Budget Travel to Kusadasi & Ephesus 2024
Welcome to Kuşadası!
Kuşadası (Kusha das uh ın Turkısh) is an ancient city with a past that goes back thousands of years. At its height, it was a busy Roman trade port, located near the city of Ephesus, and brought merchants from all over the Mediterranean.
The town later became an important port during the Ottoman Empire because of its strategic trading and defensive location. These days, Kusadasi is a bustling coastal resort that combines history, natural beauty, and modernity.
The city offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a mix of culture and tradition in a beautiful Aegean setting. It is bigger and not as sophisticated as other resorts such as Bodrum and Marmaris. However, it still has its own individual character.
In this travel guide to Kusadasi, we will see its main attractions, budget accommodation options, tasty and affordable local dishes, as well as learn more about how to get to and around the city.
Key Takeaways
- Kusadasi has a rich history dating back thousands of years, from its days as a Roman trade port to its importance as a port during the Ottoman Empire.
- Today the city is a major destination for cruise ships and also offers travellers the opportunity to get ferries to nearby Greek islands such as Samos.
- You can take a relaxing walk along the promenade to exploring historical sites like Kusadasi Castle and the Grand Bazaar, or just watch the boat pass by.
- There are some great beaches such as Ladies Beach and Long Beach, as well as exciting water parks such as Aqua Fantasy and Magic Aqua World.
- You can explore nearby attractions like the ancient city of Ephesus, the historic town of Selcuk with its castle, and the picturesque Şirince Village.
- The city has plenty of budget pensions, affordable hotels, or apartment rentals.
Where is Kusadasi?
The city of Kusadasi is located on the Aegean coast of Turkey. It is about 540 km south west of Istanbul and just under 100 km South of Izmir. It is also just a short ferry ride from the Greek Island of Samos, and is a popular port of call for cruise ships.
The ancient Roman city of Ephesus is located just 18 kilometres from Kusadasi and the nearest Turkish airport is in Izmir is situated about 50 kilometres away. It is also possible to fly to Bodurm airport which is just under 80 kilometres away.
Map of Kusadasi
Things to Do in Kusadasi
The Promenade & Port Area
Kusadasi is a famous tourist destination for both Turkish and foreigners. There are lots of fun things to do and see there.
One of the best places to start exploring the town is to have a stroll up and down the main promenade and soak up the picturesque views of the Aegean coastline.
This will help you get familiar with the seafront. There are plenty of stalls selling delicious Turkish ice cream for about a euro and benches where you can sit down and enjoy the views.
As you walk along the promenade, you will come to the port area, where you can marvel at the majestic cruise ships that are docked. Ferries to the Greek island of Samos also leave from the ferry terminal located in the port area.
There are many good fish restaurants situated near the entrance of the port on the promenade, but most of them are expensive. Even if you choose not to eat here, you can still enjoy the lively atmosphere of this vibrant part of town.
In the evening the promenade is quite busy as the air is quite cool next to the sea. It is completely safe and there is a very nice atmosphere with a mix of locals,
Kusadasi Caravanserai
Not far from the port area is a beautiful historical building that is free to enter. It is called the Okuz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai and is a must-see for history lovers.
This lovely 16th-century building served as a stopover for travellers along the Silk Road. There is an impressive entrance and a charming courtyard with a fountain on the ground floor.
It is located not far from the entrance of the Kusadasi port, just a few minutes from the promenade and is free to enter.
Grand Bazaar & Shopping
Just across from the Caravanserai building is the Grand Bazaar. This is one of two bazaars in the town. The other one is the Kusadasi Bazaar, which is located in the back streets nearby.
The Grand Bazaar is probably the best of the two, offering just about everything you can imagine for a gifts or souvenirs. For more expensive items, you should always try to negotiate a slightly lower price.
Kusadasi Castle
If you go back to the promenade and start walking to the left side of the port, away from the main town, you will come to Pigeon Island, where Kusadasi Castle is located.
If you go back to the promenade and walk to the left side of the port, you will reach Pigeon Island. This is where Kusadasi Castle is.It isn´t too far—just 10 minutes. There is a nice tea garden on the promenade where you can stop for a tea and enjoy the views of the island.
Pigeon Island is a small islet that is connected to the mainland by a long causeway. There are many yachts and boats moored along the causeway, and some of them offer boat trips. If you walk to the end of the causeway, you will come to the magnificent fortress that offers stunning views of the city and the Aegean Sea.
It is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. in the summer months and is free to enter. Inside, you will find several wonderful paths, with plenty of benches to sit down and rest. Actually, it is a great place to visit twice: once in the morning and then again in the evening at sunset.
There is a great coffee shop next to the entrance of the castle, with a terrace overlooking the bay. This is the perfect place to sit and have tea for less than a euro and relax after your visit.
Boat Trips around the Bay
During the summer months, there are sunset cruises that leave the causeway at 6 p.m. and take a thirty-minute or so sailing around the island and Kusadasi bay.
The trip is wonderful and only costs a few euros. It´s definitely worth every cent and allows you to take photos of the castle and town from a different perspective.
Beaches in Kusadasi
Kusadasi is also famous as a beach resort, and no trip to Kusadasi is complete without exploring some of its beautiful beaches. However, in my opinion, the best beaches are located outside of the main town as the city beaches can get very busy in the summer time.
One of the top budget beaches is called Ladies Beach (Kadinlar Plaji). This popular destination is located in Kusadasi town (not far from the centre) and is known for its crystal clear waters and soft golden sand. You can catch a bus there or even walk. It´s not that far from the castle.
Ladies Beach is a good place soak up the sun, it has many services, such as sunbeds, umbrellas, and cafes right on the beach.
Another option is Long Beach (Uzun Plaji). This beach offers a little more space to relax and enjoy the beautiful Aegean. It´s located a few kilometres south of Ladies beach. There are beach bars, restaurants, and water sports available.
If you are staying in the town centre, you will probably need to get a bus or taxi to get to Long Beach.
If you are looking for a more sophisticated beach, you can go to Pine Bay Beach which is located north of Kusadasi town. The beach is less crowded.
Waterparks in Kusadasi
If you don´t like the beach much and prefer a swimming pool and plenty of fun activities, there are several great water parks in Kusadasi that you can try.
Aqua Fantasy Aquapark, which is located near Ladies Beach, is the smallest water park but the easiest one to get to.
Magic Aqua World is located close to Green Beach, which is a medium-sized water park.
Tortuga Pirate Island Theme & Water Park. This place is probably the cheapest at just over 20 euros and is located several kilometres south of Kusadasi city centre and is situated inside the Atlantique Holiday Club near Long Beach. The weekends are for families only. This one is the biggest of the three waterparks in Kusadasi town and offers the most attractions. It is also reasonably priced, and it is highly recommended.
For real enthusiasts, there is another water park that is located well outside the city called Adaland. This is an enormous waterpark that is situated about 20–25 minutes from the city centre, and it is the biggest water park in the province (34 euros).
Of course, water parks are more expensive than beaches, costing between 20 to 35 euros per person, depending on the park and the child / adult price. This cost of a day out in a water park can really mount up when it is a big family outing.
Selcuk Castle - Excursion
Another nearby town worth exploring is Selcuk. Selcuk is known for its historical sites and lovely atmosphere. The Basilica of St. John, the amazing Ayasuluk Fortress, and the Isa Bey Mosque are just a few of the places to visit there.
You can also visit Selcuk’s Saturday market to feel like you are really in a Turkish market and offers a wide range of affordable gifts and items that are cheaper than those in Kusadasi.
You can get there on the same minibus that takes you to Ephesus and it is half an hour away from the centre of Kusadasi.
Ephesus - Excursion
The ancient city of Ephesus is one of the must-see day trips for history lovers. Here, you will find fascinating archaeological sites such as the house of the Virgin Mary, the temple of Artemis, and the Seven Sleepers cave which is a significant location for both Christians and Muslims.
This archaeological gem allows you to step back in time and image how life was in ancient times. There is also a Ephesus museum inside the grounds of the site. This houses many of the most interesting artefacts found in the ancient city, but cost extra to entre.
A trip to this ancient city is on the bucket list of about 2 million people. In the summertime the place can become overwhelming as bus load after bus load of tourists arrive.
Most people choose to take a guided tour to see this amazing historical site. A tour from Kusadasi costs about 50 to 60 euros and keeps you from having to wait in long lines in the hot summer sun. Excursionmania is probably the cheapest tour agency.
If you want to go by yourself, though, you should try to get there as early as possible or late in the afternoon, when most tourists have already left. Even better, go between April and June or September and November, when there are fewer people there.
Getting to Ephesus
Getting to Ephesus without going on a tour is also possible. The site is located just under 20 kilometres from Kusadasi. However, getting there can be a challenge.
You can take a taxi there and back, which might be a good idea if you are travelling with a group. But if you are travelling by yourself, it might cost as much as a tour.
The other alternative is taking public transport. There is a Dolmuş minibus that can take you from the centre of Kusadasi to Ephesus, via the nearby town of Selcuk. The journey takes 30-minutes and costs less than two euros each way.
The minibus you need to take is small and grey and has Kusadasi-Selcuk written on the front of it. The bus stops is situated in Candan Tarhan Bulvari (street) in the centre of Kusadasi. In the summertime, the bus runs all day, from 7 a.m. to midnight, and leaves every fifteen minutes.
The minibus will drop you off on the main road, and then you will have to walk about 1 km to get to the main entry gates. To get back to Kusadasi, you need to go back to the same location.
The admission fee to Ephesus is just over 20 euros. You can use the Museum Pass Aegean or the the Museum Pass Turkey to get in. However, these passes are only a good money-saving strategy if you are planning to visit several historical sites on your vacation.
Sirince Village - Excursion
The old Greek village of Şirince (Shı rın je) ıs located about 8 km east of Selcuk and ıs a lovely place to spend a few hours.
You can explore the well-preserved and beautiful houses and narrow streets of this historic place. The town is also famous for it delicious food and local wine. There are cheap dolmuş minibuses going to the village regularly from Selcuk, and it is well worth the visit.
Samos - Excursion
For a truly unique experience, consider taking a ferry from Kusadasi to the nearby Greek island of Samos. Just a short boat ride away, Samos offers great beaches, ancient ruins, and picturesque towns.
You can take a day trip there to see the archaeological site of Heraion, relax on Potokaki Beach, and enjoy the lovely atmosphere of the town of Pythagoreio.
Some tourists also use this trip to Samos to start off there Greek island-hopping holiday. Either way, Samos is a beautiful destination for a day trip or a longer stay.
The ferry crossing takes between one and one and a half hours, depending on the boat, and the day trip lasts for about 7-8 hours.
It will cost you between 30 and 40 euros for the day trip, depending on which company you choose to travel with.
Shop around for the best price. (Bodrum Express lines, , Ferry Hopper)
Departure times vary, but most boats leave at 8.30 and return at 17.00. Remember that you need a valid EU visa to enter Greece.
Accommodation in Kusadasi
Guesthouses & Budget Hotels
There are several budget-friendly choices that offer both comfort and quality accommodation and you can find places to stay for every budget.
Guesthouses are great for travellers on a budget who are looking for small and friendly place to stay. A couple of highly recommended guesthouses in Kusadasi that are located near the town centre are:
- Anzac Golden Bed Pension
- Asia Apart Otel
- Ephesian Guesthouse
Hotels tend to offer a few more amenities and cost a little more. Many of the cheap hotels in Kusadasi are close to famous attractions and offer a comfortable stay at a low cost compared to other resorts on the Aegean.
Three highly recommended and reasonably priced hotels that are all located in the town centre are:
- Papillonada Hotel – Kusadasi city centre
- Marko Paşa Konağı
- Porteras Otel
You can use Google Maps, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Otelz.com to compare hotel prices. Always check the location on the map and check if breakfast is included or not before booking.
Apartment & Room Rental
If you prefer more space and privacy, renting an apartment is a great option. Many apartments in Kusadasi are available for short-term rent, offering kitchen facilities and multiple bedrooms.
This option is ideal for families or groups travelling together, as it allows you to save on dining expenses by preparing your own meals.
Sharing accommodations with the host of the apartment is also a cost-effective way to reduce your lodging expenses. It not only helps you save money but also provides opportunities to connect with locals and gain insider knowledge of the area.
Platforms like Airbnb offer both entire apartments and apartment shares at prices that are within your budget. You should always look at the location of the apartment on the map and check the comments left by previous guests before booking.
What & Where to Eat
When visiting Kusadasi, you shouldn´t miss the opportunity to try out some of the amazing Turkish cuisine. You don’t need to worry about breaking the bank, as there are plenty of budget-friendly options available.
Start your culinary adventure by exploring the world of Turkish street food. You can walk through the busy streets of Kusadasi and find a lot a street food on sale. For example, chicken or lamb kebabs, Gozleme (a savoury pancake), pide or lahmacun (Turkish pizza).
Mezgit Restaurant and Komsu Restaurant are two good ones that are located near the town centre.
You can try a lot of different dishes without spending a lot of money by going to a traditional Turkish restaurant called a lokanta. This is a type of Turkish restaurant with traditional, homemade cooking.
However, you can also find plenty of western type restaurants serving fast food, such as pizza and burgers, although the prices in these types of restaurants is generally more expensive.
Nightlife in Kusadasi
While many Turkish towns are more traditional, Kusadasi comes to life at night with a lively and vibrant nightlife. Whether you are looking for a lively pub scene or live music places, Kusadasi has a lot to offer in terms of affordable entertainment.
Head to the heart of the city and discover a variety of bars and clubs that cater to different tastes. In Kusadasi, there is something for everyone. There are calm beach bars where you can drink cocktails and lively dance clubs where you can dance the night away.
It might cost a bit more to drink here than in other southern European vacation spots, but it is still not too expensive. If you stick to local beers, wines, and liquors the price is more or less the same.
There are many bars, clubs, and pubs in the town. Although, depending on your age and preferences, some will be better than others. Two places that are highly recommended are:
- Jimmy Irish Bar 44 (Irish Pub)
- Ex-Club Kusadasi (Discotheque)
Getting to Kusadasi
Flights for Kusadasi
There is no airport in Kusadasi itself; your best option is to fly to Izmir Adnan Menderes International Airport, which is located about 80km away. It is a busy airport for both domestic and foreign tourists.
Domestic Flights
- Istanbul (IST) – 1h.20m – Turkish Airlines
- Istanbul (SAW) – 1h.20m – Pegasus Airlines
- Ankara Pegasus – 1h.15m – Pegasus Airlines
- Antalya – 1h.05m – Sun Express
Pegasus Airlines and Sun Express are the two budget airlines that serve the city.
International Flights
There are international flights connecting Izmir airport to many countries, most of them in Europe. Examples of flights include:
- Standstead UK – 4h.05m – Pegasus
- Paris – 3h.55 – Sun Express
- Berlin – 3h.05m – Sun Express
- Cologn – 3h.30m Eurowings
- Dubai 4h.30m – Sun Express
Easyjet, TUI, Thomas Cook Airlines, Eurowings, Pegasus, and Sun Express are among the budget international airlines that fly to Izmir. Check the Turkish air travel guide for more information.
.
Getting from the Airport to Kusadasi
You can easily arrange an airport transfer to Kusadasi by pre-booking a private transfer, which is fine if you are travelling in a group.
However, there is a cheaper and better option for couple or solo travellers. , You can get a Havas airport shared shuttle bus to take you to the centre of Kusadasi. The shuttle bus costs just under 10 euros each way and leaves every two hours.
Intercity Buses to Kusadasi
Kusadasi is well-connected by bus, with regular services operating from major cities in Turkey. You can find reliable bus companies that offer comfortable journeys to and from Kusadasi at affordable prices. Check the bus travel guide for more information about bus travel in Turkey.
The bus station in Kusadasi is conveniently located at the back of the town and not to far from the centre, making it a convenient option for travellers.
- Istanbul – 8 hours
- Ankara – 10 hours
- Izmir – 1 hour
- Bursa – Between 6 hours -6h.30m
- Antalya – 7h.30m
Getting around Kusadasi
A taxi to the centre of town will cost less than 5 euros. There are also public buses to the city centre, although you will need to buy a Kusadasi travel card before you can use a bus, as they do not accept cash.
The city has a reliable public transport system, which includes buses and minibuses (dolmuş). These are affordable options for getting around the city and exploring nearby attractions. The routes and schedules are well-established, ensuring easy accessibility for tourists.
You can pay cash on the minibuses, and they will pick you up and drop you off anywhere along the route. However, few drivers speak English, so you must know exactly where you are going and tell the driver when you get on.
Use small Turkish Lira bank notes; they usually don´t have change for larger ones. It´s best to use a GPS on your mobile phone to help you follow the route and know where to get off.
You will need to buy a city travel card and top it up before you can use the public bus, which is not easy to find on sale.
Kusadasi is a compact and walkable city, perfect for those who enjoy exploring on foot. There are a lot of famous spots in the city that are close enough to walk to, which makes getting around easy without a car.
When to Visit?
Kusadasi is one of the most popular holiday resorts on the Aegean coast of Turkey. Most tourists choose to visit during the summer months due to the warm temperatures. However, this time of year can be very crowded, and prices are generally higher.
April to June and September to the end of October are really the best times to visit the city. Older tourists even like to spend the winter months there in cheap accommodation and escape the cold winters of the UK and Northern Europe.
Is it Worth Visiting Kusadasi?
Kusadasi is a city that offers a good holiday destination for several days. It isn´t the prettiest resort in the Aegean, but it does have some interesting landmarks and plenty of nearby excursions that can be seen easily and fairly inexpensively.
If you are looking for great beaches you need to travel further away from the town as the beaches in the town can be very crowded in the summer.
For a stopover point on a cruise ship, I think that Kusadasi can also be a great choice, with the possibility to have an excursion to Ephesus.
If I was going to visit the city I would probably stay for a couple of days, one of them I would visit Ephesus and the other I would spend time checking out Kusadasi.
If I had a 7-day holiday I would prefer to spend it somewhere more laid back, such as Fethiye, but of course everyone is looking for something different.
