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Ephesus
Turkey


Travel and LeisureFodorsUSA TodayNew York TimesNational GeographicWashington PostVogue
An ancient city and archeological site located midway down Turkey’s Aegean coast, with a Roman-era library and other ruins.
You can feel the heft of history at Ephesus. The vast ruins near Selcuk, midway down Turkey’s western coast, date all the way back to the 10th century BC, with layers of societies and empires building over and over on this one city. Ephesus contains the remains of a wonder of the ancient world, it’s mentioned in the Book of Revelations, and it’s currently one of the most popular sites to visit in Turkey. Though it used to be an important port, the sea has shifted away over the centuries. Now, Ephesus is a vast archeological site that lets you experience ancient history today.
Route for Ephesus tour
The most iconic structure at Ephesus is the Library of Celsus, with its striking facade. It’s one of the few remaining libraries in the world from the Roman Empire. The Theater of Ephesus rises above the Harbor Street, while the Temple of Hadrian and other structures are nearby. As you wander the quiet, sunny pathways through Ephesus, well-restored structures from throughout the area’s history are easily accessible. The remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, are also at Ephesus, a nod to one piece of the area’s glorious past.

Things to do in Ephesus

Classic Ephesus Private Tour - Selcuk
Classic Ephesus Private Tour - Selcuk
Pergamon Private Tour - Selcuk
Pergamon Private Tour - Selcuk

Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Ephesus

How long should I spend in Ephesus?
You should plan to spend a whole day in and around the Ephesus site, as it covers a wide area and encompasses many ruins. To take in the wider area, including Selcuk and the Ephesus Museum, or for a more leisurely exploration of Ephesus, you should plan to stay for at least two days.
When is the best time to visit Ephesus?
While Ephesus can be pleasant to visit at any time of year, the springtime and the autumn are the most enjoyable. The weather is warm and mild, and wildflowers are blooming in the spring. Summer can be very hot, especially in the middle of the day, while winter can either be crisp and comfortable, or wet.
Where can I stay near Ephesus?
Most people who visit Ephesus stay in the nearby town of Selcuk, where there are many hotels and bed & breakfasts to choose from. There are also places to stay in the charming mountain village of Sirince. You can also choose to stay farther out, around Kusadasi or even Izmir, though the journey to Ephesus will be longer.
How do I get around Ephesus?
There are regular minibuses between Selcuk and Ephesus, as well as taxis that can ferry you between the two. Once you are at Ephesus, there are no vehicles on the site, so you will get around by foot. If you want to explore the area around Ephesus and Selcuk, it is most convenient to hire or rent a car.
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