Exclusive Editor’s Tips:

Writer: Sevil Delin

Everyone hits the bazaar for leather, carpets, and spices, but the real surprise is what’s painted above the shops. Wander the narrow back streets of Kaleiçi (the old quarter) quietly blooming with vibrant street art splashed on stone walls and garage shutters: whimsical portraits, modern takes on ancient mythology, even pop art. Each piece tells a story of local life and creativity. No map, no markers — just wander the alleys and look up, letting curiosity be your guide. It’s urban art with small-town swagger.

Shop for meaningful souvenirs at KUŞAKK

Step inside KUŞAKK and discover a treasure trove of gorgeous handcrafted textiles and accessories made by a local women’s cooperative. The name, short for Kadınlar Üretiyor, Sürdürülebilirlik, Adil Kazanç ve Kalkınma (Women Produce, Sustainability, Fair Profit, and Development) says it all: This is shopping with purpose. Expect vibrant handwoven scarves, intricate table runners, embroidered purses, and artisan-made jewelry, all reflecting Türkiye’s rich crafting traditions. When you shop at KUŞAKK, you’re not just scoring a one-of-a-kind design — you’re backing women’s empowerment and helping to keep centuries-old crafts alive. It’s the ultimate souvenir: beauty, ethics, and heritage, all wrapped into one.

Explore the serene ruins of Priene

Yes, Ephesus is magnificent. But if you’ve been there before, or prefer your ruins without throngs of tourists, head to lesser-known Priene, about an hour’s drive from Kuşadası. This once-bustling ancient Greek Ionian city is now a quiet hilltop ruin shaded by pine trees and almost always empty. Wander at your pace through the Temple of Athena overlooking the flat green of the Meander Valley; the stone theater carved into the slope still has seats marked for dignitaries. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water; the entrance involves a moderate uphill walk. Priene’s sense of stillness, scale, and solitude is its own kind of grandeur. On the way, grab an açma, similar to a soft bagel, or poğaça, a cheese, meat, or potato-filled pastry, from Söke at Leziz Extra — perfect for a picnic among the ruins