Cruises to Kusadasi

580 Reviews
Kusadasi (Photo:muratart/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Kusadasi

Nearly 20 years ago when we first sailed to Kusadasi, our gulet, a traditional Turkish sailing vessel, docked in a modest marina across from a row of open-air shops. We came to explore nearby Ephesus, one of the Mediterranean's most impressive ancient sites whose ruins detail life in the once-powerful Greek and later Roman city. Upon returning to Kusadasi, our guide herded us into what he swore was "the best carpet shop in Turkey." In between sips of thick Turkish coffee, we haggled with the owner, eventually settling on a blue Hereke, which we stowed in the yacht before dining at the simple dockside eatery.

Remarkably, our rug's much the same, but everything else has changed. Now the former seaside village's population hovers around 50,000, streets bustle with tourists, rug shops bloom in high-rise buildings, and an air-conditioned shopping mall with sleek jewelry stores and European fashion boutiques anchors the modern port.

What Kusadasi lacks in charm it makes up for in locale. At Ephesus, about nine miles from town, you'll travel back thousands of years. The Terrace Houses, now open to the public, make the centuries-old city even more enthralling.

Despite Kusadasi's crowds, you can still find an outdoor cafe to sip Turkish wine, savor just-caught fish and enjoy the sea breezes. Plan your trip to Kusadasi with our upcoming Turkey cruise itineraries.

  • More about Kusadasi

  • Why Cruise to Kusadasi?

  • Kusadasi Cruise Port Facilities?

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Viking Jupiter
Viking Jupiter Aquavit Terrace (Photo: Viking Ocean Cruises)

14 Night
Mediterranean Antiquities

426 Reviews
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Norwegian Pearl
Norwegian Pearl

11 Night
Greek Isles & Italy

2,401 Reviews
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Oosterdam
Oosterdam

10 Night
Mediterranean Odyssey

1,087 Reviews
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Island Princess
Island Princess (Photo: Princess Cruises)

10 Night
Mediterranean Cruise

1,228 Reviews
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8 Night
Aegean Sea Odyssey Via The Corinth Canal 8d Pir-is...

124 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

7 Night
Ancient Mediterranean Treasures

2,050 Reviews
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14 Night
Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise

582 Reviews
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9 Night
Europe Cruise

3,266 Reviews
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9 Night
Eastern Mediterranean

3,266 Reviews
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12 Night
Greek Isles, Italy & Turkey

40 Reviews
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10 Night
Mediterranean Cruise

1,228 Reviews
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11 Night
Mediterranean Odyssey

1,087 Reviews
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14 Night
Lands Of Legends & Eternal Cities

267 Reviews
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11 Night
Ancient Kingdoms & Turkish Delight

1,087 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

10 Night
Greek Isles & Turkey

2,313 Reviews
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More about Kusadasi

Why Cruise to Kusadasi?

Pros:

Cruisers don't have to trek far to see the ancient city of Ephesus, which is roughly 12 miles away

Cons:

History and culture buffs usually need to leave the city to get their fix

Bottom Line:

Kusadasi is an easily walkable port, packed with alfresco cafes, beaches and stunning viewpoints

Kusadasi Cruise Port Facilities?

The modern cruise port terminal, just across the street from the main part of town, features shops, outdoor cafes, a seafood market and a modern mini-mall called Scala Nuova. Like malls in the U.S., some spaces are empty, but others stock European fashions, Western brands like Diesel and Birkenstock, and Turkish delight, pastries, and other sweets.

Starbucks fronts the sea, and the cafes serve wine, beer and mezze, the Turkish word for appetizers. The port contains a Burger King and several pizzerias. The facility also has a duty-free shop, which you can only access on your way back to the ship.

Good to Know?

Jewelry stores selling zultanite, a gemstone also known as Turkish diaspore. Mined only in Turkey's Anatolian mountains, the gemstone isn't widely distributed in the country. Many shops claiming to sell zultanite rings, brooches and necklaces substitute colored glass for the stone.

Getting Around?

On Foot: Kusadasi is easily explored on foot. Your ship will provide a map of the area, but you can also obtain one from the Kusadasi Tourist Information Office, across the street from the harbor in the Iskele Meydani (+90 256 6141103).

By Taxi: Ephesus is the focal point of a call at the port. If you're not headed there on a ship-sponsored excursion, organize a private taxi trip. Taxis are readily available. Make sure you confirm the price before setting off, and be sure your driver will drop you off at one end and pick you up at the other. Less expensive than private taxis, the minibuses (dolmus) accommodate up to 15 passengers.

By Car: Kusadasi has car rental agencies. It's best to reserve vehicles ahead of time. Make sure you have all the necessary licenses and insurance.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The currency is the Turkish Lira, and ATM machines abound. Many shops and restaurants are perfectly happy to accept euros and dollars, although the exchange rate may not be quite what you expect.

Language?

It's Turkish, but most of the locals know enough English to get you by.

Where You're Docked?

You'll tie up very close to the action. Cruise ships dock at Kusadasi Port, built on an "arm" that stretches out into the main harbor. The shops spread out from there.


Kusadasi Cruise Reviews
WE did an all day tour- with a Viator company- and enjoyed our own pace at Ephesus- including the Terrace houses ( a must!) also in spite of the hard sell - we enjoyed the carpet demo and the ceramic demo- and delicRead More
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RoRothman
My favourite port. Ephesus is remarkable. Kusadasi is wonderful.Read More
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DarrenM
You MUST visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus. One of the top ancient tours on the planet. The city of Kusadasi is a vibrant blend of shops and restaurants with a nice beach area. It is a major vacation spot for sevRead More
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top travelers
While in Kusadasi we visited the historic ruins of Ephesus, which are incredible. Because the site is so large and off on its own with no modern buildings nearby, you get a real sense of going back in time to visit tRead More
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Jenora2012

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