Attractions — Aydın

Alabanda Ruins offer a glimpse into an ancient city, primarily featuring a large theater on a hillside and recently uncovered sections of the agora. Visitors should be prepared for a site that requires imagination to appreciate its former grandeur, as many structures are not fully excavated or restored.

Cafe Olive, located in the charming village of Akkoy, offers visitors a tranquil escape with its combination of a cafe and an art gallery. Guests consistently praise the warm hospitality and the opportunity to enjoy refreshments while browsing local art, making it a delightful stop for those seeking a break from typical tourist crowds.

The Gumuskesen Monument is a 2nd-century Roman marble tomb near Milas, believed to be a smaller replica of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. While some visitors praise its intricate ceiling design and peaceful setting, others note ongoing construction and fencing that can obscure views.

Alinda is an ancient Carian city in Turkey, known for its Hellenistic ruins and historical significance as a regional stronghold.

Kursunlu Monastery offers a glimpse into Byzantine history with its ruined structures, though visitors often find it challenging to access and lacking in detailed information. It's a quiet spot for those seeking solitude and historical imagination, but don't expect extensive preservation or modern amenities.

A well-preserved Carian city with a striking Temple of Zeus, showcasing Hellenistic architecture amid olive groves.

The Koçarlı Cihanoğlu Külliyesi is a historical complex in Aydın, Turkey, built by the influential Cihanoğlu family who governed the region for centuries. It showcases Ottoman-era architecture and the philanthropic efforts of a powerful local dynasty, including mosques and charitable institutions.

Ancient Carian city with Byzantine ruins and Roman stadium remnants, near modern Aydın Province.

Monastery located in the Green Gorge.

A monastery located in a cave.

A preserved monastery.

In the centre, near the 'Hand' monument, is the city beach. In season you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas. The bay is small, but suitable for a quick swim.

The boulevard where tourists stroll. By the sea, as is traditional on Turkish resorts, bars are concentrated here.

Here stood the Heraion — the temple of the goddess Hera, which Herodotus considered one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. In the village of Ireon you can see its ruins: foundations and column bases.

A preserved monastery.

The sandy Long Beach is 6 km from the centre and stretches about 15 km to the Milli Park. It is the city's main public beach. The entry into the sea is gentle and you must walk far to reach deep water — ideal for families with children. Sunbeds are available for rent, but you can also sunbathe on a towel.

At Öküz Mehmet Pasha's complex a mosque was built from brick, stone and marble with a 20‑metre minaret. A huge mother-of-pearl‑decorated door leads to a hall that holds 500 people.

The fortress gate is the only thing left of a 17th‑century Ottoman castle. Locals believe that whoever passes through these gates and drinks water from the Emine Hatun fountain will never leave Kuşadası. Today the gate tower houses the Museum of Microminiatures, which contains more than 40 works by Turkish artist and micro-sculptor Nekati Korkmaz — the only practitioner of this art form in Turkey. Exhibits include the smallest Quran and a chess set made on a pinhead, and an acrobat made from a s

Besides the seafront promenade, people also walk along İnönü Boulevard and Barbaros Boulevard. These are the only streets where some old architecture has been preserved.

Some historic architecture has survived here.