Pigeon Island & Kuşadası Castle

Pigeon Island — Güvercinada in Turkish — is the small islet that gave Kuşadası its name: "bird island." Linked to the mainland by a palm-lined causeway, it is the town's most photographed landmark and the classic spot to watch the sun drop into the Aegean.

The island is crowned by a fortress whose walls date back to the Byzantine period and were later reinforced in the Ottoman era against pirate raids. Inside you will find shaded gardens, a small café and panoramic views back over Kuşadası harbour and the cruise port. Entry is free and the flat walk out from the marina takes about ten minutes.

Go at golden hour, when the castle silhouette and the yachts bobbing in the bay turn copper in the evening light — it is the best free thing to do in central Kuşadası.