The Best 2 Days in Ephesus Itinerary
Ephesus, the remarkable Ancient Greek city, is one of the seven wonders of the Ancient world and a place you must experience. With its well-preserved Roman architecture, visiting Ephesus promises an unforgettable journey back in time. The city was once known for its significant commercial seaport in antiquity, and the world-renowned harbour was rediscovered in 1860 after being buried beneath rubble and soil for more than 2000 years due to population shifts and earthquakes. Ephesus is still one of Turkey’s top tourist attractions, offering many historical and cultural experiences. After exploring Ephesus for a second time, I’ve compiled this Travel Guide to Ephesus to assist you in exploring the Ancient Ephesus maps, including the best things to do in Ephesus and why you should overnight and visit Selçuk and Sirinçe Village.
About Ephesus
The 2000-year-old ruins of Efes, also spelt Ephesos or Ephessos, are where the apostle St. John spread the word of Jesus Christ. Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the world. Once known for its significant commercial seaport in antiquity, the world-renowned harbour was forsaken beneath rubble and soil. It’s said that this is where the Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life. The harbour, where the Küçük Menderes (Kaistros) river once flew into the sea, was rediscovered in 1860. Furthermore, this happened after more than 2000 years of population and multiple earthquakes.
Today, the devastating, robust hub is one of the top tourist attractions in Turkey. The Ephesus Turkey tourist attractions are difficult to fit into in only one day; therefore, I recommend you stay for 2-3 days to get the whole experience. Visiting Ephesus is phenomenal and gives me goosebumps. The Goths sacked Ephesus City in A.D. 262 and destroyed the temple. With time, Silt formed a fertile plain that caused the coastline to recede further west. As a result, the sea moved so far away that Ephesus was abandoned, and today, the old port is dry.
Ephesus Turkey Map
Ephesus City international tourist attraction is located only 3 kilometres south of Selcuk, in the Mediterranean region of Western Turkey. In Roman times, Ephesus was situated on the northern slopes of Coressus and Pion, south of the Cayster River. Once bustling with activity, the ancient commercial seaport now lies hidden beneath layers of rubble and soil. This historic harbour, where the Küçük Menderes (Kaistros) river once met the sea, remained concealed for over 2000 years, buried by the passage of time and the aftermath of numerous earthquakes. However, in 1860, it was rediscovered, and today, this remarkable and resilient site stands as one of the most captivating tourist destinations in Turkey.
How Long to Spend in Ephesus
Visiting the Ephesus Turkey tourist attractions is an immersive experience that cannot be fully appreciated in just one day. Therefore, I highly recommend staying 2-3 days to soak in this incredible place. If you’re short on time and only have one day, I suggest you book one of the Best Tours to Ephesus.
How to Get to Ephesus Turkey
The fastest option for traveling to Ephesus is to fly from Istanbul to Izmir. Izmir Airport is the nearest airport to Ephesus, making it convenient for travellers. Alternatively, you can join Ephesus Tours or use Adnan Menderes Airport and the railway station, which offer regional train connections to southwestern Turkey. These options provide convenient access between the airport and Izmir, allowing flexibility in your travel plans. Compare the world’s leading airlines and check deals on Flights from Istanbul to Ephesus.
- Antalya to Ephesus: 560 kilometres and travel time about 9.5 hours.
- The journey from Bodrum to Ephesus is 160 kilometres and takes 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Cappadocia to Ephesus: 825 kilometres, travel time about 13 hours.
- Fethiye to İzmir: distance is 306 kilometres with a 4,6 hours travel time.
- Selcuk to Ephesus is 3 km and takes 6 minutes to drive or 30 minutes to travel by foot.
- Sirince to Ephesus: 7 km and takes about 15 minutes (by Dolmus).
- Marmaris to Ephesus: It takes about 215 kilometres by car, roughly 3 hours, and about 5 and 40 minutes by bus.
Istanbul to Ephesus
Ephesus quickly reached Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. Flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport using Turkish Airlines are your fastest and most convenient way to get to Ephesus. By car, 690 kilometres will take about 6 hours and 30 minutes. Turkey’s buses are comfortable and frequent. They are the cheapest way to get from Istanbul to Ephesus, taking just under 12 hours. Unfortunately, there are no trains between Istanbul and Selcuk. If you’re short on time, I suggest you Book a day trip from Istanbul to Ephesus: Tours to Ephesus from Istanbul.
Izmir to Ephesus – Ancient Ephesus map
Several Companies offer an Ephesus one-day Itinerary from Izmir. The best way to travel from Izmir to Ephesus is by car or Dolmus (small taxi-bus). Efes’s map shows the distance between Izmir and Ephesus as 90 kilometres, with a driving time of 1 hour and 20 minutes by car.
The 60 km drive from Adnan Menderes Airport to Ephesus takes 45 minutes. Some Ephesus tour companies include transport from the airport or your hotel if you book a one-day tour. However, one day in Ephesus is too short to experience all the gems in this part of Turkey. Day trip to Ephesus from Izmir.
Some airlines offer free shuttle services to and from the airport. Therefore, before you book your flight ticket, check with the airline. We used Atlasjet, and they provided a shuttle free of charge.
Kusadasi to Ephesus
The Kusadasi resort town, located on the Aegean coast of Turkey, is only 19 Kilometers from Ephesus, with about 25 minutes of drive time. Kusadasi is a famous gateway to Ephesus. Many visitors to the ancient City of Efes arrive via cruise ships or ferries from the Greek islands or an Ephesus day tour from Kusadasi. For other popular guided trips, visit Tours to Ephesus.
- 3 hours Ephesus and Terrace Houses Tour from Kusadasi Port.
- Highlights of Ephesus Private Tour From Kusadasi Port.
- Guided Day Trip from Izmir to the Ancient City of Ephesus.
2 Day Ephesus Itinerary
Explore Map of Ancient Ephesus
2 Day Ephesus Itinerary
Today, you will Delve deeper into history by exploring Ephesus’ archaeological site with its extensive collection of Roman ruins. One needs a few hours or at least half a day to examine the Ancient Ephesus map thoroughly. Although some Guides can take you through the ancient Ephesus Map, audio guides are available for rent. For the best Ephesus tours with professional guides, I recommend you check out the following Guided Ephesus.
It gets pretty hot in the Ancient city, so take sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a camera, and water. The scorching sun against the white marble cobbled road and ruins makes seeing them challenging.
2020 Ephesus Opening Hours
There is no entry fee for visitors with a Museum Pass, and it includes many other Turkish tourist attractions. Ephesus opening times to Ephesus Ancient City, the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus, and the Basilica of St. John are as follows. The opening time for most of the Ephesus tourist attractions is 08h00 throughout the year. However, closing times vary from November to March, at 17h00, and from April until October, it closes at 19h00. Remember that the Terrace Houses and The House of the Virgin Mary close earlier.
Ephesus Entrance Fee (including Ephesus and Temple of Artemis Skip-The-Line Tour). If not, you can book a full-day Ephesus tour, which includes lunch at the local Village. There are two entrances to the Ephesus ruins, and depending on where you start and your pace, you might explore the ruins in Ephesus City in any order you want. However, it gets overwhelming as you might not see all the ruins in one day. Don’t forget to obtain an Ancient Ephesus map in Selçuk or at the gate, showing a layout of the historical ruins in Ephesus city.
Ancient Ephesus Map
Before proceeding through the gate, obtain an Ephesus Turkey map of Ephesus ruins, available at the entrance gate.
The Library of Celsus
It was built in 117 AD and is the main centrepiece house of more than 12000 scrolls, the third largest library in ancient times. Library of Celso inside Ephesus, built in 100 A.D. This monument is incredibly preserved, becoming the most stable so far. It is one of the favourite attractions and the perfect place to capture a good snapshot.
Ephesus Temple of Artemis
The Temple of Artemis, also known as the Greek Temple of Diana, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis and is one of the most famous ruins in Ephesus City. This temple, recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was destroyed and rebuilt twice. The first time was after a devastating flood, and the second time, three hundred years later, after an act of arson.
Imposing Grand Theater
The impressive Ephesus Antique Theatre is one of the largest arenas. It is located on the slope of Panayir Hill and has a capacity of 25,000 people. It is used for concerts, gladiator and animal fights, religious sermons, and political discussions.
Odean Theatre
After excavation, the enclosed underground theatre used for meetings and concerts moved to the above-ground. I wish I could post all the photos, as deciding which ones they left out is challenging.
Ephesus Terraced Houses
The Terraces Houses in Ephesus City, also called ‘Houses of Rich,’ are located on the northern slope of Bülbüldağı Hill, opposite the Hadrian Temple. This Ephesus row house design is in the middle of Curetes Street. Each terraced house building and room is impressively decorated with frescoes and astonishing mosaics. Visit the terrace houses on the first day of your two-day Ephesus Itinerary, as shown on the ancient Ephesus map.
The architecture of a terrace house was the same as that of the baths, which were built with a heating system by installing clay pipes beneath the floor. As seen in the image below, some luxurious imposing mosaic floors remain intact in these Ephesus houses. Unfortunately, there is an entrance fee, and the Terrace houses are open daily from 8h00 until 17h00.
Prytaneion
The Prytaneion, which symbolizes the heart of Ephesus, was used for religious ceremonies during the third century B.C. Moreover, the altar is still visible today, indicating the location on the floor marked with red. Pope Benedict XVI, who became a Pilgrim in the Aegean town of Selcuk, visited the House of the Virgin Mary just as Paul VI and John Paul II did before him.
Day 2 – Explore Ancient Ephesus Turkey Map
On the second day of your 2 days Ephesus Itinerary using one of the ancient Ephesus maps, visit the following sites in the morning. After that, see the quaint village of Sirinçe, where I suggest you enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon.
Cave of the Seven Sleepers
The story of the Seven Sleepers is allegedly about a group of young men who sought refuge in a cave to escape persecution and emerged 300 years later.
House of Virgin Mary
Now a place for Pilgrimage, the House of the Virgin Mary is where the Virgin Mary and Saint John spent their last years spreading the word of Jesus Christ. Behind the house of stone is a spring of water that people believe has healing properties.
Isa Bey Mosque
Situated on the outskirts of Selçuk, on the Ayasluğ Hills, the impressive İsa Bey Mosque was constructed in 1374–75 and is one of the oldest works of architectural art.
The Agora Market
This sizeable commercial Agora market offers sustainable products, including handmade items and a variety of typical meals, which is a big favourite among tourists.
Recommended Ephesus Tours
- Ephesus, House of Mary & Artemis Temple with Lunch
- Guided Tour of the Ancient City of Ephesus
- Private Ephesus, Terrace Houses, and Sirince Village Tour
- Kusadasi, Ephesus and Mary’s House tour
Explore Selçuk Town
Best Things to Do in Selçuk
During our three days in Ephesus, we stayed in Selçuk town. We had a fantastic time exploring the streets and fascinating little shops selling Ephesus ceramics and many other things. I bought myself the most beautiful antique jewellery. We enjoy experiencing the locals and their culture and seeing how they live.
The fruit trees on the pavements had so many fruits they fell off. Besides Turkish hospitality, another great thing in Turkey is its fresh fruits, especially fresh cherries, an abundance of olives, cheeses, and fresh bread.
Basilica of St. John Ephesus
The Basilica of St.John in Ephesus was built on the slopes of Ayasuluk Hill, near the centre of Selçuk.
Ayasuluk Castle
During your 2 days Ephesus Itinerary, you can also visit Ayasuluk Castle, locally known as Ayasuluk Kalesi or Selçuk Kalesi. Selcuk is on the ancient Ephesus map, with the Basilica of St. John ruins within walking distance and easy to find in Selçuk town on the Ancient Ephesus map.
Ephesus is also where the Apostle Paul preached Christianity, and fought the Wild beasts, as per 1 Cor. 15:32. Moreover, it was God’s time for the evangelization of Asia, and it all seems to have started from the city of Ephesus. Besides, all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews, and Greeks.”
Selçuk is an exciting town with cosy shops and heartwarming people. Cafe Carpouza, one of the oldest buildings in Selçuk, is famous for its exquisite Turkish Coffee and tea. A funny thing was seeing chickens and cats roaming around in town.
Charming Śirinçe
The beautiful, quaint village of Sirinçe stole my heart with its simplicity and tranquillity. Sirinçe has only about 600 inhabitants. It is surrounded by imposing natural valleys with beautiful houses. The old orthodox buildings with cobblestone streets feel like a hidden gem, and the name of this unique Greek conservative village was first known as Cirkince’s. Cirkince’s name, “ugly”, was meant to keep tourists away. In 1926, the name changed to Şirince.
The Greek village of Śirinçe, surrounded by nature, is located on a hill in the outskirts close to Selcuk. Their primary income, except for tourism, is from producing quality olives, fruit, and vineyards. Besides making wine, they sell handmade products like pure silk scarves alongside canned fruit and olives. I envy that they live a simple, uncomplicated life that differs from most of us.
Where to Eat in Śirinçe
5 Top Sirinçe Restaurants
Sirincem Sirince Restaurant
The cosy Sirincem restaurant serves various Mediterranean Turkish dishes. Please do yourself a favour and order their famous Walnut baklava with Turkish coffee. You will find them at Sehit Yuksel Ozulku Cad, Selcuk 220 Sokak no 6, Sirince. The Sirincem Sirince Contact details: +90 537 831 82 97
Sirince Yorem Restaurant
Turkish-, Vegetarian- & Gluten-free meals Sirince Mahallesi, 220 SK. no.33, Sirince 35927 +90 506 514 04 21
Sedir Manti Ve Borek Evi
Turkish-, Vegetarian-, and Vegan-friendly dishes. “Hidden gem” Selcuk, Sirince Koyu, Sirince 35920 +90 535 480 98 73
Kirkinca Arsipel Restaurant
The lovely Kirkinca Arsipel Restaurant is located at Istihlas Mahallesi, Sirince 35920. They serve Mediterranean- and Turkish dishes. People like their Méze & excellent service. +90 232 898 31 33
Cirkinçe Helen Cafe
The Cirkinçe Helen Cafe serves Turkish and Vegetarian-friendly dishes; it is located at Sirinçe May, Carpi Sok no 4, Sirince +90 543 305 42 14
Where to Stay in Ephesus
I recommend you stay in Selçuk as it’s very central. Wherever we travel, we always book accommodation with reliable Booking.com, which offers a free cancellation option. Check prices and read reviews below for the best compromise when travelling the ancient Ephesus Map in and around Ephesus.
You won’t regret it.
Love this amazing 2 day itinerary to help people discover the ancient city of Ephesus! I had done a bit of research a year or so ago about Turkey and this city became an interesting focus for me as I am catholic. Of course I love all of the ancient Greek and Roman influences that can be seen throughout the ruins and town. But it was the House of Mary that intrigued me the most. Since I have take the Camino de Santiago I figured that this would be a natural pilgrimage for me. But I think it shocked me that I never associated my faith with Turkey or may be I just never connected the dots of Letters to the Ephesians with Ephesus.
Don’t get me wrong, I want to explore the Ephesus Antique theatre and of course the temple to Artemis too but I think the #1 is Mary’s House for me.
I have been to Turkey several times but never heard about Ephesus. My bad that I missed out this gem of a destination that an important commercial seaport in antiquity. Will add Ephesus to my next tour to Turkey.
Wow I only visited Istanbul in Turkey. I should have added Ephesus to our tour especially House of Mama Mary.