Selcuk Hotels

Located in the south of Izmir, at the foot of the Aydın Mountains, Ephesus, which is one of the most important tourist, historical and religious centers, is a touristic town in Selçuk district of Izmir. Ephesus, which has very important ruins from the pages of history to the present day, was one of the important port cities of Selçuk in the past. Today, it is a religious center. The ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus, which was declared a holy pilgrimage site by the papacy in 1961, and the house of the Virgin Mary bring many foreign tourists to Selçuk. Ephesus, which hosts many local and foreign tourists in all seasons of the year, also has many accommodation options. In addition to large hotels in Ephesus, there are also boutique and small family-run hotels that offer the same comfort and even more. Small and boutique hotels in Ephesus are located in the district center or by the sea. Ephesus hotels are a very suitable option for you to enjoy the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea with your family or friends and have a budget-friendly vacation.

When to Visit Selçuk?

Spring and autumn are ideal seasons to visit Selçuk. During these times, the weather is milder, there are fewer tourists, and hotel prices may be more affordable. These seasons also offer a more comfortable environment for exploring historical and cultural sites.

How to Get to Selçuk?

There are various ways to reach Selçuk and the ancient city of Ephesus. You can travel by road or by air.

By Bus: Many bus companies have direct routes to Selçuk. If you arrive in İzmir, you can easily find buses and minibuses from the city center to Selçuk.

By Car: The İzmir-Aydın highway is the most convenient route by car.

Approximate Distances and Travel Times:

• İzmir – Selçuk: ~85 km, 1 hour
• Ankara – Selçuk: ~640 km, 8 hours 10 minutes
• Istanbul – Selçuk: ~630 km, 8.5 hours
• Bursa – Selçuk: ~405 km, 4.5 hours
• Eskişehir – Selçuk: ~455 km, 5 hours

Must-See Places in Selçuk

Ephesus (Efes), a Greek city, later became a Roman city. During the Roman period, which began around 100 BC, it had a population of 250 thousand people. This makes it one of the most important cities of the ancient period. Ephesus also had one of the most advanced aqueduct systems in the world. The ruins of the aqueduct are still located in Selçuk today under the name Byzantine Aqueduct.The Library of Celsus, the third richest library of the ancient period, built in 117, is also located here.Places to see in the ancient city of Ephesus; Hadrian's Temple, the Great Theater, the Odeon Theater used for concerts and senate meetings, and the Slope Houses.

Şirince Village: In the narrow streets of the village, it is possible to find shops and stalls selling olive oil, handicrafts and organic products. The prominent flavor of the village is its wines.

Shopping in Selçuk

Historic Bazaars: Find traditional handicrafts, textiles, and unique souvenirs reflecting local culture.
Antique Shops: Discover historical artifacts, coins, and vintage jewelry.
Local Products: Buy local olive oil, jams, honey, spices, and organic produce.
Handicrafts: Visit local workshops for handmade ceramics, woven products, and glassworks perfect for gifts.

Entertainment in Selçuk

Wine Tasting: Visit local wineries to sample regional wines and learn about the production process.

Trip to Sığacık: A charming nearby town with a historical harbor and calm atmosphere. Explore its old fortress and enjoy the coastal scenery.

Beach Time: Relax or swim at Pamucak Beach or nearby coastal areas. You can also try water sports or take a peaceful walk along the shore.

History of Selçuk

Ephesus was founded around 300 BC by Lysimachus, one of Alexander the Great's generals. The city was later moved to Ayasuluk Hill during the Byzantine era, where the tomb of St. John is located. A large basilica was built over his grave in the 5th-6th centuries.

In 1307, Selçuk (then called Ayasuluk) was taken over by the Turks and briefly became the center of the Aydınoğulları Beylik. This period saw the construction of important Turkish-Islamic architectural works. Selçuk became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1426.

It played a major role in the spread of all three major monotheistic religions and was once considered the center of paganism in ancient times. In 1914, it was known as Akıncılar, and since 1957, it has been a district of İzmir.

What is Selçuk Famous For?

• Ephesus Ancient City
• House of Virgin Mary
• İsa Bey Mosque
• St. John’s Basilica and Monastery
• Selçuk Castle

Where to Swim in Selçuk

Pamucak Beach: About 10 km west of Selçuk, this wide sandy beach is very popular and has sunbed and umbrella rentals.
Çukuraltı Beach: North of Pamucak, it's quieter and more natural, mostly frequented by locals.
Sığacık Beaches: Coastal spots near the marina or gulf provide alternative swimming areas close to Selçuk.

Top Things to Do in Selçuk

First of all, you can go on a nice discovery tour in Selçuk. You can go to Selçuk Castle. You can visit Isa Bey Mosque, one of the most important monuments that survived from the Seljuk period. Don't forget to take plenty of photos. You can enjoy the sea and the sun all day long in Selçuk or at Pamucak Beach nearby. You can visit the nearby bays and coasts with daily boat tours. If you are an enthusiast, you can dive. You can go to the ancient city of Ephesus. It is possible to see many ruins in Ephesus, one of the most important centers of Antiquity. You can see places such as Ayasülük Hill, Temple of Artemis, Çukuriçi Mound. You can see Hadrian's Temple, which is mentioned as the eighth wonder of the world and forms part of the ancient city. You should definitely visit the Ephesus Museum. Inside the museum, you can also see the arastasi, the bathhouse, the library and the Museum for the Visually Impaired. You can visit the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, the Church of St. John and his tomb. You can go to the nearby Şirince Village. After a walk through the narrow streets of Şirince, which is now famous all over the world, you can take a break and taste pancakes and stuffed zucchini blossoms.You can taste the grapes and fruity wines of the village famous for its vineyards and even shop for wine. You can organize excursions to nearby ancient cities such as Miletus, Didim, Pyrenees, Teos. You can go to the Church of the Virgin Mary and the house of the Virgin Mary. Don't forget to make a wish at the wishing wall. You can participate in the activities of the International Izmir Festival organized in June and July. While you are in Selçuk, you can eat a delicious garbage skewer. In the evenings, you can enjoy fish accompanied by fresh seasonal fish.  

Food & Drink Recommendations in Selçuk

Famous Dish: Milk Fish (Sütlü Balık) – A must-try local specialty.
Şevketli Bostan: A healthy dish made with wild thistle and lamb, rich in magnesium and calcium.