"My trip to Anatolia": Kusadasi with Medes Tour Travel

On the country’s west coast, south of Izmir, Kusadasi is one of the most popular choices for holidays to Turkey. In fact, it is considered one of the most attractive cities of the Aegean. With a classic story of a fishing village turning into an attractive resort, Kusadasi was packed with tourists on cruises coming from all over the world, at least till a few years ago. The recent crisis due to terrorism, has largely changed the situation.  

I arrived there by bus coming from Selcuk, Izmir. It took me about one hour to reach it. The public transport is good, frequent and cheap. They have small buses in Turkey, with about 25 seats, not more. You can buy your ticket on the bus. The place looked cosy and messy to me. My guide explained to me that it was Friday, so that it was like Sundays in the Christian world: people here go the Mosque, or else they go out with their family to do some shopping. 

The old town is full of bazaars, but they sell cheap goods. I am a spoiled European woman, i am used to make shopping in cities like Milan or Bologna or Milano Marittima (near Ravenna) and the difference is really great. What I appreciated most were handcrafted products sold by young people in small boutiques far from the city centre, in the secondary allies. I would suggest you scented soap made of olive oil if you are looking for a present to take back home. 

I also enjoyed the exterior design of some coffee houses. So colourful, they made me think of the not far Greece. One of them was near the old port, where small boats wait for tourists to take them out for excursions. 

Repeatedly dominated by the Byzantines, the Venetians and the Genoese, today the city owes its fortune to the beautiful beaches, cristal clear sea water, adequate and modern tourist facilities and numerous night clubs open until dawn. I did not experience the night life, so I can't tell you anything about it, but I did have a walk on Pigeon Island. 

In 1834 Kusadasi underwent a major reconstruction by the Venetians and the Ottomans and was built the famous fortress. The name in use "Kusadasi" (Bird Island) derives from the fortress. Kuşadası, subject to Izmir until 1954, then became the district of Aydın which followed a period of great evolution. In the Sixties, when it was realized that the location had a great tourism potential, they were built countless hotels, motels, camping sites, holiday villages and seaside villas. Also it was built a yacht harbor, and were expanded facilities of the port itself. When you are at the top of Pigeon Island you will admire a beutiful view.

The castle is well preserved and is enriched by a large, well mantained garden. Inside you can observe the paleontological remains of a whale. The atmosphere of the place is ideal for a romatic stroll, just in case you are in a good company. The Turkish flag dominates the bay and the landscape is worth a visit.