There’s so much to see and do in the area, and the superstar team at Atilla’s Getaway will be here to help. We've got guidebooks for you to use as well as a well-stocked travel resource library.

Selçuk - Picture

The pretty town Selçuk is famous with its being a fascinating mixture of all historical periods. The strategic location of Selçuk has proved to be a popular place to settle down during the centuries. The name ‘Selçuk’ comes from the Turkish tribes who settled in the region by the 12th century. Selçuk has been reputed well for its closeness to the ancient Ephesus, Virgin Mary’s House and Seljukian works of art. Besides the historical richness around the area, Selçuk is worth seeing with the places of superb natural beauty surrounding the town.

There are many good buys in the charming boutiques and colorful bazaars situated in the picturesque narrow, winding streets of the town. Also the town market on Saturdays offer an enjoying shopping to the visitors with the great variety of food and textiles.

Ephesus - Picture

The second largest ancient city of the world. Explore the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus, the ancient capital of Roman Asia. The extensive ruins include the spectacular theatre, library and terraced houses. The Ephesus Museum, located in Selçuk, provides more information about the history of the area with many quality treasures on display.

Sirince - Picture

This pretty old Orthodox village, 8km away from Selçuk was once Cirkince (“ugly”). Indeed its habitants gave this name on purpose as they did not want to be bothered by foreigners nor to share the beauty of their village. After years, visitors understood that the village was not ugly at all and called it Sirince (“pretty”). As the village is located on the top of a mountain, anyone will enjoy the impressive views of wine yards and peach trees. Spend a relaxing afternoon here, taste testing some of western Turkey’s best wine, as well as Turkish Gozleme made by the locals. Atilla recommends Dimitros Restaurant in Sirince for delicious food and wine with great hospitality.

House of Virgin Mary (Meryemana Evi) - Picture

The home where the Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life is a popular place of pilgrimage for Catholics. Located on top of Bulbul Mountain which on top of the hill from Atilla’s Getaway, it also gives the visitors a panoramic view over the town.

Artemis Temple - Picture

The temple of Artemis is known as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It has been built in the areas of Ephesus on a flat area which has over the centuries turned into a swamp. Today one can only see the ruins of the foundations of this marvelous construction of the Hellenistic Age, entirely made of marble and full of sculptured columns' capitals and shafts.

The most beautiful remains of this temple are today exhibited in the London British Museum. The oldest remaining found date back till the VIth century BC. It was surrounded by 36 huge columns, later enlarged upon the orders of the Lydian King, Kreisos, during the VIth century BC. Most of the exhibits in the London British Museum belong to this period.

Ayasuluk Castle - Picture

From Atilla's Getaway you'll get a spectacular view of this castle, built in the Byzantine period and expanded by the Seljukians. The citidal has 15 towers approximately in the length of 1.5 km and surrounded by the stone ramparts. The citidal also includes the remains of a Byzantine church, a small mosque and several water cisterns. Unfortunately the castle is currently closed to public as renovation work is in progress.

Isabey Mosque - Picture

Isa Bey Mosque is one of the most delicate examples of Seljukian architecture, situated below the Basilica of Saint John. It was constructed between the years of 1374 and 1375. An inscription from the God decorates the doorway.

The mosque is built by the master builder Ali, son of Mushimish al-Damishki. Crown-like doors from the Seljukian architectural style, later combine with the decoration elements of Ottoman style. The influential details including the plant motifs and the beautiful marble workmanship with the variety of faience mosaics create the marvelous atmosphere of Isa Bey Mosque. Some parts of the mosque is repaired in 1934.

Basilica of Saint John - Picture

This church is constructed in the burial place of Saint John the Divine on Ayasuluk Hill. The original mausoleum was changed into a marvellous Basilica during the reign of Justinianus 1. (527-565AD) The church was destroyed by a serious earthquake, so some artifacts of the church are still hidden in the dark, and some parts of the criss-cross planned construction have been carefully repaired.

The monograms Justinianus 1 and his wife Theodora strike on some of the capitals of the columns. "The Gate of Persecution" is the entrance of the Basilica. It takes its name from a relief displaying Archilles dragging the dead body of Hector.

Belevi Mausoleum - Picture

After the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus - one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, Belevi Mausoleum is considered to be the largest tomb of the ancient Anatolia. The total height of the tomb is approximately 23 meters except the roof part. The exact size of the tomb is not certain, as the whole roof has not been unearthed yet.

The lion and griffon statues, on top of the roof are now displaying in the Ephesus and Izmir Museums. Dating back to the Hellenistic Age, Belevi Mausoleum is worth seeing with its impressive architectural ornaments as well as the Corinth heads.

Çamlik Train Museum - Picture

Çamlik, a town 11km from Selçuk, houses a TCDD open-air Steam Locomotives Museum set in idyllic natural surroundings, inside the pine trees – perfect for a relaxing picnic. You can climb aboard many of the engines.

Cave of the Seven Sleepers - Picture

Located on the northern slopes of Mount Pion, near Ephesus, The Grotto of Seven Sleepers has been discovered by both Christians and Moslems with a growing interest. According to the Christian legend seven young men were walled in during the reign of Decius (250) and yet were seen alive in the streets of Ephesus during the reign of Theodosius II some years after the Council of Ephesus (431).

In the Koran, it is claimed that the sleepers slept 309 years in their tombs. A church has been built above this Grotto by the Christians. During excavations in the area, the church and several tombs have been brought to daylight. Some inscriptions of Seven Sleepers have been noticed on the walls of the church.

Pamucak Beack - Picture

Only 7km from Selçuk is Pamucak - a long sandy stretch of beach. You won't find huge crowds here (unlike the beaches of Kusadasi) so you can enjoy your sun and sand along with some peace and quiet.

Kusadasi - Picture

15km from Selçuk on the Aegean coast, Kusadasi is a bustling resort town, filled with shops and bazaars. There are many bars and open-air nightclubs – Atilla can organise private transport to and from the best spots if you have a group keen to set the dancefloor alight!

Aqua Fantasy & Ada Land - Picture

On the road from Selçuk to Kusadasi you will find two large water parks. Aqua Fantasy is billed as Turkey's biggest water park - with many thrilling slides, wave pools, waterfalls and rides. Ada Land has slides and rides as well as a dolphin park and an aquarium.

Dilek National Park - Picture

The ideal place to escape for a beach afternoon in the national park of Kalamaki in the "Dilek Peninsula". Located approximately 30km south of Kusadasi, it is only 1-2 km far from the Greek island Samos. The Kalamaki beaches count several bays of which the most important ones are Icmeler (1st bay and only sandy one), Kavakli and Karapinar. Follow one of the mountain biking trails or canyon walks and you may see wild boar!