Şirince
A historic stone-house village in a mountain valley east of Selçuk, famous for fruit wines, olive oil, and handicrafts, and a relaxing spot to visit after Ephesus.
Şirince lies on a hillside about 8 km east of Selçuk, surrounded by vineyards, peach orchards, and olive groves. Historically a Greek village (formerly called Kirkince), it was settled by Turks from the Thessaloniki region of Greece after the population exchange of the 1920s, and they continued its winemaking tradition. The village retains two-story Ottoman-style stone houses with white walls and red tile roofs, and narrow stepped lanes lined with small shops selling handmade soap, lace, spices, olive oil, and Turkish delight. The village is best known for its fruit wines, including mulberry, strawberry, pomegranate, peach, and blackberry varieties. Most wine shops offer free tastings. You can see the 19th-century St. John the Baptist Church (restored, and open at times), enjoy gözleme (Turkish flatbread) and home-style dishes at restaurants under grapevine trellises, or sit at a café on the hillside overlooking the village. Weekends and summer bring many visitors, so it is best to come on a weekday or stay overnight after the day-trippers leave to enjoy a boutique guesthouse. Minibuses run to and from Selçuk in about 15 to 20 minutes, and taxis are also convenient.
Opening hours
Open all day (shops approx. 09:00–20:00)
Nearby sights
- Ephesus Archaeological Museum
- Basilica of St. John & Selçuk
- İsa Bey Mosque
- Temple of Artemis
- Çamlık Railway Museum
- Cave of the Seven Sleepers
- Ephesus
- Terrace Houses of Ephesus