Priene

Priene is a small Ionian Greek city laid out in terraces on the steep slope of Mount Mykale (Samsun Dağı), just above the village of Güllübahçe near Söke, south of Kuşadası. Its grid of streets is still clear on the ground, which makes it one of the best places to understand how an ancient town was planned. It is rarely crowded.

The path climbs from the entrance. Go first to the Temple of Athena, the city's landmark, where five Ionic columns have been re-erected against the backdrop of the cliff. Then walk east to the bouleuterion, the council house, whose tiers of seats are so well preserved that it looks like a miniature theatre. Higher up, the theatre still has its marble seats of honour in the front row. Pass the agora and the residential streets on the way back down. Allow one and a half to two hours.

Wear good shoes; the paths are stony and steep. Pine trees give some shade, but avoid midday in summer. From the temple terrace you look across the plain of the Büyük Menderes, the Maeander of antiquity, whose silt has left this former harbour town far inland. Priene, Miletus and the Temple of Apollo at Didyma make a classic day by car. Check the hours on the museum page.