Kusadasi, gateway to Ephesus

I have recently returned from our latest Thomson cruise, with destinations including the Turkish port of Kusadasi, on the Aegean coast.

The name Kusadasi, comes from Kus, meaning bird and Ada, meaning island, in recognition of the beautiful little peninsual now known as Pigeon Island. During the Ottoman era, the island was used by the military, preventing attacks from the sea. The Byzantine castle is known as Pirate Castle, as it was used to ward off any pirate attacks.  

Although known as Pigeon Island, you can walk there from the main town via the stone built causeway, and is well worth a visit as it offers fantastic views across the bay. There is also a museum, with no entry fee, including the skeleton of a whale. As an animal lover, I really liked the cute little bird houses here.

Kusadasi is the gateway to Ephesus, an ancient Greek city built in the 10th century BC, and the House of the Virgin Mary, all located less than 20 miles away. Ephesus was once the trade centre of the ancient world, a religious centre of the early Christianity and today, an important tourism centre in Turkey. On this occasion, we decided against a visit, but it is definitely worth going.

If you simply want to top up your tan, Kusadasi features several beaches, including the famous “Ladies Beach”. (But don`t worry, men are welcome too.)                         

Another major attraction to Kusadasi is the shopping, where you can snap up a bargain for clothes, carpets, jewellery and ceramics. There was also a fish market as you left the ship, not much good to me as a non meat eater though. So whether it is mackerel, octopus, sea bass, gray mullet, red mullet, anchovy, sea bream, squid, or many other types of fish you will find it for sale here.                    

Finally, you can also visit 2 countries in one day. Turkey and Samos, in Greece. There is a daily ferry service running between Kusadasi and Samos, famous for its production of Greek wine. So a 1 hour 15 minute ferry ride later you can be visiting a winery, or even an Ouzo factory.

Hopefully by reading my blog, you now cannot wait to visit Kusadasi? If so, just send me a message and your dream can become a reality.