Pigeon Island Castle (Güvercinada) Guide: Entrance Fee, History & The Whale

When you look at the Kuşadası coastline, the first thing that catches your eye is that elegant fortress floating in the middle of the sea: Güvercinada Castle (Pigeon Island). For both history buffs and those simply looking for the perfect sunset spot, this is the city's most iconic landmark. Once accessible only by boat, this island is now connected to the mainland by a charming causeway, welcoming you for a memorable walk.

The moment you step onto the island, you are greeted not just by historic walls, but by the refreshing Aegean breeze and a surprisingly well-maintained botanical atmosphere. While many guidebooks describe this place merely as a pile of historic stones, there is a massive 14.5-meter surprise waiting for you inside.

• Location: Next to Kuşadası Cruise Port (Ege Port), Hacıfeyzullah District.
• Is Museum Pass Valid?: No, the Museum Pass Türkiye is not valid here (Municipal site).
• Avg. Visit Time: 45 Minutes - 1 Hour.
• Best Time to Visit: 1 hour before sunset.
• Parking: None at the entrance; use paid lots opposite the island.

Pigeon Island Castle Entrance Fee and Opening Hours 2025

The most confusing topic regarding Pigeon Island is the entrance fee. You might see old blog posts or reviews stating it is free, but this information is outdated. Since the site is managed by the Kuşadası Municipality rather than the Ministry of Culture, the Museum Pass Türkiye is unfortunately not valid here.

Panoramic view of Pigeon Island Castle and the causeway connecting it to Kuşadası port.

There is a dual pricing system in place. As of 2025, while local citizens pay a nominal fee, the entrance fee for foreign visitors is approximately 10 Euros. Credit cards are generally accepted at the turnstiles.

A local tip for you: During peak hours, it can get busy. Always check your receipt and change at the ticket booth to ensure everything is correct, as some visitors have reported minor confusion with currency conversion.

The castle is generally open from 09:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though hours can shift slightly with the seasons. The atmosphere changes completely in the evening when the fortress walls are beautifully illuminated.

Where is Pigeon Island? Transport and Parking Tips

The castle is located right in the center of Kuşadası, very close to the bazaar and the port. If you are a cruise ship passenger arriving at Ege Port, you are in luck. You can reach the causeway with a pleasant 10-minute walk along the seaside promenade. No taxi is needed.

Crucial warning for drivers: Do not try to drive your car right up to the castle entrance. There is strictly no parking at the start of the causeway, and traffic can get gridlocked. The smartest option is to leave your car at the paid parking lots directly across from the island or near the port and walk the rest of the way.

Illuminated walls of Pigeon Island Castle and the walking path during the evening.

What Awaits You Inside the Castle?

Once you pass the walls, you are welcomed by a park-like atmosphere rather than a cold stone fortress. Lush greenery, well-kept walking paths, and benches surround you. But the star of the show here isn't just the view or the walls; it is a skeleton.

The Famous Fin Whale Skeleton

Inside the museum section of the castle, a massive Fin Whale skeleton is on display, leaving visitors in awe. This whale washed ashore in the Dilek Peninsula National Park in 1998. It spans a whopping 14.5 meters. After months of dedicated work by scientists and museum officials, the skeleton was reassembled and moved here. For families traveling with kids, this is often the highlight of the trip.

The real 14.5-meter-long Fin Whale skeleton exhibited inside the Pigeon Island Castle museum.

The Watchtower and Maritime Museum

The inner castle's watchtower has been converted into a Maritime Trade History Museum. Inside, you will find amphorae from ancient times, weights used in maritime trade, ship models, and historical maps. It is not a huge museum, you can tour it in 15–20 minutes, but the cool interior and the sense of witnessing history are very satisfying.

You might also see glass floor sections at the entrance of the tower; staff can be strict about not stomping on them, so watch your step.

The Endemic Beauty: Tülüşah Flower

This isn't just a castle; it is a living nature reserve. As you walk through the fortress, take a closer look at the plants around you. The Tülüşah (Centaurea Mykalea), an endemic plant that grows only in this region and is under protection, is cultivated here in special areas. If you visit during the blooming season, you will see its showy yellow flowers creating a stunning contrast against the ancient stone walls.

History and Story of Pigeon Island

The history of the castle proves just how strategic this location is. The first fortifications on the island are thought to date back to the Genoese period. However, the castle gained its majestic appearance during the Ottoman era.

The inner castle was built by the legendary Admiral of the Seas, Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha. The construction of the surrounding walls dates back to the era of İlyas Agha, around the time of the Morea Revolt in 1826. The walls were raised to protect the city from naval attacks coming from the islands. This is why it was long referred to as the Pirate Castle by the locals.

Inside, you can see a statue of Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha and cannon batteries from that period. Standing on the ramparts and looking out at Kuşadası through the cannon embrasures, it is easy to imagine what the soldiers of that era felt.

Statue of Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha and historic walls located within the inner castle of Pigeon Island.

What to Do Nearby? Boat Trips and Swimming

Right at the entrance of the causeway, you will see various boats offering daily tours. The short 1-hour tours are a particularly budget-friendly option to see the castle from the sea and watch the sunset from open water.

For those wanting to swim, there are rocky areas at the back of the castle where people often take a dip. However, this is not an organized beach. The water is crystal clear, but the rocky bottom and occasional strong winds mean you should be careful. If you prefer to stay dry, simply sitting on a bench inside the castle and watching the giant cruise ships maneuver into the port is a therapy in itself.