Travel Guide: Sirince, Turkey

Turkey has been on the top of my travel list for as long as I can remember, so being able to experience a taste of the Turkish culture with Royal Caribbean this year was an absolute dream. While Bodrum and Istanbul are still on my bucket list, I loved getting to experience the small-town charm of Sirince following our journey in Ephesus (the site of St. John’s Basilica where John the Apostle is buried – click here to read my Ephesus guide!)

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT

You may wonder why I recommend visiting this 600-person village on your vacay, but this charming little village has a unique flair that can’t be found anywhere. With a Greek influence and Turkish history, this mountain village is undeniably charming. With stone and stucco homes with red tile roofs surrounding the town and open markets lined along the cobblestone roads, the architecture is a sight to see. Sirince is also known for its fruit wines, olive oils, soaps, and handmade traditional goods.

HOW TO GET THERE

Located off the Aegean coast of Turkey, Sirince is the perfect day trip from Ephesus, Selcuk, or Izmir. Whether you choose to rent a car or take a bus, the town is found at the end of a long and winding mountain road – beware, there are no guard rails!

Also, if you plan to take part in the local wine tasting, be sure to take a bus or book a room at one of the local boutique hotels.

WHAT TO DO

One of the highlights of my trip to Turkey was my experience in Sirince. We had lunch at a local family’s home in the village, and it was wonderful having a true taste of the village. During our lunch, we were surprised by a belly dancer who performed during our meal and offered belly dancing lessons to all of us! Safe to say we should stick to our day jobs, but giving belly dancing a whirl was definitely a ton of fun!

Since Sirince is known for its fruit wine, I definitely recommend trying the local wines. With influences of blueberries, peaches, and more, the wines are a sweeter and more unique flavor than traditional wines.

Also, don’t forget to bring cash to shop the local markets for handmade goods.

WHAT TO WEAR

Be sure to pack something with sleeves (or a pashmina) for your trip to Turkey. Also, comfortable flats or sneakers are essential for the cobblestone streets!

FUN FACT

I’m sure most of you remember the supposed Mayan Apocalypse during December 2012? Well the small-village of Sirince gained mega media attention, as many believed the “positive energy” of this mountain town would be a safe place for the catastrophe. While nothing actually occurred during the so-called apocalypse, it definitely helped Sirince’s tourism!