Apart from being a magnetic tourist destination for package holiday makers from Western Europe and Russia, Kusadasi also is Turkey's busiest important cruise port. Ships of all shapes and sizes call at Kusadasi from April to October. As soon as the season's last cruise ship has left, all shops shut, the hotels close their doors and the town goes into its ghost-like winter mode. Photo © Bart de Boer

Kusadasi (kus = bird, ada = island) is named after a small rocky outcrop remotely shaped like a bird. From the town hill, a huge statue of Ataturk dominates Kusadasi's skyline. Photo © Bart de Boer 

Wilkommen! Bienvenue! Welcome! A visit to Kusadasi is not complete without a visit to the Bazaar. Shop after shop selling the exact same touristy trinkets, with friendly sales people trying to find out if you are interested in buying a fake Gucci bag, a fake watch or a pair of fake Nike shoes. "Hello my friend, where are you from?" All languages spoken, all currencies accepted! Oh, and don't forget to haggle - it is part of the culture. Photo © Bart de Boer 

There is only so much fake Gucci one can buy, so our tip is to head north or south and discover some beautiful beaches surrounding the bay of Kusadasi. Very popular is Ladies' Beach (accessible for men, too!), close to town. Pictured above is Kamlimani Beach, directly north of Kusadasi.   

Quite recently a nice hi-tech shopping mall has been built quayside, with typically Turkish name brands like ... eh ... Burger King and Starbucks! Photo © Bart de Boer

Despite the lure of Kusadasi's shopping precinct, most visitors head for nearby Ephesus, once "the greatest metropolis of Asia". The ruins of this former port city are remarkably well restored and draw millions of tourists yearly. Come by mid-morning and you will see guides anxiously herding their flock of cruise ship tourists, creating scenes that remind you of the first day of summer sale. It's a madhouse and chances are you will not be able to  fully enjoy this remarkable site. Our tip is to hire a taxi and guide in advance and visit Ephesus  individually, either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Bring ample drinking water, a hat and sunscreen! Photo © Bart de Boer

By the year 100 AD, Ephesus was one of the largest cities in the Roman empire. With aqueducts, bath houses, brothels, and a 25,000-seat theater, Ephesus was a true metropolis. The open-air theater was initially used for Greek plays and Roman gladiator battles and is still used to this day for concerts and events. Photo © Bart de Boer   

One of the most important sights at Ephesus is the grand Celsus Library, built in 125 BC. It once housed over 10,000 scrolls. Carefully restored, the library's exquisite facade is a must-see. Photo © Bart de Boer