port for cruise ship passengers heading to Ephesus. In a controversial deal in 2003, the previously public-owned port was leased to a private company and renovated to attract luxury cruise liners. The area features several well-known local beaches, including Ladies Beach, the beach at the centrum, the beaches between the Batıhan Hotel and the Nazilli Site, the beach at Güzelçamlı, and the Dilek Peninsula National Park beach, referred to by locals as simply Milli Park. Transportation There is public transport within the town and to nearby locations via shuttle minibuses (dolmuş). There are bus and taxi services going to the nearby airports in İzmir and in Bodrum, Muğla Province. Day trips are available by boat from Kuşadası and Güzelçamlı. The city is a port of call for several cruise ships. The port is linked by a six-lane highway to İzmir's Adnan Menderes Airport. Several state roads connect the city to its surrounding districts, such as Germencik and Aydın. There are daily ferry services to the nearby Greek island of Samos. Kuşadası's bus station is a transport hub. Coach buses connect the city to various parts of the country. Places of interest The city walls – There were once three gates; one remains. Kaleiçi Mosque – Built in 1618 by Grand Vizier Öküz Kara Mehmed Pasha. The Öküz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai is near the docks. It was built in 1618 as a strong-room for the goods of seamen. Güvercin Adası ("Pigeon Island" in English) – The peninsula/island at the end of the bay, which has a castle and swimming beaches, including a private beach and cafe with a view back across the bay to the harbour of Kuşadası. Public beaches are located at the back of the peninsula, towards the open sea. Kirazli – Traditional Turkish village from Kuşadası. Yılancı Burnu – A second peninsula beyond Güvercin Ada. Possibly the location of the original settlement of Neopolis. Some walls are visible. There are beaches and beach clubs here. Several aqua-parks with wave-pools and white-water slides are located near the town. Ladies Beach – Very close to the town center, one of the primary tourist attractions. Kadıkalesi – Venetian/Byzantine castle, along the Kuşadası-Davutlar road. Panionium – south of Kuşadası, situated along the Davutlar-Güzelçamlı road. Once the central meeting place of the Ionian League. The ruins are in poor condition and their authenticity is disputed. Dilek Peninsula-Büyük Menderes Delta National Park – About