Secreted high in the inland hills among wild orchards and rolling groves, Sirince Village is a scenic little village dotted with a dollhouse collection of stone and stucco houses. The area was probably settled when Ephesus was abandoned, but what you see today mostly dates from the 19th century. The story goes that a group of freed Greek slaves moved here in the 15th century and called the village Çirkince (Ugliness) to deter others from following. The name was changed to the more honest Sirince (Pleasantness) in the 1920s during the founding of the new republic.
Before Atatürk’s republic, Sirince was a larger town inhabited by Ottoman Greeks. The current villagers, who moved here from Salonica during an exchange of populations in 1924, are ardent fruit farmers who also make and sell an interesting assortment of wines. Flavours range from raspberry and peach to the trendier black mulberry and pomegranate.
Sirince Village is by no means the ‘undiscovered gem’ as usually marketed in other guidebooks. In fact, it’s the village’s widely known reputation for authenticity that has marked the start of its demise. During the day, souvenir shops run the entire length of the main street as vendors try to lure you in using a smattering of catcalls in different languages. Visitors who ignore this and stay the night (at a stiff premium, of course) will be well rewarded with the chance to see the real village after the tour buses have gone.
Sights & Activities
If you’re trying to avoid the crowds then it’s best to visit in the evening when the droves of daytrippers have long retreated from the mountains 3pm is about the busiest time of day. Şirince’s charm lies in its subtleties, so your time is best spent simply ambling around the crooked cobbled lanes and admiring the adorable architecture.
The ruined Church of St John the Baptist ( 8am-8pm summer, 8.30am-6.30pm winter) is of limited interest. Faded frescoes adorn the walls, which date back to Byzantine times. Funds are scarce, so restorations have yet to turn the space into more than a sanctuary for cawing birds.
Sleeping
Sirince is a captive market, and room rates can be ludicrously inflated for what you get.
Shopping
These days almost every house on the village’s main street has been transformed into a storefront selling a variety of local wares, namely fruit wine. Ask to sample your wine of choice before making the purchase it’s not everyone’s cup of tea some of the flavours taste a bit too much like cough syrup. Other shops sell olive oil, soaps and leather goods, usually crafted locally (it’s best to ask). It’s worth stopping by Demetrius of Ephesus (Sirince Köyü 26) , a local artisan who crafted most of the jewellery and trinkets for the movie Troy you’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the photo of Brad Pitt hanging above the cash register.
It seemed like a tourist trap really, theres very little to see and a few overpriced shops, cant say we were so impressed.
This village perfect, great, wonderfull. If you looking for a nice village and naturel rich place, here is number one of the world. many place in turkey like that. Especailly I like homes and nature.
It is a definite must see. Great way to see experience an authentic turksih village. The people were pleasant and had gret products!
We were surprised at how few tourists or their buses were there at this time. We stumbled on a wine bottling plant which allowed us to watch…
Sirince is a quaint little village tucked away down a side road. The markets were great and although people were keen to sell their wares etc they were not too persistent. A large variety of local handcrafts and food were available, some genuine others commercially made.
I enjoyed visiting the fruit wine store where we tasted some delicious fruit wines….
Sirince is a short, very scenic drive away from Selcuk.
Sirince is a beautiful hill town only 8 km (5 miles) east of Selcuk, near Ephesus, in the Aegean hinterland south of Izmir. It's famous for its olive oil, fruit wines, other natural products, and its charming, restful boutique hotels. It's an amazing place to visit.
Sirince is a smaller town near Selcuk and a perfect base to visit Ephesus. The town has its own bazaar selling hand-made goods of high quality. There are small restauarants and a number of little, quirky hotels. It is very peaceful and set in beautifual countryside.
Local goods include handmade felt products, wines, and olive oils to name only the most popular.
The streets, shops, cafe's and restaurants are basic and serve simple, tasty local food with fresh herbs and flavours.
A rare and unspoilt gem. Rural Turkey as it was. There are crowds during the day but Sirince seems able to absorb them easily and they tend to stay in the centre. The Terrace Houses are above and away from them.