Best things to do in Selcuk

See an archeological treasure recovered from one of the largest urban centers of ancient Asia Minor, including the famous statue of Artemis, at Ephesus Museum. Through more than 50,000 pieces, the museum tells the story of the city from Mycenaean and classical Greek times to Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. See the great selection of vases, statues, mosaics, and other artifacts at the archaeological section of the museum, and learn about the daily life in Byzantine and Ottoman Ephesus in the ethnological exhibits. The museum provides thorough information about exhibits in both Turkish and English.

Thought to be the house of Mary, the mother of Jesus, until her death, the ancient ruins of Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House) is now a shrine for Catholics. Travelers on a pilgrimage often make the small stone house a stopping point. Inside the chapel is an altar beside a large statue of the Virgin Mary. As you look to your right you will see the smaller room where Mary is thought to have slept. Outside the shrine is a beautiful fountain, which many believe has spiritual healing powers. Before you go, it is traditional to leave a prayer in the "wishing wall."

See the ruins of the Greek Ancient City of Ephesus, home to the famous Temple of Artemis, named one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This city was built in the 10th century BCE by Attic and Ionian Greek colonists and came under Roman rule in 129 BCE, when it flourished as one of the largest cities in the Empire. Explore this ancient archeological site entirely on foot, marvel at the spectacular facade of its library, and enjoy the proximity to other tourist attractions.

Surrounded by blue sea waters and pine forested hills, features several outdoor pools, water games, and more than 30 slides. Feel the adrenaline rush by whizzing down a black hole, crazy raft, or space bowl. Rest in the lagoon area, or cruise along the lazy river. Seven restaurants and 11 bars at the adjacent hotel offer refreshments like fruit, vegetables, and olives. Note that the water in the pools can be a bit cold. Be aware of height restrictions: children shorter than 1.2 m (4 ft) are not allowed on most rides.

Built around the 1st century CE, Public Latrine featured upscale facilities, including three marble benches with seats and mosaic floors, where wealthy citizens could visit when nature called. Considered modern for the period, the site used advanced plumbing systems and provided a small pool as well. As toilet paper was not available then, users of the latrine would clean themselves with a moist sponge on a stick. Today you can see the well-preserved remains of this restroom and its 36 toilets, all positioned one next to another in perfect linear fashion.

Walk down the narrow cobblestoned streets of Sirince Koyu, lined with women selling the handicrafts, organic food, olive oil, and fruit wines the village is famous for. Typical Greek residences from the 19th century house locally styled interiors. Look for a restored Orthodox church in the courtyard of one of them. Legend has it that the small village, settled by freed Greek slaves in the 15th century, was originally named Çirkince or "ugly" in order to keep newcomers away. The governor of Izmir Province changed the name to "pleasant" in 1926.

The İsa Bey Mosque (Turkish: İsa Bey Camii), constructed in 1374–75, is one of the oldest and most impressive works of architectural art remaining from the Anatolian beyliks. The mosque is situated on the outskirts of the Ayasluğ Hills at Selçuk, İzmir.