Kusadasi Weekly Bulletin - July 20, 2026

Welcome to Kusadasi

We are right in the heart of the summer season in Kusadasi. The sun is shining bright, the Aegean Sea is at a perfect temperature for swimming, and our local beaches are buzzing with life. It is the absolute peak of summer, making it the perfect time to book a boat trip, cool off at a water park, or relax with a cold drink at a seaside cafe.

Of course, we must address the local political theater that has captured everyone's attention. Our very own Mayor, Omer Gunel, was arrested in March as part of a dawn raid bribery probe coordinated all the way from Istanbul, a mere 500 kilometers away. Many locals see this as part of a highly convenient legal crackdown targeting opposition figures linked to the CHP, especially since Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu is also currently residing in Silivri prison on similar charges. One can only marvel at how smoothly the Turkish justice system operates when opposition figures are involved, while those who switch to the ruling party see their legal troubles vanish. Meanwhile, the European Union continues its grand tradition of selective concern, offering its usual deep silence and mild warnings about Turkish democracy while continuing to enjoy our beautiful, sunny beaches.

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: 35C (95F) - Sunny
Saturday: 34C (93F) - Sunny
Sunday: 34C (93F) - Sunny

Packing Tip: High SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses are absolutely essential to protect yourself from the intense summer sun this week.

This Week in Kusadasi

What's Happening: The summer rush is in full swing, meaning all beach clubs, water parks, and sunset boat tours are operating at maximum capacity. Due to the high midday temperatures, ancient sites like Ephesus are best visited during the early morning hours to avoid the intense heat radiating from the marble ruins. Evening events, open-air concerts, and bustling night markets around the harbor are the perfect way to spend your nights.

Turkey Travel Update: The Turkish Lira continues its gradual depreciation, offering excellent purchasing power for foreign visitors. Currently, the exchange rate sits at approximately 47.16 TRY to 1 USD and 53.94 TRY to 1 EUR. There are no major travel disruptions reported at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, but visitors are advised to carry some cash liras for local dolmus buses and small market vendors.

Port & Cruise News: Ege Port Kusadasi is expecting a highly active week with multiple double-ship and triple-ship days. For cruise passengers with limited time in port, the local bazaar and the historic Caravanserai are easily walkable right outside the terminal. If you only have a short layover, booking a direct, private shore excursion is highly recommended to ensure you get to Ephesus and back without missing your departure. For more information, check out our full cruise schedule and our detailed cruise passenger guide.

Where to Eat This Week

Our culinary theme for this week is the legendary Turkish Breakfast. This massive, slow-paced feast is a cornerstone of Aegean culture and the ultimate way to start a summer day.

[Sultan Sofrasi Vadi] - [Kirazli Village]. Located just a short drive from the town center in the peaceful village of Kirazli, this local favorite serves an organic breakfast spread featuring fresh village eggs, homemade jams, and locally harvested olives.
[Bayraktepe Kahvalti Evi] - [Davutlar]. Perched high on a hill overlooking the coastline, this spot is highly reviewed for its endless array of Aegean cheeses, warm flatbreads, and unlimited Turkish tea.
[Mood Bistro] - [Kaleiçi]. Set within the garden of the Eliada Hotel in the old town, this beautiful bistro serves a boutique breakfast platter featuring high-quality, locally sourced ingredients in a highly stylish and relaxed atmosphere.

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

Week Planner

Day Plan 1: History & Culture

Morning: Wake up early and head straight to the Ephesus Ruins to beat the intense midday heat and the large tour groups.
Afternoon: Head back to town using the local dolmus, which you can learn to navigate in our guide on Getting Around.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset walk along the harbor and explore the historic Kaleici district. For more ideas, read our guide on Day Trips.

Day Plan 2: Beach & Relaxation

Morning: Pack your beach gear and head to the crystal-clear waters of the Dilek Peninsula National Park for a quiet swim.
Afternoon: Spend a thrilling afternoon sliding down the massive slides at one of our premier Water Parks.
Evening: Relax on the sandy shores of Ladies Beach, which you can find in our Beaches Guide.

Day Plan 3: Shopping & Local Life

Morning: Hunt for souvenirs, spices, and Turkish delight in the bustling streets of the Grand Bazaar using our Shopping Guide.
Afternoon: Walk over the causeway to Pigeon Island to visit the historic Byzantine fortress and take in the sea views.
Evening: Experience the vibrant seaside atmosphere and dive into the local Nightlife scene at the marina.

Cruise Ship Schedule

The verified port arrivals for the upcoming period include:

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 24, 2026: Silver Nova (Silversea Cruises)
July 25, 2026: Celestyal Discovery (Celestyal Cruises)
July 25, 2026: Enchanted Princess (Princess Cruises)
July 26, 2026: Celestyal Journey (Celestyal Cruises)
July 27, 2026: MSC Divina (MSC Cruises)
July 27, 2026: Wind Star (Windstar Cruises)
July 28, 2026: Celebrity Infinity (Celebrity Cruises)
July 28, 2026: Celestyal Discovery (Celestyal Cruises)
July 29, 2026: Norwegian Viva (Norwegian Cruise Line)
July 29, 2026: Odyssey of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
July 30, 2026: Sun Princess (Princess Cruises)
July 31, 2026: Celebrity Ascent (Celebrity Cruises)
August 1, 2026: Celestyal Discovery (Celestyal Cruises)
August 1, 2026: Norwegian Viva (Norwegian Cruise Line)
August 3, 2026: Azamara Onward (Azamara Cruises)

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

Until Next Week

We hope you have a spectacular summer week enjoying the sun, sand, and incredible food that our region has to offer. Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and make the most of your Aegean holiday. For more guides, tips, and local information, explore kusadasi.biz. Have a question? Contact us.