Photo: Emiryalpi (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source 4 places to visit in the Söke district of Aydın: Priene Ancient City, Miletos Ancient City and Büyük Menderes Delta. Plan your trip to Söke with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Söke is a district on the Aegean Sea coast, west of Aydın province in the Aegean Region. With an area of 1,064 km², it is the largest district of the province. In population terms it is the third largest district, after Efeler and Nazilli. The district’s altitude is 30 metres.
Söke, whose old names were the Greek Sokia and Aneon, was made a centre of Turkmen tribes by Aydın Bey in the 1300s. In 1426 it became the centre of the Menteşe Principality. Under Ottoman rule it remained the centre of the Menteşe Sanjak of Aydın Province. After 1924 it became a district of Aydın.
Söke was the centre of the Menteşe Principality in 1426. Söke became a district of Aydın after 1924.
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Photo: Emiryalpi (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source Priene, 15 km from Söke, is an Ionian city refounded on a grid plan in the 4th century BC. The remains of the Temple of Athena, the theatre and the bouleuterion (council house) are among the best examples of ancient urban planning.
View on mapMiletos, 30 km from Söke, was one of the most important port cities of the ancient world. It is known for its 15,000-seat theatre, the Faustina Baths and the remains of the ancient harbour.
View on mapThe Büyük Menderes Delta, west of Söke, is an important wetland that is home to bird species such as flamingos, pelicans and herons. The delta is part of the Dilek Peninsula National Park.
View on mapThe Söke market, held every week, is one of the largest open-air markets in the Aegean. Fresh vegetables and fruit, olive oil, cheese and handicrafts are sold.
View on mapWhile you are in Söke, you can also see the highlights of Aydın province. These places are in other districts.
A product registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected geographical indication.
Söke Kulak Tatlısı was registered as a protected geographical indication on 25 July 2025 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1755). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough dishes, desserts. Registered by: Söke Chamber of Commerce.
Söke Pidesi was registered as a protected geographical indication on 31 October 2022 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1248). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough dishes, desserts. Registered by: Söke Commodity Exchange.
Söke Tahinli Pidesi was registered as a protected geographical indication on 18 January 2024 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1521). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough dishes, desserts. Registered by: Söke Chamber of Commerce.
Söke Tatlı Maya Ekmeği was registered as a protected geographical indication on 9 August 2021 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 842). Product group: bakery and pastry products, dough dishes, desserts. Registered by: Söke Chamber of Commerce.
The area around Söke is home to Priene and Miletos, among the most important centres of the ancient Ionian civilisation. These ancient cities are where Western philosophy and science were born; Thales and Anaximander lived in Miletos.
Söke's weekly market is a trading tradition that has lasted for centuries. The market, where producers from surrounding villages and districts sell their products, is an important part of the region's social life.
Söke's economy is based on agriculture, trade and tourism. Cotton, olives and citrus fruit are grown on the Söke Plain. Priene and Miletos contribute to cultural tourism. Söke is one of the region's important trade centres, and its weekly market draws buyers from surrounding districts.
Söke is 60 km from Aydın city centre and 130 km from İzmir by road. The nearest airport is İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (110 km). There are intercity bus services and regular minibus services from Aydın.
The 4 highlights of Söke are Priene Ancient City, Miletos Ancient City, Büyük Menderes Delta and Söke Bazaar.
Söke Kulak Çorbası, Söke Kulak Tatlısı, Söke Pidesi and Söke Tahinli Pidesi are the standout flavours on Söke's tables.
Söke is known for Söke Körüklü Çizmesi and the Ancient Ionian Civilisation Heritage. Söke Körüklü Çizmesi is a product registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected geographical indication.
Söke is 60 km from Aydın city centre and 130 km from İzmir by road. The nearest airport is İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (110 km). There are intercity bus services and regular minibus services from Aydın.
Suggested visit length: 2-3 days. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.