Kusadasi
Gateway to ancient Ephesus
Kusadasi is a popular Aegean resort town and the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Combine your dental or aesthetic treatment with a journey through 2,000 years of history, then cool off at a nearby beach.
Kusadasi is a vibrant Aegean resort town that serves as the gateway to one of the most important archaeological sites in the world — the ancient city of Ephesus. Located on Turkiye's western coast, Kusadasi has transformed from a small fishing village into a popular holiday destination and cruise port, while retaining much of its original charm. The town sits on a beautiful bay, with a small island (Guvercin Adasi — Pigeon Island) connected to the mainland by a causeway and crowned by a Byzantine fortress. The surrounding coastline offers excellent beaches, clear water, and dramatic headlands. But the real draw of Kusadasi is its proximity to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean, where you can walk along marble streets lined with temples, libraries, and theatres that were built over 2,000 years ago. Beyond Ephesus, the region offers the charming hill village of Sirince, the ancient temple of Artemis (another of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), and the Dilek Peninsula National Park — a pristine stretch of coastline and forest that offers some of the best beaches and hiking in the Aegean.
Places to explore in Kusadasi
Discover the landmarks, attractions, and hidden gems that make Kusadasi an unforgettable destination.
Ancient City of Ephesus
Ephesus (Efes in Turkish) is one of the most magnificent archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking along its marble-paved streets, past the remarkably preserved Library of Celsus, through the Great Theatre (which once seated 25,000 spectators), and along the colonnaded Harbour Street, you get a vivid sense of what life was like in one of the greatest cities of the ancient world. Ephesus was founded in the 10th century BC and reached its peak as the Roman capital of Asia Minor, when its population may have reached 250,000. The Library of Celsus, with its ornate two-storey facade, is the iconic image of Ephesus and one of the most photographed ancient structures in the world. The Terrace Houses (Yamaç Evleri), excavated and beautifully restored, reveal the luxurious private homes of Ephesus's wealthy elite — with mosaic floors, frescoed walls, and even underfloor heating. The Great Theatre, carved into the hillside of Mount Panayir, is where St. Paul is said to have preached to the Ephesians. Allow at least three hours for your visit, and arrive early in the morning to avoid the cruise ship crowds.
Sirince Village
Sirince is a picture-perfect hill village that feels like it belongs on a Greek island rather than the Turkish mainland — which makes sense, as it was originally a Greek settlement until the population exchanges of 1923. The village is set on a hillside surrounded by olive groves, orchards, and vineyards, with narrow cobblestone streets winding between stone and timber houses with overhanging balconies. The village's two historic churches — one Catholic, one Orthodox — have been restored and can be visited. Sirince is famous for its fruit wines, and numerous small shops along the main street offer tastings of wines made from peach, strawberry, cherry, pomegranate, and other local fruits. The village also has excellent small restaurants serving traditional Aegean cuisine, including home-cooked dishes like stuffed vine leaves, lamb stew, and handmade pasta with local herbs. Saturday is market day, when local farmers bring their produce to the village square. For a peaceful afternoon during your recovery, Sirince's gentle atmosphere, beautiful setting, and warm hospitality make it an ideal escape from the busier coastal towns.
Dilek Peninsula National Park
The Dilek Peninsula National Park (Dilek Yarimadasi Milli Parki) is a protected area of pristine natural beauty located about 28 kilometres south of Kusadasi. The park encompasses a mountainous peninsula covered in dense Mediterranean forest — pine, laurel, oleander, and maquis scrubland — that plunges into crystal-clear Aegean waters. The peninsula has four main beaches, each more beautiful than the last. Icmeler Beach, the first and most accessible, has fine pebbles and turquoise water. Aydınlık Beach, further along, is even more secluded. Kavakli Beach and Karasu Beach, at the far end of the park, are among the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches in the Aegean. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including wild horses, wild boar, deer, and numerous bird species. Hiking trails wind through the forest, offering views over the sea and, on clear days, across to the Greek island of Samos. The park's combination of clean beaches, clear water, and untouched nature makes it a wonderful day trip from Kusadasi — perfect for gentle beach relaxation or a short forest walk during your recovery period.
Available treatments
Best time to visit
April–October
Airport
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) — 1 hour away
Free cancellation before 15 days
Medical tourism in Kusadasi
Kusadasi has dental and aesthetic clinics that cater to both tourists and the local population. The town's popularity with European tourists and cruise passengers has spurred the development of quality medical facilities, with English-speaking staff and competitive prices. Dental treatments — including veneers, crowns, implants, and whitening — are the most popular procedures. The relaxed resort atmosphere and excellent beaches make Kusadasi a pleasant place to recover, with the added bonus of world-class historical sites to explore during your healing period.
Culture & history
The ancient city of Ephesus is the cultural centrepiece of the Kusadasi region and one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. But the area's cultural offerings extend far beyond Ephesus. The village of Sirince, perched on a hillside about 8 kilometres inland, is a beautifully preserved Greek village with cobblestone streets, stone houses with terracotta roofs, and a tradition of fruit wine making. The House of the Virgin Mary (Meryemana), a small stone building in the mountains above Ephesus, is believed by many to be the last home of the Virgin Mary and is a pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims. The Basilica of St. John in nearby Selcuk marks the believed burial site of the apostle John. The Temple of Artemis, though now reduced to a single column standing in a marshy field, is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and carries enormous historical significance.
Food & cuisine
Kusadasi's cuisine is classic Aegean — fresh, light, and centred on seafood, olive oil, and seasonal vegetables. The town's harbourside restaurants serve excellent grilled fish, calamari, octopus, and shrimp. The meyhane tradition is alive here, with long evenings of meze and raki by the waterfront. Local specialities include the region's excellent olive oil (the Aydin province, of which Kusadasi is part, produces some of Turkiye's finest), artichoke dishes in spring, and herb-based Aegean dishes like otlu borek (herb pastries). The village of Sirince is famous for its fruit wines — made from peach, strawberry, cherry, mulberry, and other local fruits — which can be tasted and purchased at numerous small shops throughout the village. Breakfast in the region is a generous Aegean affair, with fresh cheeses, herbs, olives, tomatoes, and homemade jams.
Where to stay
Kusadasi offers everything from large resort hotels on the beach to intimate guesthouses in the town centre. The beachfront hotels along Ladies Beach (Kadinlar Denizi) and Long Beach offer easy access to sand and sea. The town centre has smaller, character-filled hotels within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the harbour. For a more unique experience, staying in Sirince village offers charming stone guesthouses surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Many medical tourism patients prefer hotels in the town centre for their proximity to clinics and restaurants.
Getting around
Kusadasi is a compact town that can largely be explored on foot. Dolmus (shared minibuses) connect the town to nearby beaches, Selcuk (for Ephesus), and Sirince. Taxis are available for longer trips. Many hotels and clinics arrange tours and transfers. The nearest airport is Izmir Adnan Menderes (ADB), about an hour's drive away, with regular shuttle services to Kusadasi.
Recovery in Kusadasi
Kusadasi offers a relaxed, uncomplicated recovery experience. The town's compact size, excellent restaurants, and accessible beaches mean you'll have everything you need within easy reach. After your treatment, you can spend your mornings at the beach, your afternoons exploring the old town or visiting Ephesus, and your evenings enjoying fresh seafood at a harbourside restaurant. The pace of life here is unhurried, the locals are friendly and helpful, and the warm Aegean climate promotes a sense of wellbeing that supports healing. For a change of scene, a half-day trip to Sirince or Dilek National Park offers gentle stimulation without overexertion.
Kusadasi at a glance
Travel tip
Visit Ephesus early morning to avoid crowds. The village of Sirince is a 30-minute drive and perfect for a wine-tasting afternoon.
Ready to visit Kusadasi?
Book your treatment in Kusadasi today. Hotel and transfers included. Free cancellation before 15 days.
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