Ephesus is located to the west of İzmir, in a region blessed with the rich natural beauty of the Mediterranean. Surrounded by a typical Mediterranean climate, this ancient city experiences mild and humid winters along with hot and dry summers. The original settlement of the city was situated 8 kilometers away from the current archaeological site, along the coast of the Aegean Sea at the mouth of the Cayster River. This strategic location placed Ephesus at the intersection of both sea and land trade routes, enabling the city to flourish economically and prosper over the centuries.