Weekly Kusadasi Bulletin: December 23 – December 29, 2025
Welcome to Kusadasi!
Hoş Geldiniz! Welcome to the Aegean’s winter wonderland, where the sun still shines on ancient history and the coffee is always hot! We’re officially entering that magical week where the Christmas twinkle fades into the anticipation of New Year’s sparkle. It’s the perfect time to be here: the summer crowds are long gone, the air is crisp and invigorating, and you can truly feel the slow, authentic heartbeat of our coastal town. You’ll find the locals are a little more relaxed, the shopkeepers have time for a longer chat (and a better bargain!), and the aroma of roasted chestnuts is everywhere.
If you’re a cruise passenger spending the day, you’ve hit the jackpot—no elbow-to-elbow rush at the Great Theatre of Ephesus today! If you’re an expat, you know the drill: this is the week we all start politely asking each other if it's "too soon" for yılbaşı (New Year's) plans. The only rush you’ll find is the sprint to grab a waterfront table for a sunset view before the early winter dusk sets in. Settle in, grab a Turkish tea, and let’s plan your week, because Kusadasi is open and waiting!
Current Local Time: 06:16 PM
Weather Watch (December 23 – 29)
This week is a classic Aegean winter mix: a couple of sunny, pleasant days followed by a mid-week shower, and then a crisp, clear weekend.
| Day | High (°C / °F) | Low (°C / °F) | Forecast Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Dec 23 | 17°C / 63°F | 10°C / 50°F | Sunny to Partly Cloudy |
| Wed, Dec 24 | 18°C / 65°F | 12°C / 54°F | Cloudy, Showers Late |
| Thu, Dec 25 | 17°C / 63°F | 9°C / 49°F | Rain Likely |
| Fri, Dec 26 | 16°C / 61°F | 6°C / 43°F | Clear, Cooler |
| Sat, Dec 27 | 13°C / 56°F | 2°C / 36°F | Clear and Chilly |
| Sun, Dec 28 | 12°C / 54°F | 4°C / 40°F | Mainly Clear |
| Mon, Dec 29 | 13°C / 56°F | 4°C / 40°F | Clear |
Packing/Vibe Tip: The days are mild enough for a sunny walk, but the evenings and the weekend will be genuinely cold, dipping towards freezing on Saturday. Bring a warm coat, layers, and swap out the sandals for comfortable, closed-toe boots. And for Thursday, the umbrella is a must-have accessory!
This Week's Pulse (News & Events)
Flashback: Just a few weeks ago, Kusadasi was putting on a fantastic display with a Christmas market and artificial snow on the Promenade to welcome 2025 (in terms of a new calendar year). This sets the tone for the festive spirit that lingers as we head into the next holiday.
Local Scoop: Keep an eye out for news regarding a planned 5-star hotel project in Kusadasi, a sign of continued investment and growth in our beautiful coastal city. For now, the town is calm, focused on local preparations, and welcoming the winter cruise ships.
News in Turkey: The national tourism sector is celebrating a huge year, having crossed the 50 million mark for foreign tourist arrivals in the first eleven months of 2025. This is fantastic for the local economy and reflects Turkey's growing popularity. Also, keep in mind that new national safety regulations have been implemented for the festive season, which include limits on indoor gatherings (50 attendees) and a requirement for outdoor celebrations to be registered, ensuring a safe end to the year.
Cruise Corner (Ege Port): With multiple cruise calls this week, the area around Ege Port will be buzzing! For a quick, efficient shore excursion, skip the long-distance tours and focus on the immediate port area. The Grand Bazaar is literally steps away for your lokum and souvenir shopping. Grab a quick, authentic döner from a small shop on the main street before heading back. The town is investing heavily in its cruise facilities, a trend set to continue, making your experience smoother and more welcoming.
Cruiser's Compass: Kusadasi is a major success story in the Mediterranean cruise world, often serving as the gateway to Ephesus. If you’re planning future cruises, know that Turkey is actively improving its ports, which means better facilities and more itinerary options are on the horizon. For your current trip, remember that Viking Cruises dominates this week’s schedule, so expect a sophisticated, well-traveled crowd!
Taste of the Week: Rooftop Dining
Even in December, Kusadasi’s views are too spectacular to miss. This week, we’re bundling up and heading up for Rooftop Dining—the perfect mix of great food and breathtaking Aegean panoramas.
- The Must-Try: GIO Rooftop
- Perched atop the DoubleTree by Hilton, GIO offers panoramic views of the marina and Kusadasi Beach. The cuisine is a unique blend of Asian and Mediterranean, featuring everything from fine sushi to risotto, often accompanied by live piano or DJ sets. It's the ultimate spot for a romantic, high-end sunset dinner.
- The Hidden Gem: Tayfa Restaurant & Bar Kuşadası
- Highly rated by locals, Tayfa is a fantastic independent spot that offers a cozy atmosphere and a great local menu. It's perfect if you want the rooftop view without the formal hotel vibe—a true local favorite for a relaxed evening.
- The Great Atmosphere: Mezgit Restaurant Kuşadası
- While not a traditional "rooftop," Mezgit is famous for its upper-floor seating that provides a stunning view of the fishing boat wharf and the sunset over the sea. Specializing in Aegean seafood and a wide selection of fresh mezes, this is where you go for the freshest grilled sea bass (levrek) in a charming, traditional setting.
The Planner (Daily Itinerary)
We've split the week into a mix of culture, shopping, and cozy indoor escapes to accommodate the chilly weather!
- Mid-Week Culture & Cozy (Tue-Wed): Take advantage of the pleasant start to the week. Tuesday (Dec 23) is a double-ship day, so head to Ephesus first thing in the morning to beat the crowds, or save it for Wednesday. Wednesday (Dec 24) is perfect for a leisurely afternoon at the Kusadasi Museum (Öküz Mehmet Pasha Caravanserai) before the evening showers roll in.
- Rainy Day Retreat (Thu): The forecast calls for rain, making Thursday (Dec 25) the perfect day for indoor activities. Get lost in the Old Town Bazaar for souvenir hunting and practice your haggling over a hot cup of Turkish coffee. Later, treat yourself to a traditional Turkish bath experience at a local Hamam to warm up and refresh.
- Active & Chilly Weekend (Fri-Mon): The weekend is cold but clear and sunny! Friday (Dec 26) is ideal for a stroll along the waterfront and a visit to Pigeon Island (Güvercinada) to see the Byzantine fortress. Saturday (Dec 27), bundle up for a scenic drive to the nearby village of Şirince for wine tasting and local crafts. Sunday (Dec 28), enjoy a late, relaxed Turkish breakfast at a local spot before prepping for a new work week.
Cruise Ship Radar (December 23, 2025 – January 6, 2026)
The Ege Port is busy this holiday season, primarily hosting the elegant fleet of Viking Cruises.
| Date | Ship Name(s) | Cruise Line |
|---|---|---|
| Tue, Dec 23 | Viking Star, Viking Vela | Viking Cruises |
| Wed, Dec 24 | No Scheduled Ship | |
| Thu, Dec 25 | Viking Saturn | Viking Cruises |
| Fri, Dec 26 | Viking Vesta | Viking Cruises |
| Sat, Dec 27 | No Scheduled Ship | |
| Sun, Dec 28 | No Scheduled Ship | |
| Mon, Dec 29 | Viking Vela | Viking Cruises |
| Tue, Dec 30 | No Scheduled Ship | |
| Wed, Dec 31 | No Scheduled Ship | |
| Thu, Jan 1 | Viking Vesta | Viking Cruises |
| Fri, Jan 2 | No Scheduled Ship | |
| Sat, Jan 3 | No Scheduled Ship | |
| Sun, Jan 4 | Viking Neptune | Viking Cruises |
| Mon, Jan 5 | No Scheduled Ship | |
| Tue, Jan 6 | No Scheduled Ship |
See you next week! For the freshest baklava, the best Ephesus tours, and a full guide to all the quiet beaches, be sure to visit Kusadasi.biz. Güle Güle!