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Sailing from Kuюadasэ to Bodrum,
St. John's Heritage Rediscovered
Kusadasi is today a major holiday resort - center. During
the summer months it teems with swimmers, fishermen, sunslovers
and sightseers. Once known as Scala Nova, the town boasts
wonderful seafood restaurants, cafes, beautiful parks and
superb beaches. The shopping is also famous; everything
from beads and bangles to leather, jewelry and carpets is
on offer.
The Kusadasi Turban Marina is one of the bestsequipped
marinas in Turkey, providing wintering for boats both afloat
and on shore. Scuba diving has become very popular. The
night life is renowned along the coast with excellent bars,
jazz clubs, discos and cabarets that promise evenings filled
with excitement, entertainment and possibly a little romance.
Not far from Kusadasi, the ancient site of Ephesus, an
important city of antiquity, remains a highlight of any
visit to Turkey. The city, whose whealth and patronage supported
its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the
goddess Artemis. Her enormous temple, rebuilt several times,
dates in its latest form from the third centuary B.C. and
was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
The ancient theater has found new life as a major concert
venue. Close by is the site of St. John's Basilica and reputed
last home of the Virgin Mary.
South of Kusadasi, the unbelievably beautiful waters of
the Dilek Peninsula National Park welcome yachtsmen into
its serene inlets and coves.
Between Kusadasi's southern shores and Pamukkale lies the
valley of the Menderes River (the Meander), where several
ancient civilizations built major settlements, including
Priene, Milet, Didyma, Aphrodisias and Hierapolis.
The Temple of Apollo at Didim was one of the most sacred
places of antiquity. Many times looted and burned, the sanctuary
still impresses with its elegant beauty. Not far from this
archaelogical site, the beautiful beach of Altinkum tempts
all visitors and offers a great opportunity for sailing,
swimming and relaxation. It is the last stop before entering
the Güllük Gulf,
This gulf can provide a whole vacation in itself with four
large natural bays and numerous coves and inlets. The whole
area has excellent moorings, and scuba divers will be particularly
interested in exploring these waters. The fisherman's village
of Güllük has a pretty port and numerous guestshouses
and small hotels. The mythological Dolphin Boy is said to
have been born a little farther to the north at Kiyikislacik(Lassos).
As you sail out of this beautiful gulf, the Bodrum Peninsula
welcomes you.
Activities
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