Şirince: Village History, Churches and Regional Cuisine

Şirince combines a historic villagescape with cultural attractions, hiking trails and regional cuisine. Around 200 houses dating from the village’s Greek period still stand here. Its hillside location and sloping terrain shape the settlement: the houses are arranged parallel to the slope, creating a terraced villagescape.

Villagescape and protection

The traditional settlement pattern is also the basis for its protected status: in 1984, Şirince was designated a historic site because of its villagescape and protected by a conservation plan. The village is interpreted as a synthesis of traditional Turkish and Greek village cultures. For visitors interested in architectural history and the development of settlement patterns over time, both the hillside setting and cultural influences are central.

In 2023, Şirince was named a “Best Tourism Village” in Turkey. This recognition adds a more recent accolade to the village’s profile, alongside its historic designation and conservation plan.

Churches, schools and education

Aya Yani Church, also known as St. John’s Church or Vaftizci Yahya Church, stands on a raised terrace west of Şirince. It was built in 1805. It was probably built on the remains of an older church destroyed in the 1800 earthquake. An inscription records a further restoration in 1832. Today, the church is in the garden of a private property. St. Demetrius Church is also part of Şirince’s cultural heritage.

Taş Mektep was a school dating from the early 20th century and now serves as a museum. It explains the development of education in Turkey. Another educational institution in the village is Nesin Science and Math Village: its campus comprises three areas dedicated to mathematics, art and philosophy. Şirince’s cultural offerings thus range from historic buildings to educational institutions with different areas of focus.

Hiking trails and landscape

Efeler Yolu is a 500-kilometre, multi-section hiking trail. It connects Şirince with numerous other villages and ends in Meryemana near Selçuk. Another described route runs from Şirince via Selçuk and the ancient city of Ephesus to Pamucak Beach. It is 14 kilometres long, rated moderate, and takes around five to six hours on foot. The route follows a paved highway and can also be cycled. The two options therefore differ considerably in scope: one is a single stage with a stated walking time, while the other is a long, multi-section trail.

The approach to the village also adds to the landscape: along the road to Şirince, you can see centuries-old olive trees, kermes oaks, mastic shrubs, turpentine trees and Aleppo pines. Şirince is accessible from İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport and the intercity bus terminal via Selçuk and the bypass. You can check the most suitable route separately as you plan your trip.

Bazaar, cuisine and wine

Small stalls at the bazaar sell handicrafts, soap, olive oil, pekmez, honey, jam and souvenirs. This selection combines everyday products and keepsakes with a local market scene. Aegean and Cretan cuisine includes seasonal dishes such as radika, fried wild herbs, Şevketi bostanı and dishes filled with pumpkin blossoms. These dishes are seasonal; the examples listed represent the village’s regional culinary traditions.

Şirince wines include varieties made from fruit essences such as mulberry, blackberry, melon and strawberry. Wine cellars are located on the lower floors of houses, and visitors are encouraged to visit them. The market, seasonal cuisine and wine thus add a distinct culinary dimension to Şirince’s historic and scenic offerings.

Discover more destinations: Çamlık, Torbalı, Alaçatı, Karaburun, Kaynaklar Cumhuriyet Mh., Cumhuriyet Mahallesi, Dikili, Bayındır.

For the broader travel overview: Izmir.