Türkiye · Aegean Coast

Ephesus + Selçuk

Roman-Greek ruins + House of Virgin Mary + Basilica of St John

Ephesus is Türkiye's greatest ancient city — one of the largest Greco-Roman archaeological sites on Earth. Highlights: Library of Celsus, 25,000-seat theatre + Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, now a single column). Base in Selçuk town.

UNESCO listed
Since 2015
Nearest airport
İzmir ADB (60 km)
Base town
Selçuk (3 km from Ephesus)
Best season
April-June + September-October

Ephesus + Selçuk highlights

Library of Celsus

The iconic Ephesus facade — restored 2-storey library ruin. Best photographed morning without tour buses.

Great Theatre of Ephesus

25,000-seat Roman theatre — still occasionally used for concerts.

Terrace Houses

Wealthy Roman residences with preserved mosaics + frescoes — separate €12 ticket, worth it.

Temple of Artemis

One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — now just one reconstructed column. But historically significant.

Basilica of St John

Byzantine basilica where St John's tomb is said to be located. Panoramic Selçuk views.

House of Virgin Mary

7 km outside Ephesus — where Mary is said to have spent her final years. Pilgrimage site.

Şirince village

15 min from Selçuk — Greek village turned Turkish, famous for fruit wines. Lunch stop.

Getting there

İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) is 60 km north — direct flights from Istanbul + Europe. Train from İzmir to Selçuk 1h 15m. Cruise ships dock at Kuşadası (20 min away).

Getting around

Selçuk is small + walkable. Bus + taxi to Ephesus (3 km). Rent a car for Şirince + Meryem Ana.

Best time to visit

April-June + September-October (mild + full-day possible). July-August is 35°C+ + tour-bus crowded.

Budget per day

$30-60 backpacker · $80-150 mid-range · $200+ boutique

Where to stay in Ephesus + Selçuk

Frequently asked about Ephesus + Selçuk

How do I get to Ephesus?
Fly İzmir ADB — 60 km north. Train İzmir-Selçuk (1h 15m) or drive. From Istanbul: 1h flight + 1h 30m onward. Cruise ships dock at Kuşadası (20 min).
How much is Ephesus entry?
€25 combined (main site + Terrace Houses). Standalone entry cheaper. Buy Türkiye Museum Pass (€100/15 days) if visiting many sites.
How many days do I need at Ephesus?
Ephesus site itself is a half-day. Overnight in Selçuk to see St John Basilica + Temple of Artemis + Meryem Ana. Combined with Pamukkale = 3-4 day trip.
When is the best time to visit Ephesus?
April-June + September-October — hot months bring tour bus crowds. Arrive at 08:30 (opens 08:00) to beat them.