The best reasons to visit Ephesus are an ancient city you can still walk through, with the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater, and the food, wine and beaches of Selcuk and Kusadasi close by. Here are my ten reasons. If you still wonder, read Is Ephesus Worth Visiting?
Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Seeing a world heritage site is not an everyday adventure for many of us. Ephesus Ancient City and surrounding attractions have been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2015!
Ephesus is a gastronomical paradise
Selcuk town which hosts Ephesus is located on the coast on one side and located on the mountains on the other side. This unique location gives Selcuk a good variety of ingredients for preparing a big variety of dishes! Also, Selcuk has a mixed ethnical background which created a good fusion of eastern and western cuisines.
Ephesus Is Easy to Reach
Ephesus ancient city is located in the middle of several transport hubs. You can use Kusadasi Cruise Port, Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, Izmir Cruise Port, and several other busy hubs to reach Ephesus in less than one hour!
Ephesus is the city of strong women
So far Our Lady of Ephesus Virgin Mary, Greek goddess Artemis, and the Roman goddess Diana have been the symbols and rulers of Ephesus. Visit Ephesus if you believe in the empowerment of women!
Ephesus has a great history
Ephesus’ and surrounding attractions’ history go back to 4000 years! Many people today think of Ephesus as a Roman City but the area has much deeper roots.
Great accommodation options can be found nearby Ephesus
Ephesus has more than fifty hotels nearby. They offer services and options for each individual budget. You can stay in cute hostels or a butler providing five+ star hotels around Ephesus ancient city and Kusadasi town.
Ephesus is crossroads of civilizations
You should visit the Temple of Artemis where you can see a Greek temple, a Jewish synagogue, a Christian church, and a Muslim mosque at the same time!
Take a dip in the Aegean Sea by Ephesus Ancient City
Ephesus is located by the warm waters of the Aegean Sea! Maybe you can have a quick dip in the sea after a walk through Ephesus Ancient City.
There is always more to explore around Ephesus
Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary are just two places to explore in Selcuk. There is a lot more to visit such as Sirince Village, Selcuk Train Museum, Ephesus Archeology Museum, Saint John’s Basilica, Waterparks for children, and a lot more!
Tasty wine in Sirince Village nearby Ephesus
Sirince village, which is located only 20 minutes drive from Ephesus, is famous for its wines. You can try different flavors of fruit wines in this little village!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit Ephesus and Sirince in one day?
Yes. Sirince is only about 8 km (5 miles) from Selcuk, so a good plan is to see ruins in the morning and drive up to the village for lunch and a wine tasting in the afternoon.
Is there a beach near Ephesus?
Yes. Pamucak Beach, also called Ephesus Beach, is a long sandy beach a short drive west of Selcuk. Kusadasi has more beach choices a bit farther south.
What is the best time of day to visit Ephesus?
Early morning or late afternoon, when it is cooler and quieter, especially in summer. For the current opening hours and last entry, see my post on Ephesus entry times.
Visit Ephesus with Professional Tour Guide
There are more reasons to visit this beautiful land. Contact me for a private guided tour in and around Ephesus. We can explore all Ephesus can offer together! See you soon, Hasan Gülday.
