Ephesus

Ephesus, Turkey - Complete Travel Guide

Ephesus stands as one of the world's most magnificent ancient cities and Turkey's most visited archaeological site. Located near the modern town of Selçuk in western Turkey, this remarkably well-preserved Greco-Roman metropolis once served as the capital of Roman Asia Minor and was home to over 250,000 people at its peak. The ruins showcase incredible architectural marvels including the iconic Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre that could seat 25,000 spectators, and intricate mosaics and frescoes that have survived nearly two millennia. Beyond the main archaeological site, the Ephesus region offers visitors a rich tapestry of historical and cultural experiences. The nearby House of Virgin Mary, believed to be where Mary spent her final years, attracts pilgrims from around the world, while the Temple of Artemis ruins represent one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The charming town of Şirince, with its Greek architecture and wine culture, provides a delightful contrast to the ancient stones, making Ephesus a destination that easyly blends archaeological wonder with authentic Turkish hospitality.

Top Ephesus

Ephesus Archaeological Site

Walk through the marble streets of this ancient metropolis, marveling at the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, and Temple of Hadrian. The site offers an unparalleled journey through Roman history with incredibly preserved structures and intricate details. Audio guides provide fascinating context about daily life in this once-thriving commercial center.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 200 Turkish Lira with audio guide rentals for 30 TL. Visit early morning (8 AM) or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat. Book skip-the-line tickets online during peak season, and wear comfortable walking shoes as the site covers extensive marble terrain.

the House of Virgin Mary

Discover this sacred pilgrimage site located in the hills above Ephesus, where it's believed the Virgin Mary spent her final years. The small stone house offers a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere surrounded by beautiful nature. Visitors can light candles, make wishes at the wishing wall, and drink from the holy spring believed to have healing properties.

Booking Tip: Entrance fee is 50 Turkish Lira, open daily 8 AM to 6 PM. Best visited in combination with Ephesus as part of a day tour. The site can get crowded during religious holidays, so plan accordingly. A 10-minute uphill walk from the parking area is required.

Şirince Village

Wander through this charming hilltop village known for its preserved Greek architecture, cobblestone streets, and local wine production. The village offers impressive views over the surrounding countryside and features traditional houses converted into boutique shops selling handmade crafts, olive oil, and fruit wines. Sample local peach and apple wines while enjoying authentic Turkish village atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Free to explore, but budget for wine tastings (20-50 TL per glass) and local products. Visit midweek to avoid weekend crowds from İzmir. Many restaurants offer set menus for 100-150 TL. Consider staying overnight for a more real feel away from day-trip crowds.

Tour Ephesus Museum

Discover an exceptional collection of artifacts excavated from Ephesus, including impressive statues, intricate jewelry, and household items that bring ancient daily life to vivid detail. The museum houses the famous Artemis statues and beautiful frescoes from the Terrace Houses. Interactive displays and detailed explanations provide context that enhances understanding of the archaeological site.

Booking Tip: Entry costs 45 Turkish Lira, open Tuesday-Sunday 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM (closed Mondays). Visit before or after the main site to maximize understanding. Allow 1-2 hours for a thorough visit. Photography requires an additional fee of 20 TL.

Ephesus Terrace Houses

Step inside the luxurious homes of Ephesus's wealthy residents, featuring incredible mosaics, frescoes, and advanced heating systems that showcase Roman engineering prowess. These 'houses of the rich' offer intimate glimpses into upper-class life with their colorful wall paintings and intricate floor designs. The climate-controlled environment preserves these 2000-year-old domestic treasures in remarkable condition.

Booking Tip: Separate entrance fee of 100 Turkish Lira in addition to main site ticket. Limited daily visitors, so book in advance during peak season. Photography permitted with additional 20 TL fee. Visit early as part of your Ephesus tour since it's located within the main archaeological site.

Getting There

The nearest airport is İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport, about 60 kilometers away, with regular flights from Istanbul and European cities. From the airport, take the HAVAŞ shuttle bus to İzmir city center, then connect to Selçuk by train or bus, or book a direct transfer service (around 150-200 TL). Alternatively, fly into Istanbul and take a domestic connection, or travel overland by bus from Istanbul (8 hours) or İzmir (1 hour). The closest town to Ephesus is Selçuk, just 3 kilometers from the archaeological site, accessible by local dolmuş (shared minibus) or taxi.

Getting Around

Selçuk is compact and walkable, with most hotels within walking distance of restaurants and the train station. Dolmuş minibuses run regularly between Selçuk and the Ephesus entrance for 5 TL, or take a taxi for about 25 TL. Rent a bicycle from local shops for 30-50 TL per day to explore the area at your own pace. For visiting multiple sites like the House of Virgin Mary and Şirince village, consider joining a guided tour or renting a car, as public transportation to these locations is limited. Many visitors find that booking a full-day tour provides the most convenient way to see all major attractions without transportation hassles.

Where to Stay

Selçuk town center

Kuşadası resort area

Şirince village

Pamucak beach area

Ephesus vicinity countryside

İzmir city center

Food & Dining

Selçuk offers excellent traditional Turkish cuisine with many family-run restaurants serving fresh, local ingredients at reasonable prices. Try köfte (meatballs), mantı (Turkish dumplings), and fresh seafood from the nearby Aegean coast, with most meals costing 50-100 TL per person. The weekly Saturday market provides opportunities to sample local olives, cheeses, and seasonal fruits, while Şirince village specializes in organic produce and homemade wines. For upscale dining, head to Kuşadası's waterfront restaurants, or seek out the good spots in Selçuk's backstreets where locals eat authentic home-style cooking at incredibly affordable prices.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Ephesus is during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when temperatures are comfortable for extensive walking and crowds are more manageable. Summer months (June-August) can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 35°C, making early morning visits essential, while winter offers mild weather and fewer tourists but some attractions may have reduced hours. Avoid Turkish national holidays and school vacation periods when domestic tourism peaks, and consider that summer brings cruise ship crowds that can make popular sites very busy between 10 AM and 4 PM.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Museum Pass Turkey for 375 TL if visiting multiple sites - it covers Ephesus, Terrace Houses, and the museum while allowing you to skip ticket lines

Bring plenty of water and wear a hat as there's limited shade at the archaeological site, and marble surfaces can be slippery when wet

Start your visit from the upper entrance (near Terrace Houses) and walk downhill to the lower entrance for an easier experience, ending near the Library of Celsus for the best photos in softer afternoon light