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11 places to visit in the Selçuk district of Izmir: Ephesus (Efes Antik Kenti), Temple of Artemis Ruins and Ephesus Museum. Plan your trip to Selçuk with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Selçuk is a district of Izmir province in Türkiye, with an area of 317 km² and an elevation of 18 metres. Menderes and Torbalı lie to the north, Tire to the north-east, the Kuşadası and Söke districts of Aydın province to the south, the Germencik district of Aydın province to the east, and the Aegean Sea to the west. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is located in Selçuk.

History

Formerly known as Ayasuluk, Selçuk was taken by the Aydınoğulları Beylik in 1304 and joined Ottoman lands in 1426. It was renamed Selçuk in 1914. On 1 September 1957 it separated from Kuşadası and gained district status. Selçuk is one of the largest open-air museums in the world. Ephesus is visited by around 2 million visitors every year.

Geography and Economy

Selçuk is the southernmost district of Izmir province. It is 74 km from the provincial centre of Izmir. The district’s economy is primarily based on tourism, followed by agriculture and livestock farming. Olives, grapes and citrus fruits make up its agricultural activity.

Culture

Pamucak Beach has 6 large hotels. Şirince village is a popular rural tourism centre.

History and Culture

Selçuk was taken by the Aydınoğulları Beylik in 1304 and joined Ottoman lands in 1426. Selçuk separated from Kuşadası in 1957 and became a district. The history of Ephesus goes back as far as the 6th millennium BC.

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Places to Visit in Selçuk

  • 3 Ancient City
  • 4 Religious
  • 2 Museum
  • 1 Beach
  • 1 Cultural

Ancient Cities 3

Ephesus - Selçuk Photo: Gargarapalvin (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source
Ancient City

Ephesus (Efes Antik Kenti)

One of the most important settlements of antiquity, located in Selçuk. It is visited by around 2 million visitors every year.

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Temple of Artemis Ruins - Selçuk Photo: FDV (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source
Ancient City

Temple of Artemis Ruins

One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, located in Selçuk.

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Ancient City

Yamaçevler

A settlement of seven Roman-period houses within the boundaries of the Ephesus Archaeological Site.

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Religious Buildings 4

Religious

İsa Bey Mosque

One of the most important works of Seljuk art. It is the oldest known example of both the courtyard-type Turkish mosque and the Anatolian columned mosques.

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Religious

Seven Sleepers (Yedi Uyuyanlar)

One of the historic religious monuments in Selçuk.

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Religious

St. Jean Monument

A monument south of Ayasuluk Hill, covering the tomb of St John and the church area built in his memory.

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Religious

İsa Bey Mosque (second site)

A mosque south-west of Ayasuluk Hill, between the Temple of Artemis and St. Jean Church.

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Museums 2

Ephesus Museum - Selçuk Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source
Museum

Ephesus Museum

Selçuk Ephesus Museum, with its collection made up entirely of local finds, is one of the most important and richest museums in Europe.

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Museum

Selçuk Ephesus Museum

Known for its local finds, the Selçuk Ephesus Museum is regarded as one of Europe's important museums.

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Beaches and Coves 1

Beach

Pamucak Beach

A tourist beach west of Selçuk centre with 6 large hotels.

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Cultural Venues 1

Şirince Village - Selçuk Photo: Erdall (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source
Cultural

Şirince Village

A popular rural tourism centre in Selçuk.

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Places to Visit Around Izmir Province

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While you are in Selçuk, you can also see the highlights of Izmir province. These places are in other districts.

  • Pergamon Acropolis (Bergama) — Capital of the Hellenistic Kingdom of Pergamon, famous for its theatre on a steep slope, the Temple of Trajan and the foundation of the Altar of Zeus, which is now displayed in Berlin.
  • Temple of Artemis — The remains of the temple, counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in Selçuk; only a single column still stands today.
  • House of the Virgin Mary — On Mount Bülbül near Selçuk, a house believed in Christian tradition to be where Mary spent her last years; identified in 1891, it is an important pilgrimage site that many popes have visited.
  • Izmir Clock Tower — A 25-metre tower in Konak Square, built in 1901 for the 25th anniversary of Abdülhamid II's accession to the throne; it is the symbol of the city.
  • Kemeraltı Bazaar and Kızlarağası Caravanserai — A historic bazaar that grew from the 17th century onwards as the shoreline was filled in; with its caravanserais, mosques, synagogues and narrow lanes it is the heart of the city.
  • Smyrna Agora — A Roman agora in Konak, founded in the 4th century BC and rebuilt under Emperor Marcus Aurelius after the earthquake of AD 178; the vaulted galleries in the basement of the basilica and the colonnaded stoa can be visited as an open-air museum.

Practical Information for Visiting Selçuk

Suggested time
2–3 days
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn (April to June, September to November)
Places to visit
11 places

What to Eat in Selçuk

Food guide →

  • Şirince Wine

    Fruit wines made in the village of Şirince from fruits such as peach, blackberry, pomegranate and sour cherry. Tastings can be held at the village wine houses.

  • Ege Ot Yemekleri (Aegean herb dishes)

    Olive oil dishes made with wild herbs gathered around Selçuk, among the most authentic flavours of Aegean cuisine.

  • Çöp Şiş (skewered lamb pieces)

    Small pieces of lamb threaded onto thin skewers and grilled over embers. It is Selçuk's most popular street food.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Selçuk

  • Ancient Ephesus Heritage

    Selçuk is the heir of the ancient city of Ephesus. Its layered history of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods forms the cultural identity of the district.

  • Camel Wrestling Festival

    The Selçuk Camel Wrestling Festival, held every January, is one of the most colourful traditional events in the Aegean Region.

Local Products

  • Şirince Fruit Wines — Fruit wines made in the village of Şirince, a brand known across Türkiye.
  • Olive Oil — Cold-pressed olive oil from the olive groves around Selçuk, counted among the finest oils of the Aegean.

Economy

Selçuk's economy relies largely on tourism. Ephesus alone draws millions of tourists a year. Olive growing, winemaking and agriculture are also sources of income.

How to Get to Selçuk

Selçuk is 80 km from Izmir. It lies on the İzmir–Aydın motorway. İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport is 60 km away. There are regular train and bus services to Izmir.

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Selçuk: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Selçuk?

The 11 highlights in Selçuk are: Ephesus, Temple of Artemis Ruins, Ephesus Museum, Şirince Village, İsa Bey Mosque, Pamucak Beach, Seven Sleepers (Yedi Uyuyanlar), Selçuk Ephesus Museum, Yamaçevler, St. Jean Monument and İsa Bey Mosque (second site).

What to eat in Selçuk?

Şirince Wine, Ege Ot Yemekleri (Aegean herb dishes) and Çöp Şiş (skewered lamb pieces) are the standout flavours on Selçuk's tables.

What is Selçuk famous for?

Selçuk is known for Şirince Fruit Wines and the Ancient Ephesus Heritage. The fruit wines made in the village of Şirince are a brand recognised across Türkiye.

How do I get to Selçuk?

Selçuk is 80 km from Izmir. It lies on the İzmir–Aydın motorway. İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport is 60 km away. There are regular train and bus services to Izmir.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Selçuk?

Suggested visit length: 2–3 days. Best time to visit: spring and autumn (April to June, September to November).

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