• Monday 10 November 2025

Exploring Kuşadası: Sun, Culture & Turkish Hospitality

Recently, Clare from our Bantry office and Lynn from our Clonakilty office travelled on a fantastic trip to Kuşadası, hosted by Sunway, SunExpress, and the Turkish Tourist Board. Over four unforgettable days, they discovered just how much this vibrant corner of Turkey has to offer... from ancient wonders to seaside relaxation and everything in between:

Day 1: Arrival in Kuşadası

Our adventure began at Cork Airport with a smooth SunExpress flight to Izmir. After landing, our friendly local transfer team whisked us away on the 60-minute drive south to Kuşadası. We arrived late, but the moment we stepped into the Korumar Deluxe Hotel, we knew it was worth the journey.

Perched high on a cliff overlooking the Aegean, this five-star property is pure elegance. It boasts sweeping sea views and that unmistakable Turkish charm with warm hospitality. After a long travel day, we were more than ready to relax and recharge for the days ahead.

Day 2: Hotel Visits, Ephesus & The House of the Virgin Mary

We started the morning with breakfast in the hotel overlooking the sparkling Aegean. It’s an ideal choice for couples, groups, or anyone looking for a little luxury within walking distance of the town centre.

Next came a series of hotel inspections around Kuşadası- from family-friendly resorts to adults-only hideaways- a great way to experience the sheer variety of accommodation options the area offers. Lunch was hosted at the Palmin Hotel, where we enjoyed a relaxed meal and another tour before setting off for the highlight of the afternoon: Ephesus.

Dating back thousands of years, Ephesus is one of the most beautifully preserved ancient cities in the world. Walking its marble streets felt like stepping back in time. The grandeur of the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the vast Great Theatre (once home to 25,000 spectators) was nothing short of breath-taking.

Just a short drive away, we visited the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful pilgrimage site nestled in the hills. It’s said to be where Mary spent her final days. Standing there, surrounded by olive trees and quiet serenity, it was easy to feel the spiritual energy of the place. We returned to Kouramar Deluxe Hotel that evening for dinner and a well-earned rest after a full and inspiring day.

Day 3: Sailing the Aegean & a Touch of Turkish Shopping

Friday dawned bright and sunny- the perfect day to take to the sea. After breakfast and more hotel visits, we boarded a boat trip with Kuşadası Tekne Tur for a relaxing cruise along the coastline. Crystal-clear turquoise water, sunshine, a wonderful swimming stop, not to mention a freshly prepared lunch on board... it was the ultimate Aegean experience. The crew were fantastic, and the scenery was nothing short of spectacular.

Later, we checked into our final stop, the Sealight Resort Hotel, a large, modern property with top-class facilities and beautiful views of the sea. That evening, our farewell dinner was hosted at Mezgit Restaurant in the town centre, courtesy of the Turkish Tourist Board.

The meze spread was endles,; with perfectly-cooked grilled sea bass and a warm and lively atmosphere. It was the kind of meal that sums up everything wonderful about Turkey. And, of course, we couldn’t resist a little shopping after dinner, wandering through Kuşadası’s many shops, where we found designer bags, shoes, clothes and beautiful jewellery- the perfect end to our final evening.

Day 4: Farewell to Turkey

After one final breakfast overlooking the Aegean, we said goodbye to Kuşadası and made our way back to Izmir Airport for our return flight to Cork. It was a short trip, but one packed with experiences, great insights and inspiration for us to pass on to others.

Kuşadası is a destination that truly has it all: stunning beaches, fascinating history, delicious food and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. It’s the kind of place that draws you in and makes you want to return again and again.

From ancient ruins to Aegean sunsets- and a little shopping in between- Kuşadası reminded us all why Turkey remains one of the most versatile, friendly, and value-packed destinations in Europe.

Clare and Lynn now have firsthand knowledge of the region’s best hotels and experiences, so if you’re dreaming of a holiday in Kuşadası, they'll be more than happy to help you plan your perfect getaway.

How to get in touch:

Bantry: (027) 50341 or bantry@shandontravel.ie

Clonakilty: (023) 8833220 or clonakilty@shandontravel.ie

Cork City: info@shandontravel.ie, 021 4277094 or 01 6965135