Kuşadası

It is loved by both people and birds. Like a magnet, it attracted both the Virgin Mary and the bloodthirsty pirate Barbarossa. It is called the "emerald tear of the Aegean coast", but they say it with a smile. Although its name sounds in Turkish as if it refers to several cities at once, Kusadasi is the only one in the world.

"Bird Island".  This is how its fancy name is translated. And indeed, in the heart of the city there is the Pigeon Island, connected to the mainland by a narrow passage. Thousands of years ago it was chosen by birds; soon afterwards, people came to the bird call: first, the Hittites, followed by the Romans and Greeks, then the Byzantines. In the XVI century the Genovese built a fortress here, and soon the fame of a wonderful place reached the ears of the ubiquitous pirate Barbarossa. He laid hands on the imposing fortification, raised on a "Jolly Roger" and kept the entire Mediterranean in fear for a long time. Now the fortress looks peacefully: it is almost immersed in the flowering gardens, and inside you may find the restaurant where lovers like to spend time. But the name of Barbarossa is still on hearing – both with the local population and tourists. Why was the pirate so sure of his invincibility? Perhaps, he had visited neighboring Ephesus and drunk some water from the local healing spring: they say, this simple ritual can relieve you of sins – and not only those that you have already done, but also of those that will be committed in the next seven years. May be this is because once the Virgin Mary herself (who might have spent her last days in Ephesus) drank water from this source. You should not sin here of course, after all, it is the holy land; but to see the House of the Virgin Mary, the legendary Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), the ancient amphitheater and stadium, where gladiatorial fights took place, is a must.

Besides, Kusadasi is also adjacent to the ancient Troy, Pergamon, Aphrodisias, Hierapolis, Pamukkale and Miletus – the birthplace of the ancient philosophers. It is not difficult to get to these places. But even if the antiquity does not appeal to you, Kusadasi will certainly surprise you with its nature – an unusually mild climate, which will relieve you of acclimatization and allow to enjoy the warm air of Turkey, as well as a variety of the Dilek National Park (one of the 12 national parks located on the territory of Turkey) which is only 16 km from the center of Kusadasi.  Here you can see all the richness of the flora and fauna of Northern Anatolia. Kusadasi can also offer lovers of active holidays fishing, diving, shopping and a visit to the water park (one of the largest and most interesting in Europe!). Today it is hard to believe that even fifteen years ago Kusadasi was not known to tourists; today it is one of the best resorts in Turkey, with the comfort hotels, clean beaches, cozy restaurants and the sea charm. Ancient monuments and spicy flavors of the oriental bazaar, cozy narrow streets, walks in the evening with a beloved person ... Bird Island – a paradise for people. Paradise, to which you will want to return one day.