Bird island is the symbol of the Turkish resort of Kusadasi. This is a great place for quiet rest and contemplation of the beautiful nature. Here you can see the ruins of the Genoese fortress, visit a Museum, relax in one of the local restaurants and enjoy the view of yachts floating on the waves of Bay city.

Island its name derives from the large number of birds that come here during seasonal migrations. They completely covered the island down, arranging here incessant bustling rookeries. In the centre of the island still has a large dovecote. In Ottoman period, the name Kusadasi moved to the city, and the island was given a new name – Guvercin, which means Pigeon.

Bird island has always played a very important strategic role in the life of the city. He was guarding the shores of the city and prevented the enemy attack from the sea. For centuries the island was located seaport, which now accepts even large ships.

Majestic and powerful fortress located on the island for many years defended the area against pirates, threatening her loopholes was awed strangers. This fortress was built by the Genoese, together with the Venetians in the 16th century. Thick walls and huge towers of the castle allowed him for many centuries to serve as a reliable protective construction for the city and nearby fishing villages. But once the fortress fell into the hands of the pirates. They occupied the island under his residence and kept the loot value. Concubines and slaves, weapons, goods – all of this was safely hidden behind the walls. For a long time, the great and terrible pirate Khair ad DIN robbed and drowned local ships, captured sailors and sold them as slaves at the slave markets of Istanbul. He was the terror of the seas and the city authorities for a long time I couldn't resist. Then the fortress was called "Pirate castle". Later, when the authorities managed to restore order in the region, the fortress was again to defend the city. From the high tower was built monitor the surroundings in time to take measures to protect the population.

Over time, the situation in the region became calmer and the need for a protective fortress disappeared. She gradually began to deteriorate. However, its interesting history and beautiful environs have become of interest to tourists. Due to this, the castle is now restored, and the Central part of it became a Museum. In the fortress there is also a cosy café, a nice restaurant where you can taste fresh seafood and a disco. And surrounds the construction of a beautiful flower greenhouse. Everyone can take a fascinating guided tour in Guvercin and relax under the beautiful arches of the castle. Here you can enjoy not only the sea breeze, but also to inhale the aroma of the glorious and romantic past of the island, which is especially attractive in the light of evening lights.

Pigeon island is connected to the centre of Kusadasi long Causeway and Causeway and deleted from the coast to 350 meters. Island beach is an ideal place for diving enthusiasts seeking to fully enjoy the deep clear waters of the Aegean sea. The visibility in the water near Pigeon island is not less than 15 meters, so when diving here can be considered barracudas, octopus, whiskered lobster, parrotfish and sea stars. And the local colorful coral gardens that were not touched neither the tsunami nor the people that delight even the most experienced of divers.