Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey Cruise Port
Kusadasi is a small town known for its beautiful beaches and a popular cruise port in Turkey. It's located on the Aegean Sea and is a gateway to various attractions, including the ancient city of Ephesus.
We went on a Mediterranean cruise and spent the day in Kusadasi, Turkey. I’m happy to share our experience at this port and tips to help you plan your day in Turkey.
Highlights for Kusadasi:
If you look closely on the bottom left picture you can see the Nike logo. Nike is named after a Greek Goddess.
Ephesus Archaeological Site: Visit the ancient city of Ephesus, and its iconic landmarks like the Library of Celsus, the Grand Theater, and the Temple of Artemis. It’s mentioned multiple times in the Bible. Paul & John visited in the first century A.D. I recommend having a guide walk you through the ruins so you can learn all about the history!
Ephesus
Terrace Houses: Explore the beautifully restored Terrace Houses, which provide insight into the daily life of the wealthy citizens of Ephesus.
House of the Virgin Mary: The House of the Virgin Mary is a historical and religious site located near Ephesus, Turkey. It is believed to be the place where the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years. Many pilgrims and tourists visit this sacred location. There is a “prayer wall” where visitors can leave written prayers or wishes. You can tuck a note into the wall as a way to offer your prayers and requests at this sacred site. There are souvenir shops nearby where you can purchase religious and local souvenirs such as rosaries, candles, icons, and various memorabilia.
Basilica of St. John: Explore the Basilica of St. John, an important Christian pilgrimage site.
Ephesus Museum: If time allows, visit the Ephesus Archaeological Museum to see artefacts from the ancient city.
Beaches: Kusadasi has lovely beaches and a vibrant waterfront promenade.
Ladies Beach (Kadinlar Plaji) is one of the most popular in Kusadasi, known for its golden sands and clear waters. It’s a great spot for swimming and water sports.
Long Beach (Uzun Plaj) is a long stretch of sandy beach with various beach clubs, restaurants, and water sports activities.
Kustur Beach is a quieter and more relaxed beach.
Local Cuisine: Try these Turkish dishes: Kebabs, mezes, and baklava.
Visit a Mosque: While Ephesus is primarily known for its ancient ruins and historical sites, there is a notable mosque you can visit in the area: İsa Bey Mosque (Isa Bey Camii): This mosque is located in the town of Selcuk, which is the modern-day town nearest to the ancient city of Ephesus. The İsa Bey Mosque is one of the oldest and most important historical mosques in the region. It was built in the 14th century and is known for its impressive architecture and serene atmosphere. The mosque is also situated near the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
We peeked into a mosque near the port after I heard the call to the Muslims for prayer on the loudspeaker. I was intrigued to learn more about it, but wasn’t sure about the rules for visiting so I’m sharing them here:
During the prayer hours/periods, you are not allowed to be inside the mosque. But in between two sessions, you are more than welcome. Some people might be praying outside the obligatory prayer times during your visit. Do not stare at, stand close to or walk in front of them.
Turkish ice cream tricks: After watching YouTube videos our kids were excited to purchase Turkish ice cream. Vendors serve the ice cream cone on a stick and then take it away as soon as the customer tries to grab it by rotating it around, tossing it in the air, and making it disappear, before finally giving it to the customer. It was a hit!
Guided Tours: Consider taking a guided tour to make the most of your time and gain historical insights. We took a private tour with the company, Explore Ephesus Tour. They picked us up from our ship and we visited: Ephesus Ancient City, the Temple of Artemis, and the Virgin Mary House. We also stopped at a ceramic, leather, and rug shop where we had an included lunch.
Turkey is renowned for its exquisite handmade rugs. The kids learned how the rugs are made and even got to weave the rugs. We really enjoyed the demonstration but it ended with a hard sell. I recommend being very upfront that you don’t want to buy rugs unless you do. If you show any interest they will keep bringing more rugs out. If you don’t want the hard sell I’d consider booking a tour without these stops.
We enjoyed the ceramic shop demonstration. They gave our kids pottery to paint and they really enjoyed this.
No hard sell at the ceramic or leather shop.
At the leather shop, we watched a fashion show. At the end of the fashion show, they included two of our kids who modeled leather jackets. It was a fun experience, especially since Charlotte dreams of becoming a fashion designer.
Kusadasi Grand Bazaar
After our tour, we had plenty of time to shop. When visiting Kusadasi, you'll find a variety of unique and authentic souvenirs to take home as mementoes of your trip. The main shopping area near the cruise port is referred to as the Kusadasi Grand Bazaar.
This Bazaar is a bustling marketplace where you can find a wide range of goods, including souvenirs, textiles, jewellery, spices, carpets, and Turkish delights. It's a popular spot for visitors to shop for mementos and local products. This area is within walking distance of the cruise port, making it convenient for cruise passengers to explore and shop during their stops in Turkey.
Some of the best souvenirs to consider include:
1. Ceramics: Turkish ceramics, including intricately designed plates, bowls, and tiles, are popular souvenirs. Look for traditional blue and white patterns or more colourful, hand-painted options.
2. Carpets and Rugs: Turkey is famous for its beautiful handwoven carpets and rugs. While they can be an investment, they make for beautiful, long-lasting souvenirs.
3. Spices and Turkish Delights: Explore the local markets for a wide variety of spices, including saffron, sumac, and Turkish delight, a popular sweet treat.
4. Jewelry: Turkish jewelery is known for its intricate designs. Consider purchasing pieces made of gold, silver, or semi-precious stones like turquoise.
5. Textiles: Turkish textiles, such as silk scarves and pashmina shawls, are beautiful and practical souvenirs.
6. Evil Eye Talismans (Nazar Boncuk): The Nazar Boncuk, a blue and white eye-shaped amulet, is believed to protect against the evil eye. You can find them as keychains, pendants, or home decorations.
7. Olive Oil and Olive-Based Products: Turkey is known for its olive oil, olives, and related products. Look for high-quality olive oils and olive soaps.
8. Traditional Turkish Instruments: If musically inclined, consider purchasing traditional Turkish musical instruments like the saz or darbuka.
9. Designer knockoff handbags: You will see lots of shops selling designer knockoff handbags. My girlfriend and I had a fun time bartering for a lower price. Just know around $30.00 is a good place to end your bartering. Some shops claim their purses are better quality and won’t come down in price...😆 Keep walking!
10. Bookmarks: I bought several colorful Turkish bookmarks as gifts. They are inexpensive and make great presents for school teachers and book lovers.
Remember to plan your activities according to your cruise ship's schedule to ensure you have enough time to return to the ship before departure. Kusadasi is beautiful with a lot to offer, even on a short visit.
