Bird Island is the symbol of the Turkish resort of Kusadasi. It is a great place for a relaxing holiday and contemplating the picturesque nature. Here you can see the ruins of the Genoese fortress, visit the museum, relax in one of the local restaurants and enjoy the view of snow-white yachts gliding on the waves of the city bay.
The island got its name because of the large number of birds that came here during seasonal migrations. They covered the island with fluff, organising here unceasingly frantic bird markets. A large dovecote still stands in the centre of the island. During the Ottoman period, the name Kusadasi was taken over by the city and the island was renamed Güverjin, which means Pigeon Island.
Bird Island has always played a very important strategic role in the life of the city. It guarded the shores of the city and prevented enemy attacks from the sea. From time immemorial, the island was home to a seaport, which even now accepts even large ships.
The majestic and powerful fortress located on the island protected the area from pirates for many years, its menacing loopholes with its mere sight made strangers awe. This fortress was built by the Genoese together with the Venetians in the 16th century. The thick walls and huge towers of the castle allowed it to serve as a reliable defence for the town and the nearby fishing villages for many centuries. But one day the fortress fell into the hands of the pirates themselves. They occupied the island as their residence and stored their loot here. Slaves, weapons, goods - all this was safely hidden behind the fortress walls. For a long time the great and terrible pirate Khayr ad Din robbed and sank local ships, captured sailors and sold them as slaves in the Istanbul slave markets. He was the storm of the seas and the city authorities could not resist him for a long time. Then the fortress was called "Pirate Castle". Later, when the authorities managed to restore order in the region, the fortress again defended the city. From its highest tower, it monitored the neighbourhood in order to take measures to protect the population.
As time went on, the region became calmer and the defence fortress was no longer necessary. It began to gradually deteriorate. However, its interesting history and picturesque surroundings became of interest to tourists. Thanks to this, the castle has now been restored and its central part has become a museum. The fortress also houses a cosy cafe, a good restaurant where you can taste fresh seafood and a disco. A beautiful flower greenhouse surrounds the structure. Everyone can make a fascinating excursion tour to Güverdzin and relax under the arches of the beautiful castle. Here you can enjoy not only the sea breeze, but also breathe in the flavour of the island's glorious and romantic past, which is especially attractive in the evening spotlight.
Pigeon Island is connected to Kusadasi city centre by a long causeway and embankment road and is 350 metres from the coast. The beach of the island is an ideal place for diving enthusiasts who want to fully enjoy the deep clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Pigeon Island has a visibility of at least 15 metres, so you can spot barracudas, octopus, moustached lobsters, parrot fish and starfish while diving here. And the local colourful coral gardens, untouched by tsunamis and humans, are a delight even for experienced divers.
