Complete Travel Guide to Selçuk, Turkey

Complete Travel Guide to Selçuk, Turkey

The Turkish town of Selçuk, just inland from the Aegean coast, is a small, provincial and peaceful place that is likely to bring some welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of Turkey’s other major cities.

Indeed after the size of Istanbul and the franticness of my schedule in Cappadocia, I was beyond delighted to reach this “cute as a button” country town and ease into a more relaxed pace of life for a few days.

And with a plethora of things to do in and around Selçuk and one of Turkey’s most prominent set of ruins – Ephesus – on its doorstep, it’s easy to spend a few days in this town, strolling, sightseeing and soaking it all in.

So if you’re thinking of putting Selçuk on your Turkish itinerary, here’s my travel guide bringing you all you need to know…


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My stay in Selçuk was kindly sponsored by ANZ Guesthouse but, as always, all views are my own.


How to Travel to Selçuk?

Turkey, Selcuk, Views

Set in Turkey’s western province – loosely the Aegean Coast area – Selçuk has several good transport connection options, most of which are accessed from the region’s capital Izmir.

#1 Buses

Buses may be the cheapest option and are likely to involve an overnight ride if you’re coming from places like Istanbul or Cappadocia.

You may be able to get a bus direct to Selçuk that will arrive early in the morning, otherwise, connect in Izmir or Aydin and from there, take another bus or dolmuş (a Turkish minivan pronounced Dollmush), to Selçuk itself.

You can book buses to Izmir in advance using the handy website Busbud.

#2 Trains

If you’re arriving into Selçuk from a closer destination, such as Pamukkale, then you’ll be pleased to know this town has its own train station.

The line here connects with Izmir at one end and with Denizli (a major transport hub town) at the other.

From this latter option, you can then easily take a dolmuş to Pamukkale.

#3 Flights

A range of Turkish budget airlines fly to Izmir airport and I actually managed to score an amazing deal with Turkish Airlines from Istanbul there, which worked out cheaper than the night bus (so a no-brainer!)

As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals.

Transport from Izmir airport to Selçuk is then straightforward via a train or an organised shuttle bus.

I took the latter, as I was arriving after dark and it cost me 50TL.

The shuttle bus continues on past Selçuk to the coast, so make sure you shout to the driver to set you down when you reach Selçuk.

I booked my airport shuttle through lastminute travel agency and then just paid the driver.

 

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How to Get Around Selçuk?

Turkey, Selcuk, Tractor

Honestly, you don’t even need to worry about getting around Selçuk, as this tiny town is easily walkable in any direction.

Plus strolling the streets here, and enjoying the glimpse of local life you’ll get, is a delight.

You can even walk to Efes, or Ephesus (depending how you spell it!) – Selçuk’s major tourist drawcard – which is just a 3km stroll from town.

 

Top Things To Do in Selçuk

Turkey, Selcuk, Ayasuluk Castle

Within the town of Selcuk itself, there are 4 major attractions that make for a nice day of sightseeing.

 

#1 Isa Bey Camil Mosque

Free to enter, this mosque has a beautiful courtyard and visitors can go inside – although they must be appropriately dressed, with long clothing and women taking a headscarf.

 

#2 St John’s Basilica & Ayasuluk Castle

Just up the hill from the Mosque, the Basilica and Castle are must-sees in Selçuk and thankfully the 50TL entrance fee includes access to both.

While the ruins are great, it’s the elevated views here that really seal the deal.

Heading up there for sunset would be a great choice.

 

#3 Temple of Artemis

One of the ancient 7 wonders of the world, it’s worth walking the short distance to see the Temple of Artemis just for this.

Although sadly there isn’t much left to see when you get there, the entrance is free!

 

#4 Ephesus Museum

This small museum houses a good collection of artefacts excavated from the nearby Roman ruins and includes some beautiful sculptures, including a very famous and well-preserved one of Artemis.

Entrance is 20TL and heading here gives you a good insight into the richness of the archaeological finds at Efes, which are still going on.

 

How to Visit Ephesus from Selçuk?

But of course, the best thing to do in Selçuk is to visit the amazing ruins at Ephesus.

Second only to Rome in its importance as a centre of the Empire, Ephesus is huge and I’d suggest allowing a whole afternoon to wander its ancient streets and marvel at its vast mass of ruins.

If you come in the afternoon, the late daylight will also give you some great snaps.

You can easily walk to the ruins from Selçuk – it’s 3km along the main road, but there’s a well protected footpath – or you can take a dolmuş for 50TL.

Entrance to the site is 200TL (if you don’t have the Turkish Museum Pass) and can be purchased at either gate (lower or higher).

If you come from Selçuk on foot or by bus you’ll arrive at the lower gate.

With no shade, I’d advise bringing a hat, water and sunscreen for your trip to Efes.

And, of course, your camera.

The Turkey Lonely Planet offers some good background info on the site, and with some good signs dotted around, taking a guide here isn’t necessary in my opinion.

However, if you do want to learn more about the history of this ancient marvel, then it is probably a good idea to take a tour with a local.

You can find a list of guided tours (including costs and reviews) here.

 

Best Places to Stay in Selçuk

When it comes to budget hotels in Selçuk, there’s only one choice for me and that is the excellent ANZ Guesthouse.

Without any official hostels in town, this is as close as it gets in Selçuk with both dorm and private rooms available, as well as some lovely communal spaces and a sociable atmosphere.

There’s free wifi, free breakfast and the super friendly owners can help you out with just about anything you need.

It’s also incredibly well-located in a quiet part of town, just across from the bus station and within easy walking distance to anything you need.

They can also rustle you up some dinner, sort you some day trips, do your laundry or sell you a beer. Why go anywhere else?!

If you are looking for something a bit more spacious and comfortable however, then the Akanthus Hotel Ephesus comes highly recommended thanks to its great views and service.

 

Where to Eat & Drink in Selçuk?

Turkey, Selcuk, Market Cherries

Here’s my top spots for eating and drinking in Selçuk:

  • For Coffee – Ziryab Café
  • For Breakfast – Stay at the ANZ Guesthouse and it’s included!
  • For Lunch – Kebab House (they do delicious veggie fare too)
  • For Dinner – Ali Baba

 

What Amenities Can be Found in Selçuk?

Turkey, Selcuk, Poppies

The town of Selçuk itself is also well worth some of your time.

After all, no day in Turkey is complete without taking a tea, chilling in a café and watching the world go by!

In addition to the plethora of local eateries, Selçuk also has several ATM machines, pharmacies, telecom shops for SIM / data packages and travel agencies, so everything you need is available here.

 

How Long to Spend in Selçuk?

Turkey, Selcuk, Town

I think 2 days would be a good amount of time to spend in Selçuk.

This would give you 1 day to explore the town and its attractions and another day to see the Ephesus ruins.

Add in more time if you want to make any day trips.

See below…

 

Top Day Trips from Selçuk

Aside from exploring the town and ruins of Selçuk, there are several good day trips you may want to make too.

Of course, you can also extend these to overnight stays if you have the time.

 

#1 Sirince

Only 15-minutes by bus from Selçuk, the Greek village of Sirience is all about the wine!

Tastings here are a big part of the attraction as are the very insta-worthy views!

 

#2 Pamucak Beach

If you head out towards the coast from Selçuk (look for dolmuş marked Kusadasi), you’ll soon get to Selçuk’s nearest beach – ideal if you want some time out from all that sightseeing.

 

#3 Pamukkale

If there’s one day trip you make from Selçuk, make it this one!

In fact, I’d even advise extending it to an overnight stay because it’s that brilliant.

A bizarre calcite formation, whose blue cascading mineral pools look like they belong more in Iceland than Turkey, this is a really fun, natural attraction to explore.

It costs 110TL to enter and you also get access to the Roman ruins of spa-town Hierapolis at the top.

All in all, it’s easy to spend a good few hours here, wandering, snapping, paddling and taking in the views.

Regular tours run from Selçuk (check out this good option) otherwise you can do it independently (and cheaply) by getting a morning train (3.5hrs, 50TL) from Selçuk to Denizli and from there hopping on a dolmuş (20 mins, 30TL) to the town of Pamukkale.

This will get you there around 2-3pm which gives you plenty of time to see the pools, although I’d highly recommend staying the night too so you can see it once all the day trippers have left and the killer sunsets shed their amazing light on the place.

If you do stay in Pamukkale, the wonderful Beyaz Kale Hotel is a fabulously clean and central guesthouse offering free wifi, free breakfast, ensuite and a pool for 300TL a night.

The lovely owners here can also rustle you up a delicious vegetarian dinner for 75TL, which is exactly what you’ll want when you return from sunset at the pools… trust me!

 

4 Packing Essentials for Selçuk

Selcuk, Ephesus Museum, Sculpture

#1 Good Camera – You’ll definitely need a good travel camera for Ephesus and Selçuk and the Sony A6000 mirrorless ticks my box every time!

#2 Headscarf – If you’re going to visit any mosques in Turkey, ladies will need to come prepared with a headscarf, as well as a long skirt or pair of pants and long-sleeved top.

#3 Beach Gear – A lovely bikini and gorgeous sun hat are essential for looking the part on Izmir’s nearby coast.

#4 Rain Jacket – I visited Selçuk in May, technically the start of summer and the high season, but was amazed that it rained! Having my North Face lightweight, windproof and waterproof jacket therefore was a great idea!

 

Travel Insurance for Turkey

Turkey, Selcuk, Castle

World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

 

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So there you have it, my complete travel guide to Selçuk.

Do make sure you get this amazing little spot on your Turkey itinerary.

It’s honestly too cute to miss!

 

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