'''Selcuk''' is a town in Aegean Turkey.
Get in
To get in, you can either take the train, which is slower but more economical, or the bus (dolmus) from Izmir. In the otogar, which is located in the center of the village, you can easily go to Izmir, Pamukkale and other places of Turkey.
By plane
There is a small airport in Selcuk but it is only for private planes. Use Izmir Airport, it is only 55 Km to Selcuk.
Get around
There are mini-buses (dolmus) to Sirince and Ephesus. To go to the House of Mary you may need to take a taxi .
Rented motorbikes or scooters can be a fun way to discover the surroundings of Selcuk. If you rent a bike note that both Sirince and the House of Mary are up in the hills.
See
Selcuk is a good starting place for many excursions and visits in the area.
A major attraction is the old city of Ephesus which is located only 4km away from the center of the village.
The promenade will also take you to the The Temple of Artemis (Artemision). Although it was one of the "Seven Wonders" of the Ancient world, nowadays only a column is left.
On the way there one can also visit the Cave of the Seven Sleepers where the legend of the Seven Sleepers took place.
The picturesque village of Sirince is located 9km east to Selcuk up in the Hills. It offers wonderful views among olive and peach trees.
House of Mary, 10km south is claimed to have been the House where Virgin Mary spend her last days in Ephesus.
Pamucak beach
A nice day-tour can take one to the three archeological sites of Priene, Miletus and Dydima located a little bit south in the coast. Several hotels and pensions offer this tour or you can also rent a van, with driver or not, on your own.
In the city center there are other very interesting spots
The bizantine citadel and the remains of St. John Basylica.
The Aqueduct.
The Museum of Ephesus. Contains objects found in the Ephesus excavation at the site.
Do
A day trip to Sirince (8km out of Selcuk). Nestled in the hills, small little village, narrow winding streets, great wines and lots of small cosy wine bars to try them all out in. Beware staying there though as accommodation is ''very'' expensive (90euro)??
Buy
Double Knot Carpets. orner of Cangiz Topel Cad and Namik Kemal Cad. Run by 20-something locals, this carpet shop is a great place to find a carpet for cheap (prices start under 100 Euro) or just to have a cup of tea. Unlike the shops of Istanbul, the shopkeepers won't pressure you into buying anything, and are glad to offer recommendations on local restaurants and bars or just have a chat.
Eat
'''amazon cafe bistro'''
Ejder Restaurant. engiz Topel Cad. no.9 E PTT Karsisi. n the centre of the town. 90 232 8923296. fes_ejder@yahoo.com. Very friendly place with homemade vegetarian food. Delicious.
Drink
Dolphin Bar.
Pink Bistro Cafe. Ask Mesut the bartender to show you some magic tricks and you'll be entertained for hours.
Sleep
'''Urkmez hotel''' [http://www.urkmezhotel.com] Namik Kemal Cad. 20 ''+90'' 0232 892 6312. The Urkmez Hotel is run by the multi-lingual Ozkan Brothers (English, German, Spanish). All rooms are newly decorated and comes with orthopaedic mattresses and most have A/C and private balconies. Starting from 11?p.p incl. breakfast buffet on the roof terrace.
'''Amazon Pension''' [http://www.amazonpension.com]. Ataturk Mah 1054 ''+90'' 0232 892 3215. Breakfast in the garden, free daily shuttle rides to Ephesus, Internet and book exchange. Free use of bicycle.
'''The Australia New Zealand (Turkish) Guesthouse''' [http://www.anzguesthouse.com/] has clean rooms with private bathrooms. Great atmosphere, drinks and dinner on the roof-top terrace. Twin room ?8.50. Offers complimentary pick-up from Kusadasi and rides to Ephesus.
'''Homeros Pension''' is a old house converted into a pension which has been richly decorated by the owner, who is a carpenter. The rooms are full of charm and the meals, prepared by the sister and mother of the owner, are very good. They also provide free transportation to Ephesus and back. Phone: 892 3995 and e-mail: homeros_turkey@hotmail.com
Bella Hotel. taturk Mah. St. John Street No:7 Selcuk. 00m from Otogar. 90 232 892 3944 . ttp://www.hotelbella.com/selcuk_hotels/index.htm. Small family run hotel with wonderful ceramic and carpet / textile decorations. Very convenient location. Excellent dinner on the roof terrace. Free transport to and from Ephesus. Fax: 0090 232 892 0344 Email: info@hotelbella.com
Atilla_fs Getaway. nfo@atillasgetaway.com. km from Selcuk centre in the village of Acarlar. 90 (232) 892 3847. ttp://www.atillasgetaway. 0 Euro. Has a spring water swimming pool surrounded by fruit trees and gardens. Free shuttle buses to Selcuk/Ephesus, as well as free pick up from Ku?adasi Ferry Port.
Get out
Izmir - enroute to Istanbul
Denizli - enroute to Pamukkale and Antalya
Bodrum - seaside route to Marmaris and Fethiye