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Planning a vacation to the most popular Ancient City in Turkey? In this travel guide (with video), we share how to spend 2 days in Ephesus & Selcuk with full itinerary including best attractions, things to do, places to eat and stay.
Nestled in the province of Izmir, the charming town of Selcuk offers a unique blend of history, culture, and culinary experiences as it serves as the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its remarkable ruins and historical significance.
With its rich history dating back to ancient times, Ephesus was once a bustling city and an important center of trade and culture in the Roman Empire. Today, it stands as one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, offering visitors a glimpse into the past, which completely blew me away just like the massive underground cities in Cappadocia.
As part of my 2-week Turkish coast road trip, I arrived in Selcuk after a 2.5-hour drive from Bodrum.
I’ll be sharing everything I did, what I learned and tips on my 2 days in Ephesus & Selcuk, Turkey, including a map and video where I take you along for the entire trip.
Watch: Selcuk & Ephesus Travel Video
On this two-day adventure, I explored the must-see Selçuk attractions, savor local cuisine, and immerse myself in the rich heritage of Ephesus and Selçuk, Turkey.
Watch the full 21-minute travel video on YouTube here, or embedded below:
2 Day Selcuk and Ephesus Travel Itinerary Outline
Here’s a quick itinerary outline of my 2 days in Selcuk & Ephesus that I’ll be covering in this post:
- Day 1:
- Arrival and check-in at Anz Guest House
- Explore the Grotto of the Seven Sleepers
- Enjoy authentic gozleme (Turkish pancake) at Seven Sleepers Pancake Garden
- Wander through Selcuk’s city center
- Dinner at Amazon Bistro Cafe and Bar
- Day 2:
- Visit the Ephesus archaeological site
- Explore the House of Virgin Mary
- Visit the Temple of Artemis
- Seafood dinner at Bi’ Tek Efes
After my time in Selcuk, my next and last stop on my road trip was Izmir.
How To Spend 2 Days in Ephesus & Selcuk
Selcuk is a great stopping point especially when planning to visit Ephesus on a road trip. Here’s everything I did in 2 days, but you can use guide if you’re planning a 1 day visit too.
Where To Stay in Selcuk
A lot of tourists stay in Selcuk when planning to visit Ephesus because there are many great hotels available.
During my trip, Anz Guest House pansiyon provided a comfortable and welcoming experience, conveniently located with easy access to the town’s main attractions.
This family-run guest house has cozy accommodations with a rooftop terrace, where breakfast is served, offering stunning views of the town and the surrounding landscape.
From the moment I checked in, I was impressed by the warm hospitality at Anz Guesthouse. The owner provided a guidebook on Ephesus for guests who prefer to explore on their own.
I was welcomed with a refreshing apple tea, although you can choose from a variety of drinks, including regular tea, filtered coffee, or soda.
Amenities such as a fridge stocked with complimentary beverages, a courtyard area for relaxation, and a delicious breakfast made from scratch further enhance the experience.
Attractions & Things To Do
Here are some of the best attractions and things to do in Selcuk for 2 days. You can also book city tours here.
Grotto of the Seven Sleepers
The Grotto of the Seven Sleepers is steeped in history and legend. According to the tale, seven young men were accused of Christianity by the Roman Emperor and fled to this cave.
The emperor sealed the cave, and the men miraculously woke up 100 years later, unaware of the passage of time, to find the world had changed.
The hike to the grotto offers stunning views of Selçuk and the distant castle. Along the way, I discovered a random mini trail leading to a rock formation resembling a dragon.
While you’re there, I highly recommend enjoying a meal at the Seven Sleepers Pancake Garden, known for its delicious gozleme (Turkish pancakes) made fresh from scratch.
Ephesus Archaeological Site
One of the most well-preserved ancient cities, Ephesus Archeological Site is a must-visit.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is vast, so allocate hours to explore. Visiting during the winter allowed for a peaceful exploration without the usual crowds, and I felt like I had the site all to myself.
If you’re not doing Guided Ephesus Tours, there are three levels of tickets available for exploring Ephesus on your own:
- Base Access: Entry to the archaeological site.
- Base + Terrace Houses, which offer a glimpse into the lives of the city’s wealthy residents
- Full Access: Includes the Ephesus Experience Museum with its immersive light show.
What’s great is that you don’t have to decide at the entrance: you can start with the base ticket and upgrade as you go, depending on your schedule and interests. This flexibility allows you to explore at your own pace without feeling rushed.
Notable Landmarks
Ephesus features various monuments, temples, and fountains, each with its own historical significance. Among the highlights are:
- Library of Celsus: The iconic symbol of Ephesus, a stunning ancient structure.
- House of Pleasure, Hadrian’s Gate, and Heroon of Androclos: Other notable sites.
- Latrine: Once a free public toilet.
- Temple of Hadrian: A beautifully preserved temple.
- Nymphaeum Traiani: An ancient fountain building.
- Hydreon: A water basin fountain.
- Memmius Monument: In honor of Gaius Memmius.
- Temple of Domitian: Serving the Imperial cult.
- Pollio Monument and Fountain of Domitian: Impressive ancient structures.
- Hydrekdocheion: Also known as the Water Palace.
The site also includes the State Agora (marketplace), Bouleuterion (council meeting place), and the Rhodian Peristyle and Prytaneum (official buildings).
There are two off-the-beaten-path attractions offering a glimpse into the early Christian history of the region.
The Church of Mary, also known as the Council Church, was the site of the Third Ecumenical Council in 431 AD. The Bishop’s Palace, though in ruins, offers a sense of the architectural style and significance of religious structures during that time.
Travelling Foodie Tip: If you’re visiting by car, I recommend parking at the North Parking Lot (Lower Entrance). In Google Maps, search for “site ephese”. This has more parking and is closer to Celsus Library.
Also Read: Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India
House of Virgin Mary
A popular attraction combined with a visit to Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary is believed to be the last home of the Blessed Virgin Mother of Christ.
This house itself is well-preserved, and visitors can light a candle for a donation of 10 lira.
The nearby fountain has holy water, and visitors can take a moment to reflect in the peaceful outdoor setting.
The serene surroundings and spiritual atmosphere of this sacred site make it a unique and moving experience, much more than it did to me at The Grotto in Portland.
The journey to the House of Virgin Mary offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, making it a memorable part of the visit.
Be sure to have plenty of gas for the drive up the mountain because it can be quite challenging.
Temple of Artemis
After a brief stop at my hotel, I walked to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Did you know? This site is one of two Seven Wonders of the Ancient World in Turkiye. The other one being the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus in Bodrum, which I also visited in the same road trip.
Although only one column remains, its historical significance is immense. The Temple of Artemis was the most important sanctuary in Ephesus and one of the oldest Greek temples.
I felt fortunate to visit and witness such an important piece of history.
Near the site, you’ll also find a free public outdoor gym and a tomb, adding to the richness of the experience.
Restaurants, Places To Eat and Drink
I opted out of dining at Ephesus because I felt the restaurants were more touristy. If you’re looking for places to eat, Selcuk has more variety of local dining options:
Seven Sleepers Pancake Garden
My first meal in Selcuk was at Seven Sleepers Pancake Garden (Yedi Uyuyanlar Yavuz’un Yeri), a local gem specializing in homemade gozleme, a traditional Turkish pancake made from scratch.
Watching the locals prepare gozleme and manti was a delightful experience. The meat and cheese gozleme I had was crispy on the outside, moist and gooey on the inside—an absolute treat.
Amazon Bistro Cafe and Bar
I had my first dinner at Amazon Bistro Cafe and Bar, a local favorite recommended by the owner’s son at Anz Guest House.
The restaurant’s cozy, old-school tavern ambiance added to the charm of the dining experience.
The dish he suggested, Çökertme kebabi (Amazon Special Beef on the menu), was something I have never heard of before.
This Turkish food consists of thinly sliced filet steak on top of crispy potatoes, topped with yogurt.
The combination was delicious! Definitely make sure you get a scoop with everything on it.
Bi’Tek Efes
My 2nd night’s dinner plans took an unexpected turn due to the rain. I wanted to check out two restaurants, but ended up only doing Bi’ Tek Efes, a local seafood restaurant recommended by the owner’s son at Anz Guest House.
Despite the language barrier and an all-Turkish menu, I enjoyed a delicious meal of grilled sea bream and fried calamari. Although the calamari portion was smaller than expected, it was crispy and tender
They also provided complimentary bread, chickpeas, olives, and dried tomatoes for a delightful start to the meal.
The sea bream was grilled to perfection. Pair your meal with a glass of local white wine for a complete dining experience.
How To Get to Selcuk from Izmir, Bodrum, Istanbul and Cappadocia
If you’re not doing full or half day Ephesus Tours, you can plan your own visit through public transportation or road trip with by car:
From Izmir: Selcuk is easily accessible from Izmir by train, bus, or rental car. The journey takes approximately one hour by train or car. Trains run regularly from Izmir to Selcuk, making it a convenient option for travelers. Buses are also available, providing an affordable and comfortable way to reach Selcuk.
From Bodrum: Buses run regularly from Bodrum to Selcuk, with a travel time of around three to four hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive, which takes about three hours. The drive offers scenic views of the Turkish countryside, making it an enjoyable road trip.
From Istanbul: Flights to Izmir from Istanbul are available, followed by a one-hour train or car ride to Selcuk. Alternatively, you can take an overnight bus directly to Selcuk. The overnight bus journey takes approximately nine to ten hours and offers a comfortable and cost-effective way to travel.
From Cappadocia: Flights to Izmir from Cappadocia are available, followed by a train or car ride to Selcuk. Buses also run between Cappadocia and Selcuk, with a travel time of approximately ten hours. The bus journey provides a scenic route through the diverse landscapes of Turkey.
Best Time To Visit Selcuk and Ephesus for 2 Days
When planning your visit to Selcuk and Ephesus, timing can make a significant difference in your overall experience. Here are some recommendations on the best times to visit:
Spring (April to June)
Spring is one of the best times to visit Selcuk and Efes. The weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
The blooming flowers and lush greenery enhance the beauty of the ancient ruins, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and exploring the archaeological sites. Additionally, the tourist crowds are relatively smaller compared to the summer months, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable visit.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is another excellent time to visit. The weather is still warm but not as hot as the peak summer months, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
The clear skies and comfortable temperatures make it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the historical sites. Similar to spring, the tourist crowds are reduced, providing a more peaceful experience.
Winter (December to February)
While winter is considered the off-season for tourism in Turkey, it can still be a great time to visit if you prefer a quieter experience like I did.
The temperatures can be cooler, ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), but the lack of crowds means you can explore the ruins without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season. Additionally, accommodations and flights may be more affordable during this time.
Summer (July to August)
Summer is the peak tourist season in Selcuk and Efes, with temperatures soaring to 30°C to 40°C (86°F to 104°F). While the weather is sunny and ideal for beach activities, the heat can be intense, especially when exploring the ancient ruins.
The large crowds during this time can also make it challenging to enjoy the sites fully. If you do choose to visit in summer, consider going early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Selcuk & Ephesus Map
Here’s a map with all the places to visit, eat and stay in Selcuk & Ephesus for 2 days covered in this travel itinerary. Plus, nearby accommodations you can book.
The charming town of Selçuk and ancient city of Ephesus provides a trip filled with captivating historical landmarks, local cuisine, and enriching experiences.
I hope the travel guide and video gave you an idea on how to plan a 2 day trip in Selcuk and Ephesus, complete with itinerary and tips. If you’ve visited before, please let me know other attractions and restaurants I should try.
As always, happy travels and eat well!
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