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.
This small and beautiful town is located 15 minutes away from selcuk up some winding mountain road without street lights. Parking is problematic here and it is likely that you will need to park at some of the paid parking area since the roads are terribly narrow. The town has lots of shops selling locally produce crafts and local vine.
Situated close to Kusadasi, you can get to Sirince from Kusadasi by dolmus (local transportation) or by car. It's a nice and tranquil old village, where you can spend some quality time. The food is very good. And once there, make sure to taste the local wine – it's very different from the classic ones.
Very romantic while sunset and offers an impressive view at the lights of the turkish coast at night.
One of my favorite places in Turkey! Not too many tourists, tucked away and gives you a real feeling for Turkey (unlike Istanbul). It was absolutely perfect.
Sirence (pronounced Sir-en-jay) is a picturesque greek village just 30 minutes outside Kusadasi. privatetour.net offer half day trips there but it is often over looked by most tourists in favour of water parks etc.
It is definitely worth a visit for a relaxed day sightseeing and wine tasting. I wouldn't recommend it.
A small Turkish wine and olive town in the mountains. Friendly atmosphere and great weather. Sirince is the Sonoma of the Mediterranean. Forget Italy. Forget Greece. GO to TURKEY!
We found Sirince to be a lovely, rustic village that simply exudes charm. We stayed two nights in the guesthouse. It is in the lower village near the market and provides arresting views of the village sweeping up the mountainside. Everyone in the village was very friendly..
Fruit wines are a speciality of the village, but we really enjoyed the Gozleme, pancakes stuffed with potato, spinach and cheese or meat each cooked in front of us on an open fire by a lovely old lady.
An old town quite in the middle of nowhere, but interesting site views, a good market in and around the streets, good business, and also good places (restaurants) to have a good meal.
Sirince is pretty and a good day out, the fruit wines are lovely and so it their local reds. Its not over priced wines either!