Kusadasi Holidays

It used to be a fishing village but now Kusadasi, on Turkey’s west coast, has transformed into a bustling holiday place. The beaches are the main pull during the day, and after dark the town comes to life, with vibrant bars and clubs setting an upbeat pace. If you’re in search of old Turkey, you’ve got cobbled streets, mosques, old-school tavernas and bazaars here, too.

Kusadasi gives you a whopping 8 beaches to choose from. There’s Ladies Beach, a big sweep of golden sand that’s backed by a smart promenade and is popular for windsurfing. Then you have Long Beach, which is great for watersports and snorkelling. For a quieter option, you can take a dolmus to Kustur Beach, which tends to be less busy.

It’s not just the beaches that come in multiple numbers – Kusadasi has three waterparks within easy reach, too. There’s Aqualand, at Kusadasi’s Long Beach, for a start. And on the outskirts, you’ve got Aqua Fantasy, part of an upmarket hotel and spa complex, which comes with DJs and dance shows as well. And last but not least, there’s Adaland, where you can have a go at rafting in the wave pool.

The ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus are just half an hour away. You can see the remains of the Temple of Artemis, the Roman library, and even the public toilets and a sign for the brothel. Just outside the city is the house where the Virgin Mary is said to have died. Ephesus is huge, so it’s well worth taking a guided tour.