Kusadasi & Ephesus
One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, a lively Aegean resort and the gateway to the Greek islands
Explore Kusadasi & Ephesus
Ancient Ephesus, the Library of Celsus, Kusadasi harbour and the Aegean coast.
Things To Do in Kusadasi & Ephesus
Ancient wonders, Aegean beaches, Greek island day trips and excellent food.
Ephesus Ancient City
Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world — a vast Greco-Roman city of marble streets, temples, a 25,000-seat theatre, the Library of Celsus (one of the most photographed ancient buildings in the world) and extraordinary mosaics. At its peak, Ephesus had a population of 250,000 — the second largest city in the Roman Empire. The site is enormous and takes a full day to explore properly.
Library of Celsus
The Library of Celsus is the most photographed ancient building in Turkey — a magnificent 2nd-century AD Roman library facade, 21 metres high, with four niches containing statues representing Wisdom, Knowledge, Intelligence and Virtue. It was built as a mausoleum for the Roman senator Gaius Julius Celsus and could hold 12,000 scrolls. The facade was reconstructed in the 1970s and is extraordinarily well-preserved.
House of the Virgin Mary
The House of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Evi), 9km from Ephesus, is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in the world. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary spent her last years here after the Crucifixion, brought to Ephesus by St John the Apostle. The site has been visited by three popes (Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI). The small stone house dates to the 1st century AD.
Kusadasi Beaches
Kusadasi has several good beaches within easy reach. Ladies' Beach (Kadınlar Denizi) is the most popular — a long sandy beach 3km south of the town centre. Long Beach (Uzun Kumsalı) is a 10km stretch of sand south of the town. Pamucak Beach, 15km north of Kusadasi, is a long, uncrowded beach backed by sand dunes.
Greek Island Day Trips
Kusadasi is the closest Turkish resort to the Greek islands — Samos is just 1.5 nautical miles away (about 1 hour by ferry). Day trips to Samos and Patmos run regularly throughout the summer season. You'll need your passport. It's a great way to combine Turkey and Greece in one holiday.
Kusadasi Bazaar & Harbour
Kusadasi's bazaar is one of the most lively in the Aegean — a maze of covered streets selling leather goods, carpets, jewellery, spices and ceramics. The harbour area has excellent fish restaurants and a lively bar scene. Pigeon Island (Güvercin Adası), connected to the mainland by a causeway, has a 14th-century castle and excellent views over the bay.
Kusadasi & Ephesus Travel Guide
Kusadasi is one of Turkey's most popular Aegean resorts — a lively, modern town with good beaches, an excellent bazaar, a beautiful harbour and easy access to some of the most important ancient sites in the world.
The main reason to come to Kusadasi is Ephesus — one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, just 18km away. Ephesus was the second largest city in the Roman Empire, with a population of 250,000. The marble streets, temples, theatre and the extraordinary Library of Celsus give a vivid sense of what a great Roman city looked like at its peak. It's one of the most impressive ancient sites in the world and should not be missed.
The House of the Virgin Mary, 9km from Ephesus, is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in the world. The small stone house, set in a pine forest on the slopes of Mount Koressos, has been visited by three popes and is venerated by both Christians and Muslims.
Kusadasi itself is a lively resort with a good range of hotels, restaurants and nightlife. The bazaar is excellent — one of the most authentic in the Aegean. The harbour is beautiful, with Pigeon Island castle visible from the waterfront. The beaches are good, and the Greek island of Samos is just an hour away by ferry.
The all-inclusive resorts around Kusadasi tend to be slightly smaller and more intimate than those in Belek — better suited to those who want to combine a beach holiday with serious sightseeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to visit Ephesus?
Allow a full day for Ephesus — the site is enormous and there is a lot to see. The main archaeological site takes 3–4 hours. Add the House of the Virgin Mary (1 hour) and the Ephesus Museum in Selçuk (1–2 hours) for a full day. Go early in the morning to avoid the heat and the cruise ship crowds.
Is Kusadasi good for families?
Kusadasi is good for families who want to combine a beach holiday with cultural sightseeing. The beaches are safe and the all-inclusive resorts are family-friendly. Ephesus is excellent for older children (10+) who are interested in history. For younger children who just want a beach holiday, Antalya or Side might be a better choice.
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