Car & Van Hire - Kusadasi

Kuşadası celebrates a wide variety of Islamic and national festivals, from the important Kurban Bayramı in August to Independence Day on 23rd April. One of Kuşadası's most intriguing events is Labour Day, when folk bands and food stalls bustle in the town centre. More unique to the region is Kuşadası Gençlik Festivali, a five-day music festival in July that takes place along Sevgi Beach.

Kuşadası is a tourist town with a focus on recreational sports. These include a variety of water sports, beach-based games and quad bike excursions. Still, several local football teams provide regular games to spectate. These include both the Kuşadasıspor and Kuşadası Yıldız Fenerspor clubs in the regional amateur league. Matches take place at Kuşadasıspor.

Kuşadası is popular for beach enthusiasts, but the region is also bursting with culture and history from the Byzantine Empire. Visit the spectacular Kuşadası Castle, a 14th-century island fortress built by the Ottomans. The town centre also features several impressive 17th-century mosques; Kaleiçi Camii and Hacı Ibrahim Camii.

The Aegean beaches of Kuşadası are among the most popular pastimes. While Kuşadası's Town Beach provides central sea access, the most popular is Kadınlar Denizi (or Ladies Sea) to the south. Follow the coast in either direction for fine stretches of sand and more secluded spots. As an alternative to the sea, many water parks provide fun days out for families with young ones, including Adaland, Pinebay and Magic Aqua World.

Kuşadası offers a wide variety of food options, from classic Mediterranean and Turkish flavours to Western grills. Classics like Simit, a sort of seeded bagel, are sold throughout the market areas. You can also enjoy portions of Manti, a Turkish ravioli stuffed with lamb. As for restaurants, expect plenty of impressive waterfront eateries like Damla, Ali Baba and Mezgit, each complementing the views with flavours from the sea.

Kuşadası's must-visit shopping spots are its bazaars. These include the Grand Bazaar, Orient Bazaar and Sosyete Bazaar, among others. While there is a tendency for fake clothing brands, there are also fine gifts, food and jewellery on sale. Other highlights include the Kuşadası Shopping Centre, an open-air mall offering local boutiques with a fashion focus.

Kuşadası is blessed by its Aegean location, surrounded by spectacular historic sites like Ephesus, Didyma, Priene and Miletus. These ancient cities provide impressive day trips that will delight all ages with their romantic ruins of legend. After exploring these many temples, libraries and fountains of ancient knowledge, visit the House of the Virgin Mary. This Catholic shrine and pilgrimage site is believed to be the residence of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in her later years.

Kusadasi is a convenient town to drive in, with good road connections to major cities nearby. As a tourist town, the roads do not get particularly busy, with intercity buses and coaches sticking to the major routes. While connections to cities and tourist towns like Selcuk, Izmir, Aydin and Didim are convenient, local roads can be narrow and winding.

Kusadasi is served by the D515 state road, a convenient 50-km-long dual-carriageway connecting Selcuk to Soke. This is the main route in and out of Kusadasi for travel across Turkey, connecting to important state highways. All other roads in the area are single-carriageways, including the scenic, vineyard-lined Aydin Blv.

For those with a car or van rental in Kusadasi, it is important to remember that vehicles are driven on the right side of the road in Turkey. Speed limits are always expressed in km/h and are well signposted. Traffic limits are largely enforced by mobile cameras in and around Kusadasi, but some static cameras are in operation. Always abide by the signposted limits. In Kusadasi, this is often limited to 50 km/h around town and 90 km/h on state roads, although some portions increase to 120 km/h.

There is no shortage of parking in Kusadasi, with on-street parking and designated lots (signposted as Otopark). Hotels, restaurants and shopping centres also provide parking, generally in a designated lot. Ensure your hotel provides parking if staying within the town centre itself.

Kusadasi is not a particularly congested town, although its car parks can swell in peak season. The rush hour is typically limited to between 07:00 to 09:00 and 15:00 19:00, particularly on roads linking the D515. Be mindful of large tourist coaches manoeuvring, particularly on local roads, when heading to attractions.