Roughly halfway along Turkey's western Aegean coast and 80km South of the airport at Izmir as the crow flies, Kusadasi stands on a sheltered Aegean bay where the island/peninsula of Guvercin Ada Pigeon Island, a charming islet topped by a small Genoese fortress, projects into the sea at one end, and the mountain of Kaz Dağı rises inland.

Kuşadası is the largest resort on Turkey's Aegean Coast with its residential population of 50,000 rising to over half a million during the summer with tourists from Turkey itself, northern Europe and the Balkans. Used by cruise ships as the gateway to Ephesus Kusadasi, the harbour sits next to the walls of the tiny Old Town/Caravanserai which encircle scores of shops, restaurants and nightspots. A pleasant stretch of sand is Kadinlar Beach (Ladies Beach), and Green Beach, a further 500m south is a pleasant small sandy beach with grassy areas under its palm trees. Long Beach, south of Kusadasi, stretches for over 6km while the most peaceful are those in the Dilek National Park (Dilek Milli Parki), with a pine-backed shore line.

The crystal-clear waters of the Aegean coastline mean that snorkelling and scuba-diving are very popular and a ‘Blue Cruise' - sailing along the Turkish coastline on a gulet (traditional sailing boat), is an essential part of the experience. There is Family fun at the waterparks of Adaland, Aqualand, Pamucak and AquaFantasy at Ephesus Beach, with many rides and flumes, rafting and other adventures.

Set in the Old Town of Kusadasi is The Grand Bazaar, with around 1,000 stalls offering beautiful carpets and handmade crafts, ‘genuine fake' Rolexes, designer clothing - every Turkish product possible. And every Friday villagers from around Kusadasi bring their fruits and vegetables to market in the centre.

Barlar Sokagi, better known as Bar Street in the Old Town is the centre of Kusadasi's more energetic nightlife. Asagi Barlar Sokagi, Lower Bar Street, is filled with equally lively Turkish bars. For a quieter night many attractive old houses have been converted into more sedate drinking dens, some with jazz or for for the complete Turkish experience visit a “folklore show”, with belly dancers such as the Club Caravanserail.

The 2,000-year old ruins of Ephesus, the Roman capital of Asia lie just 18km to the North East of Kusadasi, among the world's best examples of such ancient cities. Adjacent in Selçuk you will find the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. Priene, Miletus, and Didim are also well worth a visit.

The Greek island of Samos just a few minutes across the water. On a day trip you'll have time to wander around the attractive harbour town of Vathy (Samos Town) and perhaps take a short excursion into the verdant mountainous countryside beyond.