Having explored many corners of Turkey, we have turned our focus this week on Kuşadası, which is filled with historical places and hidden natural beauties that are mostly left without visiting.

Historical Places

Kurşunlu Monastery: Kurşunlu Monastery, which is 10 km away from Davutlar Village was established in a rocky and forested area to protect it from attack. It is estimated to have been built by the Byzantines in the 11th century. It is possible to reach Kurşunlu Monastery from Güzelçamlı or Davutlar Road.

From the Kurşunlu Monastery, which has been restored many times, only the church part remains today. You can see the remains of monks’ rooms, dormitories and kitchens outside the church. Attention please, take in the views of the bay.

 Güvercinada Castle: One of the historical places you should see is Güvercinada Castle. The symbol of Kuşadası, it is a castle built by Turkish sailor Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha with stones brought from Yılancıburnu, a region of Kuşadası.

The walls are designed to surround Güvercinada and have a height of about 3 meters. Those who love historical and cultural trips can trace the history in the magnificent atmosphere of the island.

Kaleici Hamam (Okuz Mehmet Pasha Caravanserai): Kaleiçi Bath, located close to Kuşadası Pier, is a caravanserai built by the Grand Vizier Okuz Mehmet Pasha in 1618. Caravanserais are built for the accommodation of those who come from far away. Today, it is used as a touristic facility with hotels and souvenir shops with its two-storey courtyard structure.

 Andiz Tower: It is a little tough to see the ruins, as most of the Andız Tower is covered with bushes and olive trees. Also, a large part lies in ruins today. Located on the skirts of Pilav Mountain, the tower served as a watchtower during the Hellenistic Period. The Carians, Lydians and Legels used it as a settlement. The Turks who came to the region after the Battle of Manzikert in 1071 lived here for a while, and when the Ottomans conquered Kuşadası, they landed on the coast.

Kaleici Mosque: The Kaleiçi Mosque, built by the Grand Vizier Öküz Mehmet Pasha in the 17th century, together with a hammam and a caravanserai, contains the most beautiful details of Ottoman woodworking. Kaleiçi Mosque, known as the oldest mosque in Kuşadası, has a prayer hall for 550 people.

Castle Gate: Castle Gate was an important entrance and exit point in the past; and the fountain located near the square planned gate, is the only Ottoman fountain still flowing in Kuşadası. The fountain’s troughs are Roman-period sarcophagi.

Panionion Ancient City: Panionion, one of the famous gathering and ceremonial areas of Ionia, can be reached 300m beyond the gendarmerie station within Güzelçamlı’s borders. There is an Ionian temple dedicated to Poseidon, which began to be used in the 8th century. The Panyonia Union consists of 12 islands: Miletus, Priene, Myus, Ephesus, Kolophon, Teos, Lebedos, Erythrai, Klazomenai, Chios, Samos and Phokaia, as mentioned by Herodotus.

 Natural Beauties

Kusadasi National Park: Located between Kuşadası and Söke districts, the park has a calm and peaceful atmosphere. You can see many animals from sea turtles to seals and the park is home to 209 bird species. The biodiversity of the park, frequently visited by nature photographers, is dazzling. There are also endangered dwarf cormorants there.

 Cave of Zeus: Zeus Cave, located at the entrance of Dilek Peninsula, has a natural mineral water formed as a result of the mixing of the cold water coming from the mountains and the salty water of the sea. It is said the water and the mud you can reach when you dive to a depth of about 4 meters are good for the skin. You can have one of the most different experiences of your holiday by swimming in Zeus Pond.

Every year thousands of local and foreign tourists visit the cave, on the left and right of the cave, wishes are made and pieces of cloth are tied up on the trees. You may also get a ribbon or piece of cloth with you to make a wish.

Kalamaki Bay: Kalamaki Beach, located in Dilek Peninsula Büyük Menderes Delta National Park, is a famous beach. You do not need to pay any fees other than the fee you pay at the entrance of the National Park.

Karasu Beach: Located 35km from Kuşadası town centre, it is one of the most preferred places in the district. The beaches in Kusadasi are stony. For this reason, you may want to take sea shoes with you.

Pigale Beach: Located 6km from Kuşadası and serving in Bayraklıdede, Pigale Beach was renovated by Kuşadası Municipality in 2010 and opened to the public. There is no charge for entry.