Ephesus is a place where time stretches back to the ancient world — think crumbling amphitheaters, marble columns and stories of Roman emperors and Greek goddesses. But, beyond its awe-inspiring ruins, the town of Ephesus (and nearby Kuşadası) is also a great spot for picking up some truly memorable souvenirs. If you’re wondering what to buy in Ephesus, the region blends traditional Turkish craftsmanship with treasures that are both beautiful and meaningful.
From handwoven carpets to natural beauty products, here’s a rundown of the best Ephesus souvenirs you can bring home after your adventure.
1. Handwoven Turkish Carpets & Kilims
One of the most iconic things to buy in Ephesus is a handwoven Turkish carpet or kilim. These aren’t your average rugs — they’re works of art, often made with natural dyes and wool or silk threads. Each one tells a story through its pattern.
Many local shops (and some shore excursions) offer demonstrations on how these intricate pieces are made. While they can be a bigger investment, smaller versions like pillow covers or wall hangings offer a budget-friendly and packable alternative.
2. Turkish Delight (Lokum)
Sweet, chewy and dusted in powdered sugar, Turkish delight is one of the tastiest Ephesus souvenirs you can find. Flavors range from classic rose and lemon to pistachio, pomegranate and even chocolate-coated varieties.
Local confectioneries often sell boxed assortments that are perfect for gifting — or keeping all to yourself for a sweet reminder of your time in Turkey.
3. Olive Oil & Olive-Based Products
The region around Ephesus is rich in olive groves, and the olives here aren’t just delicious — they’re also pressed into fragrant, high-quality olive oil. You’ll find bottles of extra-virgin olive oil, olive-based beauty products and handmade soaps in many local markets and shops.
These make excellent souvenirs, especially if you’re into cooking or looking for a natural, local skincare treat.
4. Evil Eye Talismans (Nazar Boncugu)
You’ll spot these everywhere in Turkey: deep blue glass beads with concentric circles meant to ward off bad luck. Known as the nazar boncugu, the evil eye talisman is a meaningful symbol in Turkish culture. It's a top choice if you're wondering what to buy in Ephesus as a good-luck gift.
They come in all forms — necklaces, bracelets, keychains, wall hangings and more. Lightweight and affordable, they’re easy to bring home (and always appreciated).
5. Leather Goods
Kuşadası, the coastal town that serves as the port for Ephesus, is known for its high-quality leather products. From jackets and bags to belts and wallets, local leather shops offer stylish goods at often lower prices than what you'd pay elsewhere in Europe.
Some excursions even include a visit to a leather workshop or boutique, where you can browse and buy directly from the source.
6. Hand-Painted Ceramics
Turkey has a long tradition of ceramic artistry. In Ephesus, you’ll find colorful, hand-painted plates, bowls and tiles that showcase Ottoman and Anatolian designs. Many pieces are created in nearby villages and sold in artisan shops throughout the region.
They make eye-catching kitchen décor or functional pieces you can actually use back home.
7. Turkish Spices & Herbal Teas
A walk through any market near Ephesus will treat your senses to vibrant spices and aromatic teas. From saffron and sumac to mint, cinnamon and the famous Turkish apple tea, these are must-buy items for home cooks or anyone looking to spice up their pantry.
Look for vacuum-sealed spice sets or loose-leaf tea in decorative tins — perfect for travel and gifting.
8. Silk Scarves & Pashminas
Lightweight, colorful and oh-so-soft, silk scarves and pashminas are one of the most popular Ephesus souvenirs. Many are made with local silk or cotton blends and feature traditional Turkish patterns or modern twists.
They’re easy to carry, fashionable and make for elegant souvenirs or gifts.
9. Calligraphy & Miniature Art
Turkish calligraphy and miniature art are both centuries-old traditions that you can still find in small studios and galleries around the Ephesus area. Miniature paintings often depict historical scenes, Ottoman motifs or whimsical takes on daily Turkish life.
For something extra personal, some artists will even create custom calligraphy pieces with your name in Arabic or Ottoman script.
10. Natural Stone Jewelry
With so much ancient history underfoot, it’s no surprise that jewelry in Ephesus often draws from natural stones and earthy materials. You’ll find necklaces, bracelets and earrings featuring turquoise, onyx, agate and lapis lazuli.
Each piece feels connected to the land’s ancient roots and makes a wearable memory of your trip.
Shopping Excursions in Ephesus
To make your souvenir search even more enjoyable, consider one of the guided excursions that blend cultural experiences with shopping opportunities. Here are a few shopping-friendly outings that include time for browsing or artisan stops:
- Ancient Ephesus
- Explore the grand ruins of Ephesus — including the Library of Celsus and Great Theatre — then stop for a carpet-making demonstration and a visit to a leather factory with shopping.
- Panoramic Ephesus City Sights
- Visit the stunning sites of Ephesus, the Isabey Mosque and the Temple of Artemis, then enjoy about 45 minutes of free time for shopping or relaxing. This excursion includes an optional stop for a Turkish carpet demo.
These experiences offer the best of both worlds — history and culture with time to pick up meaningful Ephesus souvenirs along the way.
What to Buy in Ephesus?
If you’re wondering what to buy in Ephesus, consider purchasing handwoven carpets, Turkish delight, evil eye charms and olive oil soaps. The region’s rich heritage is reflected in every product, making your souvenir more than just a gift — it’s a piece of history.
So take your time wandering the local shops, explore traditional markets and enjoy the chance to bring a bit of Turkey home with you. Whether it's a colorful ceramic plate or a luxurious leather bag, the best souvenirs from Ephesus are those that remind you of its ancient beauty and modern charm.
