An Aegean Route from Ephesus to Şirince and Kuşadası

Thanks to excavations first initiated by the Austrians in 1896, the ancient city of Ephesus became the apple of the world’s eye. W. Ramsay describes it as the “city of change.”

As we learn from Athenaios, the founding of Ephesus is actually a legend! When the founders could not find a suitable place for their purposes, they consulted an oracle. The oracle told them to establish their city where a fish and a wild boar would show them. One day, fishermen were frying fish near what would later become the harbor. A spark from the fire leapt into the forest and started a blaze. At that moment, a wild boar hiding behind the trees in the grove fled in fear, was caught, and killed. Later, a temple was built in the name of Athena, and a statue was erected in memory of the wild boar. This statue remained until 400 AD.

Today, visitors can begin their tour with the Temple of Artemis. Then you can continue your itinerary with Ephesus itself, followed by the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the museum in the center of Selçuk district. At the museum entrance, a model of the complete Temple of Artemis welcomes you. It clearly shows why it was once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, displaying its former grandeur.

After the museum, for a short break, you can treat yourself to something at Çadır (just outside the exit), and then walk to visit the İsa Bey Mosque. Old Selçuk has become very beautiful—well-kept, elegant places have opened. You should definitely add to your itinerary the coffee at Büegros, the kebabs and traditional ayran at Gaziantep Kebap (Ramazan Usta), and the sourdough pizzas at Pizza Kallinos.

Since you’ve come this far, we recommend strolling slowly through Şirince when it’s not too crowded. Although it has embraced tourism, it is still a village with strong character, unique architecture, a beautiful location, and valuable residents. These days, the peach trees have begun to blossom, creating a magnificent view! There is also a shop we recommend visiting: Kırkınca Antique Shop, where you can find extraordinary silk shawls, jewelry, and authentic accessories.

For your overnight stay, Hotel Kalehan should definitely be your choice:
https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/seljuk-ephesus-hotels 

We highly recommend experiencing Hotel Kalehan, where the wonderful hosts still personally take care of each guest.

The next day, continue your program from Kuşadası. Take the old road so you can breathe in the iodine-rich scent of the open sea at Pamucak Beach, where Heraclitus is said to have set the sun. Lean back against the palm trees on the shore—planted by a waiter at Dereli Motel Camping over 30 years ago and still watered daily—and let the vast, unobstructed horizon soothe your soul.

Since Kuşadası is a destination visited by cruise ships year-round, and with the marina expansion completed this year, and because it was one of the first places where tourism in Turkey began (even before Bodrum), it has both a mini-metropolitan feel and the atmosphere of a historical town. In short, it’s where old and new coexist. Our favorite places include Beerbus Kuşadası, Kazım Usta Restaurant, Bottarga Restaurant, and Pizza Mio Vino.

The old tannery in Kuşadası (Old Town Tanneries) has been restored, and wonderful venues featuring various culinary cultures have opened there. Be sure to set aside time to visit.

We also recommend adding the Dilek Peninsula and Değirmen Farm to your route.

And in our opinion, the best pastry shop & bakery in Kuşadası is Kaliteci—we’ve never seen it empty 🧿

Question: Is there anyone who doesn’t know the legend of the Seven Sleepers?