Kuşadası
From Turkey Travel Guide
Kuşadası is a tourist orientated town along the Aeagan Sea in the Aegean Region of Turkey.. Its main capital is from the thousands of tourist that flock to the town from both the frequent cruise liners that dock here and the vast amount of hotels and holiday homes largely owned by foreigners.
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[edit] History
The only remaining legacy and suggestion of Kuşadası's history can be found in the 14th century Genoese fort that lies on an island connected to the harbour. The Venetians and Genoese renamed the town Scala Nova after wrestling control of the region from the Byzantines in the middle ages and built a harbour on the remains of previous settlements in the area. The harbour in question became attractive for the business interests of the Jewish, Armenian and Greek communities that shared this region. Up until recent years the traditiaonal houses and neighbourhoods that had seperated these communities were still visible. After almost 200 years of Selçuk government the town became Ottoman in 1413 and it is from this time that the town gained it name meaning "bird island" from the Genoese fort in the harbour. Like the rest of the Aegean region, the town was occupied by the Greeks after World War I but was eventually purged during the War of ındependence.
[edit]
Kuşadası is located on Aeagan Coast. Izmir, the largest city in the region, is a 2 hour journey to the north. The ancient sites of Ephesus and The House of the Virgin Mary are a short distance to the northeast, to the west are the ruins of Priene. To the north is the town of Selçuk and to the southwest is the Greek island of Sammos.
[edit] Getting there
[edit] By plane
The nearest airport is in Izmir, one fo the busiest in Turkey. It has daily international and domestic flights and is two hours distance from Kuşadası.
[edit] By train
N/A
[edit] By car
Driving along the idealic views of the Aeagan coast is an excellent way to see the area. However if you want a faster route it is best to stick with the direct motorways that connect Istanbul to Izmir.
[edit] By bus
There are innumberable coach companies that provide transport directly to İzmir from Istanbul in particular. However there are few buses that go directly to Kuşadası. It is easier to board a bus to Kuşadası from the main otogar in Imir especially in the summer where there are many more coach companies to choose from.
[edit] By boat
Kuşadası is an obligatory point of call for the many cruise liners that frequent the Aeagan and Mediterranean Sea.
[edit] Getting around
Everything in Kuşadası increases in the summer including the available transport options and the traffic. There are many tours and mini-buses that will take you to Ephesus, which is a short distance out. Also there are taxis available at the site.
[edit] By car
There are many companies in Kuşadası from which to hire a car. This would certainly be recommended if you wish to travel outside the city to see the sights at your own pace.
[edit] By public transport
Dolmuş are the most numerous public vehicles and the easiest method to get around the city.
[edit] By foot
There are 2 large hills in Kuşadası and the heat in the summer makes long distances uncomfotable to walk.
[edit] By bike
There are good roads both in and around the city. Cycling within the city would be dangerous given the driving techniques of some of the dolmuş drivers, however the hilly roads around the Aeagan coast are in good condition and offer beautiful views.
[edit] Weather
Below weather information chart belongs to Aydin.
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(°F)
(40)
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(57)
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(inches)
(3.7)
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[edit] See
There is not much to see within the town except for the 14th century Genoese fort on Güvercin Adası which is connected to the harbour by a causeway. Before the main harbour in Kuşadası that sevices the cruise liners, there is a little stone tower and the battered wall of the medieval castle that once stood there. To the left of the tower is what remains of the traditional houses in the town.
Kuşadası is a good base upon which to visit the sights in the region. Ephesus and the Virgin Mary's House which is just an hour drive away. Further afield can is the site of the ionian city Priene to the south. Further south after Priene is Miletus and Didyma.
[edit] Do
There are a number of boat trips which will take you around the nearby Greek islands for the day and allow you to swim and look around. Lunch is usually provided.
Dilerk Yarimadası Milli Park is a conservation area with beautiful views, a mixture of stoney and sandy beaches.
The retail and club centre of the town is littered by many shops selling counterfeit of every mentionable label in the world. Competition is stiff and haggeling is expected.
Bar Street is just off Yıldırım Caddesi and is full of "Irısh and British bars" and touters yelling for your patronage.
[edit] Eat
Most restaurants are over priced and are aimed at the tourists that disembark from the cruise-liners and the package holiday makers. These include Chinese restraunts and the ever availability of a full english breakfast. For better quailty the harbour has a number of fish restaurants though these are not necessarily cheaper. It is best to roam the walls of the catle where restaurants are better value and offer Turkish cuisine.
[edit] Drink
Irish/ British and Karaoke bars dominate the night section. Techno music blast from every premises and every conceivable coctail is available. There are few quiet bars to be discovered and again perhaps the Castle district is the best place to search for such a pub.
[edit] Sleep
There is a wide variety of prices and types of accomedation to choose from. Holiday homes cheap apartments and the more upmarket hotels are all represented. Package holiday hotels are usually dominated by one nationality so do not be surprised to see a hotel full of Irish or British holiday makers.
[edit] Budget
Happy Apartment Hotels is a 3 star hotel on the lower scale of the market with the average rate of $12
[edit] Mid-Range
Holiday homes generally have a private or semi-private pool. The price is on average £250-£500 for a week.
[edit] Upscale
Surmeli Efes and Korumar are 5 star hotels. Prices range from £50 a night and will jump £60 in the summer.
[edit] Work
Work is surprising easy to fid for foreigners as tour guides, hotel and bar workers and touters for various clubs. English Life Kuşadası Language School has recently opened and native speakers of English.
[edit] Learn
English Life Kuşadası Language School.
Şehit Kaya Aldoğan Lisesi 0256 614 10 28
KUŞADASI KIZ TEKNİK VE MESLEK LİSESİ MÜDÜRLÜĞÜ 0 256 614 10 49
KUŞADASI TEKNİK VE ENDÜSTRİ MESLEK LİSESİ 0256 612 49 81
[edit] Keep connected
Buying an international call card is very cheep which can be used at public pay phones; 5 lira for 50 credits, 10 lira for A 100 credits. Alternatively one can buy a Turkish sim card from any Turkcell ofice.
[edit] Internet
All the hotels offer internet access and there are a number of internet cafes everywhere
[edit] Phone
Most Turkish public phones do not accept use of coins. A international call-card would be preferably.
[edit] Post
PTT(The Turkish national post office)is on Barbaros Hayrettin Bul
[edit] Safety
Women will be objects of attention; remarks and shouting by some touters to persuade them to come to their bar or shop.
Police; 6141382 or 6144709
[edit] Stay Healthy
Kuşadası Özel Hastane on Türkmen Mh. Ant Sk. 09400 Kuşadası Aydın 0256 613 16 16
[edit] External links
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