NOA Hotels Kusadasi Beach Club

More on Kusadasi, Turkey - Izmir

Set in a spectacular Aegean bay north of Bodrum, Kusadasi is loaded with bazaars, restaurants and ancient sites. But it’s the beaches that make the best first impressions. Ladies Beach is a ribbon of sand just a short dolmus trip from the centre. Once a place where only women could bathe, it’s now open for everyone and comes with watersports aplenty and a seafront packed with restaurants. If you prefer the quieter life though, head round the coast to Guvercin Ada, the peninsula at the end of the bay. You’ll find public and private beaches. Add a castle and a couple of cafes and it makes for a laid-back scene. Away from the sands, meanwhile, you can haggle to your heart’s content in Kusadasi’s chaotic Grand Bazaar. It’s an Aladdin’s Cave of jewellery, clothes and bric-a-brac stalls - we defy you not to leave laden with bags. And then there’s Kusadasi’s extensive list of restaurants. Whether it’s Turkish favourites like kebabs and mezes or familiar British dishes like fish and chips or fry-ups, you’ll find the lot here. If it’s the nightlife you’ve come for, Bar Street is the place. Lined with Irish pubs, bars and clubs, this part of town knows how to party. If you’ve still got time to spare, make the nearby waterparks next on your must-see list. Aqua Fantasy is the biggest, closely followed by Adaland. Full of white-knuckle slides and wave pools, they’re the ideal place to cool off. Meanwhile, history fans should head to the world famous site of Ephesus, the best-preserved classical city in the Med. Make sure you visit the enormous theatre for sweeping views over the city, and the Library of Celsus for marble pillars, intricate friezes and sculptures. Pamukkale’s ‘cotton castles’ or Didyma’s Temple of Apollo are also nearby.