Kusadasi Castle Tours

Built and extended between the 14th and 18th centuries, picturesque Kusadasi Castle sits on Pigeon Island (Guvercin Adasa), an islet connected to Kusadasi via a causeway. Originally constructed as a military base, the fortress is composed of outer walls that enclose its gardens and an inner castle with a tiny museum.
The Basics
One of Kusadasi’s most popular attractions, Kusadasi Castle is dubbed the “Pirate Castle” for being originally constructed to protect Kusadasi’s harbor from piratical and other sea attacks. Now home to a handful of maritime exhibits, the castle draws sightseers who come to explore its battlements and gardens, discover its history, and absorb its panoramas over Kusadasi bay.
Visitors can explore the castle freely during its opening hours simply by walking along the causeway. Alternatively, many opt to see it as part of a tour or cruise. Several daylong boat trips from Kusadasi call at Pigeon Island—or offer close-up views from the water—while many 4WD tours include a quick stop. Some multi-day tours of Turkey that cover Kusadasi also include a castle visit.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
The easiest way to visit Kusadasi Castle independently is on foot, via a scenic 15-minute walk along the causeway—its entrance can be found on Guvercin Adasi Cd near Kusadasi’s New Port. Cabs and dolmus minibuses will run you there—aim for the No. 5 dolmus, as it stops right outside. Otherwise, choose a tour that includes a castle stop.
When to Get There
Kusadasi Castle opens daily year-round, from 9am–11pm May–September and 9am–9pm October–April. As one of Kusadasi’s main draws, it can get fairly busy in summer, especially in July and August, when arriving early is the best way to enjoy it at its quietest and coolest. Be aware that during the summer, occasional evening discos are held on the grounds.
What to Do and See at Kusadasi Castle
Visitors can head into the castle’s small museum to view its historical models of ships and prize exhibit—the skeleton of a 47.5-foot (14.5-meter) fin whale. Other pleasures include strolling the palm-shaded gardens, which are dotted with information boards on the castle and local flora and fauna; climbing to the battlements; and simply soaking in the sweeping views of Kusadasi over drinks and meze dishes at the café.
The Basics
One of Kusadasi’s most popular attractions, Kusadasi Castle is dubbed the “Pirate Castle” for being originally constructed to protect Kusadasi’s harbor from piratical and other sea attacks. Now home to a handful of maritime exhibits, the castle draws sightseers who come to explore its battlements and gardens, discover its history, and absorb its panoramas over Kusadasi bay.
Visitors can explore the castle freely during its opening hours simply by walking along the causeway. Alternatively, many opt to see it as part of a tour or cruise. Several daylong boat trips from Kusadasi call at Pigeon Island—or offer close-up views from the water—while many 4WD tours include a quick stop. Some multi-day tours of Turkey that cover Kusadasi also include a castle visit.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Kusadasi Castle is a must for history, archaeology, and maritime enthusiasts.
- Several steep stairways make access difficult for wheelchair users and visitors with strollers.
- A café and restrooms are located on the grounds.
- There’s no admission fee to pay.
How to Get There
The easiest way to visit Kusadasi Castle independently is on foot, via a scenic 15-minute walk along the causeway—its entrance can be found on Guvercin Adasi Cd near Kusadasi’s New Port. Cabs and dolmus minibuses will run you there—aim for the No. 5 dolmus, as it stops right outside. Otherwise, choose a tour that includes a castle stop.
When to Get There
Kusadasi Castle opens daily year-round, from 9am–11pm May–September and 9am–9pm October–April. As one of Kusadasi’s main draws, it can get fairly busy in summer, especially in July and August, when arriving early is the best way to enjoy it at its quietest and coolest. Be aware that during the summer, occasional evening discos are held on the grounds.
What to Do and See at Kusadasi Castle
Visitors can head into the castle’s small museum to view its historical models of ships and prize exhibit—the skeleton of a 47.5-foot (14.5-meter) fin whale. Other pleasures include strolling the palm-shaded gardens, which are dotted with information boards on the castle and local flora and fauna; climbing to the battlements; and simply soaking in the sweeping views of Kusadasi over drinks and meze dishes at the café.
Address: Dağ, Şöförler Sk, Kuşadası/Aydın 09400, Turkey
Admission: Free
7 Tours and Activities to Experience Kusadasi Castle
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PRIVATE TOUR: Best of Ephesus Tours
187
THIS IS A PRIVATE TOUR, NOBODY WILL BE IN THE TOUR BESIDE YOUR PARTY/ Do not lose this opportunity that may come once in your life time. You will visit the most popular sights with an expert local tour guide. This private tour lets you devise your own itinerary. Choose to visit Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and the House of the Virgin Mary; shop for traditional handicrafts; or Terrace Houses.
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From
$96.33
Price varies by group size
From
$96.33
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

SKIP THE LINE : Best Seller Ephesus Private Tour
192
THIS IS A PRIVATE TOUR, NOBODY WILL BE IN THE TOUR BESIDE YOUR PARTY / Discover all the highlights of Ephesus with well-educated professional local tour guide. Visit one of the UNESCO listed places that is Ancient City of Ephesus, walk on the streets where Apostle Paul and John walked, see the Grand Theatre of Ephesus that St. Paul preached to Ephesians, take excellent pictures in front of Celsus Library,explore Roman Baths,Temple of Hadrian, Public Toilets, Marble Street, Agora, etc. See superb preserved Terrace Houses that are for the rich people during the Roman time in Ephesus, famous with unique mosaic and frescos. Feel very peaceful atmosphere of shrine that is the most important Biblical Site in Turkey, House of the Virgin Mary. See the location of Temple of Artemis that is one of the wonders of ancient world. Take great pictures of the fascinating sites with recommendation of your expert local tour guide. Upon to your request, you will have a chance for a local lunch.
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From
$95.00
Price varies by group size
From
$95.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Kusadasi Jeep Safari
2
Experience a hidden side of Turkish nature and history on an exciting 7-hour Jeep safari. Round trip transportation from your Kusadasi hotel or port takes you to Davutlar. Buckle up and begin the action packed ascent up Samson Mountain. Along the way, you may encounter wild horses, turtles, and snakes. After a visit to an ancient monastery, enjoy a complimentary lunch. Relax or swim at Sevgi Beach, before your return.
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From
$49.00
From
$49.00

Boat trip with lunch around Kusadasi peninsula
Spend a day out on a blue cruise around Kusadasi. Take a look of the castle and Birds Island from your double deck boat.
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From
$28.23
From
$28.23
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Private Ephesus Shore Excursion From Kusadasi Cruise Port
Kuşadası is known for its historic landmarks and attractions, but exploring with a crowd can be restrictive. Explore at your own pace and skip long lines on a private tour of Ephesus and beyond, benefiting from the undivided attention of your guide. Opt to explore ancient sites, be immersed in culture with a cookery class or hammam bath, or keep the family entertained at a waterpark on a fully customizable excursion.
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From
$165.00
From
$165.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Discover the town of Kusadasi on a private walking tour
Kusadasi is one of the Turkish Mediterranean's most popular cruise ship ports, and this city is not only about sun and sea. It is also a great historical character and history. We offer you to take a full-day guided tour to see all treasures of this place.
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From
$572.15
From
$572.15
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

SKIP THE LINE: Best Seller Ephesus Small Group Tour for Cruisers ( Max 10 pax )
178
Discover fascinating archaeological site of Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary with an expert local tour guide on this small group tour. Your expert tour guide will meet you at port, then take you two thousand years back with all tiny details that you would have never know existed. This small group tour is a good example of how guided tours should be done, with well prepared guides, who know and love their country and ready to answer all your questions. We ensure great value for money. Upon to your request, you will have a chance for a local lunch in a local restaurant.
THIS SMALL GROUP TOUR ( max 10 pax ) IS ONLY FOR THE CRUISE SHIP GUESTS FROM CRUISE PORTS. IF YOU ARE NOT FROM A CRUISE SHIP, PLEASE DO NOT BOOK THIS TOUR AND CHECK OUR OTHER TOUR OPTIONS.
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From
$49.00
Price varies by group size
From
$49.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
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