What and where is Sirince?
Sirince village is a picturesque village located in the Izmir Province of western Turkey, approximately 8 kilometers east of Selçuk and 10 kilometers from the ancient city of Ephesus Turkey. The village is da for its charming Ottoman-era stone houses, winding streets, and beautiful gardens.
Sirince’s history dates back to the Ottoman Empire, when Greeks settled there. Today, the village is a popular tourist destination due to its rich history, beautiful architecture, and proximity to nearby attractions such as the House of the Virgin Mary and the Sirince Vineyards.
In addition to its cultural and historical significance, Sirince is also famous for its natural beauty and tranquil setting. Visitors can enjoy hiking in the surrounding hills, sampling local wine and olive oil, or simply wandering through the village’s narrow streets and soaking in its unique atmosphere.
5 Reasons to visit Sirince Village
There are several compelling reasons to visit Sirince, the charming village located in the hills of the Izmir Province in Turkey. Here are some of the top reasons to add Sirince to your travel itinerary:
Rich history: Sirince has a fascinating history that dates back to the Ottoman Empire, and the village is home to several well-preserved historic buildings and landmarks. Visitors can explore the village’s old stone houses and churches, as well as learn about the area’s Greek and Turkish heritage.
Beautiful architecture: The architecture in Sirince is a unique blend of Greek and Turkish styles. Historic stone houses and red-tiled roofs create a charming and romantic atmosphere.
Scenic countryside: Sirince is nestled in the hills of the Izmir Province, surrounded by beautiful countryside that is perfect for hiking and exploring. Visitors can take in panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys, as well as enjoy the peaceful and tranquil setting.
Local cuisine: Sirince is famous for its delicious local cuisine, including fresh olive oil, locally produced wine, and traditional Turkish dishes. Visitors can sample a range of culinary delights in the village’s restaurants and cafes.
Proximity to historic landmarks: Sirince is located near several historic landmarks, including the ancient city of Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis. Visitors can easily explore these fascinating sites from their base in Sirince.
Is there a parking area for visitors in Sirince Village?
Yes, there are parking areas available for visitors in Sirince. The village has several designated parking lots located on the outskirts of the village, where visitors can park their vehicles and then walk or take a shuttle into the village center. Some hotels and restaurants in Sirince also offer private parking for their guests. It’s recommended to check with your accommodation provider for information about parking options.
Fun Facts about Sirince:
A fun fact about Sirince: According to local legend, the village was originally named Çirkince, which means “ugly” in Turkish. The villagers believed that giving their village an unattractive name would discourage outsiders and protect their community from harm. However, over time, the village’s beauty and charm became widely known, and visitors began flocking to the area. In response, the villagers changed the name of their village to Sirince, which means “pleasant” or “charming” in Turkish. Today, Sirince is considered one of the most beautiful and picturesque villages in Turkey, and its name reflects its true character.
Another fun fact about Sirince is that In December 21st, 2012, some people who believed in the Mayan calendar predicted that the apocalypse would start in the town of Sirince. As a result, a number of enthusiasts traveled to the town and spent the night waiting for the alleged event to take place, but nothing happened. Today, the town is famous for this amusing anecdote and attracts visitors who are intrigued by its connection to this bizarre event.
What to Do in Sirince Village?
There are several things to do in Sirince, the charming village located in the hills of the Izmir Province in Turkey. Here are some of the top activities and experiences that visitors can enjoy:
Explore the village: Sirince’s narrow cobblestone streets are perfect for leisurely strolls, and visitors can admire the village’s unique architecture and historic landmarks, such as the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Sirince Library.
Sample local cuisine: Sirince is known for its delicious local cuisine, including fresh olive oil, locally produced wine, and traditional Turkish dishes. Visitors can sample a range of culinary delights in the village’s restaurants and cafes.
Visit local wineries: Sirince is surrounded by vineyards and is famous for its locally produced wine. Visitors can take a tour of a local winery, taste different varieties of wine, and learn about the winemaking process.
Take in the scenery: Sirince is nestled in the hills of the Izmir Province, surrounded by beautiful countryside that is perfect for hiking and exploring. Visitors can take in panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys, as well as enjoy the peaceful and tranquil setting.
Visit nearby historic landmarks: Sirince is located near several historic landmarks, including the ancient city of Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis. Visitors can easily explore these fascinating sites from their base in Sirince. They can also visit Ephesus Museum which is quite interesting for me.
What to Buy in Sirince?
Sirince offers a range of unique and locally-made products that make great souvenirs and gifts. Here are some of the top items to buy in Sirince:
Locally-produced wine: Sirince is famous for its wine, which is made from local grape varieties and is highly regarded for its quality. Visitors can purchase bottles of wine from local wineries or from shops and markets in the village.
Olive oil: Sirince is also famous for its high-quality olive oil, which is produced using traditional methods. Visitors can purchase bottles of locally-produced olive oil from shops and markets in the village.
Handmade pottery: Sirince has several small shops and studios selling handmade pottery, including bowls, plates, and vases. These items make unique and authentic souvenirs.
Textiles: Sirince is famous for its traditional textile production, including hand-woven scarves, blankets, and rugs. Visitors can find a range of textiles in shops and markets in the village.
Local food products: Sirince is home to several small shops and markets. They sell local products, such as jams, dried fruits, and honey. These items make great gifts or souvenirs for food lovers.
Jewelry: Sirince has several shops selling handmade jewelry, including pieces made from local stones such as turquoise and onyx. Visitors can find unique and beautiful pieces to take home as a reminder of their trip to Sirince.
Wine Testing in Sirince Village
Sirince is famous for its local wine, which has quality and unique flavor. The village has a long tradition of winemaking, dating back centuries, and the local vineyards are famous for producing a range of grape varieties that thrive in the area’s climate and soil.
The most famous local grape variety is the black grape (Öküzgözü), which locals use to make Sirince’s signature red wine. This grape variety is famous for its rich, full-bodied flavor and locals blend them with other local grape varieties to create unique blends.
In addition to red wine, Sirince also produces a range of white wines, including those made from the Emir grape variety, which is native to the region. These wines are famous for their crisp, refreshing flavor and are perfect for pairing with local cuisine.
Visitors to Sirince can visit local wineries and vineyards to learn about the winemaking process and taste different varieties of wine. Many wineries offer tours and tastings. Visitors can taste the local wines and learn about the unique characteristics that make Sirince’s wines so special. If you are into history, You should read our blogs about Gobekli Tepe, Karahan Tepe and Boncuklu Tarla!
How to get to Sirince from Izmir?
Sirince is a small village located approximately 8 kilometers east of the town of Selcuk, in the province of Izmir. Here are some ways to get to Sirince from Izmir:
By car: The most convenient way to get to Sirince from Izmir is by car. Visitors can rent a car from Izmir or take a taxi, and the journey takes approximately one hour. There is a parking area available in Sirince. Here is the google maps link of the route.
By bus: Visitors can take a bus from Izmir to Selcuk, and then take a local minibus (dolmus) or taxi to Sirince. Buses depart from the main bus station in Izmir and run regularly throughout the day.
By train: Visitors can take a train from Izmir to Selcuk, and then take a local minibus or taxi to Sirince. The train journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, and trains run regularly throughout the day.
By private tour: Visitors can also book a private tour from Izmir. It includes transportation to and from Sirince, as well as a guided tour of the village and its surroundings.,
How to get to Sirince from Marmaris Turkey?
Marmaris is a popular resort town located in the province of Mugla, approximately 250 kilometers southwest of Sirince. Here are some ways to get to Sirince from Marmaris:
By car: The most convenient way to get to Sirince from Marmaris is by car. Visitors can rent a car from Marmaris Turkey or take a taxi, and the journey takes approximately 3.5 hours. There is a parking area available in Sirince. Here is the google maps link of the route.
By bus: Visitors can take a bus from Marmaris to Izmir. They take a bus heading to Selcuk, where they can take a local minibus (dolmus) or taxi to Sirince. Buses depart from the main bus station in Marmaris Turkey and run regularly throughout the day.
By private tour: Visitors can also book a private tour from Marmaris Turkey. It includes transportation to and from Sirince, as well as a guided tour of the village and its surroundings.
How to get to Sirince from Dalaman?
Dalaman is a small town located in the province of Mugla, approximately 220 kilometers southwest of Sirince. Here are some ways to get to Sirince from Dalaman:
By car: The most convenient way to get to Sirince from Dalaman is by car. Visitors can rent a car from Dalaman or take a taxi. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. There is a parking area available in Sirince. Here is the google maps link of the route.
By bus: Visitors can take a bus from Dalaman to Izmir, and then transfer to a bus heading to Selcuk. They can take a local minibus (dolmus) or taxi to Sirince. Buses depart from the main bus station in Dalaman and run regularly throughout the day.
By private tour: Visitors can also book a private tour from Dalaman. It includes transportation to and from Sirince, as well as a guided tour of the village and its surroundings.
How to Get to Sirince from Selcuk?
Sirince is a small village located approximately 8 kilometers east of Selcuk. Here are some ways to get to Sirince from Selcuk:
By local minibus (dolmus): The easiest and most affordable way to get to Sirince from Selcuk is by taking a local minibus (dolmus). Dolmuses run regularly throughout the day and depart from the main bus station in Selcuk. Here is the google maps link of the route.
By taxi: Visitors can also take a taxi from Selcuk to Sirince, which takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Taxis are available from the town center or can be arranged through your accommodation.
On foot: Visitors who enjoy walking can also hike to Sirince from Selcuk. The trail is well-marked and takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level.
