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The Kusadasi Gulf opens to the south and
south-east with some of the most enticing beaches, bays and coves on the
Aegean coast.
Kusadasi is today a major holiday resort centre. During the summer months
it teems with swimmers, fishermen, sun-lovers and sightseers. Once known
as Scala Nova, the town boasts wonderful seafood restaurants, cafes,
beautiful parks and superb beaches. The shopping is also famous;
everything from beads and bangles to leather, jewelry and carpets is on
offer.
The Kusadasi Marina is one of the best-equipped marinas in Turkey,
providing wintering for boats both afloat and on shore. Scuba diving has
become very popular. Nightlife is renowned along the coast with excellent
bars, jazz clubs, discos and cabarets that promise evenings filled with
excitement, entertainment and possibly a little romance.
Not far from Kusadasi, the ancient site of Ephesus, an important
city of antiquity, remains a highlight of any visit to Turkey. The city,
whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural program,
was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Her enormous temple, rebuilt several
times, dates in its latest form from the third century B.C. and was
considered one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The ancient
theatre has found new life as a major concert venue. Nearby is the site of
St. John's Basilica and the reputed last home of the Virgin Mary.
South of Kusadasi, the unbelievably beautiful waters of the Dilek
Peninsula National Park welcome yachtsmen into its serene inlets and
coves.
Between Kusadasi's southern shores and Pamukkale lies the valley of the
Menderes River (the Meander), where several ancient civilizations built
major settlements, including Priene, Milet, Didyma (Didim), Aphrodisias
and Hierapolis (Pamukkale). |
