Places of interest
Lying 30 km (19miles) south of Kusadasi towards the end of Kusadasi Bay, on Dilek Peninsula, National Park is one of the most preserved places in the country. Dense pine trees which cover the mountains reach the beaches and sea in this well reserved park. The water in this area is crystal clear. To get info on how to get there click transportation.
Whether you like hiking in the mountain trails or lying on relaxing beach, this is the absolute paradise for vacationers. As you enter the park the first beach on the right side is a sandy beach with picnic tables, shower facilities, toilets, deck chairs and a cafe-restaurant.
There are rocky bays between the first beach and the second beach where one can enjoy a private bath in the sea if rocky sea side is not a problem.
The second and the third beaches in the park are beaches with pebbles. There are deck chairs, sun umbrellas, toilets, showers and cafe restaurants in these beaches.
Pigeon Island is the symbol of Kusadasi. The island is place of birds during the seasonal migrations that are why it was named Bird Island.
Island is one of the best places to watch the panoramic view of the beautiful city and enjoy watching the sunset. You can also sip your drink at one of the cafe in the island and with scenery.
The Island was used for securing the shores or preverted the attacks from the sea. The Byzantine Castle is standing on the rocks and used against pirates.
Kusadasi Marina is one of the biggest yacht marinas in Turkey and also visited by many tourists. Blue flags waved in Kusadasi Marina , it is international standards of a symbol of environmental awareness.
Kusadasi Marina also gives an opportunity to be witness of magnificent sunset of Kusadasi, to watch the yatches while you sip your drink or enjoy your fresh sea food at one of the restaurant.
It is also open to the public.
Scala Nuova shopping center which is managed by Egeport Harbor Managements is a new complex in Kusadasi which has opened just a few years ago and got popular in a very short time with its cafes bars and shops. Scala Nuova is next to big harbor and visitors from cruises are stepping into Scala Nuova to enter the city. Therefore the place is extra crowded when there are ships docked at the port. There are nices cafes inside which are attracted by many locals usually at the summer time when the weather is good. Probably the best view among all Starbuckses is in here as you can sip from your latte while watching the sun going down behind the beautiful Pigeon Island. Scala Nuova is can be a nice stop after work or after a long walk among the city to watch the beautiful sunset or you may also try the bar inside at night if you can find a table!
Okuz Mehmet Pasa Caravanserai is the principal of Ottoman architecture in the city, was built by the man of the same name, who was the vizier during the reigns of Sultan Ahmet1 and Osman2. The fortress gates, walls and many mosques in the center of Kusadasi, as well as the citadel of the castle in Pigeon Island, were built in the Ottoman period, reflecting the architectural style of the era. “Kusadasi” that means “bird island” took its name from the Pigeon Island.
Yılancı burnu is one of the historical places as well, but today you can find clubs and restaurants. It is one of the island as well as Pigeon Island that you can relax and enjoy the sunset.
