Have you ever dreamed of traveling back in time and witnessing the glory of ancient civilizations? Or relaxing on a pristine beach with crystal clear water and golden sand? Or tasting the finest wines and olives in a charming village surrounded by nature? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should definitely visit Selçuk, one of the most amazing places in Turkey.
Selçuk is a town in the Aegean region of Turkey, about 80 km south of Izmir. It is the gateway to Ephesus, one of the most important and impressive archaeological sites in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But Selçuk is much more than just Ephesus. It is a destination that offers a rich blend of history, culture, and nature, with something for everyone.

Ephesus: The Ancient City of Wonders
No visit to Selçuk is complete without exploring Ephesus, the ancient city of wonders. Ephesus was once one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the Roman Empire, and the center of culture, commerce, and religion in Asia Minor. It was also home to some of the most magnificent structures and monuments of the ancient world, such as the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theatre, the Terrace Houses, and the Arcadian Way.
As you walk through the ruins of Ephesus, you will feel like you are stepping into a different era, and witnessing the splendor and the sophistication of the ancient civilization. You will also learn about the historical and cultural events and figures that are associated with Ephesus, such as the Apostle Paul, who preached and wrote his famous letters here, the Virgin Mary, who is believed to have spent her last years in a small house near Ephesus, the Seven Churches of Revelation, which are mentioned in the Book of Revelation, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which was located in Ephesus.
To visit Ephesus, you will need to buy a ticket at the entrance, which costs 100 TL (about $12) per person. The ticket also includes access to the Terrace Houses, which are worth seeing for their well-preserved mosaics and frescoes. You can also opt for a guided tour, which will provide you with more information and insights about the history and the significance of Ephesus. You can book a tour online or at the entrance. The opening hours of Ephesus are from 8 am to 5 pm in winter, and from 8 am to 7 pm in summer. To get to Ephesus from Selçuk, you can take a minibus, a taxi, or a bike, which will take about 15 minutes.

The House of Virgin Mary: A Sacred Pilgrimage Site
Another must-see attraction in Selçuk is the House of Virgin Mary, a sacred pilgrimage site for Christians and Muslims. According to a legend, the Virgin Mary spent her last years in a small stone house on a hill near Ephesus, where she was taken by the Apostle John after the crucifixion of Jesus. The house was discovered in the 19th century, based on the visions of a German nun, and has been visited by millions of pilgrims and tourists since then.
The House of Virgin Mary is a simple and modest structure, with a chapel, a wishing wall, a holy spring, and a peaceful garden. As you enter the house, you will feel a sense of serenity and reverence, and you can light a candle, say a prayer, or make a wish. You can also drink from the holy spring, which is said to have healing properties, or write your wishes on a piece of paper and tie it to the wishing wall, which is covered with colorful notes and ribbons.
The House of Virgin Mary is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm in winter, and from 8 am to 6 pm in summer. The entrance fee is 45 TL (about $5.5) per person. You can also join a guided tour, which will explain the history and the significance of the house. You can book a tour online or at the entrance. To get to the House of Virgin Mary from Selçuk, you can take a minibus, a taxi, or a bike, which will take about 20 minutes.

Pamucak: The Longest and the Cleanest Beach in Turkey
If you are looking for some sun, sand, and sea, then you should head to Pamucak, the longest and the cleanest beach in Turkey. Pamucak is a 12 km long stretch of golden sand and turquoise water, located about 10 km west of Selçuk. It is a blue flag beach, which means that it meets the highest standards of water quality and environmental management. It is also one of the most beautiful and tranquil beaches in Turkey, with pine trees, dunes, and a bird sanctuary.
At Pamucak, you can enjoy a variety of activities and facilities, such as swimming, sunbathing, surfing, camping, picnic, and showers. You can also watch the stunning sunset, or join a horse safari or a quad bike tour, which will take you along the beach and the forest. Pamucak is a perfect place to relax and unwind, and to escape the crowds and the noise of the city.
The best time to visit Pamucak is from May to October, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the water is calm and clear. Pamucak is free to enter, and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for a small fee. You can also find some cafes and restaurants nearby, where you can have a snack or a drink. To get to Pamucak from Selçuk, you can take a minibus, a taxi, or a bike, which will take about 15 minutes.

Other Places to Visit in Selçuk
Besides Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary, and Pamucak, there are many other places to visit in Selçuk, which will enrich your experience and knowledge of the town and its history and culture. Here are some of the other attractions that you should not miss in Selçuk:
- The Basilica of Saint John: This is the site where the Apostle John, one of the closest disciples of Jesus, is believed to be buried. The basilica was built by the Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, and was one of the largest and most splendid churches in the Byzantine Empire. Today, you can see the ruins of the basilica, which include the tomb of Saint John, the baptistery, the courtyard, and the columns. The basilica is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm in winter, and from 8 am to 7 pm in summer. The entrance fee is 25 TL (about $3) per person.
- The Ayasoluk Castle: This is a medieval fortress that stands on a hill overlooking Selçuk and Ephesus. The castle was built by the Byzantines, and later expanded by the Seljuks and the Ottomans. It offers a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding area, and also houses a small museum that displays some artifacts and models of the castle. The castle is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm in winter, and from 8 am to 7 pm in summer. The entrance fee is 10 TL (about $1.2) per person.
- The İsa Bey Mosque: This is one of the oldest and most impressive mosques in Turkey, dating back to the 14th century. It was built by the Seljuks, and reflects their architectural style and craftsmanship. The mosque has a rectangular plan, with a large dome, two minarets, and a courtyard. The interior of the mosque is decorated with geometric and floral patterns, and has a marble mihrab and a wooden minbar. The mosque is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm in winter, and from 8 am to 7 pm in summer. The entrance is free, but you need to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering.
- The Temple of Artemis: This is the site where one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World once stood. The Temple of Artemis was dedicated to the goddess of hunting, fertility, and nature, and was considered to be the largest and most magnificent temple in the ancient world. It was built in the 6th century BC, and was destroyed and rebuilt several times, until it was finally burned down by a fanatic in the 4th century AD. Today, you can see only one column and some fragments of the temple, which give you a glimpse of its former glory. The temple is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm in winter, and from 8 am to 7 pm in summer. The entrance is free, but you need to walk about 1 km from the main road to reach the site.

Şirince: The Charming Village of Wine and Olives
If you are looking for a change of pace and scenery, then you should visit Şirince, the charming village of wine and olives. Şirince is a small village about 8 km east of Selçuk, nestled in the hills and surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. It is a hidden gem in the Aegean region, with its stone houses, cobblestone streets, and local crafts.
Şirince is famous for its homemade wines, which are made from various fruits and flavors, such as peach, apple, cherry, strawberry, and mulberry. You can taste and buy these wines at the many shops and stalls in the village, or at the wine houses, where you can also enjoy a meal and a view. You can also try the other specialties and delicacies of Şirince, such as the olive oil, the jams, the cheeses, and the pancakes.
Şirince is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the rural atmosphere, and to experience the authentic Turkish culture and hospitality. You can also stay overnight at one of the cozy and comfortable guesthouses or hotels in the village, and wake up to the sound of birds and the smell of flowers.
The best time to visit Şirince is from April to October, when the weather is pleasant and the flowers are in bloom. Şirince is free to enter, and you can explore the village by foot or by bike. You can also find some cafes and restaurants in the village, where you can have a snack or a drink. To get to Şirince from Selçuk, you can take a minibus, a taxi, or a bike, which will take about 20 minutes.

Adventure and Sports in Selçuk
If you are feeling adventurous and sporty, then you will love Selçuk, as it offers a variety of activities and experiences that will challenge and thrill you. Selçuk is a great place for adventure and sports lovers, as it has a stunning landscape, a favorable climate, and a diverse terrain.
One of the most popular and exciting adventure and sports options in Selçuk is skydiving, which will give you an adrenaline rush and a breathtaking view of the town and the sea. You can book a tandem skydive with a professional instructor, who will take you on a 15-minute flight and a 45-second free fall, before landing safely on the ground. You can also get a video and a certificate of your skydive, which will be a memorable souvenir of your trip.
Another adventure and sports option in Selçuk is mountain climbing, which will test your physical and mental strength and endurance. You can climb the Mount Bülbül, which is about 800 meters high and offers a panoramic view of the town and the sea. You can also climb the Mount Ayasoluk, which is about 300 meters high and has the Ayasoluk Castle on its summit. You can find some trails and routes for mountain climbing in Selçuk, or join a guided tour, which will provide you with the equipment and the safety measures.
Other adventure and sports options in Selçuk include paragliding, horse riding, and cycling, which will also let you enjoy the scenery and the nature of Selçuk. You can book these activities online or at the local agencies, and choose the level and the duration that suit you. You can also find some tips and practical information for doing adventure and sports in Selçuk, such as the best time to go, the weather conditions, and the prices.
Conclusion
Selçuk is a destination that has something for everyone, and that will make you fall in love with Turkey. It is a place where you can experience the history, the culture, and the nature of this amazing country, and have a memorable and enjoyable trip. Whether you want to explore the ancient city of Ephesus, visit the sacred House of Virgin Mary, relax on the beautiful Pamucak beach, discover the charming Şirince village, or have some adventure and sports in Selçuk, you will find what you are looking for in this guide.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Selçuk today, and get ready to have the time of your life.