What to Do in Kusadasi Port: A Treasure Trove of Experiences

Table Of Content

• Enjoy Local Turkish Cuisine
• Final Thoughts On Kusadasi Turkey: Things To Do On A Cruise
• Cruise Ports in Mediterranean region
• Best Resort Day Pass in Puerto Vallarta for Cruisers
• Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news
• Virgin Mary’s House
• Embark On A Boat Trip
• How to go from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Ephesus?

The port of Kusadasi is located on the Aegean Sea, on the west coast of Turkey. The main attraction is the ancient city of Ephesus which is located nearby. The city is mostly commercial and known for its Turkish carpets and leather goods shops. You will also find many sellers of “genuine” fake watchs. La Vista Boutique Hotel & Spa is another great option near the Kusadasi Cruise Port.

Enjoy Local Turkish Cuisine

At Ephesus, about nine miles from town, you'll travel back thousands of years. The Terrace Houses, now open to the public, make the centuries-old city even more enthralling. Kuşadası Cruise Port is located in the heart of the town. You can walk in;2 minutes to Scala Nuoava Village for shopping, 5 minutes to the nearest Pharmacy and Kervansaray, 10 minutes to Hand of Peace Statue, 15 minutes to Pigueon Island.

Final Thoughts On Kusadasi Turkey: Things To Do On A Cruise

Turkey Ports Cruise Ships Schedules 2023 - Crew Center

Turkey Ports Cruise Ships Schedules 2023.

Posted: Mon, 19 Oct 2020 07:00:00 GMT [source]

I am the creator of an e-book “Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide“, the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports, & YouTube channel @AdventourBegins. The House of the Virgin Mary is located in Selçuk, around 26 km (16 mi) or a 35-minute drive from Kusadasi cruise port (and only a 10-minute drive from Ephesus). While exploring Ephesus you also have the option to visit the Terrace Houses, which were owned by the richest Ephesians (extra fee applies). Even though the site is still in excavation, you will be able to admire the beautiful wall decoration and designs. Terrace Houses are located on a hill, so please take into consideration that you will need to climb several sets of staircases up and down. You can also visit the Ephesus Museum where you will see lots of statues, columns, decorations, and many more interesting items that were found in the ancient city.

Cruise Ports in Mediterranean region

Most ruins you will see at the sight date back from this time. Ephesus is gem to explore especially with all the stories behind the ruins like the prominent spot it had in the upcoming religion Christianity and the way a city like this was set up. We recommend visiting Ephesus with a shore excursion or guide to ensure you know what you are looking at when you are there.

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The house of the Virgin Mary is another popular place to visit within the Ancient City and it is said to have been the last home to the Virgin Mary before she ascended to heaven. The Grand Theatre is a captivating piece of history and is a must-see destination for anyone looking to explore the Ancient City of Ephesus and truly appreciate Roman architecture and engineering. Dilek National Park is an unmissable destination that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. This sacred enclosure was supported by 122 Ionic columns almost 20 meters high and two meters in diameter at its base. Even though only three columns remain standing today, one feels tiny in front of its imposing measurements.

These houses used to belong to the wealthy Romans, and they had beautiful mosaics on their floors and walls. Visiting these houses gives us a look into the lives of wealthy people back in the Roman era. Once known for being a female-only beach, Ladies Beach, has a rich history and now welcomes everyone who would like to take in the beautiful coastal views of Turkey. The village is known for a centuries-old winemaking tradition of producing unique fruit wines, which you can taste in the many shops scattered around the town where the vendors will encourage you to enter.

Virgin Mary’s House

Make sure you get there early because it can get crowded. During the peak summer months it can get really hot, so bring water with you and wear comfortable footwear and clothing. As you exit the port you will encounter a small shopping complex known as Scala Nuovo, full of souvenir stores, jewelry shops, cafes, and taxi drivers offering their services.

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Ephesus is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive ancient city was once the most important trading center in the Mediterranean region. Ephesus boasts several constructions that attract a lot of attention, both for their historical and archeological importance and for the state of conservation they present. Adaland is located around 8 km (5 mi) north of Kusadasi port, approximately a 15-minute drive. It is an easy walk (5 minutes) into the shopping area, as well as over the pleasant boulevard to Goveroin Ada (or Pigeon Island) and the beaches beyond.

Wander through centuries-old streets, marvel at the Library of Celsus, and feel the historical significance of the Great Theatre. Guided tours often include the House of the Virgin Mary, adding a spiritual dimension to your historical exploration. For those in search of an action-packed day filled with water activities, the Tortuga Water Park is an excellent destination. With an array of water slides, lazy rivers, and splash pools, the park immerses visitors in a lively maritime atmosphere that captures the spirit of the Tortuga pirate island theme. If you’re planning to visit the Ephesus Ancient City from the port, it’s recommended that you opt for a Private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Cruise Port instead of going on your own. These tours offer a more comprehensive and hassle-free experience while being cost-effective compared to taxi fares.

This ancient city gives us a glimpse at what life was like for the Romans that once lived there. As you wander through the ancient remnants, you can appreciate the architectural remains that have endured through time. The first to settle in Kusadasi were the Aeolians from northern Greece. A harbor was established here by the Genoese and Venetians when the Ephesus harbor became silted up.

With the typical Mediterranean climate of hot summers and mild winters, the region enjoys a long tourism season, and without doubt, Kuşadası is one of Turkey’s most beautiful holiday destinations. Kusadasi cruise port is conveniently located in the center of the town, only a 5-minute walk from the shopping area. It consists of two parallel piers that can accommodate 4 cruise ships simultaneously.

You can also visit St John the Baptist Church and admire frescoes dating from the Byzantine era. According to locals, the church’s basement was used to ripen wines. Many shops and restaurants in the coastal resorts and big cities accept payment in foreign currency. But if you are planning to travel to other parts of the country, it is advisable to take some Turkish Lira. The cost of transportation from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Ephesus Ancient City by taxi varies depending on the season, but it is about 60 euros in winter and 120 euros in summer. Before getting into the taxi, you can negotiate and agree on the price by talking to the driver.

If you are adventurous, you can try to get the public bus or dolmus from the closest stop at the cruise port. You will need the one with Selçuk as a final destination. Upon getting off in Ephesus, you’ll still need to walk for about 15 minutes to the entrance of the archaeological site (or take a taxi). Kusadasi, a charming port city on Turkey’s Aegean coast, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and modern excitement. Whether you’re a cruise ship traveler with only a day to explore or a visitor looking to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, there’s an abundance of activities to discover.

You can also book the excursion the cruise terminal (see photo to the left) starting at 40 euro per person. Connect with local travel agencies to plan a comprehensive and unforgettable visit. Whether it’s diving into the depths of history, savoring exquisite Turkish cuisine, or basking on sun-kissed beaches, Kusadasi offers an adventure for every traveler. Start planning your journey to Kusadasi Port today and experience the unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that this enchanting city has to offer.

In 2019, the cruise port handled around 200,000 tourists (passengers and crew). When you are al the cruise terminal you can spot a hill with a big statue on it. This is the statue of Ataturk, one of the most iconic figures of Turkish history, also known as father of the nation. It is quite a challenge though to find the exact path going up. At the statue you will have beautiful panoramic views over Kuşadası and the bay.