Selcuk: The Small Town That Packs a Big Historical Punch

After the dreamlike landscapes of Cappadocia, my solo Turkish adventure brought me to Selcuk - a charming little town that's often overlooked in favor of nearby Izmir. But let me tell you, choosing this small town over the big city was one of my best decisions!

Why Selcuk Over Izmir?

When planning this leg of my journey, everyone said Izmir was the place to be - it's Turkey's third-largest city, modern and bustling. But something told me to look for something more intimate, and Selcuk, just an hour away by train, caught my eye.

Situated away from the commercial bustle of Izmir, Selcuk offers the perfect blend of local life, incredible history, and easy access to some of Turkey's most spectacular ancient sites. And bonus - it's WAY more relaxed!

Getting There: Easy and Affordable

I flew from Kayseri (Cappadocia) to Izmir and then took a train from Izmir airport station directly to Selcuk. The train journey takes about an hour and costs just 5TL - super affordable! Just make sure to check the train schedule in advance. I ended up waiting at the station for two hours because I missed my train by a measly 10 minutes.

Where I Stayed: A Family-Run Gem

I stayed at **Urkmez Hotel**, located right in the town square, and it was perfect! Don't worry about noise - this isn't your typical busy square. In fact, in the evenings, cars are banned, and the square transforms with local stalls popping up along the streets.

Jimmy, who runs the place, made me feel right at home with his endless offers of çay (I swear, I drank more tea in Turkey than I have in my entire life). On my first night, there was even a local band performing in the square, and despite not understanding a word of their songs, I found myself swaying to the tunes with everyone else. You don't need to understand the language when the music speaks to your soul!

Ozi, who helps Jimmy run the place, was sweet enough to take me on a long stroll around town. There's something magical about walking through a small Turkish town at sunset that makes you realize what we miss in our daily lives - appreciating natural beauty, taking purposeless walks, and just spending quality time with ourselves.

*Contact: Jimmy, Manager, +90 232 982 63 12, [www.urkmezhotel.com](http://www.urkmezhotel.com)*

Must-See Places Around Selcuk

Ephesus: Where Ancient Rome Comes to Life

Ephesus is an absolute must-visit. These ancient Roman ruins are being painstakingly restored by the Turkish government, and walking through them is like stepping back in time. The city was excavated from beneath the ground, and as you walk through, you realize there's still so much left to be discovered.

My guide, Meral (or Mary, as she likes to be called for simplicity), was incredibly knowledgeable and patient, explaining every detail and answering all questions - even from the Chinese and Korean tourists who needed everything repeated twice!

Pamukkale: Nature's Cotton Castle

Pamukkale captures your imagination from miles away - those white, snow-like travertines look like something from another planet. Filled with calcium and magnesium deposits, they create a surreal landscape that's unlike anything I've ever seen.

There's an "Antique Pool" there that supposedly Cleopatra bathed in, but it costs extra, and seeing the crowds splashing around didn't exactly make me feel like royalty. Instead, I stuck to the open travertines, which are truly magical. The water is wonderfully warm, and the calcium deposits can even be used as a natural body scrub!

Kusadasi: A Coastal Gem

Just a short drive from Selcuk lies Kusadasi, a vibrant coastal town that offers a perfect contrast to the historical sites in the area. This bustling port city has a completely different vibe from Selcuk's quiet charm, with its lively waterfront lined with restaurants and cafes.

The highlight was definitely the sunset from Kusadasi's waterfront promenade. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky transformed into a canvas of orange and pink hues reflecting off the Aegean Sea - truly breathtaking and worth the trip alone.

The market streets behind the waterfront offer a more relaxed shopping experience than Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, with friendly shopkeepers selling everything from local handicrafts to leather goods. I found a little seaside restaurant serving some of the freshest calamari I've ever tasted - seafood lovers won't be disappointed here!

If you have extra time, Kusadasi's beaches are worth a visit. Ladies Beach (yes, that's its actual name!) is popular with both locals and tourists, offering crystal-clear waters perfect for a refreshing swim.

When staying in Selcuk, try to set aside at least a few hours for Kusadasi. The coastal energy provides a wonderful balance to the ancient historical sites around Selcuk.

Tour Companies I Recommend

For Ephesus, I went with **Apasas Travels**, arranged by Jimmy at my hotel. Ask for the guide Meral - she's fantastic!

*Contact: Apasas Travels, +90 232 892 95 47, [www.apasastravel.com](http://www.apasastravel.com)*

For Pamukkale, I used **No Frills Tours**. What I loved about them is that they don't force you into shopping sprees at the end of the day like most tour companies do.

Where to Eat in Selcuk

Okumuslar Pide Salonu

This place specializes in "pide" - a Turkish flatbread with various toppings. It's nothing like regular pizza! You place some salad on top, squeeze lime over it, fold it, and eat. Absolutely delicious and a must-try while in Turkey.

Artemis Koftecisi

For meat lovers, the various kebabs here are mouth-watering. I still dream about them sometimes!

The One Thing I Missed

I had planned to go skydiving in Selcuk, but unfortunately, they weren't flying during July (my visit) - they only start in August. Something to look forward to next time!

Final Thoughts

Selcuk is a beautiful little town that almost looks like it's painted out of a picture book. I spent three nights here and honestly didn't want to leave. There's something about the pace of life, the friendliness of the people, and the historical treasures surrounding it that makes it special.

Oh, and a random observation - fruits and vegetables in Turkey are HUGE! Tomatoes are a staple (like bread), and the watermelons are gigantic. After a meal, almost all places will serve you big slices of watermelon. Talk about healthy eating!

If you're planning a trip to Turkey, don't skip Selcuk in favor of bigger cities. This little gem might just end up being the highlight of your journey, as it was for me.

Have you been to Selcuk or are you thinking of going? Let me know in the comments!

XOXO