Kusadasi Cruise Port Tours and Activities

One of the most popular resort towns along Turkey’s Aegean Coast and the gateway to the UNESCO-listed wonders of Ephesus, the Kusadasi cruise port welcomes some 200,000 cruise passengers each year. It’s also a jumping-off point for regular ferry service to the surrounding Greek Islands.

A popular shore excursion from Kusadasi is to Ephesus; the ruins of the ancient Greek city are among the most remarkable in Turkey. It’s possible to take in Ephesus highlights on a half-day tour, but full-day tours mean you can include a stop at other significant sites along the way. See the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be Mary’s place of death; visit the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; or browse the artisan workshops in Şirince village. 

In Kusadasi, the main attractions include the hilltop fortress on Pigeon Island (accessible by a footbridge just across from the port) and the old town of Kaleici, where the bazaars are a great place to shop for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. 

The cruise port is located right in the heart of Kusadasi, and it’s an easy 5-minute walk to the main shopping area. For those traveling further or with luggage, taxis are also readily available at the port. 

Port Information 

The cruise ship terminal is part of the Scala Nuova mall, which has a variety of Western-style shops and restaurants, as well as an ATM and currency exchange. The currency is the Turkish lira, although euros and US dollars may be accepted at some stores. Turkish is the official language, but it’s typically easy to get by in English.