Welcome to Kusadasi
Welcome to a rather eventful week in Kusadasi. While the spring wildflowers are blooming across the hills of Ephesus and the cafe terraces are finally shaking off the winter chill, the local political landscape is looking a bit more confined. Local Time: 12:53 PM. It seems our Mayor, Ömer Günel, has traded his office for a state sponsored cell following the latest bribery probe, a move that surprised absolutely no one who follows the predictable rhythm of opposition crackdowns. We must admire the timing: right as the tourist season kicks into gear. And of course, the European Union response has been a masterclass in selective hearing. Their silence is so profound it is almost poetic, proving once again that democracy is a wonderful ideal until it interferes with the quiet flow of regional stability. For those of us on the ground, the tea is still hot and the ships are still coming, even if the town hall is currently operating under new management. We suggest enjoying the view from the harbor while the political theater plays out its inevitable script.
Quick Links: Beaches | Ephesus Guide | Cruise Arrivals | Restaurants
Weather This Week
- Monday: 11C (52F) - Sunny
- Tuesday: 13C (55F) - Partly cloudy
- Wednesday: 13C (55F) - Sunny
- Thursday: 12C (54F) - Clear
- Friday: 13C (55F) - Sunny
- Saturday: 14C (57F) - Mostly sunny
- Sunday: 15C (59F) - Partly cloudy
Packing Tip: Bring a windproof jacket and plenty of layers as the coastal breeze remains quite cool despite the bright sunshine.
This Week in Kusadasi
What's Happening: The highlight of the week is the Ephesus Ultra Marathon on Friday, March 27. Runners will be navigating trails through the ancient city and the surrounding Selcuk countryside. While the Ramadan Feast celebrations ended last week, the festive atmosphere lingers in local shops and bakeries.
Turkey Travel Update: The Turkish Lira has reached new lows this week, with the exchange rate sitting at approximately 44.31 TRY to 1 USD and 50.91 TRY to 1 EUR. Visitors will find their foreign currency goes significantly further, though prices in tourist areas are adjusting quickly. No new visa changes have been reported for major tourist nationalities this month.
Port & Cruise News: Ege Port is entering its busy spring phase with several major arrivals including the Sun Princess. The terminal area is fully walkable, and the Scala Nuova village offers immediate access to shops and cafes for those on short stays. For those with only 4 to 8 hours, we recommend a private transfer to Ephesus to beat the large coach groups. Link to the full cruise schedule and cruise passenger guide.
Where to Eat This Week
Our theme for this week is Aegean Seafood, taking advantage of the fresh spring catch before the summer crowds arrive.
- Kazım Usta - Harbor area. Order the grilled sea bream or the stone oven baked turbot, which are local specialties.
- Mezgit Restaurant - Marina. A favorite for its extensive meze selection and seafood platters served right next to the water.
- Liman Restaurant - Near the beach. Known for its red mullet and bluefish, this spot offers a classic coastal atmosphere with very fresh ingredients.
For the full dining guide, see our Kusadasi Restaurant Guide.
Week Planner
Day Plan 1: Ancient Wonders & Athletes
- Spend the morning exploring the Ephesus Ruins before the heat of the day.
- In the afternoon, head toward Selcuk to cheer on the Ephesus Ultra Marathon runners.
- End the evening with a quiet dinner in the hills of Sirince using our Day Trips guide.
Day Plan 2: Nature & Myths
- Take a morning drive to the National Park (Dilek Peninsula) for a hike among the spring wildflowers.
- Stop at the Cave of Zeus on your way back for a quick look at the legendary turquoise pool.
- Return to town for a sunset walk along the causeway to Pigeon Island.
Day Plan 3: Local Life & Shopping
- Start with a traditional Turkish breakfast at the harbor.
- Spend the afternoon navigating the Shopping Guide routes through the Grand Bazaar and Orient Bazaar.
- Use our Getting Around tips to find a local tea house in the Kaleici district for a relaxing evening.
Cruise Ship Schedule
- March 23: Viking Sea (Viking Ocean Cruises)
- March 24: Celestyal Discovery (Celestyal Cruises)
- March 24: Viking Sea (Viking Ocean Cruises)
- March 26: Sun Princess (Princess Cruises)
- March 28: Celebrity Infinity (Celebrity Cruises)
- March 28: Celestyal Discovery (Celestyal Cruises)
- March 29: Le Dumont-d'Urville (Ponant)
- March 31: Celestyal Discovery (Celestyal Cruises)
- April 2: Celestyal Journey (Celestyal Cruises)
- April 3: Viking Mars (Viking Ocean Cruises)
For the full 2026 schedule and ship details, visit our Cruise Arrivals page.
Until Next Week
Enjoy the crisp spring air and the relative quiet of the ancient sites before the April rush begins. We look forward to seeing how the local administrative changes settle in the coming days. For more guides, tips, and local information, explore kusadasi.biz. Have a question? Contact us.