At the point where the Küçük Menderes (Meander) river empties into the Aegean a wide swathe of beautiful sand stretches itself out. Since it’s midway between Selcuk and Kusadasi and easily accessible by bus, visitors to either resort can easily come here for a swim after visiting the ruins at Ephesus.
Companies based in Kuşadası also offer horseback safaris that bring riders down onto the sand and into the waves.
The simple Dereli beach bungalow complex is a great place to stay provided you’ve brought the mosquito repellent with you – fanciful though it probably is, it reminded me vaguely of the bungalows on Thai beaches.
Unfortunately three huge hotels and the Aqua Fantasy waterpark also overlook the beach (along with the shell of another high-rise building), so although this is a less built-up beach than some of those in Kuşadası it’s hardly a wild place for romantics. In 2024 the aquapark was closed although presumably it could reopen.
Sleeping
Dereli Motel. Tel: 0232-893 1205
KoruMar Ephesus Beach & Spa. Tel: 0232-241 2322
Palm Wings Ephesus Beach Resort. Tel: 0232-893 1096
Richmond Ephesus Resort Hotel. Tel: 0232-893 1060
Transport info
Minibuses running from Selçuk to Kuşadası pass behind the beach although it’s a bit of a walk down to the sand.
Day trip destinations
