Things To Do in Kusadasi

This is a shoppers’ paradise, with hundreds of stalls selling clothes, pottery, leather goods and jewellery, along with Turkish mementos like bellydancing outfits, carpets and lamps. After wandering the maze of shops and stalls, you can stop for an apple tea and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. And do feel free to haggle – it’s expected.

Despite its name, everyone is welcome at Ladies Beach – a 15-minute walk will get you there. You’ve got a one-kilometre stretch here with shallow, paddle-friendly waters and a prom packed with shops and restaurants. It’s a popular place for watersports. You can take it quietly on a pedalo or ramp up the speed on a banana boat or jet-skis.

Barlar Sokak – or Bar Street as it’s better known – is a neon-lit strip in the old town. It’s one big noisy line-up of Irish pubs, disco bars and places belting out karaoke ’til 4am. Kusadasi does have a quieter nightlife option as well if you want it – a few minutes away you’ve got the Kale district, where traditional houses have been converted into bars and restaurants.

The faster-paced bars are centred around Bar Street, a pumping strip in the old town. From karaoke dens to Irish pubs, it gets very lively here. And if you want to dance ’til dawn, you can head to one of the clubs along the waterfront. For a quiet drink, you can visit the Kale district, where some traditional houses have been converted into tavernas.

Slap-bang in the heart of town, this manmade beach is nestled between the harbour and the marina. You can relax on one of the sunloungers and watch cruise ships glide in and out – or go for a wander and look at the glittering yachts. You’ve got a beach bar for snacks here, and a promenade with cafés and shops.