Best things to do in Kusadasi

Although once only women were allowed to swim at Ladies Beach, nowadays it is open to all and frequented by tourists and locals alike. As one of the busiest beaches in Kusadasi, the spot attracts huge crowds. Go for a dip in the warm Mediterranean and take advantage of the beach restaurants offering a range of cuisines, from Turkish to Chinese to Indian. At night, the site is home to a popular beach club, where you can dance into the early hours.

Thought to be the house of Mary, the mother of Jesus, until her death, the ancient ruins of Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House) is now a shrine for Catholics. Travelers on a pilgrimage often make the small stone house a stopping point. Inside the chapel is an altar beside a large statue of the Virgin Mary. As you look to your right you will see the smaller room where Mary is thought to have slept. Outside the shrine is a beautiful fountain, which many believe has spiritual healing powers. Before you go, it is traditional to leave a prayer in the "wishing wall."

See the ruins of the Greek Ancient City of Ephesus, home to the famous Temple of Artemis, named one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This city was built in the 10th century BCE by Attic and Ionian Greek colonists and came under Roman rule in 129 BCE, when it flourished as one of the largest cities in the Empire. Explore this ancient archeological site entirely on foot, marvel at the spectacular facade of its library, and enjoy the proximity to other tourist attractions.

Bargain for imitation designer clothes and genuine leather products at Kuşadası Market. Apart from "genuine fakes," the market offers fresh fruits and vegetables, cosmetics, and some houseware. Take the opportunity to watch goldsmiths and artisans at work here. To ensure that you're getting a fair deal, try to get the price down to a third of the original offer. Be cautious when buying handmade jewelry, as some of these items also feature imitation stones but with "designer" prices.

See an archeological treasure recovered from one of the largest urban centers of ancient Asia Minor, including the famous statue of Artemis, at Ephesus Museum. Through more than 50,000 pieces, the museum tells the story of the city from Mycenaean and classical Greek times to Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. See the great selection of vases, statues, mosaics, and other artifacts at the archaeological section of the museum, and learn about the daily life in Byzantine and Ottoman Ephesus in the ethnological exhibits. The museum provides thorough information about exhibits in both Turkish and English.

Float around the lazy river, whizz down waterslides, and take a plunge from jumping towers at Adaland. The aqua park features more than 20 rides and attractions including swimming pools, a wave pool, a kids' pool, a splash pond and trampolines, as well as a 1 km (0.6 mi) rafting river. At the adjacent dolphin park you can swim with dolphins, but you will have to follow the lead of a dolphin trainer. If you get hungry, try gözleme--a savory traditional Turkish pastry dish. The price you pay to enter the park allows you to utlize deck chairs and umbrellas on sunbathing terraces and grassy beaches.

Enjoy live local music, swim, snorkel, or just relax on a lounge chair under an umbrella on Uzun Plaj. Grab a drink at one of the local bars and play pool or table tennis at the tables on the beach. Eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes, or pick up snacks at the nearby supermarket and check out the water park located on the far end of the beach. Public restrooms and showers are conveniently located and watersport and beach equipment rental shops are scattered throughout the area. The beach is easily accessible via minibuses that regularly run from the adjacent town.

Built around the 1st century CE, Public Latrine featured upscale facilities, including three marble benches with seats and mosaic floors, where wealthy citizens could visit when nature called. Considered modern for the period, the site used advanced plumbing systems and provided a small pool as well. As toilet paper was not available then, users of the latrine would clean themselves with a moist sponge on a stick. Today you can see the well-preserved remains of this restroom and its 36 toilets, all positioned one next to another in perfect linear fashion.

Surrounded by blue sea waters and pine forested hills, features several outdoor pools, water games, and more than 30 slides. Feel the adrenaline rush by whizzing down a black hole, crazy raft, or space bowl. Rest in the lagoon area, or cruise along the lazy river. Seven restaurants and 11 bars at the adjacent hotel offer refreshments like fruit, vegetables, and olives. Note that the water in the pools can be a bit cold. Be aware of height restrictions: children shorter than 1.2 m (4 ft) are not allowed on most rides.

Immerse yourself in natural beauty as you visit unspoiled beaches and archeological sites at Dilek National Park. Encompassing the whole of Dilek Peninsula, the park preserves 10,985 ha (27,145 acres) of natural surroundings and scenic coastline. Hike, bike, picnic, or experience the thrill of paragliding from the cliffs overlooking the beaches. Don't miss the ppoular Cave of Zeus, where you can take a dip in the freshwater pool. If you're interested in archaeology, visit the famous Greek sanctuary of Panionium. Admission fees depend on whether you enter the park on foot, motorcycle, or car. Alternatively, ride one of the regular buses from nearby cities that take you to the park.

The İsa Bey Mosque (Turkish: İsa Bey Camii), constructed in 1374–75, is one of the oldest and most impressive works of architectural art remaining from the Anatolian beyliks. The mosque is situated on the outskirts of the Ayasluğ Hills at Selçuk, İzmir.