A Day in the Quaint Village of Şirince

Şirince is a cute little village with a fun history, beautiful views, wonderful food, warm hospitality and so much more. It is perhaps the perfect synthesis of a traditional Turkish village and a traditional Greek village. In fact, the town — whose name means "cute" in Turkish — used to be called "Çirkince," meaning "ugly." This was an ironic take on the beauty of the village and also used to ward off outsiders. As people wised up to how spectacular the village's location and architecture really was, the name was changed to Şirince in 1926.

The village lies across a hill about 12 km from the ancient city of Ephesus and 85 km from Izmir. Its architecture is truly special — a few houses have been opened to the public to give visitors the opportunity to admire it up close and experience the architectural history of the village. Any new building is required to align with the village's established aesthetic, which is under preservation. Şirince's location on a fertile hill has made it a haven for vineyards, olive orchards (the local olive oil is exceptional), and wonderful peaches, figs, apples and walnuts.

Fun fact: On December 21st 2012, a number of believers convinced themselves that the Mayan calendar predicted the apocalypse would begin in Şirince. Believers flocked to the town and spent the night waiting — to no avail. The town is now gently associated with this amusing episode of history.

The lush greenery of the natural setting is complemented beautifully by the two-storey architecture of the buildings. From afar the village looks like a painting, and its homes are as enchanting close up as they are from a distance. The homes are connected by winding, cobbled streets that are narrow and make you feel like you're travelling back in time to a world before cars and modern industry.

Vehicles are prohibited in the village centre — the narrow streets are preserved by this rule. Horses are allowed, so stroll the quaint streets on foot and take your time. The food here is exceptional too — the village breakfast is some of the finest Turkish breakfast you'll ever eat, with an endless array of cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, jams and more. Local herbs are used in more substantial meals, picked from the surrounding hills and typically cooked using the local olive oil.

The Şirince bazaar is one of the great markets of the Aegean coast. It has a little of everything, and the foodstuffs are unbeatable — the freshest and most delicious produce imaginable at every stall. Feel free to try a piece of fruit from any of the sellers; they will typically let you taste before you buy. Beyond food, the bazaar has amazing trinkets, souvenirs, jewellery, soaps, dried fruit and handmade clothing, much of it produced by the village and its immediate surroundings.

Şirince is also known for its fruit wines — pomegranate, peach, fig, blackberry and strawberry wines are produced locally and are well worth tasting. A glass on a terrace overlooking the valley and surrounding olive groves is one of those simple pleasures that stays with you. Turquaz Travel can combine Şirince with Ephesus as part of a full-day Aegean excursion — enquire here.