Plan your Ephesus trip

Where to base yourself

Selçuk is close to the archaeological site; Kuşadası suits a coast stay or a cruise call. From İzmir airport, confirm transfer time to your chosen hotel and the archaeological site entrance before fixing a start time.

One day at Ephesus

Start early when possible and allow time to walk the main streets, see the Library of Celsus and Great Theatre, and pause for lunch. Agree any extra stops such as the Terrace Houses, Selçuk heritage or Şirince separately; opening arrangements and admissions can change.

How to pair it with Pamukkale

Use one day for Ephesus, then travel inland with breaks and overnight near Pamukkale or Denizli. Visit Hierapolis and Pamukkale on the next day. A late enough departure is essential if you are fitting both sites into a compact route.

Keep planning

• Plan Ephesus and Pamukkale together
• Is Şirince worth adding after Ephesus?
• Compare a Kuşadası city break

Check a primary source

For the heritage site background, see the UNESCO World Heritage listing. Verify current admission and access arrangements with the site operator before travel.