Şirince village: history, streets and visitor information

History

The village was formerly known as Kırkınca. For centuries, its predominantly Greek population made a living from vineyards, olive growing and fruit orchards. During the 1923 population exchange between Turkey and Greece, the Greek residents left for Greece and families from around Thessaloniki and Kavala settled in their place. The village was renamed Şirince in 1926.

Architecture and streets

Şirince is defined by two-storey stone houses stepping up the hillside. Ground floors are generally built of stone, while upper floors are whitewashed with timber bay windows beneath red-tiled roofs. Narrow cobbled streets climb steeply from the market into the upper neighbourhoods. Comfortable shoes with good grip are a sensible choice.

Places to visit

• Church of St John the Baptist: Dating from the 19th century, this is the village’s best-known building.
• Church of St Demetrius: A historic church in the upper village, also visited for its views.
• Market and main street: The area where shops, cellars and cafés are concentrated.
• Viewpoints: Views over the valley and olive groves from the upper streets.

Market and local products

The market features olive oil and olive oil soap, dried fruit, jam, hand-knitted goods, ceramics and the fruit and grape wines associated with Şirince. We explain what to look for when assessing wines in our guide to local wine sources.

Food and coffee

Many places serve gözleme, home-style meals and village breakfasts. The local coffee culture is also worth exploring: Turkish coffee brewed in a cezve over hot sand is a familiar sight in Şirince. We do not name individual businesses here, as our policy is to verify information before making specific recommendations.

Transport and parking

From Selçuk

Regular dolmuş minibuses leave Selçuk bus station for the village, taking 15–20 minutes. Schedules may vary by season, so check locally. Drivers reach the village along a winding but paved road.

Parking

Paid car parks are available at the village entrance. Arriving early on weekends and public holidays makes finding a space easier.

Combining Ephesus and Şirince

Şirince is often included in a day itinerary with the ancient city of Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary and the remains of the Temple of Artemis in central Selçuk. In warmer months, exploring Ephesus early in the morning before heading up to the cooler village streets in the afternoon is the most comfortable approach.

How long to stay?

Allow 2–3 hours for the market and main streets, or 5–6 hours for a fuller day including a meal, the churches and the upper neighbourhoods.