Aspendos, Perge & Side Day Trip from Antalya: Complete Guide
If you only take one day trip from Antalya, make it this one. In about nine hours you visit three of the most important ancient cities on the Mediterranean coast and a beautiful waterfall. Here is everything you need to know.
The Route at a Glance
| Stop | Distance from Antalya | Time on site |
|---|---|---|
| Perge Ancient City | ~20 km | 1–1.5 hours |
| Aspendos Theatre | ~45 km | 45–60 minutes |
| Lunch | 1 hour | |
| Side Ancient City & Temple of Apollo | ~75 km | 1.5 hours |
| Manavgat Waterfall | ~70 km | 30 minutes |
A guided tour usually starts with hotel pickup between 08:00 and 09:00 and returns around 18:00.
Perge: The City of Marble Gates
Perge was one of the richest cities of ancient Pamphylia. Highlights include:
- The Hellenistic Gate, with its two round towers, the city's grand entrance
- The colonnaded main street, with a water channel running down the middle that cooled the city in summer
- The Roman baths, where you can still see the hot, warm and cold rooms
- The stadium, one of the best-preserved in Anatolia, which seated around 12,000 spectators
According to tradition, St. Paul preached here on his first missionary journey. That makes Perge a meaningful stop for Christian visitors.
Aspendos: The Best-Preserved Roman Theatre in the World
Built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, the theatre of Aspendos is almost completely intact. Its stage building, seating and arches have survived nearly 2,000 years.
- It is thought to have seated up to 15,000 people.
- The acoustics are extraordinary. Stand in the centre of the stage and speak softly, and the sound carries to the top rows.
- In the 13th century the Seljuks used it as a caravanserai, which helped preserve it.
- It still hosts the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival.
Do not miss the remains of the Roman aqueduct a short walk from the theatre.
Side: Ruins by the Sea
Side is a lively seaside town built directly on top of an ancient city.
- Temple of Apollo: a row of white marble columns at the water's edge, especially beautiful at sunset
- Side Ancient Theatre: a large Roman theatre in the middle of town
- Side Museum: housed in a restored Roman bath, with fine statues and sarcophagi
- The harbour: cafés, shops and boat trips
Manavgat Waterfall
This wide, gentle waterfall on the Manavgat River is a cool, shady place to end a hot day of sightseeing. In spring, when the water level is high, it is at its most impressive.
Tickets and Practical Information (2026)
| Site | Approx. entrance fee |
|---|---|
| Perge | €11 |
| Aspendos | €15 |
| Side Temple of Apollo | Free (open area) |
| Manavgat Waterfall | Small local fee |
Fees are set by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and change every year. Always check before you travel.
Tips:
- Start early. Perge has almost no shade.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Ancient stone paths are uneven.
- Bring water, a hat and sunscreen, especially from June to September.
- Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons for this trip.
- Children under 8 usually enter state sites free with a passport.
Shared or Private Tour?
- Shared tours are the best value. They include hotel pickup, a licensed guide and lunch, in small groups of about 15–18 guests.
- Private tours let you set your own pace, start earlier to beat the heat, or spend longer at Aspendos.
Both options are part of our Istanbul & Antalya Tour Package, where Perge and Aspendos entrance fees are already included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit Perge, Aspendos and Side in one day?
Yes. It is a full but comfortable day of about 9–10 hours with a guided tour.
Which is the most impressive site?
Most visitors say Aspendos, for its perfectly preserved theatre.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. Walking distances are moderate, and the waterfall stop is a favourite with kids.
Want to see the best of the Turkish Riviera? Explore our 6-day Istanbul & Antalya package with guided tours, 4★ hotels and domestic flights included.
