Kuşadası is one of Turkey's largest and most cosmopolitan resorts and a stopping off point for the big cruise-liners. It is a good all round resort, offering great beaches, excellent shopping and some serious nightlife. Kuşadası literally means 'Bird Island' and takes its name from the tiny islet known as Güvercin Adası or Pigeon Island, which is attached to the mainland by a causeway and boasts a 14th century Genoese fort.
Kuşadası's setting also makes it a good base for those wanting to visit Ephesus which is only approximately 30 minutes' drive away.
It is also surrounded by some of Turkey's most beautiful national park including the Kalamaki National Park, which lies on the Dilek Peninsula, approx. 30 kms to the south. Dense pine trees cover the mountains which plunge dramatically down to beaches and crystal-clear sea. Some of Turkey's rarest wild animals can be found here including the Anatolian cheetah and wild horses. Sundays are often busy with local visitors. Another stunning spot in the vicinity is Lake Bafa which is approx, 80 kms south east of Kuşadası.