Selcuk Things to Do Tips by Malecka Top 5 Page for this destination

exploring Selchuk 2

The neighbourhood next to this small park is actually the one I really loved walking through. Small, white and very cute houses, with lovely gardens, quiet and very... well, atypical in terms of tourist-like places. I noticed that some of the pensions and hostels mentioned in the Routard Guide were located here: ANZ, for example, which, I have to admit looks very inviting from outside. The location is so nice, and they have a cosy garden. Hope the inside is just as inviting.

One more note on Pamucak

The Routard guide said: It is not clean and it is not dirty, and for some strange reason I think it is a VERY GOOD explanation of the beach.
It is HUGE, I mean huge... And because of that you can have your privacy because the next towel is place at some 200 meters away from yours. At least it was like that at the hours when we visited it.
It really isn’t a bad place... I actually liked the beach. In the morning it is lovely to get a swim and in the afternoon, since the wind was stronger and there were waves, it was a fun experience. It is not a fancy place, there are some showers and some umbrellas but apart from that, it is just lots of sand and lots of sea.
:-)
This is of course a suggestion for those who choose NOT to go to the typical holiday resorts just outside Kushadasi.

Some FUN in the SUN - Pamucak

I admit I very much dislike lying in the sun for hours and trying to get a “unhealthy” tan – to me (and this is just me) it is a complete waste of time. Plus, it is absolutely unbearable for me to stay in the sun... Which doesn’t mean that I do not like the beach. Quite the contrary, I love the sea, the sound of the water, the smell of it, the colours. I absolutely love it.
But, because of our not being crazy about crowds and too much sun we visited Pamucak several times late in the afternoon, like 6:30 pm and earlier in the morning, like 9:00 am.

Directions: 9 kilometers from Selchuk, dolmush every 30 minutes, even more frequent if there are people waiting

Ephesus, last notes

We wanted to take our time in Ephesus and therefore had food with us. Not that you actually become hungry when you are walking outside and the temperature is about 40 degrees, but still. It is not a bad idea if you are interested in staying longer and admiring the ruins of Ephesus.
It is a spectacular site and it is very worth seeing. It is my belief that it is much better to go there with a certain knowledge or a guide, because the whole experience will be much different (read: better) than just looking at fascinating ruins.
And, I truly hope that I will not be misunderstood... I think that for 15 liras, which at the time were 10 euros, at least a small and very simple map should be given to the visitors. Don’t get me wrong, I never worry about money when it comes to seeing something worthwhile, and I am all out there for Turks to earn more from tourism but... I don’t know, I was just left with the sensation that with the entrance ticket a tiny little map should be given at least to make the visitor feel that s/he has gotten the best for the given money. Still, that was just a personal feeling and nothing more.

I think I have said enough about Ephesus – you can find much more information on what can be seen inside offered by other VT members.

Ephesus, a bit more

Ok... Upper gate, Lower gate... Blah, Blah, Blah... it will be a bit tiring either way. So, you will meet taxi drivers that will try to convince you that you need to go to the upper gate and they’ll take you for I-don’t-know-how-much... No need, OK? Just go to the lower entrance, it is just fine. You will survive the walk. It is not THAT much. I wouldn’t suggest buying anything there since obviously it is more expensive, but if money is none of your concerns, oh well... suit yourselves.

EPEHSUS, a different point of view

Instead of making pages about Ephesus, I feel many VTers have said more than enough about this place so I will just dedicate a few tips.
If you ask me, and this is not because the dolmushes cost a lot (actually they don't), you should walk to Ephesus. It is a walking distance, about 3 km. The road is very nice, there is shade all the way to Ephesus (except for ... like 100 meters just before entering Ephesus).
Please have in mind, if it is summer, it will be hot, so it doesn’t really make a huge difference whether it is 11 am, 1 pm or 3 pm. Earlier in the morning, like 7:30 am is another story, if you are willing to start walking that early.
I didn’t mind going at 9 am... You need about 40 minutes (relaxed walk, not too much hurry, then again... you shouldn’t even CONSIDER the “hurry up” concept in Turkey), definitely have some water with you, a hat, sombrero or whatever you consider as a protection for the head and some sun-glasses. There is a HUGE AMOUNT of reflection at the site because of all the rocks and stones so... have that in mind.

exploring Selchuk 3

You’ll instantly notice the Aqueducts, or the remains of it... The (I shall call it) “square” next to the train station is the one we visited EVERY single day. The tea houses are very turkish and very nice to sit in and enjoy some tea or ayran.
The Aqueducts look lovely at night.

exploring Selchuk 1

Ok, so those were the typical, basic things to see, visit. Now for something a bit more... well, personal experience.

The small but wonderful park located along Ataturk Caddesi. I really liked this place, nice to rest for a moment, have some water and just enjoy the shade. (I will repeat it many times for you: If you go in summer, it will be HOT)

Artemison

Ok, let me “kill” the moment and tell you that it is NOT exactly impressive, simply because basically nothing is left from the Artemis Temple (yes, one of the seven wonders of the world). On the plus side, you don’t pay anything so... that is quite fair. It is easy to reach it... Continue straight on after reaching the Tourist information office. I mean, you will see the sign... It is the same road that takes you to Ephesus.

The Isa Bey Mosque

Isa Bey Mosque...
First, I would suggest that instead of going the typical way to the Mosque, you might try going right after the visit of the Basilica. It is close, nicer, more quiet and you would see some nice houses on your way there.
In fact I definitely love the neighbourhood where the Isa Bey mosque is located. Each time we passed by those houses, and walked through the quiet streets, I repeatedly expressed how beautiful it was to me.
So... again, without going into much detail about the Mosque... Obviously it is an amazing building on its own and as for the historical importance... you’ll educate yourselves once there.