Kusadasi is one of Southern Turkey’s most popular tourist destinations so there’s no doubt it will be a busy place, especially during the peak summer season. While this gives the town a lively atmosphere it’s nice to be able to get away from all the crowds once in a while and take in some of the beautiful scenery that the Aegean Coast is so famous for. We know the perfect place that’s a little off the beaten track!

 

While not entirely off the beaten track, this national park that’s within easy reach of the busy beaches of Kusadasi is much quieter than the town and makes a great place for a day trip. There is an entrance fee but this goes towards the upkeep of the park which includes toilet and shower facilities. From your hotel in Kusadasi you can either come here by car (if you have a hire car), or take one of the dolmus’s that leave town every half hour. The Dilek National Park is only 14 miles south of Kusadasi, so it’s quick to get to, especially if you’re driving yourself.

 

The Dilek Peninsula National Park can seem like a world away from Kusadasi and its busy beaches and streets. The park actually has several excellent beaches, so if the crowds on Ladies Beach become too much for you, head out here for a day on a less crowded beach. The most popular beach here is called Icmeler and it sits on the largest bay. The sandy beach offers shallow swimming opportunities so it’s usually very popular with families, but whichever beach you choose you can be guaranteed of the beautiful scenery that the par is famous for – this is definitely one of the most scenic coastlines in the Kusadasi area.

 

If you’d rather explore that scenery in greater detail then take to some of the hiking trails around Dilek National Park. For tourists on holiday in Kusadasi this is one of the nicest places to go hiking and it includes mountain trails with wonderful views or hike the popular canyon trail.

 

When you’re hiking, make sure you look out for some of the park’s varied plant life and wild life. There are said to be 30 different animal species living in this protected area, including wild boars!

 

Whether you’re hiking or relaxing on the beach you can bring along a picnic and make use of the wooden picnic tables that are provided here. Or if you’d rather travel light there are also a couple of cafés in the park where you can buy drinks and snacks.