Side-Turkey.

If you are staying in Side and want one day that really sticks with you, a trip to Aspendos and Perge is hard to beat. These two ancient cities sit close together on the plain behind Antalya, and together they tell the long story of the Pamphylian coast: Hellenistic builders, Roman engineers, and centuries of trade. This guide walks you through what you actually see, why it matters, and how to make the day easy with a local operator.

Aspendos: the theatre that never really closed

Aspendos, near Serik in Antalya province, is famous for one thing above all: its Roman theatre. According to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, it was built by the architect Zenon during the Roman Imperial period in the 2nd century AD, and it survived in extraordinary condition partly because the Seljuks later reused it as a palace. Standing in the cavea, you immediately understand why people call the acoustics legendary, and why the site still hosts the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival each summer.

Beyond the theatre, Aspendos kept much more: aqueduct arches striding across the plain, a basilica, an agora and the remains of a stadion. It is the kind of place where a good guide turns scattered stones into a living city.

Perge: a city you walk through end to end

A short distance away near Aksu lies Perge, one of the great cities of ancient Pamphylia. Where Aspendos is about a single masterpiece, Perge is about scale. You enter through Hellenistic gate towers and walk a long colonnaded street where you can still trace the water channel that ran down its centre. Around it spread a large stadium, a Roman agora, bath complexes and a theatre. Alexander the Great passed through here, and the apostle Paul is recorded as having preached in the city, which adds a layer for visitors interested in early Christian history.

How the two cities fit into one day

Because the sites are close and complementary, they are usually combined into a single guided outing. Some itineraries also add the Side ancient theatre and temples or the Kursunlu Waterfall; what is included on your day is confirmed at booking, so you can shape it to your interests and pace.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Guided day tour; exact duration confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, transport, guiding; details confirmed at booking.
• Excludes: Site entrance fees, lunch and personal spending unless stated; check the official site / confirmed at booking.
• Family Friendly: Yes, suitable for families and culture lovers of most ages.
• Best Season: Spring and autumn for mild walking weather; summer evenings are wonderful for the festival season.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate; uneven ancient ground and some walking, comfortable shoes recommended.

Related Excursions

• Tours & things to do in Side
• Antalya region excursions
• Day trips from Belek
• Kemer tours and activities
• Alanya excursions
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Aspendos theatre built?

The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism attributes it to the architect Zenon in the Roman Imperial period, in the 2nd century AD. It is considered one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world.

Is the Aspendos theatre still used today?

Yes. It still hosts performances, most notably the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival held during the summer.

What can I see at Perge?

A long colonnaded street, monumental gate towers, a large stadium, a Roman agora, bath complexes and a theatre, set within one of Pamphylia's most important ancient cities.

Are Aspendos and Perge usually visited on the same day?

Yes. They are close together and complementary, so they are commonly combined into one guided day tour.

Does the tour include Side ancient city or Kursunlu Waterfall?

Some itineraries add Side or the waterfall, but this varies. What is included on your specific day is confirmed at booking.

Is there hotel pick-up?

Yes. We offer hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat and nearby resorts; the exact time is confirmed at booking.

Are entrance fees included?

Entrance fees may not be included. Please check the official site or confirm at booking so there are no surprises.

Is it suitable for children and older travellers?

Yes, it is family friendly. There is some walking on uneven ancient ground, so comfortable shoes help.

Ready to walk through two thousand years of history? Book directly with the Murat Atalay team at side-turkey.com. As a local operator, booking direct cuts out agency and OTA commissions and comes with our best-price guarantee. Message us on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com and we will arrange your Aspendos and Perge day.