Kusadasi

Kusadas? is a resort town on the Aegean coast of Turkey, near the ancient city of Ephesus, 90 km south of ?zmir and a short distance across from the island of Samos. The name comes from 'ku?' (bird) and 'ada' (island). Just next to the old harbor is a small island that has a rock with the shape of a bird's head (as seen from the sea). It was known as New Ephesus, Scala Nuova, and Kush-Adasi at the beginning of the 20th century.

It is extremely popular as a tourist destination, both for its many beaches, and as the port for cruise ship passengers heading to Ephesus. Kusadas? has a residential population of 50,000 which rises to over half a million during the summer due to local and foreign tourists.

Near Kusadas?, there is a national park full of beautiful beaches just 1 km before the town of Güzelçaml?. Also, several aqua-parks are located near the town: the largest are Aqua Fantasy and Aqua Land.