Hidden in the green hills behind Ephesus, Şirince is one of the best-loved villages of the Aegean, known for its stone houses, narrow lanes and fruit wines. During the Şirince grape harvest, from late September to the end of October, the village is at its liveliest. In this guide you will find what to do in Şirince in October, what to keep in mind at a wine tasting and how to reach Şirince by VIP transfer from Izmir Airport or Kuşadası.
What makes Şirince special?
In the 19th century this was one of the largest Greek villages in the region. After the 1923 population exchange, families from Greece settled here, and the tradition of vineyards and fruit wine lived on where the two cultures met. Once called Çirkince, the village took its present name in the 1920s.
Today the real charm of Şirince lies in its whitewashed stone houses stepping up the hillside and its cobbled lanes. Many of the houses have been restored as boutique guesthouses, cafés and wine houses.
Şirince at harvest time
In the Aegean the grape harvest usually starts in the second half of September and continues through October. The grapes are picked in the vineyards around the village and the wine houses prepare for the new season. Some vineyards and wine makers organise events such as joining the harvest, treading grapes or lunch among the vines; dates change every year, so ask the producer directly before you go.
- Vineyard visit: See the harvest up close in the small family vineyards around the village.
- Wine tasting: Besides grape wines, the wine houses offer fruit wines such as blackberry, peach, mulberry and pomegranate.
- Village market: Olive oil, olive oil soap, dried fruit, jams and handicrafts.
- Aegean food: Gözleme, wild greens and olive oil dishes, often served in village house gardens.
What to keep in mind at a wine tasting
A tasting usually means a few different wines in small glasses; some places offer a short free tasting, others a paid tasting menu. Fruit wines can be sweet and light, but ask about the alcohol content. Make sure any wine you buy is properly labelled and carries the tax stamp. If someone in your group is driving, they should not taste; a transfer with a driver solves this from the start.
What to see in the village
- Church of St John the Baptist: A 19th-century stone church at the top of the village, open to visitors after its restoration.
- Village square and market: Coffee houses, stalls and wine houses gather here.
- Viewpoints: From the upper lanes you look over olive groves and tiled roofs.
- Nesin Mathematics Village: Just outside the village, an educational village known for its summer schools.
When to visit Şirince
Şirince is lovely in every season, but for the harvest and mild weather the best time is from late September to the end of October.
- Autumn (September–November): Grape harvest, mild weather and golden leaves; the best season.
- Spring (April–May): Green hills and flowers; ideal for walking.
- Summer (June–August): Hot and busy; go in the morning or late afternoon.
- Winter (December–March): Quiet and local; some businesses may be closed.
At weekends and on public holidays the village gets very crowded and parking is hard to find. Weekdays and mornings are much more relaxed.
Tips for Şirince
- Wear comfortable shoes. The lanes are steep and cobbled, and slippery when wet.
- Go early. Tour groups arrive in the afternoon; in the morning the village is quiet and cool.
- Buy wine carefully. Choose labelled bottles with the official tax stamp.
- Combine it with Ephesus. Ephesus in the morning and Şirince in the afternoon is the classic day out.
- Carry some cash. Some small stalls may not accept cards.
- Do not taste and drive. With a chauffeured transfer you can enjoy the tasting with peace of mind.
Event dates, tasting prices and opening hours change with the season; ask the business directly before you go.
How to get to Şirince: VIP transfer options
The nearest airport to Şirince is Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB). A winding mountain road climbs from Selçuk to the village, and there are minibuses from Selçuk. At weekends the car parks at the village entrance fill up, so drivers can lose time. With a VIP transfer your driver drops you at the village entrance and picks you up there on the way back; even if you taste wine, you are not the one at the wheel.
VIP transfer from the nearest points
Our VIP vehicles
Mercedes Vito VIPUp to 5 passengers · 5 large suitcases · driver and fuel included
VIP SprinterUp to 7 passengers · 7 large suitcases · for groups and plenty of luggageVIP transfer to Şirince from major cities
Door-to-door VIP transfers to Şirince are also possible from Ankara, Istanbul, Antalya and Muğla. For holidaymakers in Bodrum, Ephesus and Şirince make a comfortable day trip by VIP vehicle.
| From | Distance | Time | Current price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AnkaraAnkara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) | 690 km | ~8 h 22 min | Get a price → |
| AntalyaAntalya Airport (AYT) | 426 km | ~5 h 22 min | Get a price → |
| IstanbulSabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) | 491 km | ~5 h 6 min | Get a price → |
| IstanbulIstanbul Airport (IST) | 560 km | ~6 h 1 min | Get a price → |
| MuğlaDalaman Airport (DLM) | 251 km | ~3 h 38 min | Get a price → |
| MuğlaMilas-Bodrum Airport (BJV) | 147 km | ~2 h 16 min | Get a price → |
- Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV): A good starting point to see Ephesus and Şirince on the same day from Bodrum.
- Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB): For journeys over 500 km, flying to Izmir and taking an airport transfer is usually faster.
When you click Get a price, a window opens with the route already filled in; you see the current estimated price for Vito VIP and Sprinter and can book without leaving the page. Prices are per vehicle and follow the current fuel price; the licensed carrier taking the transfer confirms the final price. To see Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary and Şirince on the same day, choose Private Hire in the booking form. Our detailed guide to Ephesus: Ephesus travel guide.
Places to see near Şirince
- Ancient Ephesus: About 10 km away; the Library of Celsus and the Terrace Houses.
- Selçuk: The Temple of Artemis, Ayasuluk Hill and the Ephesus Museum.
- House of the Virgin Mary: On Mount Bülbül, near the upper gate of Ephesus.
- Kuşadası: Beaches, marina and cruise port; about half an hour away.
Frequently asked questions
When is the grape harvest in Şirince?
The harvest usually starts in the second half of September and lasts until the end of October. Event dates change from year to year, so check with the producers before you go.
How much time should I spend in Şirince?
Half a day is enough to explore the village and do a tasting. If you combine it with Ephesus, allow a full day.
How long does it take from Izmir Airport to Şirince?
From Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Şirince it is about 66.2 km, around 1 h 3 min.
How do I get from Kuşadası to Şirince?
Kuşadası port and Şirince are about 27.9 km and 31 min apart. Cruise passengers can combine Ephesus and Şirince in one trip.
Can I stay overnight in Şirince?
Yes, there are boutique guesthouses and small hotels in restored stone houses. Book early for harvest weekends.
Ready to spend a day among the vineyards and stone houses of Şirince? Leave the road to us. Plan your transfer now.