Celsus Library, Ephesus
Ephesus ancient site
Temple of Artemis, Ephesus
Looking for an Ephesus day trip from Istanbul?
If you would like to see the best preserved ancient city in Turkey, or even in the world, this is it. Tours to Ephesus from Istanbul, Izmir, Kusadasi or Selcuk are available at your service all year long if you want a nice guided tour which Ephesus deserves. Located at just 3 km from Selcuk, 20 km from Kusadasi and an hour drive from Izmir Airport, you can make connections practically to any part of the world from there. For the ones making overnight stays, Selcuk or Kusadasi hotels are the best choices of accommodation.
Originally an Ionian harbor city with its Hellenistic roots, this huge open air museum dates back to 6000 BC during which the first early settlements had begun. Ionian colonization was completed at around 1000 BC. Nowadays situated at about 8 km from the sea due to alluviums deposited by the Cayster (Kucukmenderes) river, it offers great historical treasures belonging to Greek, Roman and Byzantine cultures.
Ephesus was the wealthiest of all Greek settlements along the west coast of Anatolia. The fleets carried to different ports of the Mediterranean the luxurious goods produced in this region: pottery, fine fabrics, carpets, furniture, metal objects, precious metals. Although rebuilt and relocated many times because of Lydian and Persian invasions and the silting up of its original harbor, it did not lose anything from its sheer beauty and cultural richness.
If you are arriving on a cruise ship at Kusadasi port, Ephesus is the obvious shore excursion. The port is only 20 km from the ancient city, about 25 minutes by taxi or tour bus. Most cruise lines offer Ephesus shore excursions; these include transport, a guide, and sometimes lunch. If you prefer to arrange your own trip, taxis at the port charge roughly 40-50 euros round trip including waiting time. There are also minibuses from Kusadasi bus station to Selcuk, then a short taxi to the site entrance.
Allow at least 4 hours for a cruise shore excursion to Ephesus, including travel time. Combine Ephesus with the House of Virgin Mary for a full day. If your ship is in port for only a few hours, focus on the main site: Celsus Library, Great Theater, and Curettes Street.
Ephesus has a long list of historic and religious figures including Mother Mary, St. John (John the Apostle), Alexander the Great and Heraclitus the philosopher who once said: "you can and cannot step in the same stream twice". It is also one of the sacred cities of Christianity as the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation also acknowledges Ephesus. It is said that Gospel of John has been written in Ephesus as St. John who accompanied Mother Mary to this historical city is believed to have spent some time and been buried there.
After becoming a part of the Roman empire, Ephesus was designated as the capital of the Asian provinces with a population over 200,000 people. Finally, during the retreat of Byzantians in front of the Seljuks in whole Anatolia region, by 1100 AD, the habitants started to abandon Ephesus to move inland due to complete silting up of the port. Now completely silent but beautiful as ever, it still keeps telling us those remarkable stories of the mankind on this planet. You will be amazed while walking on the streets of Ephesus.
The statues and structures worth visiting are:
You can also visit Selcuk Museum that offers a great collection of the artifacts excavated from the site.
The main change at Ephesus is the crowd management. The site now has timed entry during peak summer months to prevent overcrowding at the Celsus Library and the Great Theater. The paved walkways have been extended, making the main circuit wheelchair accessible. The Terrace Houses now have better lighting and signage in multiple languages.
The road from Kusadasi has been widened, reducing the drive time to 20 minutes. The parking area has been expanded.
The House of Virgin Mary now has a new visitor center and a small exhibition. The site is still peaceful, but the number of tour buses has increased. Visit early (before 9:30 AM) or late (after 3:30 PM) to avoid the peak crowds.
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal. The weather is warm but not hot, and the crowds are smaller than summer. May has wildflowers on the hills around the site.
Summer (June-August) is very hot, often above 35°C. The white marble reflects the sun. Start at the upper entrance at 8 AM to finish before the midday heat. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle. There are water fountains but they are widely spaced.
Winter is mild but rainy. The site is nearly empty, which is a rare luxury. Some paths can be slippery. The Terrace Houses are warm inside and offer a break from the rain.
Ephesus is located at just 3 km from Selcuk, 20 km from Kusadasi and an hour drive from Izmir Airport (ADB). You can make connections practically to any part of the world from there.
By plane: Fly from Istanbul to Izmir (1 hour). Turkish Airlines and Pegasus have multiple daily flights. From Izmir Airport, take a taxi (1 hour, about 50 euros) or rent a car. There is also a train from the airport to Selcuk, then a short taxi to Ephesus.
By bus from Istanbul: Overnight buses take about 9 hours to Selcuk or Kusadasi. This is cheaper than flying but exhausting.
By cruise ship: See the cruise section above.
Ephesus has two entrances: the upper entrance (Magnesia Gate) and the lower entrance. Start at the upper entrance. You walk downhill, which is easier on the knees. The main attractions are on the Curettes Street between the two entrances. At the lower entrance, you exit near the Great Theater and the buses back to the upper entrance.
The site is large but walkable for most people. Allocate 2-3 hours for the main circuit, 4 hours if you include the Terrace Houses and the Basilica of St. John in Selcuk.
For lodging in the Ephesus region please see Kusadasi Hotels or Selcuk Hotels. To get to Ephesus you can use bus and local minibus services or use a private Izmir Airport Transfer.
Morning (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Start at the upper entrance. Visit the Odeon, the Bouleuterion, and walk down Curettes Street. See the Trajan Fountain, the Temple of Hadrian, and the public toilets. Enter the Terrace Houses (extra ticket). Exit near the Celsus Library. This is the best light for photos.
Midday (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Visit the Great Theater and the Arcadian Way. Lunch at the cafe near the lower entrance or at a restaurant in Selcuk (5 minutes drive).
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Drive to the House of Virgin Mary on Mount Koressos. The site is small; 45 minutes is enough. Then drive to the Temple of Artemis — one column remains, but the site is free and quick (15 minutes). Finish at the Selcuk Museum.
How do I get to Ephesus from a cruise ship in Kusadasi?
Ephesus is only 20 km (about 25 minutes) from Kusadasi cruise port. Most cruise passengers take a shore excursion organized by their ship, or a private tour. Taxis from the port to Ephesus cost roughly 40-50 euros round trip including waiting time. You can also take a minibus from Kusadasi bus station to Selcuk, then a short taxi to the site entrance.
How much time do I need at Ephesus?
At least 2-3 hours to see the main sites: Celsus Library, Great Theater, Curettes Street, and the Odeon. Add another hour for the Terrace Houses. If you also want to visit the House of Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis, plan for 4-5 hours total.
What is the best way to visit Ephesus?
A guided tour is recommended because Ephesus is history you need to understand. Sites like the Terrace Houses take on life when you see the heating system and the mosaics. The House of Virgin Mary needs explanation. That said, the site is well-signed and you can manage on your own with a guidebook. If you want a guide, hire one at the entrance or book a tour in advance.
Can I visit Ephesus from Istanbul in one day?
Yes. Take an early morning flight from Istanbul to Izmir (about 1 hour), then drive 1 hour to Ephesus. You will have 3-4 hours at the site, then return to Izmir for an evening flight back to Istanbul. It is a long day but possible. Many tour companies offer this as a day trip. Alternatively, take a tour from Istanbul by bus that includes an overnight stay in Kusadasi.
Is the House of Virgin Mary worth visiting?
Yes, even if you are not religious. The site is a peaceful hillside with pine trees and a small stone house. The atmosphere is quiet and reflective. Several Popes have visited. It is 15 minutes from Ephesus, so combine both sites in one trip.
What should I wear at Ephesus?
Comfortable walking shoes, the marble streets can be slippery. A hat and sunscreen, especially in summer. The site has almost no shade. For the House of Virgin Mary, modest dress (shoulders covered) is appreciated but not strictly enforced. Bring a water bottle.