Village of Sirince declared one of the best tourist villages in the world

(Patria) - The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has declared the village
Şirince in Izmir as one of the "best tourist villages in the world 2023".

The picturesque village of Şirince is located in the Selcuk district of Izmir, one of the most attractive
cities on the Turkish Aegean coast. This small authentic village has a long history.
It is situated at an altitude of 350 meters above sea level, and a winding mountain road leads to it.
Tangerine, fig, and olive trees, birds, dogs, and cats welcome visitors.



On the slopes of the village are houses surrounded by fruit trees, olives, and vineyards that have been
the source and way of life for the inhabitants for years. Many stone villas in the village have been converted into
comfortable boutique hotels where guests relax by the fireplace.

In addition to its natural beauty, Şirince is also known for its sweet fruit wines, made from almost every type of fruit grown in this place. At the same time, restaurants serving Aegean cuisine and delicious fruit wines have made this area a popular tourist destination. For these and many other reasons, the inclusion of the village of Şirince on the UNWTO 2023 list of the world's best tourist villages is fully justified!

Olive and Grape Harvests

Built on the fertile land of the Aegean Sea, Şirince has preserved its authenticity to this day. Life in the village continues as it did in the past: locals are still engaged in farming, and villagers produce fruit jams and wines. The village stream still supplies drinking water, as it has for hundreds of years. Meanwhile, the growing popularity of Şirince has expanded the business opportunities for local residents, who now sell many products to urban visitors from unusual stalls in the narrow village streets.



Homemade jams, sherbets, and fruit wines, as well as Aegean village-style handicrafts and souvenirs, are highly valued and sought after. The mild climate also contributes to the village's attractiveness. In spring,
nature comes alive, turning the village into a green paradise, while autumn brings a different rhythm. Harvest bells announce a busy period in the olive groves and wineries. These are months of intense activity for the inhabitants of Şirince, who cultivate olives and produce high-quality Aegean olive oil. The harvest is essential for local social life as it maintains and preserves the rich history and cultural heritage of the village. In winter, during Şirince's quieter season, visitors can relax by the fireplace and enjoy Aegean flavors and mulled wine.

In the Heart of Civilization

Located in one of the most beautiful environments in the world, Şirince offers access to several
impressive ancient sites. This charming village in Selcuk, Izmir province, ranked on Lonely Planet's list of "Best Places to Travel 2024," is surrounded by several UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Şirince is only eight kilometers from Selcuk, where the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, are located, and 12 kilometers from the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most important ancient centers, inhabited for 9,000 years from the prehistoric period through the Hellenistic, Roman, Eastern Roman, Beylik, and Ottoman eras.

Around Ephesus are unique structures and artifacts from the early Christian period, including the sanctuaries of the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John, and the Cave of the Seven Sleepers.