While the Cave of the Seven Sleepers hasn't been a major pilgrimage point for several centuries, today, this Byzantine site is a popular stop on many Ephesus half-day and full-day tours departing from Selcuk, Kusadasi, or Izmir. Depending on accessibility, visitors to the cave will see a ruined church, apse, and—if you squint hard enough—ornamental details. While it might not be Turkey’s most impressive archeological site, its cultural, historical, and mythological significance is undeniable.
The Cave of the Seven Sleepers is conveniently located near several other historical landmarks. It is most easily reached by chartered taxi or organized tour. Visitors already at the nearby Ephesus Archeological Site can make the 1.2-mile (2-kilometer) journey to the cave on foot.
April to May and September to October are the best times to visit the Cave of the Seven Sleepers. In addition to dealing with fewer tourists, you’ll also enjoy the area’s best weather. In July, the Aegean climate boasts a high of 96°F (36°C) and a low of 72°F (22°C), while January temperatures experience an average high of 54°F (12°C) and a low of 39°F (4°C).
Turkey is home to numerous other early Christian religious sites that are rarely known even to locals, including the House of the Virgin Mary, St. Nicholas Church, and the Seven Churches of Revelation. Fortunately, there are multi-day heritage tours to ease and enrich the discovery process.
