Combine two of the Mediterranean's finest ancient cities in a single day: the world-best-preserved Roman theatre at Aspendos (47km east) and the excellently preserved colonnaded city of Perge (17km east). Both sites are accessible and manageable in 2-3 hours each.
Aspendos and Perge form one of the finest ancient city combinations accessible from Antalya, covering two of Turkey's most impressive Greco-Roman sites in a single day. Perge, located just 17km east of Antalya near the village of Aksu, was one of the great cities of ancient Pamphylia and retains an extraordinary colonnaded main street, a vast stadium once considered the largest in the ancient world at 234 metres, a well-preserved theatre, elaborate city gates, and a sprawling agora. Aspendos, a further 30km east near Serik, is home to what many archaeologists consider the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world. Built in 155 AD by the architect Zeno, the 15,000-seat theatre retains its full stage building and is still used today for the Antalya Opera and Ballet Festival each June and July. The aqueduct stretching across the plain toward Aspendos is a remarkable feat of Roman engineering visible from the approach road. A combined itinerary typically starts at Perge when it opens at 08:30, spending two to three hours exploring the colonnaded streets, gates, and stadium, before driving east to Aspendos for a further two hours. Lunch can be taken in Serik town or at roadside restaurants near the Aspendos car park. Entry to each site costs approximately 500 TL (2025 prices); a Müzekart covers both. Independent visitors can reach Perge by taking a dolmuş from Antalya's Doğu Garajı to Aksu and then a short taxi; Aspendos requires a car or taxi from Serik as there is no direct public bus. Organized tours from Antalya typically depart at 09:00 and return by 17:00, often including transport, a guide, and sometimes entry fees.
Highlights
- Aspendos Theatre - 15,000-seat Roman theatre from 155 AD
- Perge - colonnaded main street
- Perge stadium (largest in ancient world)
- Perge city walls and gates
Tips for visiting
- Start at Perge when it opens at 08:30 to beat heat and tour-group crowds; Aspendos theatre is most atmospheric in early-afternoon light.
- A Müzekart purchased at Antalya Archaeological Museum covers entry to both Perge and Aspendos and saves approximately 1,000 TL.
- Aspendos has almost no shade on site; bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and at least 1.5 litres of water per person.
- For independent travel, take a dolmuş to Aksu for Perge; for Aspendos, negotiate a waiting taxi in Serik rather than relying on return transport.
- Consider booking Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival tickets (June–July) to see a performance in the ancient theatre itself.
When to visit
April to June and September to October offer ideal temperatures (18–28°C) for walking exposed ancient sites. Arrive at Perge before 09:00 in summer; midday temperatures in July and August can exceed 40°C with little shade.
Accessibility
Perge's colonnaded main street is mostly flat but has uneven stone paving throughout. Aspendos theatre requires climbing steep ancient steps to reach upper seating tiers; the orchestra level is accessible on flat ground. Neither site provides wheelchair hire.
Frequently asked questions
Can both Aspendos and Perge be visited in one day?
Yes, comfortably. Allow 2–3 hours at Perge and 1.5–2 hours at Aspendos. Most organized tours cover both sites in a 7–8 hour day departing around 09:00 from Antalya.
Is there public transport to Aspendos?
There is no direct public bus to Aspendos. Visitors without a car can take a dolmuş to Serik from Antalya and then a short taxi to the site, or join an organized tour from Antalya.
What is the Müzekart and where is it purchased?
The Müzekart is a prepaid card sold at major museums and archaeological sites in Turkey, including Antalya Archaeological Museum. It covers entry to both Perge and Aspendos and is valid for 15 days at hundreds of state-run sites.
Are guides available at the sites?
Licensed local guides can be hired at the entrance to both Perge and Aspendos. Rates are typically 300–500 TL per site for a 90-minute English-language tour.
Is the Aspendos theatre still used for performances?
Yes. The Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival stages performances in the ancient theatre each June and July. Tickets sell out in advance and can be booked through the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality.