Is Ephesus worth adding to a Turkey itinerary?
Ephesus is worth it if you are already shaping an Aegean route. It has the rare advantage of being both historically significant and easy to understand on the ground.
Answer
Ephesus earns its place more clearly than many detours. The scale is legible, the ruins are atmospheric, and it fits well with Selçuk, İzmir or a broader Aegean coast route. The catch is not whether Ephesus is worthwhile; it is whether the route around it makes sense. Pair it with too many add-ons and the day becomes another logistical trophy. Give it a sensible base, avoid the worst heat and crowds where possible, and it can add real depth to a Turkey trip that might otherwise lean too heavily on Istanbul and Cappadocia.