The top things to do in Şirince are walking its stone streets, tasting fruit wine and having a village breakfast; the village is only 8 km from Selçuk town centre. 83 km from Izmir, Şirince fits easily into the same day as Ephesus, but those who stay a night see the village's quiet side.
What Is There to Do in Şirince?
The main pleasures that fill a day in Şirince are:
- A walk through the steep stone streets and the village square.
- Fruit wine and tastings at the village wine makers.
- A generous village breakfast or lunch.
- Shopping for olive oil, soap, jams and handmade goods.
- Seeing the village's two old Greek churches.
What Is the History of Şirince?
Şirince's original name is Kırkınca; the village took the name Şirince in the early years of the Republic. In the 19th century Şirince was a Greek town of about 1,800 households, and its Greek population left with the 1923 population exchange between Turkey and Greece.
After the exchange, families from Nea Efesos near Katerini and from the villages of Müştiyan and Somokol near Kavala settled in the village. Today the two Greek churches and the preserved stone houses carry traces of this past. In 2012 Şirince also made the news with rumours that it would be a "safe zone at the apocalypse".
What to Eat and Buy in Şirince?
The most popular dishes in Şirince are the village breakfast, gözleme and mantı; most restaurants on the square and the hillside have views over the plain. Lunchtime is busy, so having breakfast early and lunch late cuts down on waiting.
The best buys are fruit wines, olive oil, olive oil soap, jams and dried fruit. Prices at the street stalls can vary, so compare a few shops, and ask for a tasting before buying wine. If you are packing bottles in your suitcase, wrap them well; the road back is winding.
Where to Stay in Şirince?
Accommodation in Şirince means small boutique hotels and guesthouses in restored old stone houses. Most of these houses stand on the hillside, so the rooms look out over the plain and the olive groves.
Staying a night is the best way to enjoy Şirince's quiet evening after the day-trippers have left. Car access to the narrow, steep streets is restricted, so if you arrive with luggage, find out in advance the nearest drop-off point to your hotel.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Şirince?
The best time to visit Şirince is spring and autumn; the village is at its liveliest during the grape and harvest months. On summer weekends and holidays it gets very crowded with day-trippers and the car parks fill quickly.
When planning, keep in mind:
- Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the steep stone streets.
- Plan so that you do not drive after a wine tasting.
How Do You Get from the Airport to Şirince?
The road from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Şirince is about 80 km and takes 1.5 hours on average; the last stretch is a winding mountain road up from Selçuk.
You can book your car and driver on our Izmir Airport to Şirince transfer page; if you plan a wine tasting, leaving the drive back to a driver is the easiest solution.
Who Is Şirince Suitable For?
Şirince suits couples, food and wine lovers, photographers and anyone looking for a quiet weekend. The steep, cobbled streets are hard for those who find walking difficult and for pushchairs. To combine Şirince with Ephesus and Selçuk on the same day, see our Selçuk and Şirince one-day route and Ancient City of Ephesus guides.
If you have another day in Selçuk, Ayasuluk Castle with its Byzantine fortress and the Basilica of St John, or, for families with children, the Çamlık Steam Locomotive Museum with its old engines, are good choices. Both are a short drive from Şirince and can be added to the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Şirince from Selçuk?
Şirince is 8 km from Selçuk town centre, up a short mountain road.
What was Şirince's old name?
Şirince's original name is Kırkınca; the village took the name Şirince in the early years of the Republic.
Is it worth staying a night in Şirince?
Yes. Once the day-trippers leave the village quietens down; evenings and mornings are Şirince's most peaceful hours.
Can you drive into Şirince?
You can drive to the village entrance, but car access to the narrow, steep inner streets is restricted; cars are left in the car parks at the entrance.
Can you visit Şirince and Ephesus on the same day?
Yes. Ephesus and Şirince lie on either side of Selçuk; Ephesus in the morning and Şirince in the afternoon fits easily into one day.