Kusadasi - Turkey
Located in the Aegean region of Turkey,
Kusadasi or the bird island is a visually magnificent and ideal spot for vacation. Like a beautiful painting,
Kusadasi boasts of a flamboyancy, which is contributed by the clear blue water, accompanied by expanses of sandy beaches and a bright summer sun.
With the glorious historical city of Ephesus standing beside it, the town of
Kusadasi is a heady blend of the ancient and the aesthetic and thus proves to be an invincible attraction for travelers from all over the world. An earthy appeal, inexpensive Turkish cuisines, numerous holiday villages and hotels and the alluring "Turkish Nights" - what more can one ask for a summer travel?
Kusadasi is an ideal destination for a memorable summer vacation and it will not be too much to say that once you get here your departure might get delayed forever.
History of KusadasiThe foundation of modern Kusadasi was first laid by the Venetians who established it as a colony in the 16th century. The Venetians and Genoases in the middle ages ruled Kusadasi, under the name of Scala Nova. In 1071, when the Malazgirt war broke, the Seljuk Turks started spreading in Anatolia and in 1304, when the Turkish principalities were forming, Sasa Bey was the authority of Kusadasi.
Since Kusadasi was a harbor town, the Turks soon learnt maritime business and led a comfortable life. The town got attached to Seljuk Government in 1186 and almost after 200 years, the city became Ottoman. After the First World War, from the Ottoman Govt., Kusadasi went into the hands of the Italians, following a treaty. At this time, the town got filled with Turks, Greeks, Jews and Armenians, most of whom left Kusadasi after Turkey`s victory in the War of Independence led by Ataturk (in 1923).
Kusadasi AttractionsKusadasi is the best place for those travelers who love to savor the ancient charm nestled in the serenity of nature. For culture and history lovers, some of the "must sees" are Panionian Agora, Roman Bath, Pygale, Neopolis, Ephesus, Turkish Baths, etc. Kusadasi is also quite conveniently located near many well known tourist sites like the Home of Virgin Mary (one of the most sacred places of the Christians and can be visited by a minibus or Dolmus), Ephesus (this magnificent historical city can also be visited by a Dolmus), Temple of Artemis, temple of Apollon, Priene, Miletos, etc.
For nature loving tourists, there are places to travel like the world famous Pamukkale (cotton castle), Dilek peninsula National park (locally called Milli park), Bafa lake (best enjoyable in a moonlit night) and the Sirince village. The last one is the best example of old village living in Anatolia. Other attractions include the 3 aqua parks in Kusadasi called Adaland, Aquafantasy and Aqualand and the downtown tourist spots like Caravanserai, Kusadasi Fortress, and old Town district.
Activities in KusadasiFrom nature lovers to shopaholics to adventure loving souls - Kusadasi caters to the requirements of all travelers.
During the daytime a boat tour or a safari can be enjoyed. If you opt for a jeep safari then you can enjoy a hundred kilometer ride for around 6 hours. In case of horse safari you will cherish the charm of riding a horse in the sea. In both the cases, lunch is included and guests are picked up from the hotel.
For shoppers, Kusadasi holds many promises. The town has one of the largest shopping bazaars in Turkey. Over thousand of shops sell the most coveted items of the visitors - namely Turkish carpets, soft leather jackets, exquisite jewels and souvenirs. Almost every shop accepts credit cards, traveler cheques and major currencies. High quality for low price and the friendly behavior of the sales persons are the two main features of the shops of Kusadasi. Some of the prominent shops of Kusadasi include Goldium jewellery, Goldium leather and Tual jewellery carpet and Kilim.
As far as nightlife is concerned the mystical atmosphere of the reputed "Turkish Nights" are not to be missed. Exquisite wine, Turkish music and the gorgeous show by the belly dancers - isn`t the combination a deadly one?
Dining in KusadasiTurkish cuisine holds a special place in the hearts of food connoisseurs all over the world. Various types of kebabs, Turkish pizza and baklava are some of the Kusadasi delicacies, which give pleasure to the travelers` taste buds. Turkish wine is also quite famous and is served in most of the restaurants. Reasonable price and friendly behavior are the specialties of the restaurants of Kusadasi. Some of the popular restaurants of Kusadasi, which serve international as well as local specialties, are Gondol Pizzeria Bistro, Konyali Restaurant, 1-A Grand Restaurant, Mangal Restaurant and Erzincan Restaurant.
