Ancient sites in Kusadasi
Ephesus is the reason most people come to Kusadasi. It is a Roman city of monumental buildings, with the Library of Celsus and a theater that could seat 24,000 spectators. The ruins sit about 25 minutes from Kusadasi, and most of the visit is spent among the ancient streets.
Places to go
Ephesus Ancient City
Most people come for the ruins and the long walk through them.
Magnesia on the Maeander
Magnesia on the Maeander is an ancient Greco-Roman city in Aydın Province, with a large stadium and excavations still going on. It is one of the quieter ancient sites near Kuşadası.
House of the Virgin Mary
A small house near Ephesus that Christians believe was the last home of the Virgin Mary. It is a quiet pilgrimage site, not a ruin to walk through.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Exclusive Ancient Ephesus, Travel Through Time
Guided Ephesus, Selcuk City Stroll, and Street Food
Ancient Ephesus, Terrace Houses, and House of Virgin Mary with Lunch
What to expect
Most people reach Ephesus by taxi or dolmuş, about 25 minutes from Kusadasi. Taxis wait near the bus station, and the drivers will also wait at the lower gate if you agree on a round-trip price. Most coach tours enter through the upper gate, from the south.
Once inside, expect to walk for most of the morning. The main line runs down Curetes Street, the ancient city's main boulevard, past the Library of Celsus and the theater. Allow time for the Terrace Houses, which add about 30 minutes. Excavations are always under way, so a few sights may be closed off on the day you visit.
Where to go
- Library of Celsus. The façade of this library is the best-known monument at Ephesus and a good place to start a walk through the site. By walk through the site.
- Theater. A Roman theater that could hold 24,000 spectators, built into the hillside. By walk through the site.
- Curetes Street. The main boulevard through the ancient city, running down from the Gate of Hercules, lined with monuments such as the Trajan's Fountain. By walk through the site. A trip that goes here: Guided Ephesus, Selcuk City Stroll, and Street Food, 6 Hours, $87 a person
- Terrace Houses. Multi-storey Roman houses with mosaics and frescoes, set aside for an extra 30 minutes of visiting time. By walk through the site.
- Priene and Miletus. Two more ancient cities to the south, easiest to reach by taxi hired for about four hours. South of Kusadasi, by taxi.
Getting there
Ephesus is about 25 minutes from Kusadasi by taxi. Taxis wait at the bus station, and a round-trip price agreed in advance is common. Dolmuş minibuses also run from Selçuk, reached from town by dolmuş.
When to go
Summer is hot, with noon temperatures reaching 36-37°C and little shade, so a morning start helps. Spring and autumn are milder for walking, and the site is open year-round.
Good to know
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sun protection even on cloudy days, since much UV passes through cloud.
- Wear shoes with good grip, as the paths have lumpy stones and potholes.
- Agree on a round-trip taxi price before you set off, and note the driver's plan for the return.
Questions
How far is Ephesus from Kusadasi?
Ephesus is about 25 minutes from Kusadasi by taxi, and about 15 km northeast of town. Taxis wait at the bus station, and a day trip by dolmuş or taxi is easy to arrange.
How long do you need at Ephesus?
The grounds take 90 minutes to 2.5 hours on foot, plus about 30 minutes for the Terrace Houses. Most of a morning is a comfortable allowance for the visit.
Is Ephesus hard to visit in summer?
Summer is hot, with noon temperatures reaching 36-37°C and little shade. Start early, carry water, and wear sun protection.
