Ruins of Priene, Aegean Turkey

Not far from Ephesus, about 40 km south of Kuşadası, a real archeological gem is hidden here (on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List since 2018): Priene, a small ancient Hellenistic city perched on the cliffs above the former Maeander delta. It’s a short walk up through pine tree shade past ruins of temples, the gymnasium, the theater and the agora. Enjoy the view from the clifftop and its romantic and mystical atmosphere.