If you ever find yourself on the Aegean coast of Turkey then be sure to take a visit to Sirince Village. Known throughout Turkey for wine tasting and production, it’s mountainside location is perfect for seeing natural Turkey and all through the village are shops where you can put your wine tasting skills to the test.
How To Get To Sirince Village
I drove a car which took two hours from Altinkum to Sirince. Head for the town of Selcuk which is near Ephesus, from there Sirince is clearly signposted. There are organized tours from most of the resorts surrounding Sirince. These cost an average of 20 pounds / 30 dollars per person.
What To Take With You
A camera or video recorder is needed as the views and pictures that you can take are truly unique. Do not forget money for souvenirs, lunch and refreshments.
History of Sirince Village
Sirince Village was formed when people were fleeing Ephesus. They settled in the mountains and named the village Cirkince which translated into ugly. The reasoning for this was to keep outsiders from getting curious and coming into the village. The name was eventually changed to Sirince, which means pretty. Greeks settled in the village at one stage and this is clear in the styling of the houses. In 1924 there was an exchange of the Greek and Turkish population .
Highlights of the Village
- Wine tasting of course!
- Buying hand-made olive oil soap
- Visiting St Johns church which is being restored
- Enjoying Turkish cuisine in a traditional restaurant
- Tasting and buying the best olives in Turkey.
Tips for Visiting Sirince Village
- If you are driving there, the mountain roads are very narrow and have no safety barriers. Ensure who ever is driving will be comfortable with this. Driving in Turkey is already an ordeal as it is!
- It is very hilly and in the midday heat, a bottle of water is a must for a refreshing drink.
- Do not wear flip-flops. You need shoes with a good grip for the steep cobbled streets.
- Sirince is not suitable for anyone with walking problems or disabilities.
- Use an organized tour guide if you plan to take part in wine tasting, as drinking and driving is strictly forbidden
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Further Reading
Aegean coast : Discover more places to visit in this region
Sounds like a greaty retreat David – It’s been a while since I’ve been there so must get back.
I go to ?irince several times a year to stay at the Nesin Mathematics Village for teaching or research. It is my favorite place in Turkey at any time of year!
I have wondered that Brian – if the car drivers indulge in the wine tasting. It has been a while since I have been there but those mountain roads were scary
Great blog! Sirince’s scenery like much of the aegean coast is amazing. However, I was disappointed to see that Sirince has become an expensive and tacky tourist trap. Sirince’s wines are absolutely horrid- especially the fruit variety. Also the lack of safety barriers as you drive up the mountain to Sirince make for a scary ride. Especially scary to think that people drive back down those very same mountains after numerous wine tasting sessions and your car is literally on the opposite end of the road driving on the edge of a cliff!
Yes, the mountain roads are a bit scary but I hear they have been improved lately Irene
Great wine…..but the mountain roads YIKES!!!!! I just sit in the back seat and cover my head with my sweater. I drive in NYC like nothing but those mountains roads freak me out.
🙂 I have not heard of many people that like the Sirince wine
I was here on a rainy day in November so I didn’t really get to appreciate the charm of the village. However, I didn’t enjoy the fruit wine from this region. I much preferred the Cappadocia and Pamukkale wines!
Thanks for your work on this blog, I’m currently putting together an infoblog for the Navigator Cruise Ships itinerary for the cost conscious cruiser and have mentioned your blog in the information. In Turkey we are using Ephesustours.biz on their Ephesus, terraced house and Sirince Tour with lunch and have requested to ensure wine testing at Sirince is included after reading your blog.
I went there using public transport and very easily reachable from Selcuk. Apart from wine testing, walk in streets of village is very interesting.
You are welcome Kristy – Hope you enjoy
Okay, sign me up. Wine tasting, handmade soap and good food…awesome. Thanks for all these great ideas!