 4.0); Pigeon Island Castle (Güvercinada) — Finnfrog99 (CC BY-SA 4.0); Dilek Peninsula National Park — Fatma İrem TINAZLI (CC BY-SA 4.0); Ladies Beach — Bpierreb (CC BY-SA 3.0); Temple of Artemis — Roy Egloff (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons
Tours and day trips
Guided tours, day trips and experiences, with photos, reviews and prices.
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Getting there and around
Airport transfer from İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB)A pre-booked car from arrivals to your hotel in Kuşadası, a road journey of about 80 km. Alternatives are an airport shuttle bus or a taxi.
Getting around KuşadasıMinibuses called dolmuş reach most parts of the town and run to Selçuk and Ephesus. Taxis are common, and the centre is walkable.
Car rentalA rental car suits trips to Selçuk, Dilek Peninsula and the villages inland.
Flights
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Where to stay
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1
Town centre and harbour
The area around the harbour and the old bazaar, with shops, restaurants and the ferry and cruise port close by. It suits short stays on foot.
2
Kaleiçi
The old quarter inside the former city walls, with the Ottoman caravanserai and the Kaleiçi Mosque. It suits visitors who want historic streets and no car.
3
Ladies Beach
The beach district south of the centre, with hotels along the sand. It suits beach stays within reach of the town.
4
Güzelçamlı and Davutlar
Quieter coastal districts south of the town, close to Dilek Peninsula National Park. They suit families and nature visitors with a car or dolmuş.
Hotels in Kuşadası with live prices
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Top hotels in Kuşadası
Popular hotels with strong guest ratings. Open a hotel to see photos, facilities and live prices.
Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel★★★★
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Unique Life Style Hotel★★★★★
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Villa Dreams★★★★
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Akanthus Hotel Ephesus
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in Ephesus Hotel and Art Galery
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Hikmethan Otel
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Amazon Petite Palace★★★★
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Urkmez Hotel
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Pine Bay Holiday Resort★★★★★
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Anz Guest House Pansiyon
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Charisma De Luxe Hotel★★★★★
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Livia Garden Hotel
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Kuşadası day by day
- Day 1: Old town and Pigeon IslandThe bazaar quarter and the caravanserai in the morning, then the causeway to Pigeon Island Castle, and an evening at the harbour.
- Day 2: Ephesus and SelçukThe ruins of Ephesus early in the day, then the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis site near Selçuk.
- Day 3: Dilek PeninsulaA day in the national park for coves and walks, and a last swim at Ladies Beach on the way back.
- With a fourth dayA boat trip along the coast, or the ferry to the Greek island of Samos. Check passport and entry rules before you travel.
Local tips
- Ephesus has little shade. Bring water, a hat and sun cream, and start early in summer.
- Dolmuş minibuses run to Selçuk through the day. From Selçuk, a taxi is the easiest way to reach the House of the Virgin Mary.
- Cruise ships often call at Kuşadası, so the town and Ephesus can be crowded on days when ships are in port.
- Camping and lighting fires are not allowed in Dilek Peninsula National Park.
- Carry some Turkish cash for taxis and small shops, as not all taxis take cards.
Before you go
Travel insuranceCover for medical costs and cancellations.
Luggage storageLeave bags near the station or the sights.
Flight delay compensationCheck whether a delayed or cancelled flight qualifies.
Everything for Kuşadası
Ten services for the trip, all in one place.
Travel guide
The best months are April to June and September to October, and three days cover the old town, Ephesus and Dilek Peninsula. İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport is about 80 km from the town, so allow over an hour for the road transfer.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Kuşadası?
Three days cover the old town, Ephesus and Selçuk, and Dilek Peninsula. Many visitors stay longer for the beaches.
How far is Kuşadası from the airport?
İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport is about 80 km from Kuşadası. The journey takes roughly an hour and a quarter by road.
How do I get from Kuşadası to Ephesus?
Ephesus is near Selçuk, about 20 km north of Kuşadası. Minibuses run to Selçuk through the day, and taxis, rental cars and tours also make the trip.
Can I visit Samos from Kuşadası?
Yes. A ferry service runs between Kuşadası and the Greek island of Samos. Check passport and entry rules before you travel.
When is the best time to visit Kuşadası?
April to June and September to October are warm without the peak summer heat. July and August are very hot and dry.