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Holiday Hotspot – Kusadasi Turkey Kusadasi in Turkey is the gateway to one of the most legendary cities of the ancient world: Ephesus. St. Paul preached in its Great Theatre, while the facade of the Celsus Library survives as a testament to the city’s role as a centre of learning and culture. Not far from Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis (also known as the Temple of Diana), one of the Seven
Ladies Beach Kusadasi Turkey.j
Wonders of the ancient world, once stood, drawing pilgrims from around the Mediterranean. While it no longer stands, it is possible to walk amongst its foundations and the remains of its towering columns. Other historic sites can also be found nearby: The House of Mary is believed to be the home of Jesus’s mother at the end of her life, and the Basilica of St. John, con-
structed in the 6th century, marks the location of his tomb. (Like Mary, he spent his final years in Ephesus.) Nearby, the Selcuk fortress reflects the period of Byzantine and Ottoman control of the region. Although there is little historical interest in Kusadasi itself, the town is popular predominantly because of its many hotels, restaurants, and lively nightlife however the Kale district has some old traditional houses and narrow streets, and gives some indication of what the town used to be like. Kusadasi is also a shopper’s paradise and best buys include branded fashion wear, leather goods, jewellery, rugs and spices. Grand Bazaar is a vast collection of small stores and is the secondlargest bazaar in the country, after Istanbul’s. The Orient Bazaar is an open-air alternative. Savvy shoppers will be able to find bargains on everything from Turkish towels to designer knock-offs, but remember haggling is expected and the pressure to buy can be intense. Kuşadasi has a variety of beaches scattered along its 40 km coastline. The most popular and best on the coastline is Ladies Beach which owes its name to the fact that the
Robert Walshe at Ephesus Turkey.
ladies of Kuşadasi were once able to bathe here unashamedly (without men being present). Nowadays, men are also welcome! There are several small beaches further south, and closer to town is Yilanci Burnu, the peninsular. It’s not just the beaches that come in multiple numbers – Kusadasi has 3 water parks within easy reach, too. There’s Aqualand, at Kusadasi’s Long Beach, for a start. On the outskirts, you’ve got Aqua Fantasy, part of an up market hotel and spa complex, which comes with DJs and dance shows as well and Adaland, with its dolphin and sea park. The Palmwings Hotel Ephesus is an
Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio www.robertwalshe.com or www.goqradio.com
impressive hotel set among lush tropical green gardens. Boasting a fabulous beachfront location and enjoying magnificent views of the blue Aegean Sea where beauty and luxury are guaranteed. A refurbishment program took place last summer. Located in the Bay of Pamucak at sea level. The Palmwings Ephesus is less than a 10 minute drive to the centre of Kusadasi and is serviced by the local Dolmus that stops just outside the hotel. Sunway are offering a one week all inclusive holiday from €904 per person sharing departing September 9th ex Dublin. For more fares see www.sunway.ie