Situated in the Izmir region, Selcuk is an amazing place in Turkey, which has a number of impressive landmarks that are famous all over the world. Thus, a visit to Ephesus is an ideal weekend getaway that allows you to immerse yourself in the distant history of the eastern country.
You've probably heard that the city of Ephesus Turkey belongs to some of the most magnificent ancient ruins in the world and Europe, which are perfectly preserved to this day. If you have not yet seen these remarkable ruins, then spring and autumn are the best times of the year to visit the ancient city. The off-season is ideal for educational excursions, because the sweltering heat of summer will not interfere with a detailed acquaintance with interesting curiosities.
The first settlers of Ephesus were Ionians in the tenth century BC. The city experienced its heyday under Roman rule as the capital of Asia Minor. Although almost 80% of the site has been excavated today, Ephesus remains one of the most studied archaeological sites in Europe. The city was once home to 250000 residents. Ephesus was an important pilgrimage site for the Temple of Artemis, which is considered the largest historic temple in the world and is one of the Seven Wonders of Antiquity. Ephesus contains a large collection of Roman ruins and really gives visitors an idea of how ancient people lived.
Situated just outside Ephesus is the House of the Virgin Mary, where she is believed to have spent the last years of her life. Now a shrine for Catholics and Muslims, it remains a place of pilgrimage. There is a modest chapel nearby, as well as the “Wall of Wishes,” where traditionally pieces of cloth are tied together to make a wish and continue the custom. Between Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary is a grotto where, according to legend, hermits used to close themselves off from the outside world. They are said to have fallen into a deep sleep and awakened a century later. Their tombs are now one of the most important and intriguing sites in the area.
Ephesus is only three kilometers away from Selcuk. While the former is only suitable for exploring ancient ruins, the latter is a great place to stay and enjoy the surrounding recreation. Selcuk guest houses offer comfortable accommodation in close proximity to the Ephesus Museum City, the Basilica of St. John, the Ayasuluk Fortress, and the Isa Bey Mosque.
The resort, which is focused on tourism, provides a wide range of services. In Selcuk there are a number of cozy cafes, restaurants and cafes that allow you to eat deliciously and enjoy your favorite drinks in a friendly atmosphere created by the owners of the establishment. In the city you can taste dishes of absolutely any cuisine, such as Turkish, Chinese, Mediterranean or Swiss. Cozy open-air restaurants, surrounded by dense vegetation, attract with their comfort and cute design.
The most popular boutique hotel in Selcuk is Casa Callinos, where even pets are allowed, which is quite rare. Right at the entrance to the city, you can visit spa centers, where it is especially pleasant to relax and unwind after tiring excursions to ancient sights. The city even has a hip cafe Ziryab, where free Internet is available.
A couple of kilometres outside of Selçuk towards Aydın is the friendly and fun youth resort of Atilla's Getaway, which boasts stunning views, swimming pools, billiards and even a beach volleyball area. Owned by an Australian Turk named Atilla, the place was rightfully voted Lonely Planet's 'Top Pick' for the Izmir region. The hotel and entertainment complex has a variety of accommodation options available, from suites to dorm-style rooms. It's an ideal base for Ephesus at the foot of Mount Virgin Mary, from where you can set off on hilly treks. Down the road is the Steam Train Museum, which makes for a great photo op. It houses 30 exhibits, including Ataturk's beloved white train.
Of particular note is Selcuk's Bizim Ev Hanimeli restaurant, which is located on the road to Sirince. It offers dozens of delicious traditional meat and vegetarian dishes, served as a buffet. This restaurant has become a popular place for those staying in the region - and rightly so. If you drop by at lunchtime, Bizim Ev Hanimeli can be crowded, as both regular tourists and diplomats prefer to eat here. The restaurant is often recommended by Selcuk residents themselves, as the village cuisine here is delightful. There are about twenty dishes to choose from, each of which is incredibly appetizing and delicious. You should definitely try the zucchini flowers in a batter shell, stuffed peppers, chicken under a cheese crust - all of this will appeal to even the most biased gourmet. The secret of many dishes is that they are cooked over an open fire.
Selcuk allows you to choose any option for rest. You can live in a stone house or consider camping options in the bosom of picturesque nature. Artificial beaches near the pools and the river surrounded by forest are ideal for a quiet holiday in the fresh air. The Izmir region is considered an ideal place for historical, gastronomic and ecological tourism. Thus, for visiting the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Selcuk is considered the starting point, where travelers stop for accommodation. In addition, the region has a lot of places where you can have an exciting family holiday.
