Ephesus Guide Book, Kusadası (2026)

23/05/2026

One day exploring Mugla, Turkey 🇹🇷

From Sultaniye Springs and mineral-rich thermal waters to mud baths, Lake Koycegiz views, peaceful local corners, and one of Turkey’s shortest car ferry crossings, this side of Mugla offers a slower and more relaxing experience away from busy tourist areas.

Located on the shores of Lake Koycegiz, Sultaniye Thermal Springs are known for their mineral-rich thermal pools, mud baths, lake scenery, and peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature. The thermal waters have attracted visitors for generations and remain one of southwest Turkey’s hidden gems.

Visitors can enjoy:

• Thermal pools
• Mineral-rich thermal waters
• Natural mud baths
• Fish therapy areas
• Lake Koycegiz views
• Small local cafe facilities
• Peaceful lakeside atmosphere

There are also accommodation options around Sultaniye and nearby areas for travellers wanting to stay longer and enjoy the region at a slower pace.

Getting there can be part of the experience too. Coming from Dalyan, many visitors use the short car ferry crossing before continuing towards Sultaniye, while others drive around Lake Koycegiz depending on their route.

A peaceful stop for travellers exploring Mugla, Koycegiz, Dalyan, and Turkey’s beautiful southwest coast.

23/05/2026

Today’s therapy is rafting on the Dalaman River 🌊🚣‍♀️💙🌿✨

05/05/2026

Some games were never meant to be simple… 🎲

At first glance, this carved board in Ephesus Ancient City might look like just another ancient detail. But it actually tells a story of strategy, luck, and long afternoons in a busy Roman city.

This is believed to be Ludus Duodecim Scriptorum, a popular Roman board game and one of the early ancestors of modern backgammon.

Players used multiple pieces and rolled dice, moving their stones across the board, trying to outplay their opponent. It was a mix of strategy and chance, just like many games we still play today.

Now imagine this:
Merchants waiting for ships… sailors resting after long journeys… locals taking a break from the busy streets of Ephesus... all gathered around a board like this, playing, competing, maybe even arguing over the rules.

Not in a palace. Not in a temple.
Right here, on the street.

Because Ephesus wasn’t only about grand monuments. It was also about everyday life, small moments, and simple games that brought people together.

Next time you visit, don’t just look up at the ruins.
look down - you might find a game still waiting to be played.

Would you sit down and play? 👀

02/05/2026

The Female Statues of the Celsus Library, Ephesus

On the façade of Library of Celsus in Ephesus Ancient City, there are four female statues. Each one symbolizes a virtue.

The Library of Celsus was built between 110-117 AD by Gaius Julius Aquila in honor of his father, the Roman senator Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus. It was designed both as a library and as a mausoleum for Celsus. The library was considered the third largest in the ancient world and held a collection of approximately 12,000-20,000 parchment scrolls.

The four female statues placed in the niches on the lower level of the façade are among the most striking decorations of the monument. These statues personify the personal virtues of Celsus and the ideal values of Greco-Roman culture. Their identities are clearly known thanks to the Greek inscriptions on their bases.

• Sophia (Σοφία): Wisdom / Reason / Insight
• Arete (Ἀρετή): Virtue / Moral Excellence / Character / Courage
• Ennoia (Ἔννοια): Thought / Intelligence / Judgment / Insight / Fate
• Episteme (Ἐπιστήμη): Knowledge / Learning / Science / Education

The originals were discovered during excavations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially during the Austrian excavations of 1896-1906, and were moved to Kunsthistorisches Museum (Ephesus Museum).

02/05/2026

The Seven Sleepers of Ephesus

The story takes place in the ancient city of Ephesus (present-day Selcuk, Turkey) during the reign of the Roman Emperor Decius (Dakyanus).

Seven young men lived in Ephesus at a time when King Dakyanus forced people to worship idols, and those who refused were put to death.

Because the young men believed in one God, they were brought before the ruler and pressured to abandon their faith. Instead, they fled and took refuge in a cave on Mount Panayır, northeast of Ephesus (known today as the Cave of the Seven Sleepers / Ashab-ı Kehf).

There they prayed:

“Our Lord, grant us mercy and guide us rightly in our affair.”

God caused them to sleep for 309 years according to the solar calendar (300 years according to the lunar calendar).

When they awoke, they were still young and felt hungry.

One of them, Yemliha, went down to the city to buy bread, but the old Roman coins he carried caused suspicion.

By then, the city had become Christianized during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II (A.D. 408–450).

The truth was soon understood, and officials together with the people went to the cave.

Emperor Theodosius II is said to have personally come to Ephesus (or near the cave) to witness the Seven Sleepers.

The young men saw the victory of their faith, gave thanks to God, and then returned to their final sleep.

01/05/2026

Selcuk is a remarkable heritage town on Turkey’s Aegean coast, where the landscape is defined by Ayasulug Hill, crowned by a medieval castle, the sacred ruins of St. John Basilica, and the nearby Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Few places in the world bring together ancient glory, Christian heritage, and medieval history in one unforgettable view.

28/04/2026

Looking for the best Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi, Selcuk or Izmir? Discover one of the world’s most remarkable ancient cities with a trusted local agency that knows the region deeply.

Choose between our Ephesus Classic Tour or the complete Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour, designed for travelers who want history, comfort, and authentic local guidance.

Walk the marble streets of Ephesus Ancient City, see the legendary Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, Temple of Hadrian, and optional spiritual highlights like the House of Mother Mary.

✔ Daily guaranteed departures
✔ Hotel / Cruise Port pickup available
✔ Licensed local guides
✔ Small groups & private options
✔ On-time return for cruise guests

If you’re visiting Kusadasi Cruise Port or staying nearby, this is one of the top-rated day trips in the region.

Message us today for availability and prices.

27/04/2026

From Kusadasi to Ephesus Ancient City - one of the most unforgettable excursions in Turkey. Just a short drive from Kusadasi cruise port, this world famous ancient city welcomes you with marble streets, Roman history, and timeless landmarks like the Library of Celsus and Great Theatre.

If you’re staying Kusadasi, visiting Ephesus Ancient City is one of the best tours you can choose. Early morning visits are especially ideal for cooler weather, fewer crowds, and the best photos.

Disciver history where it truly happened.

24/04/2026

Harbour Street in the Ancient City of Ephesus (also known as Arcadiane or Arkadiane Street) is one of the longest and most important main arteries of the city. It extends from the Great Theatre to the ancient harbor (which is now completely silted up).

It was built during the Late Hellenistic period (around the 1st century BC). It was designed as a ceremonial and commercial road paved with marble, with colonnaded galleries (porticos) and shops on both sides. It connected the harbor of Ephesus to the city center.

During the “golden age” of Ephesus (1st–2nd centuries AD), it was heavily used. Merchants, sailors, kings, and famous figures (such as Mark Antony and Cleopatra) who arrived at the harbor would use this street. It was also one of the rare ancient streets illuminated at night (with approximately 50 lamps).

22/04/2026

This elegant relief in Ephesus represents one of the most powerful symbols of the ancient world: Nike (/ˈnaɪki/), the goddess of victory.

Depicted in motion with her wings, she reflects not only victory, but also speed, strength, and achievement. In the ancient world, victory wasn’t just about war—it was also a symbol of status and prestige.

The modern brand “Nike” takes its name from this very goddess. However, the famous swoosh logo isn’t actually connected to her wings or the folds of her dress, as often believed. That idea has been repeated over time, but the brand itself describes the logo as a symbol of movement, innovation, and transformation.

Walking through Ephesus, details like this make the past feel surprisingly close.

19/04/2026

A new favorite spot in Kusadasi ✨

Setur Marina is one of the best places in town where you can enjoy great cocktails, have a quality coffee, or experience traditional Turkish raki and traditional tavern.

You’ll also find a selection of international brands for shopping, making it a perfect mix of leisure and lifestyle.

Take a short break by the marina, enjoy the boats, and don’t miss the sunset views 🌅

Ephesus Guide Book

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