Sirince : Ancient Greek Village in Turkey

It was the magical winter of 2019. We were on our second trip to Turkey and had found our way to the town of Selçuk on 31 December. After reaching Selçuk by train from Izmir around noon and checking into a boutique heritage hotel with a view of the Ayasuluk Citadel, we decided to head to the tiny village of Şirince (pronounced Cirince with a focus on the C). The dolmuş (small bus) from Selçuk was easy to find and we were in the fairytale village of Şirince in hardly 10-15 minutes. Although at first glance Şirince felt like a touristy affair, when we roamed the winding streets and explored more of this ancient Greek town perched on a mountain – we almost wished that we had got our bags and the possibility of staying in Şirince for a couple of days!

I pen down my experience of visiting Şirince and making a comprehensive Travel Guide.

A woman standing on a cobblestone street in a vibrant market area with shops and a mosque in the background, surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky.

A picturesque view of a rural hillside village with traditional houses, nestled among trees under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.

History of Şirince

The current village of Şirince is said to have been founded in the 15th Century by Greeks who were leaving Ephesus. Among the many legends about Şirince : is that the village was established by fleeing Greek slaves who named the town Çirkince (meaning ugly). They settled here growing olives, figs, tobacco, berries and produced wine. In the early 1920s, during the population exchange between Greece and Turkey – Şirince’s original inhabitants were replaced with the present day population – Turkish inhabitants from Thessaloniki, Greece. The town was renamed Şirince in 1926 by the Governor of Izmir province.

A person walking down a cobblestone street lined with shops and trees, with various items displayed for sale.

A scenic view of a parking lot with several parked cars, surrounded by lush greenery and a hillside in the background under a clear blue sky.

In the early 1990s, Şirince gained prominence after it was declared a National Heritage Site in Turkey. A number of renovations took place, as ruined historical houses were restored using old building techniques and travellers started discovering the village after a paved road reached Şirince in the year 1986. The restored homes were turned into guesthouses and restaurants to invite more travellers to Şirince; the proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus was an added bonus. Among the most important historical structures (dating 19th Century) of Şirince village are two churches, two fountains, a traditional olive oil factory, one furnace, one primary school (functioning as Şirince Artemis Restaurant), and seven shops.

A traditional two-story building with wooden window frames and a red Turkish flag hanging from the wall, surrounded by plants and a cobblestone path.

A narrow, winding stone pathway leads through a quaint village, flanked by traditional white buildings with wooden window shutters and signs for restaurants. A bare tree stands beside the path, while green hills are visible in the background under a blue sky.

A panoramic view of a small town with traditional tiled roofs, surrounded by green hills and trees under a clear blue sky.

In the present day, Şirince is a tiny hamlet with a population of about 600-700 inhabitants. It is extremely popular with tour groups visiting Ephesus and offers a charming Greek architecture village vibe with cobbled winding streets, cute homes, handcrafted souvenirs, fruit wines, surreal views surrounded with olive trees and fruit orchards. Şirince was named among one of the World’s Best Tourism Villages in 2023 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Facade of a cafe and restaurant named Zeytinti Konak, featuring wooden shutters and a sign displaying its name. The entrance has a variety of colorful souvenirs and trinkets displayed outside, with a cobblestone walkway leading up to it.

A display of various wine bottles on a wooden shelf, including colorful labels and different types of wines, alongside a collection of traditional wooden toys and decorative items.

A person wearing a colorful sombrero and a red and black striped shirt is walking along a cobblestone path in an outdoor setting with tables and greenery.

What to Do in Şirince? Places to Visit in Şirince or Şirince Attractions

Although Şirince is a small village, there are a number of attractions for the visitor. These can all be covered by walk in a matter of an hour or so.

Churches in Şirince : As Şirince was inhabited by Greek Orthodox Christians before the population exchange in the 1920s, there are two churches for visitors to explore.

A cobblestone path leading down a hillside, flanked by stone walls and greenery, with a view of a village and hills in the background.

A vertical sign featuring various fruits listed in Turkish, including images of blackberries, raspberries, cherries, strawberries, peaches, melons, pomegranates, blueberries, quinces, and grapes, displayed outside a store.

St. John the Baptist Church

The biggest church in Şirince and a notable landmark, St. John the Baptist Church was built in 1805 and was restored in 1832. It is located a bit higher up from Şirince town square and can be accessed by the cobblestone paths winding through the village. The church is located in a complex with a wishing well and bell tower and a souvenir seller lady selling knitted socks. There are a few notable frescoes in the interior of the St. John the Baptist church. The best views of Şirince village (arguably) are from the walk to the church.

A circular stone fountain filled with water, featuring numerous coins at the bottom and a central column topped with a stone structure.

Aziz Dimitrios Church (Aziz Dimitrios Kilisesi) also known as Church of St. Dimitrios

The Church of St. Dimitrios is a 5 minute uphill walk from St. John the Baptist Church. It has been recently restored as the roof had caved in after the 1920s. The interiors are largely bare but for a wooden screen with intricate carvings which is a highlight of the Aziz Dimitrios Church. There’s a scenic café in the church compound and a good place to enjoy a cup of Turk Kahvesi (Turkish coffee) with the views.

A decorative wooden altar with intricate carvings and faded floral patterns, set against a plain white wall in an indoor space.

A stone courtyard with a central fountain surrounded by potted plants, decorative vines, and a statue. In the background, a building with a bell tower and an ornate roof, under a partly cloudy sky.

Şirince Cami

A small functioning mosque in Şirince close to the village market. Prayers are held daily and it is worth a quick visit.

A two-story traditional house with a balcony and dark window frames, surrounded by greenery and a stone path leading up to it.

Nisanyan Rock Tomb

Although it is recently built and difficult to reach, the Nisanyan Rock Tomb is a unique structure carved into the hillside and has sweeping views of Şirince and the valley.

A decorative bag featuring an illustration of a cat sitting next to a bowl of fruit, a bottle of wine, and a picturesque village with grapevines in the background.

Taş Mektep Müzesi

Literally translating to the Stone School Museum, Tas Mektep Müzesi is a historical museum housed in a building that originally served as a Greek school. It is in the same premises as the Şirince Artemis Restaurant & Wine House and showcases education reforms of the Ottoman era. There is a souvenir shop selling old report cards and other memorabilia at the museum.

A fence with pink chrysanthemums in front of a white house with a tiled roof, surrounded by greenery.

Fresh strawberries displayed in plastic cups on a black crate, with a sign indicating the price as 5 TL.

Wine in Şirince

Almost every other establishment is a wine cellar in Şirince and it is difficult to walk around without seeing the word ‘mahzen’ (which means cellar in Turkish). Şirince is well known for its unique assortment of fruit wines and there are a number of wineries offering wine tastings and wines for sale as well. These fruit wines are quite distinct and have an alcohol percentage from 5 to 12 percent. Be aware that the free wine tasting on the popular main road stretch in Şirince may be a misnomer as you may be pressurized into buying a bottle at inflated prices. I try to enlist some recommended wine cellars for wine tasting and buying fruit wine in Şirince.

A man examining a selection of wine bottles on a wooden table, with a backdrop of shelves filled with more wine.

Karadut(black mulberry), portakal(orange), ayva(quince), kavun(melon), apricots, blackberries, cherries, raspberries (ahududu), pears (armut), plum, peach, blueberries, green apple are some of the fruit flavours and some wine cellars also offer sangria in summer! A few monasteries in Şirince have also been converted into wine houses and restaurants.

A white wall with the text 'TAŞ MAHZEN' and 'ŞİRİNCE' painted in black, adorned with green and red grape illustrations. A wooden bench and a white plastic chair are positioned in front of the wall, with some clothing hanging nearby.

Kivircik Sarap Evi : No hardsell and free wine tasting (5 or 6 flavours) for real! Prices are not inflated and are quite reasonable compared to other touristy sellers.

Şirince Mahzen AYOS : Special edition wines and affable atmosphere, with a fireplace in the winter.

A rustic stone building with a wooden door and windows, featuring the sign 'MAKEDON MAHZEN' in bold letters. The exterior is decorated with potted plants and a traditional blue evil eye wall hanging.

Şirince Kirkinka Şarap Evi : Arguably, one of the most well known wine cellars in Şirince. Friendly atmosphere and no hardsell on buying. Wine tastings are free if you buy 2 bottles of wine.

Baküs Mahzen : One of the lesser known wine cellars in Şirince with an outdoor view and much better value for money.

A scenic view of rolling hills and mountains under a clear blue sky, with trees and a winding road visible in the foreground.

A rustic, weathered house with a tiled roof, partially covered in ivy, surrounded by potted plants and a small garden. A domestic cat sits on a stone ledge in front of the house.

Makedon Mahzen : Excellent collection and reasonable prices – Turkish local’s favourite wine cellar in Şirince.

Solmissós Mahzen : Atmospheric wine cellar with a kind owner, fair prices for wine tasting and no hardsell.

Exterior view of a white, two-story guesthouse with brown window shutters, named 'Tarihi Konak', surrounded by greenery and parked cars.

Among other wine cellars in Şirince are – Kaplankaya Serap Evi Şirince Kaplankaya Şaraplari, Selanik Mahzen, Poseidon Mahzen, Hera Şarap Evi, Şirince Şarap Mahzeni, Şirince Salkim Mahzen, Şirince Limon Şarap Mahzeni. I advise to stay clear of the wine cellars in the most obvious tourist areas close to the parking and entrance of Şirince town.

A building featuring blue shutters and trim, with a sign reading 'RAM-KOÇ LEATHERIUM' at the bottom. The architecture is characterized by a mix of traditional and modern elements.

Restaurants & Cafés in Şirince

There is no dearth of restaurants and cute cafés in the extremely touristy town of Şirince. A number of outdoor eateries in the atmospheric town vie for the travellers attention. Many day tours to Ephesus incorporate a few hours in Şirince and lunch time can become a crowded affair.

Şirince Artemis Restaurant : Lovely outdoor location and hugely popular restaurant and wine house. A bit expensive.

Şirince Panorama Restaurant : Excellent choice for Turkish and immaculate views in a family run place. Top choice in Şirince for lunch.

A white house with a tiled roof, featuring dark wooden windows, surrounded by a white metal fence adorned with vibrant pink flowers and green leaves.

A round white tray displaying multiple clear containers filled with bright red fruits. A sign above indicates the fruit is 'Dağ Çileği' priced at 5 TL.

Şirincem Restaurant : Instagram worthy eatery in Şirince. Scenic interiors and Greek style blue and white exteriors.

Angelus Nun’s House : Cast iron chairs and fine dine vibes, this is an offbeat find and a recommended place to eat in Şirince.

Gülten Abla’nın Yeri Restaurant : Alfresco outdoor location and home cooked meals.

Charming outdoor seating area of a restaurant with floral-patterned tablecloths, green furniture, and wooden accents under a sunny sky.

Dimitrios Restaurant, Tarihi Şirince Koy Restaurant, St. Mary Manastiri, Sedir Restaurant, Ortanca Restaurant, Ri Minos Cafe Restaurant are some good restaurants

Cafés in Şirince : After all, you are in the land of Turk Kahvesi (Turkish coffee).

A top-down view of a decorative copper tray containing several small white cups, a wooden spoon, and bowls with various ingredients, set on a stone surface.

Üzüm Café : Café serving coffee, snacks and also interesting cocktails.

Şirince Efes Kahvecisi : Coffee in an immaculate space, atmospheric café in Şirince.

Şirince Müştiyan Kahvecisi Turkish coffee : A local favourite for strong Turkish coffee and vibe.

Exterior view of Sirincem Restaurant featuring colorful decorations, hanging pots, and a blue staircase leading to the entrance.

Şirince Köy Kahvesi, Manzara Café, Şirince Sardunya Restorant & cafe, Şirince Simena Aile Çay Bahçesi are some other cafés that you can try in Şirince.

Dondurma in Şirince : If you are visiting in summer season, try the dondurma (Turkish ice cream) and experience the antics of the dondurma sellers!

Exterior view of Alya Pansiyon, a charming guesthouse with blue shutters and a red-tiled roof, featuring a variety of souvenirs displayed in front.

Shopping in Şirince

Every nook and cranny of Şirince is either a souvenir shop, a wine cellar, restaurant, café or stay (or sometimes all of these combined!); so there is no dearth of shopping in Şirince. Şirince is a good place for buying unique Turkish souvenirs. Greek style ceramic fans, handcrafted bags, knitted toys and socks, ceramics, Turkish lamps, masks, handmade olive oil soaps, fresh fruit jams, vinegar, honey, pomegranate sauce (nar ekşisi), thick fruit syrup (pekmez), fruit wines are some of the things you can shop for in Şirince.

A display of various blue ceramic crafts and pots, featuring intricate floral designs and patterns, arranged on white steps. The collection includes vases, lanterns, and decorative items, showcasing a vibrant and artistic aesthetic.

Colorful handcrafted windmills and decorative vases in shades of blue, adorned with floral designs, displayed on a tiered stand.

Şirince Market Köy Pazari : This is the central market in Şirince that houses most of the shops, souvenir sellers and main establishments.

A storefront displaying handmade glass jewelry in a turquoise window. The door is also turquoise with an 'OPEN' sign. Flower pots are arranged around the entrance.

Isabeyconcept, Apasa Taki, Atölye Hediyelik are names of some independent stores selling handcrafted souvenirs different from other establishments. I recommend buying souvenirs directly from the ladies knitting socks / dolls and selling homegrown produce in less visited areas of Şirince.

A colorful display of various handmade dolls arranged on a shelf, featuring different styles, outfits, and expressions, alongside several plush toys.

Two traditional Turkish handwoven rugs displayed against a stone wall, featuring intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colors. A label below the rugs provides information about their craftsmanship.

Display of colorful bags and purses with intricate patterns, arranged neatly on shelves.

Where to Stay in Şirince?

Most tourists to Şirince are day trippers and day visitors, very few stay overnight and Şirince reveals its local secrets to the ones who stay! Live music in the streets while the wine flows freely and the locals dine under the stars, once the sun goes down. There are all kinds of accommodation options for different budgets in Şirince, although cheap backpacker options are unavailable. Boutique heritage hotels and guesthouses in traditional buildings should be your choice if you are looking to stay in this dreamy village.

Signboard displaying accommodation options and contact numbers in Sirince, Turkey, including various hotels and pensions, with a plastic stool and a small fire in a metal container nearby.

A white building with light blue windows and shutters, surrounded by greenery. In front, there is a small table with a white plate of red fruits and a potted plant on a stone ledge.

Narrow street lined with whitewashed buildings and light blue windows, featuring a parked car and two people walking. A small shop displays colorful crafts on the left.

When to Visit Şirince?

What is the best weather to visit Şirince? Şirince is a year round destination and is beautiful in all the seasons. Spring and autumn would be the best time to explore this heritage town. High season with tourists might mean the streets are clogged with cars and could be a mood dampener.

A narrow stone pathway leading to a white house with wooden shutters, surrounded by greenery and colorful tapestries hanging on a wall.

How to Reach Şirince?

The easiest way to reach Şirince for independent travellers is via Dolmuș (mini bus) from old Şelcuk bus station to Şirince and the fare in 2026 is 50 TL one way. Prices vary frequently due to the high rate of inflation in Turkey; when I visited in 2019, the price for the dolmuş was 4 TL. The distance from Şelcuk to Şirince is 8 kms and there are regular mini-buses throughout the day at every 30 minute intervals; starting from 8 am till about 640 pm on weekdays and 7 pm on weekends.

A blue-and-white electric bus parked on a cobblestone street in Selçuk, Türkiye, with bare trees and market stalls in the background.

A man walking towards a blue and white bus marked 'Selçuk-Şirince' parked on a cobblestone street, with another vehicle visible in the background.

Şelcuk is the nearest town and easiest base to reach Şirince from Izmir or Kuşadasi. The bus station in Şelcuk is in the center of the town and easy to find and the bus stand in Şirince is at the entrance of the village.