The history of the city is not very interesting, because nothing so important developed here in antiquity, such as Eph (the local port won the competition). In ancient times the city of Neapolis existed here, using the convenient topography of the region, with a preferably located bay. The city obtained the status of a free city only in the middle of the 2nd century., during the reign of the Roman emperor Antoninus Pius. Do XIII w. Neapolis was vegetating, without going down in history with anything special. There was hope for a while, that after the fall of Ephesus due to the siltation of the port there, the people of Neapolis would take over the trade, but then Smyrna came to the fore (Izmir), eliminating competition. About 1260 r. the city was taken over by the Genoese, who called them Scala Nuova (New Port). Under their leadership, it has grown considerably thanks to the benefits of trading, what the Italians specialized in then. But the idyll did not last long. The Ottoman Turks started to look at these areas and they conquered them even faster. As a consequence, sleepy stagnation again crept into urban life. W XIX w. the town had approx. 8000 residents, many of whom were Greeks and Armenians. It was then that trade revived again, mainly with Greece and Egypt (mainly grain, cotton and raisins). The good streak, however, was brutally interrupted by the outbreak of the war with the Greeks (1919). During the time of the Republic of Kusadasi it was a fishing town, living partly from agriculture. The popularity began, surprisingly, gained already in the years 70., but then still, as we know, the term "mass tourism" was unknown. The state of affairs has changed rapidly over the years 80., to which this once charming town owes a completely new look, and therefore also character.

As a small town, with approx. 50 thousand. residents, is Kusadasi, together with Bodrum, the largest tourist bathing area on the Aegean coast. Once a port, a town picturesquely situated on the bay, in the mid 80's, thanks to tourism it has experienced a great renaissance. Today, its appearance is made up of luxurious hotels, expensive restaurants, loud discos and hundreds of shops, and all of this is geared towards you, dear reader. Staying in this place in high season can be a bit tiring. If someone is reluctant to all kinds of clutter, he can skip Kusadasi without remorse (although it is a pity for the local medieval fortress and the historic caravan-seraglio), unless we treat them as a base (which is worth recommending) to the beautiful ancient ruins of Priene in the south, Miletus and Didim and the Dilek National Park. Of course, sun-hungry people will visit Kusadasi, beach and sea. Indeed, you could spend a few days here, but preferably out of season, that is, in May, june, September or October, because then it is the most pleasant, and most of all, take it easy.

Drive, orientation, connections

We can get to Kusadasi from Selcuk by dolmus or minibus (1 USD, 30 min). The bus terminal in Kusadasi is located approx. 2 km south of the center, on the main Selcuk road – Up. From the station to the city center, approx. 15 min. dolmus run (0,4 USD), which along Kahramanlar Cad. lub Ismet lnónu Bulv (then it is best to get off at the crossroads with Adnan Menderes Buk) they will take us to Ataturk Bulw.

The main streets of the city are the aforementioned Ataturk Bulv "that is, the coastal street-promenade running along the waterfront from south to north., and the promenade Barbaros Hayrettin Bulv. extending from the northern end of Kahramanlar Cad. (at the Haci Hatine Hamm mosque) all the way to the coast. At its end, we find a characteristic point in the form of a historic and renovated large Ottoman caravanserai, which now houses a luxury hotel. Before, going straight, we will come to the coast, where we will see the opposite island. Turn right from the caravanserai, we will be on Ataturk Bulv and a public beach nearby. The main shopping district stretches to the north of the Barbaros Hayrettin Buk intersection with Saglik Cad., which in turn leads to another important street of the city – Ismet lónú Cad.