Şirince Village: Experience the Mystical Side of Turkish Tourism

Şirince, situated in the Selçuk district of Izmir, is a destination steeped in rich history and culture. Despite being referred to as a village, Şirince is unlike any other village you might have come across. Its distinctive architecture, well-preserved culture, and fascinating places to visit make it a world of its own.

Şirince gained worldwide attention in 2012, when rumors spread that it was the only place that would be protected from the apocalypse, according to the Mayan calendar. As the date of December 21st approached, people from all over the world became curious about Şirince, making it one of the most searched-for destinations on the internet at that time. Although the rumors turned out to be false, Şirince had already established itself as a popular tourist spot, attracting tens of thousands of visitors every year.

Visitors can stay in Şirince's chalets, hotels, and hostels while immersing themselves in its history and culture. The town boasts numerous historical and cultural landmarks that visitors can explore. Whether you want to take a relaxing holiday amidst nature or embark on a cultural journey, Şirince welcomes you with open arms. So, pack your bags, and come experience the charm and magic of this unique destination for yourself!

Information About Şirince

Şirince is a village in the district of Selçuk, Izmir, Turkey. There are many rumors about this village, whose real name is Kırkınca. The most well-known is about forty people hitting the mountains in a legendary era. It is said that Kırkınca also got his name from here. Depending on the Greek pronunciation, the name Kırkınca, which is said in ways such as Kirkice, Kirkince, Çirkince,was changed in the early years of the Republic. On the instructions given by Kazim Dirik, the governor of Izmir at the time, this place takes the name of Şirince.

There were 1800 households in Şirince, which was famous for fig production in the nineteenth century. After the Population Exchange in 1923, when the Greeks left, there were changes in the culture in the village. No house in Şirince, which has two Greek churches inside, blocks the view of another house.

According to the Mayan calendar, almost everyone knows the story that the apocalypse would break on December 21, 2012. On this date, Şirince had come up with the fact that it was a safe zone. According to the calendar, 150 police, gendarmes and press members came to Şirince on the day indicated that the doomsday would break. Contrary to what was thought, it turned out later that not many people came here, and those who came returned very soon after.

Where is Şirince? How to Get to Şirince?

Şirince is located in the Selçuk district of Izmir Province. The population of Şirince, which has an altitude of 330 meters, was 530 people in 2012.

Sirince is 83 kilometers from the city center of Izmir. It is located 8 kilometers away from Selcuk.

It is possible to reach Şirince from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport and bus station via the ring road. You can also reach Şirince by public transportation at the same time.

Address: Şirince, Şirince Neighborhood, 35920 Selçuk/Izmir

What to Do in Şirince?

It's a cute, sweet and small resort town. What you can do in the warm atmosphere of this place is as follows:

Walk through the historical streets of Şirince.
Visit the village bazaar.
Check out the historical Greek houses.
Take a look at the village view from the Hodri Square Tower.
Buy homemade products.
Stay in historical mansions and stone houses.
Gather your energy with coffee on the sand.

Şirince Wine Cellars and Mürver Syrup

Şirince is a place that is very famous, especially for fruit wine. While you are in Şirince, if you are interested, you can taste in the wine cellars located in the center of the village. You can also buy the wine you want at the same time. Although fruit wine is famous in Şirince, you can also choose grape wine.

In addition to wine, Şirince is also known for its drink called mürver syrup. This syrup is prepared from mürver, a flower that grows by the stream. This drink, which is quite delicious and refreshing, is also said to be beneficial for colds and flu. Mürver syrup is served to the guests immediately after the meal in some places along with Turkish coffee in some places.

Places to Visit in Şirince

There are many places you should visit in Şirince. These places fascinate visitors both with their landscapes, historical details and aesthetic appearance. Here are the places you should definitely visit when you go to Şirince:

Hodri Meydan Tower

This is a hill located just north of the village. Hodri Meydan Tower is quite an ideal place for those who want to see the village view from the hill and in its clearest form. Photos can be taken against the landscape here; you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of the village.

Address: Şirince, 35920 Selçuk/Izmir

St. John the Baptist Church

St. John Baptist Church is one of the most visited places in Şirince. There is no information about exactly when the church located on the southern facade of the village was built. It is known that it was rebuilt in 1805. Let's also note that there is a small wine cellar in the church.

Address: Şirince, 35920 Selçuk/Izmir

Theater Madrasa

The Theater Madrasa, where Sevan Nişanyan is the architect, was built for performance arts research. At the same time, it is an ideal place to bring audiences and artists together. It is known that workshops and theater camps are organized here. If you come across any stage performance, we are sure that you will enjoy watching it.

Address: Şirince, 5920 Selçuk/Izmir

Nesin Mathematics Village

This place is located right next to the Theater Madrasa. Nesin Mathematics Village, which is a unique learning area, was established on the bequest of Aziz Nesin. The Nesin Math Village, which was created by the works of Sevan Nişanyan and Ali Nesin, is not visited for tourism purposes. Visitors are allowed in, but due to the seriousness of the training, they do not dilute the environment too much. If you have enough time, you can also volunteer for studies.

Address: Şirince Kayser Dağı Mevkii/ Selçuk/Selçuk Izmir TR, 35920

Website: http://nesinkoyleri.org/

St. Dimitrios Church

St. Dimitrios Church is located on a hill at the entrance to Şirince. The church, which dates from the nineteenth century, was converted into a mosque during the exchange period. The Church of St. Dimitrios, whose altar and walls are decorated with frescoes, was in a dilapidated state until 2012. Later, it took its current form with restoration works.

Address: Şirince, 35920 Selçuk/Izmir

Eating in Şirince

In addition to sightseeing routes, there are many places for eating and drinking in Şirince. Especially during the holiday periods, these places can be crowded. So where to eat?

Üzüm Cafe

One of the most decent and stylish places in Şirince is Üzüm Cafe. You can taste the best wines of Şirince in this cafe, which makes wines from grapes they collect from the vineyards right next door. Üzüm Cafe pleases its visitors with its wine bar, snacks, warm cookies.

Address: Şirince, 207. Sk no:7, 35920 Selcuk/Izmir

Phone: 05324151751

Website: http://www.uzumcafe.com/

Fındık Cafe

Fındık Cafe is also one of the sweetest places in Şirince. We told you in Şirince that coffee on sand is famous. The place where you will experience this coffee best is Fındık Cafe. In addition to coffee, the presentations at the Fındık Cafe, which also serves mürver syrup, are very attentive.

Address: Şirince, 35920 Selçuk/Izmir

Accommodation in Şirince

Şirince is a village that hosts small and sweet boutique hotels, not big and flashy hotels. If you want to stay in the village atmosphere when you come here, you can experience small hotels, hostels and stone mansions. You can also stay in rented houses at the same time. Some of the hotels that you can stay in Şirince are as follows:

Nisanyan Houses Hotel

Kirkinca Houses & Boutique Hotel

Marquise Mansions

Hotel Manolian

Panicle Mansions

Güllü Mansions

Kayserkaya Mountain Houses

Şirince Stone Mansion

The Magician's House

Klaseas Hotel and Restaurant

Cute Hostel

The Second Spring