POPULAR ATTRACTIONS:

1. Historical Sites

2. Waterparks >>

3. Beaches >>

4. Natur - Med Spa Centre >>

5. Shopping For Less >>

1a. Ephesus

Ephesus, the most renowned of the ancient towns founded in the Ionian region in Western Anatolia , is located on the south of Izmir 's Selcuk County . It is considered as one of the most important centres not only in Western Anatolian civilization but also in the history of word civilization. The ruins of Ephesus take on a value and a special significance among the innumerable sites of an archaeological interest: this is due to its inestimable artistic patrimony, its enormous heritage of history and culture, and the inexhaustible beauty and charm of its archaeological site.

Visits of personalities such as Brutus, Cassius, and Cicero gave testimony to the importance Ephesus held in the Roman world. During the Hellenistic, Pergammonian and Roman era the importance of the town was sustained. It was the Roman era in which the city grew to become an important commercial center. It was also one of the first five cities of the Roman Empire . In 17 AD a disastrous earthquake brought down the city. The city was re-built later in 123 AD by Tiberius and Hadrian.

During the Christian era Ephesus became a magnificent metropolis of the ancient world such as Alexandria and Antioch . The city was also one of the seven churches of Asia . Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her life after the Crucifixion near Ephesus . Both of these events make Ephesus one of the most important landmarks in the history of Christianity. Virgin Mary was verified as God's Mother by the council convened in the Mother of Mary Church in Ephesus in 453 AD. The decline of the city began with the invasion of Goths in 262 AD by which the town was burnt down. Ephesus was never to reach its former splendour again. Nevertheless in Justinian era (6th century A.D.), landmarks like the Basilica of St. John were erected by the same Emperor. When Seljuks invaded he city in 1090 AD, Ephesus was far from its past glamour and prominence.

The house is situated at the peak of Bulbul Mountain, 9 kilometres (15 miles) from Selcuk. According to legend, St. John came to Ephesus with Virgin Mary four or six years after the crucifixion of Jesus. Following the visions of a German nun, Catherine Emmerich, a group of Lazarist priests discovered a house, which is believed to be the place where Virgin Mary spent her last days. In 1891. This discovery attracted the attention of the entire Christian world. The cruciform building topped with a dome was restored in modern times.

This holy destination received visits from Pope Paul VI in 1967, Pope John Paul II in 1979 and Pope Benedict in 2006.

Come and visit Aqua fantasy one of Kusadasi’s coolest water parks in Turkey. Filled with spectacular rides, this one is not to be missed. Here are some of the coolest rides you will ever experience.

PRORACER: Race each other and share the thrill will your friends.

WAVE POOL/BLUE LAGOON: Relax in the blue lagoon, catch the waves in the Wave Pool, and experience the 10 different wave patterns.

LAZY RIVER: Tube a long the 300m long, 4m wide, the unique, the longest Lazy River in Turkey. Ride on the tubes; take the journey in the jungle.

TREASURY ISLAND : The kid’s paradise. Aqua Fantasy’s got lots of fun and excitement from toddlers to the grand parents. The littlest ones can explore the "Squirt’s n Slide" while bigger kids can splash water of the Treasury Island . Share the moments with your kids in this biggest paradise in Turkey.

TRIPPING BARREL: Watch out or get soaked under hundreds of gallons of water in no time.

THE CASTLE: Anaconda, Cobra, Viper, the three serpentine slides will take you down through over 120m of twists and turns. Experience the heart pounding Gang Slides.

LILY PAD: Kids challenge the parents. Battle your way across on the Lily Pads without falling down in to the pool.

X-TREME SCREAMER: The highest toboggan slides in Turkey. Once you try it, you will have to do it again and over again.

ADULT POOL: Cool off with a cold beer at the pirates ship bar and relax in the irresistable jacuzzi!

Natur-Med is the first health center in Turkey that applies Matrix Rhythm Therapy, Ozone Therapy and Colon Hydrotherapy under the supervision of a professional medical team. Offering Rejuvenation, Anti-Aging, Weight Loss and Pain Relief programs all in a scenic and natural environment. Set in native forest covered mountains with spectacular views, Natur-Med has everything to offer the inquisitive visitor in search of the ultimate in thermal bathing.

This celebrated region of Turkey has an exceptionally mild climate rich in oxygen with negligible humidity. The thermal springs - in addition to the clear mountain air, which in itself counts as "nature's medicine" - can offer excellent health, fitness and beauty facilities which are second to none. Natur-Med is amidst pine, olive and tangerine trees and the sun shines generously throughout all seasons.

Natur-Med has marvellous indoor and outdoor thermal pools, an outdoor swimming pool, a pool for children, Infrared Medical Saunas and a Turkish Bath (Hamam). All these features constitute the crucial elements for climatotherapy. Guests are served in a natural environment surrounded by the sea and thermal waters.

Natur-Med is a long established and exclusive health resort.
For more information please visit http://www.naturmed.biz/

Kusadasi offers one of the largest shopping bazaars in Turkey, with well over 1000 jewelery, leather, carpet and souvenier shops and they are open 7 days a week from 9 in the morning till midnight! Bargaining during shopping is a must and having a drink while bargaining is a tradition.

Hand made Turkish Carpets, soft leather jackets and exquisite jewels are among the most sought after items by visitors. The main reason for such trend is the low price and high quality of these items. Almost all of the shops accept credit cards, travelers checks and all major currencies. Most products come with manufacturer's warranty and you may return them within a certain time period. Salesmen and saleswomen are very friendly and speak most of the major languages. The experience is one not to be missed….