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Türkiye · Aegean

Kuşadası and Ephesus travel guide

The Roman city of Ephesus and a busy beach resort

The Library of Celsus, Ephesus. Photo: Benh LIEU SONG, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3h 45mflight from London
ADBnearest main airport
28° in Augwarmest month
8° in Jancoolest month

Kuşadası is a lively Aegean resort and cruise port, and the base for Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Its marble streets, theatre and Library of Celsus are unmissable.

Nearby are the House of the Virgin Mary, the hill village of Şirince and long sandy beaches.

Good forHistoryBeachesFamiliesDay trips

What Kuşadası is known for

  • Ephesus

    Marble streets and the Library of Celsus.

  • House of the Virgin Mary

    A pilgrimage site in the hills.

  • Şirince

    A village known for fruit wines.

  • Ladies Beach

    The town's popular beach.

Top things to do in Kuşadası and Ephesus

  1. 1

    Ephesus

    Go at opening to beat the heat and cruise groups.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    The Terrace Houses

    Roman villas with mosaics and frescoes.

    Find tours and tickets
  3. 3

    Şirince

    A pretty hill village.

    Find tours and tickets
  4. 4

    Pigeon Island

    A causeway to a small castle.

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See all tours and tickets in Kuşadası

Where to stay in Kuşadası and Ephesus

Find a hotel in Kuşadası

Best time to visit Kuşadası and Ephesus

Best value: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. April, May, September and October: comfortable for sightseeing and swimming.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
8.2 C8°J9.1 C9°F11.4 C11°M14.7 C15°A19.5 C20°M24 C24°J27.2 C27°J27.6 C28°A23.5 C24°S18.4 C18°O13.7 C14°N9.6 C10°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Kuşadası and Ephesus, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 3h 45m from London to ADB, and flights from most UK airports.

Dolmuş minibuses run to Selçuk and Ephesus. İzmir airport is about an hour away.

Find flights to Kuşadası (ADB)

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Good to know

  • Bring water and a hat: Ephesus has little shade.
  • The Terrace Houses need a separate ticket.
  • Cruise ship days are busiest.
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Kuşadası and Ephesus FAQ

How long do you need at Ephesus?

Three to four hours with the Terrace Houses.

Which airport?

İzmir, about an hour away.

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