Kusadasi Weekly Bulletin - July 13, 2026

Welcome to Kusadasi

Summer is in full swing here on the Aegean coast, bringing the perfect combination of breezy beach days, vibrant harbor views, and warm evenings spent dining by the water. This week, however, our beautiful resort town is also the backdrop to some rather theater-rich political developments. We must extend our warmest, most ironic congratulations to the Turkish state for the smooth transfer of our arrested and suspended Mayor, Ömer Günel, from Silivri Prison to his new quarters in Tekirdağ. It is comforting to see that our local municipality is not left out of the grand democratic tradition currently sweeping Turkey, where any opposition figure of note is systematically invited to sample the hospitality of the state justice system.

How reassuring it is to watch the European Union maintain its exquisitely selective silence, proving once again that its deep concern for democratic principles and human rights is highly adaptable depending on the season and geopolitical convenience. While Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu continues his own courtroom drama under lock and key, we in Kusadasi can rest easy knowing our municipal affairs are in the steady hands of acting officials while the real decision-makers contemplate life from behind bars.

Quick Links: Beaches | Ephesus Guide | Cruise Arrivals | Restaurants

Weather This Week

Monday: 35C (95F) - Sunny
Tuesday: 35C (95F) - Sunny
Wednesday: 35C (95F) - Sunny
Thursday: 35C (95F) - Sunny
Friday: 34C (93F) - Sunny
Saturday: 34C (93F) - Sunny
Sunday: 35C (95F) - Sunny

Packing Tip: High-factor sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses are absolute essentials to protect yourself against the intense mid-July UV rays.

This Week in Kusadasi

What's Happening: With the summer season peaking, the town is fully geared toward outdoor leisure. The local municipality continues to support working women by hosting the summer handcrafted markets at Atatürk Square and Kasım Yaman Arkeo Park, which are great spots to pick up unique souvenirs. Beaches and beach clubs are operating at maximum capacity, making early morning arrivals essential to secure the best sunbeds.

Turkey Travel Update: The Turkish lira remains in a phase of managed depreciation, trading at approximately 53.44 TRY to 1 EUR and 48.90 TRY to 1 USD. Visitors will find their foreign currency goes a long way, but please note that card payments are widely preferred in local shops and restaurants to avoid carrying large stacks of banknotes.

Port & Cruise News: Ege Port is exceptionally busy this week with multiple double-ship and triple-ship days. If you are arriving on a cruise with limited port time, the Grand Bazaar and Pigeon Island are easily walkable right from the terminal exit. For those aiming to visit the ancient ruins, booking an early morning half-day tour is highly recommended to beat both the cruise crowds and the midday heat. Link to the full cruise schedule and cruise passenger guide.

Where to Eat This Week

Our culinary focus this week is on the classic Aegean Seafood and Meze experience, which is best enjoyed as the sun sets over the harbor.

Mezgit Restaurant - Marina District. Order the grilled sea bass or their signature warm octopus salad, served alongside a fantastic array of fresh cold Aegean herb mezes.
Kule Seafood Restaurant - Harbor Area. This local favorite offers a prime location overlooking Pigeon Island, where you can handpick your fish from the daily catch and enjoy perfectly fried calamari.
Saray Restaurant - Kaleici (Old Town). Nestled in a beautiful hidden courtyard garden, this spot is perfect for enjoying a slow raki and meze night accompanied by traditional hospitality.

For the full dining guide, see our Kusadasi Restaurant Guide.

Week Planner

Day Plan 1: Ancient Wonders & Village Charm

Morning: Head out early to beat the heat at the Ephesus Ruins, making sure to visit the spectacular Terrace Houses.
Afternoon: Take a local dolmus up into the hills to explore the historic Greek-style village of Sirince for lunch and fruit wine tasting.
Evening: Return to Kusadasi and learn about Getting Around the city center before enjoying a sunset walk along the promenade.

Day Plan 2: Beach & National Park Escape

Morning: Pack a picnic and take a day trip to the Dilek Peninsula, also known as the National Park, to swim in crystal-clear bays surrounded by pine forests.
Afternoon: Stop by the mysterious Cave of Zeus near the park entrance for a refreshing dip in its icy deep waters.
Evening: Head back to town to relax at one of the popular Beaches or unwind at the local Water Parks.

Day Plan 3: Shopping & Fortress Views

Morning: Wander through the historical streets of the Grand Bazaar to practice your bargaining skills using our Shopping Guide.
Afternoon: Walk across the causeway to explore the fortress on Pigeon Island and take in the panoramic coastal views.
Evening: Experience the local Nightlife by booking a waterfront table for a traditional meze and raki dinner.

Cruise Ship Schedule

The following verified cruise arrivals are scheduled for Ege Port Kusadasi from July 13 through July 27, 2026:

July 13, 2026: Wind Star (Windstar Cruises)
July 13, 2026: MSC Divina (MSC Cruises)
July 13, 2026: Star Flyer (Star Clippers)
July 14, 2026: Celestyal Discovery (Celestyal Cruises)
July 14, 2026: Celebrity Infinity (Celebrity Cruises)
July 14, 2026: Azamara Onward (Azamara Cruises)
July 14, 2026: Norwegian Viva (Norwegian Cruise Line)
July 15, 2026: Odyssey Of The Seas (Royal Caribbean)
July 16, 2026: Celebrity Xcel (Celebrity Cruises)
July 18, 2026: Celestyal Discovery (Celestyal Cruises)
July 18, 2026: ms Oosterdam (Holland America Line)
July 18, 2026: MSC Fantasia (MSC Cruises)
July 19, 2026: Oceania Allura (Oceania Cruises)
July 19, 2026: Celestyal Journey (Celestyal Cruises)
July 19, 2026: Marella Discovery (Marella Cruises)
July 20, 2026: Wind Star (Windstar Cruises)
July 20, 2026: MSC Divina (MSC Cruises)
July 21, 2026: Celebrity Xcel (Celebrity Cruises)
July 21, 2026: Celestyal Discovery (Celestyal Cruises)
July 22, 2026: Brilliance Of The Seas (Royal Caribbean)
July 22, 2026: Odyssey Of The Seas (Royal Caribbean)
July 22, 2026: Seabourn Quest (Seabourn)
July 23, 2026: Celebrity Infinity (Celebrity Cruises)
July 25, 2026: Celestyal Discovery (Celestyal Cruises)
July 26, 2026: Celestyal Journey (Celestyal Cruises)
July 27, 2026: MSC Divina (MSC Cruises)
July 27, 2026: Wind Star (Windstar Cruises)

For the full 2026 schedule and ship details, visit our Cruise Arrivals page.

Until Next Week

Enjoy the beautiful summer weather, stay hydrated, and make the most of your time exploring our ancient coast. Next week promises even more sunny skies and exciting ship arrivals to keep the harbor buzzing. For more guides, tips, and local information, explore kusadasi.biz. Have a question? Contact us.