Published 25 October 2026
Şirince is a small hillside village above Selçuk and an easy addition to a day at Ephesus. Its quiet lanes and old houses are a calm contrast to the crowds and marble of the ancient city. It is also close enough to make a relaxed final stop before heading back to Kusadasi.
What is Şirince?
Şirince is a village in the green hills a short drive east of Selçuk, the town next to Ephesus. The road climbs through olive groves and orchards, and the village is built on the slopes of a valley. Its whitewashed stone and timber houses with tiled roofs are stacked along narrow lanes.
It isn’t a museum or an archaeological site. People live and work here, and part of its charm is the everyday mix of family homes, small shops, cafés and gardens.
A short history: from Kirkince to Şirince
For centuries the village was home to a Greek Orthodox community and was known as Kirkince. Its history changed in the 1920s with the population exchange between Greece and Turkey. The Greek residents left, and Muslim families who had been moved from Greece settled in their place. In 1926 the village was renamed Şirince.
Many of the old houses from that earlier period still stand, and they give the village its distinctive look. A walk through the lanes is a quiet reminder of the region’s layered past, which stretches from ancient Ephesus to the twentieth century.
What to see and do in Şirince
Şirince is small, and there’s no fixed list of sights to tick off. A visit here is mostly about wandering, browsing and stopping for a drink or a meal. These are the highlights.
Fruit wines
Şirince is best known for its fruit wines. Alongside grape wine, local producers make wines from fruits such as blackberry, peach, apple, cherry and pomegranate. They are often quite sweet. Shops along the main lanes often offer tastings before you buy, which is the easiest way to find one you like.
If you plan to take bottles home, check your airline’s rules or your cruise line’s policy on bringing alcohol on board before you buy.
Olive oil, soaps and local products
The hills around the village are covered with olive trees, so olive oil and olive oil soaps are common. You’ll also find dried fruit, jams, herbal teas, spices and handmade items. These make easy, light souvenirs.
The local market
The lanes leading into the village centre are lined with stalls and small shops, and local women often sell homemade goods. It’s a lively, friendly place to browse. Polite bargaining is normal at some stalls, but there’s no pressure to buy.
Church of St. John the Baptist
Near the top of the village stands the Church of St. John the Baptist, built by the village’s former Greek community. It is one of the clearest links to Şirince’s history as Kirkince. It’s a peaceful spot and worth the short uphill walk. Access arrangements can change, so take it as you find it on the day.
Cafés and village views
Cafés and small restaurants with terraces look out over the rooftops and valley. A Turkish coffee, a glass of tea or a light village-style meal makes a good end to a day of sightseeing.
Practical tips for visiting
- Wear comfortable shoes. The lanes are narrow, steep and often cobbled, and some surfaces can be uneven or slippery. After walking through Ephesus, your feet will thank you.
- Bring water and sun protection in the warmer months. There is shade in the village, but the walk uphill can be tiring in the heat.
- Accessibility is limited. The steep, uneven lanes can be difficult for visitors with mobility issues or pushchairs. The lower part of the village is the easiest to explore.
- Carry some cash for small purchases at market stalls. Some shops also accept cards.
- Expect it to be busy at popular times, especially in summer and at weekends, when people from the area come up for the day.
How long should you allow?
Allow around one to one and a half hours in Şirince to walk the main lanes, taste some wine, browse the market and stop for a drink. If you want a sit-down lunch or like to take your time, allow a little longer.
Combined with Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary, this makes a full but comfortable day. A rough time budget, not counting driving, looks like this:
- House of the Virgin Mary: 30–60 minutes
- Ephesus: 2–3 hours at an easy pace
- Şirince: 1–1.5 hours
Visiting Şirince on a cruise day
If you’re arriving by cruise ship, check your all-aboard time first. Here is a simple rule: if your all-aboard time leaves you less than about six hours ashore, keep to Ephesus only and save Şirince for another trip. Our cruise day planner, the Kusadasi cruise ship schedule and our guide on how to get from Kusadasi cruise port to Ephesus can help you plan. If you have more time in the area, see Kusadasi in 1, 2 or 3 days.
Adding Şirince to your Ephesus day with us
We offer a package that combines all three: Ephesus + House of the Virgin Mary + Şirince. It works like this:
- We pick you up from your Kusadasi hotel or the Kusadasi cruise port in a private car with driver.
- The first stop is the House of the Virgin Mary, a place of pilgrimage on the wooded hillside above Ephesus. You can read more in our House of the Virgin Mary guide.
- Your driver then drops you at the Upper Gate of Ephesus. You walk down through the ancient city, which takes about 2–3 hours at an easy pace. The driver waits for you at the Lower Gate.
- From the Lower Gate you continue up into the hills to Şirince.
- The driver brings you back to Kusadasi.
You can also make optional free stops in Selçuk, which lies on the way from Ephesus to Şirince. Just tell your driver. A suggested order and approximate times:
- Ephesus Museum: about 1 hour (see our Ephesus Museum guide)
- Basilica of St. John: 30–45 minutes
- İsa Bey Mosque: 15–20 minutes
- Temple of Artemis: 15–20 minutes
There is one price per vehicle for up to 8 passengers, and larger groups get a second vehicle.
Please note: this is a transfer service. A guide and entrance tickets are not included. Entry arrangements and opening hours change; you can buy your entrance tickets in advance on our museum tickets page.
Tickets
You can buy entry tickets for Ephesus and the Terrace Houses on our museum tickets page for today or up to 7 days ahead; Şirince itself has no entrance ticket. Payment is by card, and your ticket (barcode) is sent to you on WhatsApp. Each visitor needs to provide their full name, passport number and nationality. Please note that we are an independent seller, not the official ministry website, and tickets cannot be refunded once purchased.
Frequently asked questions
Is Şirince worth visiting if I have already seen Ephesus?
Yes. It offers something quite different: a lived-in hillside village with old houses, local products and views, rather than ancient ruins. It is a quieter way to end a day of sightseeing.
Can I visit Şirince on a cruise stop?
Yes, if you have a long enough day in port. If your all-aboard time leaves you less than about six hours ashore, keep to Ephesus only. Our Ephesus + House of the Virgin Mary + Şirince package picks you up at the Kusadasi cruise port.
Is Şirince suitable for children or older visitors?
Yes, with some care. The lanes are steep and uneven, so take your time, wear good shoes and stick to the lower lanes if walking is difficult.
Do I need to book a guide for Şirince?
No. The village is small and easy to explore on your own. Our package is a transfer with driver, so a guide is not included.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before your trip.
How can I pay?
You can pay in cash or by card.
If you’d like to combine Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary and Şirince in one relaxed day, take a look at our Ephesus private car with driver and choose the package that suits you.