Ozdere guide | Ozdere attractions and things to do
Located on the south west of Turkey’s Aegean coast, Ozdere has in recent years began to lose its image as a traditional fishing village as it has adapted to the onset of mass tourism. Nevertheless, the resort remains quiet and tranquil in comparison with some of its larger coastal counterparts, and has retained plenty of its charm.
It boasts miles of stunning golden sandy beaches, an excellent choice of shops, restaurants and bars, and has plenty of surrounding areas of interest including the neighbouring resorts of Cesme and Kusadasi, as well as important historical sites including the ancient city of Ephesus.
The nearest international airport to Ozdere is Izmir Adnan Menderes International Airport, which connects to several cities across Europe. Transfer time from the airport to Ozdere is around 30 minutes.
Izmir town centre can be reached via shuttle bus or train. From the town centre you can catch a bus to Ozdere.
Alternatively, for more convenience you may want to jump in a taxi or arrange a private transfer from the airport, since the cost will not be excessive due to the relatively quick journey time to Ozdere.
Ozdere has a typically Mediterranean climate with long, dry summers lasting from May until October and peak summer temperatures climbing well above 30C. During the summer months the sun shines for an average of 12 hours per day with rainfall extremely rare.
The autumn and spring months remain warm enough to pick up a tan. Temperatures in March, April and November hover around 20C and the sun will be out for around seven hours per day.
Spring in Ozdere is a particularly beautiful time with the flowers coming into bloom, while the cooler temperatures at this time of year are perfect for lounging on the beach or exploring the sights of the region.
Miles of sandy beaches make up the coastline of Ozdere and are unquestionably the resort’s major draw for visitors. As well as being beaches of the highest quality, the waters are child-friendly and there are plenty of watersports available.
Families with children will enjoy Adaland aqua park in nearby Kusadasi. This vast park has an array of exciting rides and water chutes to keep you and your kids entertained. There is also another water park nearby called Aqua fantasy, which boasts a variety of themed rides.
If you need further reason to leave the beach, you can explore the surrounding towns of Kusadasi and Cesme, while culture lovers will enjoy a trip to the ancient city of Ephesus, which boasts fascinating ruined temples.
Eating out in Ozdere gives visitors plenty of options, from small family run cafes serving traditional Turkish dishes to restaurants offering up international cuisine. Seafood lovers should try out the excellent restaurants overlooking the bay, just 10 minutes walk from Ozdere.
The nightlife in Ozdere is centred around a number of traditional bars, though for night clubs and live music venues you may want to make the short trip to the town of Izmir.
