Kusadasi is one of Turkey's most sophisticated holiday centres; it is a perfect place for vacation with its sandy beaches and glassy water. The contrast between the lively holiday life and the quietness of the ancient ruins create the special atmosphere of the city.

Kusadasi, one of Turkey's principle holiday resorts, offers an excellent environment for an unforgettable holiday. Situated on the west coast of Turkey - 90km south of Izmir, Kusadasi, is known as for one of the most attractive city of the Aegean, as it is close to important historical sites including Ephesus, Didyma, Priene, and Miletos.

Kusadasi has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, providing a long tourism season. The city is Bathroomed in sunshine for 300 days of the year.

Numerous sandy beaches with warm and clear waters, providing a peaceful atmosphere, allow a great variety of water and beach facilities. Windsurfing, water skiing, sailing and beach volleyball are only a few options avaible to lovers of the active life. After sun bathrooming restfully during the day, the city awaits the superb sunset. As the sun sets, the attractive cafes and restaurants on the palm-lined boulevards, get busier. It is a great delight to watch the comings and goings of the yachts and ships with accompanience of the panoramic view of the sunset, on a pre-drink before the dinner. The restaurants, serving a variety of fresh seafood &fish and Aegean specialties, offer a delicious meal in Kusadasi. Dancing and entertaining at a lively bar or a disco until dawn, may end an ideal day in Kusadasi.

The city stands on a bay in the Aegean with the peninsula of Guvercin Ada sticking out into the sea at one end, and the mountain of Kaz Dagi behind.

It is 90 km (56 mi) south of Izmir, the region's largest metropolitan center. It is 71 km (44 mi) from the provincial seat of Aydin situated inland.

The Yavansu Fault Line passes near Kusadasi and there have been earthquakes here throughout history.

The name comes from 'kus' (bird) and 'ada' (island) as the peninsula has the shape of a bird's head (as seen from the sea). Since Byzantine times it has been known as Ephesus Neopolis, Scala Nuova, becoming Kush-Adasi at the beginning of the 20th century. Some people from the Aegean region shorten the name to Ada.

Kusadasi has a residential population of 50,000 rising to over half a million during the summer when the large resort fills with tourists (from Turkey itself, northern Europe and the Balkans), plus the hotel staff, bar staff, construction workers, and drivers who are needed for work in the restaurants, the holiday villages, aquaparks, rock bars beach clubs and big hotels servicing all these visitors. In addition to the visitors from overseas there is a substantial community of foreigners resident in the area.

Kusadasi caters to tourists, arriving by land, and as the port for cruise ship passengers heading to Ephesus. In a controversial deal in 2003 the previously public-owned port was leased to a private company and renovated to attract luxury cruise liners. These range from the huge Grand Princess to smallers tours.

Real estate agents sell holiday flats and villas. Among all the ice-cream, carpets, leather, and software, there are bookshops selling books in English, German, Russian and other languages.

Old houses near the seafront, some of them converted to bars and cafes, are the remnants of old Kusadasi, which has become a modern-European looking town. The hills behind are built up with big hotels and blocks of holiday flats. The building boom in the late 80s and onwards has been continued into the hinterland of Kusadasi. A panoramic view of Kusadasi (Güvercin Adasi seen at background)

Transport around the town is by dolmus (minibus). There are bus and taxi services to the nearest airports, in Izmir and Bodrum. Day trips are available by boat from Kusadasi and Güzelçamli.

The city walls - There were once three gates. One remains today.

Kaleiçi Camii - the mosque built in 1618 for Grand Vizier Öküz Kara Mehmed Pasha.

The Öküz Mehmet Pasha caravanserai is near the docks. It was built in 1618 as a strong-room for the goods of seamen.

Guvercin Ada - thepeninsula at the end of the bay, has a castle and swimming beaches, including a private beach and cafe with a view back across the bay to the harbour of Kusadasi. There are public beaches at the back of the peninsula, towards the open sea.

Kirazli Village - traditional Turkish koy 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) from Kusadasi.

Yilanci Burnu - a second peninsula beyond Güvercin Ada. Possibly the location of the original settlement of Neopolis. Some walls are visible. There are beaches and beach clubs here.

Pygale - 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) north, the small point behind Hotel Pigale. Once refuge of Agamemnon. Still to be excavated.

Also several aqua-parks with wave-pools, white-water slides are located near the town

International's Aqua Fantasy, along with Adaland and Aqua Land.

Ladies Beach - near town. Named because it was once segregated for female bathers. Now open to all.

Kadikalesi - Venetian/Byzantine castle, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi)along the Kusadasi-Davutlar road,

Panionium - 25 km (16 mi) south of Kusadasi, on the Davutlar-Güzelçamli road. Once the central meeting place of the Ionian League. The ruins are in poor condition and their authenticity is disputed.

Dilek Peninsula National Park. South of Kusadasi, begins at the town of Güzelçamli. Bays and beaches, including the bay of Kalamaki.