Selcuk has been launched into the spotlight of tourism due to its immediacy to the relics of Ephesus. The style of attractions here is different from what is near Kusadasi. Its location and connection make it a sanctuary for a distinct group of travellers and hikers from all over the world.

The beaches, in and around Kusadasi, are accessible via a short dolmus ride. A dolmus, or a share taxi, is a mode of transport that is a cross between a private and conventional bus.

St. John the Evangelist’s burial place in Ayasoluk hill possess the remnants of a cathedral, built by Justinian. This is one of the biggest Byzantine churches in existence. Many columns and walls have been reconstructed giving the structure a hint of its previous splendour. St. John’s tomb is marked by a block at the site of what was once an altar. Right by the nave, is a baptistery where sightseers pretend to dunk their heads and pose for pictures.

The archaeological Museum at the back of the tourist office, have galleries from Ephesus while ahead of this is a 600 meter road towards the remains of Artemis’s Sanctuary or the Artmision. The enormous Hellenistic structure was regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, although it is hardly believable today.

Maryemana, a small Greek chapel is located eight miles southwest of Selcuk. This is where some Orthodox Theologians assume the Virgin Mary spent her last years.

Transportation

When you want to go to Selcuk, there are two airports you can choose from. One is the Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport over 60 kilometres away where various national and international flights are made. The other is the smaller Ephesus airport which is 3 kilometres away. They only let smaller planes land and cater to short distance flights such as Istanbul, Izmir and Bodrum. 

There are direct hubs to the middle and western Antolia and tourist attracting towns by bus. The bus terminal gives minibus services to places near Selcuk. Kusadasi Harbour is 20 kilometres away from the town and Izmir Harbour is 75 kilometres away. Trains run to Izmir and Denizli on certain hours.

In the City

Aside from its rich historical value, the town is surrounded by a splendid natural grandeur. A train station is near a pedestrian precinct at the foot of the castle hill. If you follow the main road a bit longer to the south, you will arrive at the Dolmus and bus terminal; the tourist office is just on the opposite side. Most of the five star hotels or even the smaller ones, and pensions, have a shuttle service that can fetch you from the stations if you notify in advance or upon your arrival. Some also provide free rides to Ephesus and other local destinations.

Pension Karahan is a marvellous and welcoming place that is run by a local family. They are willing to help you with your needs. One other recommended place is the Kiwi Pension. They run free trips to their luxurious swimming pool 3 kilometres away.

The vast Artemis Guest House has a travel Library, a cozy restaurant with a patio and has easy internet access. Atilla’s Getaway is a great place to stay while travelling around the area of Selcuk. This family run hotel offers everything one would need. Their rooms are very clean and large. Dorms are bright and the bathrooms are spotlessly clean. There is a pool in the middle of the garden, welcoming a cool off from the heat. The bar plays admirable music and serves good beverages; they especially have a good price for water.

The Diana Pension is found in a peaceful and quiet place in Selcuk. It is a 5 minute stroll the town and 10 minutes to the bus station. The have a beautiful view of the mountains and St. John Basilica from their terrace. There is a soothing ambience in the courtyard with climbing vines and a fountain decorating the place. You have a choice of eating breakfast in the terrace or the courtyard.

Kalenin Prensi is a restaurant owned by the Sagturk, the famous ballet dancer. They offer ancient Turkish and Roman dishes. The Karamese café offers apple tea in their beautiful garden.

You can also stay in the countryside outside of Selcuk. There is an hourly bus service to Sirince. It is a 6 Century old Greek Village. The villages’ tradition of wine making has been continued by the Muslim Turks who have settled here in the 1920s. They have superbly restored houses in the village that you can use to rest in. Selcuk has a very good location that it provides a popular place to settle down.

Sights in Selcuk

At the entrance of Selcuk is a nice road for jogging. It is covered with old raspberry trees and makes a striking setting and perfect place for relaxing.

Selcuk is famous for its vigorous festivals spread out almost every season. In May, they hold the Ephesus International Festival. They perform a camel wrestling festival in the third week of January. They attract many participants and visitors although they only last for one day.

The House of Virgin Mary holds Rite ceremonies on August 15 every year starting at ten in the morning. The attractive boutiques and colourful bazaars in the quaint narrow winding streets have many high-quality products for sale.

On Saturdays, the town market offer visitors a big range of food and goods. A fashionable way to spend the evening is with a scrumptious meal in one of their alluring restaurants. They may try their famous ‘chop-shish’, a classical Turkish cuisine. It’s guaranteed that you will have a hospitable treatment and you will enjoy your holiday in comfort.

Investments in Selcuk

A good investment in Selcuk is property and land development. They have a high quality residential development project on going. Once development finishes, land value will rise at the start of the holiday season. Successful development depends on the aptitude of creating a substantial place that combines elegance, economic viability and social charm in high quality and lasting value projects. Purchaser would want to buy a home that would be special to them. That is why this location is a perfect place to start.