Kusadasi → Şirince: the picture-perfect village in the pine hills
Şirince is a small mountain village 30 kilometres from Kusadasi, perched at 350 metres altitude in the pine-covered hills above Selçuk. Founded by Greek settlers and inhabited by ethnic Greeks until the population exchange of 1923, the village has retained its 19th-century character — stone houses with wooden balconies, narrow stepped streets, ornate carved doorways. Today it's a beloved escape from coastal heat, famous for its fruit wines, olive oil, lace and unhurried atmosphere. Our private transfer is available one-way or as a round trip with up to 4 hours of waiting — price per vehicle on request via WhatsApp.
Why visit Şirince?
The village is small (you can walk through the entire centre in 20 minutes) but rewards slow exploration. Highlights:
- Fruit wine tasting at one of the dozen family-run wine houses — peach (şeftali), pomegranate (nar), mulberry (dut) and blackberry (böğürtlen) are the most popular
- The Saturday morning market in the lower square — local olive oil, honey, soap, lace, dried herbs, and seasonal fruit
- Traditional Aegean restaurants serving gözleme (Turkish flatbread), mezze, grilled lamb, and fresh village salads
- Photography — the layered hillside houses and old church (now a cultural centre) are extraordinarily photogenic
- Cool air — the village sits 200m higher than Kusadasi, with a noticeable temperature drop in summer evenings
The route: scenic last 8 km
The drive from Kusadasi follows the D-515 north towards Selçuk for 22 km, then turns east at Selçuk towards Şirince on a narrow road that climbs steeply through pine forest for the final 8 km. The last section is winding (single-lane in places) but fully paved and safe. Total drive time: 35-45 minutes.
Combining Şirince with Ephesus (most popular itinerary)
The classic combination: Ephesus in the morning, lunch in Şirince, return by mid-afternoon. From Kusadasi:
- 08:00 — pickup at hotel/Airbnb
- 08:30–11:30 — visit Ephesus (3 hours)
- 11:45–14:30 — drive to Şirince (15 min), explore village + lunch (2.5h)
- 14:30 — drive back to Kusadasi (45 min)
- 15:15 — back at hotel
Total round trip: about 7 hours (price per vehicle on request via WhatsApp). This is by far the most popular Selçuk-area day from Kusadasi.
For cruise passengers, the same itinerary fits comfortably in an 08:00–17:00 port stop with 60+ minutes safety buffer at the end.
Wait-and-return option
If you just want Şirince on its own (e.g. for an evening dinner — Şirince is lovely at sunset), the round trip includes up to 4 hours of driver waiting. We pick you up at your hotel, drive you to the village, the driver waits at a designated parking area, and brings you back when you're ready.
What's included
- Hotel, Airbnb, or cruise port pickup in Kusadasi
- Air-conditioned vehicle with complimentary water
- D2 licensed, English-speaking driver
- Free child seats on request
- Up to 4 hours waiting time on round-trip bookings
What's NOT included
- Wine tasting fees (free at most wine houses; €5-€10 for premium tastings)
- Lunch (€15-€25 per person at most family restaurants)
- Souvenir shopping (entirely optional, no commission pressure from us)
Vehicle classes
- Private vehicle (Mercedes Vito or similar) — price per vehicle, up to 8 passengers. Ask for a quote on WhatsApp.
Tips for visiting
- Saturday morning is busiest — locals come from Selçuk and Kusadasi for the market
- Sundays are quieter and many wine houses are still open
- Avoid mid-summer 12:00–15:00 — wait for late afternoon when the village comes alive
- Bring small TRY cash for market stalls and small shops
- Lace and olive oil are the best souvenirs — both are local production
Why our service
D2 licensed, fully insured, fixed-price, no commission games. We don't sell tours or push you towards specific shops. Many of our drivers have personal recommendations for honest restaurants and wine houses — ask, but never feel obligated.
Message us on WhatsApp for the price and to book your Kusadasi to Şirince transfer — no prepayment, pay the driver in cash on the day or by card online.