Historical sites in Aydın
Tralles Ancient City
About a kilometer north of the Aydın city center is the ancient city of Tralles. Believed to have been built in the third century BC by Thracians and Argives, Tralles later came under Roman and Ottoman rule. The fourth century BC Roman-era gymnasium is the ancient city’s only surviving structure.
Aphrodisias Ancient City and Museum
Founded as a city-state in the second century BC, Aphrodisias was named for the Greek goddess Aphrodite: the city was known as a cult center for the worship of the goddess, which also incorporated “aspects of an archaic Anatolian fertility goddess”. The city also became prominent throughout the Roman empire as a center for the production of marble sculptures, due to its proximity to high quality marble quarries. There are several monumental marble structures in the ancient city, including the Temple of Aphrodite, which was converted into a cathedral around 500 AD.
Aphrodisias Ancient City is in Geyre village, in Aydın’s Karacasu district. It was included on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2017. If your curiosity is aroused, click here for Aydın flight tickets!
Miletus Ancient City
Believed to have been founded in the Bronze Age by Minoan Cretans, the ancient port of Miletus was later ruled by Alexander the Great, the Romans and the Byzantines. The city came under Seljuk and then Ottoman rule. Although it was once a significant trade center, the harbor of Miletus gradually filled with silt; this swamp-like environment gave rise to a malaria epidemic and the city was eventually abandoned.
Among the remaining structures in Miletus Ancient City are an ancient theatre, an agora, temples and baths. Miletus Ancient City is in the Didim district of Aydın
Güvercinada Castle
Set on a small island in Kuşadası Bay, the 16th-century Güvercinada Castle was commissioned by Hayreddin Barbarossa, an Ottoman-era admiral. Formerly accessible only via boat, the Castle is now reachable via a land connection. It became a Tentative World Heritage Site in 2020.
Doğanbey Village
In the Söke district of Aydın, picturesque Doğanbey village dates to the seventh century BC. Populated primarily by Greeks during the Ottoman era, the tiny village was part of the Greek-Turkish population exchange in the 1920s. Many of the village’s original stone houses have been restored; these, along with its cobblestone streets and lovely views, have made Doğanbey village a popular destination for day trips.
Natural beauties in Aydın
Kuşadası
The Aydın province is known for its seaside, lush nature, and fresh air. The lively district of Kuşadası offers all of these elements. The seafront city of Kuşadası is approximately 59 kilometers from the Aydın city center, and offers a number of attractive beaches, including the Sevgi and Güvercinada beaches, along with the women-only Kadınlar Beach. Kuşadası is also a popular destination for visits to the famous Ephesus Ancient City.
Aydın’s hot springs
In addition to beaches and historical sites, Aydın is rich in mineral and thermal waters. The province features a number of spa/hot spring facilities in the Buharkent, Germencik, Söke, Ortakçı and İmamköy districts.
Didim
Didim, a pleasant seaside town in the Aydın province, is home to the popular Altınkum Beach, known for its clear waters and fine sand. About 100 kilometers from the Aydın city center, Didim is adjacent to the Didyma ancient city, which features the ruins of a majestic Temple of Apollo. Also, near Didim are the Roman-era Faustina Baths and the small island of
Dining in Aydın
Yuvarlama
Türkiye ’s Aegean region is renowned for its cuisine and Aydın is no exception. Among the region’s most beloved dishes is yuvarlama, a mixture of minced meat, onions, eggs and fragrant spices. The dish is served with yogurt and pepper sauce. It is frequently presented at weddings and on special occasions.
Çine meatballs
Almost every city in Türkiye has its special meat recipes. Aydın’s çine meatballs are a local specialty and mainly only available in the region. They are especially scrumptious accompanied by the local yayık ayran (a spicy, frothy ayran).
Pasha pastry
Savory pasha pastries are another local specialty. Usually made with phyllo dough, the pastries are stuffed with minced meat and cooked in broth; the dish is often served with yoghurt drizzled on top.
Koruk sour okra
Pickled dishes and olive oil dishes have a prominent place in Aydın’s cuisine. Koruk sour okra deploys the juice of unripened grapes – rather than lemon – for its sour flavor. It is said to be one of the most delicious okra dishes ever created.
Pumpkin dessert
The spectacular pumpkin dessert is available throughout Türkiye but Aydın has its own regional variation. Instead of chunks, pumpkin is cut into thin slices before being cooked with sugar. The dish is served with a topping of crushed walnuts.
Aydın transportation guide
The Aydın transportation system comprises public buses, minibuses and taxis. Municipal buses use the AyKart. Car rentals are also available.
Transportation to Aydın by air
İzmir’s Adnan Menderes Airport is the closest airport – about 95 kilometers – to Aydın, which does not have its own airport. HAVAŞ buses and taxis operate from İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport. In addition, buses operate from the airport to İzmir’s bus station; from there, buses to Aydın are available.
We hope you have a wonderful trip!
