Kusadasi

Feel the wind of serenity!

Back along the coast Kuşadası, or Bird Island, is a lovely port built along the shores of a glittering bay. The terraced town overlooks the most beautiful inlet of the Aegean and seems to have been created purely for the delight of holidaymakers. Be sure to visit the famous and popular shopping centre in the Kaleiçi quarter, where there is also night-long entertainment. A large, modern marina facilitates life for visiting yachters. The Tusan-Kuştur Beach, north of Kuşadası, is one of the cleanest beaches while 23km south of Kuşadası is the charming holiday-resort town of Güzelçamlı. The Dilek Peninsula National Park, a must see for those who love nature, is situated on the west of Güzelçamlı and 30km from Kuşadası. The park is a wildlife reserve and haven for many species of animals and birds.

Güllübahçe (Priene) was one of the most active ports of the Ionian Federation. The grid-like system of streets, introduced by Hippodamus of Miletus in the fourth century BC, is a superb and early example of town planning.

Milet (Miletus) was a great Ionian port like Priene as well as the birthplace of several philosophers and sages. The theatre itself deserves a visit and make sure to see the well-preserved ruins of the Faustina baths and the Archaeological Museum, too.

Although Didim (Didyma) boasts only one single monument, it is nevertheless a marvellous site. The Temple of Apollo was one of antiquity’s most sacred places and though looted and burned many times, the sanctuary still impresses the visitors with its elegant beauty.

A double-colonnade portico surrounds the colossal temple. Not far from the archaeological site, the beautiful beach of Altınkum tempts visitors with its many guest houses. Akbük is another holiday resort with nice beach hotels nearby.

Set amidst pine, olive and oleander trees, the magnificent Lake Çamiçi (Bafa) is a lovely place for a stop.