Perge, Aspendos and Side: A Day Trip to the Ancient Cities near Antalya
Perge, Aspendos and Side lie along the road east of Antalya and fit into one day. Start at Perge, about 15 km from Antalya in Aksu, continue to the Roman theatre of Aspendos, one of the best-preserved theatres of the ancient world, and end in Side by the Temple of Apollo at sunset. A car with a driver waits at each stop.
Perge
Perge was one of the great cities of Pamphylia. You enter through Hellenistic walls and a monumental south gate, then walk a long colonnaded street with a water channel down its middle. The south baths are among the best-preserved buildings, and the stadium and theatre lie just outside the walls. The mathematician Apollonius of Perga was born here, and St Paul preached here on his first journey.
Aspendos
The theatre of Aspendos was built between AD 161 and 180, under Marcus Aurelius, by the architect Zenon. It is 96 m across, seats about 12,000 people and still has its full stage wall. Opera and ballet are staged here in spring and summer, so check the programme if you would like to see a performance.
Side
Side was founded by Greek settlers, probably in the 7th century BC, and grew rich on trade. Its 2nd-century theatre seated 15,000 to 20,000 people, the Roman baths now house the museum, and the Temple of Apollo stands at the tip of the peninsula, the place to be at sunset.
A suggested route
| Stop | Time to allow | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Perge | 1.5–2 hours | Go first, before the heat; there is little shade |
| Aspendos | 1 hour | Climb to the top rows for the view |
| Side | 2–3 hours | Lunch in the old town, sunset at the Temple of Apollo |
Staying in Side or Belek? Turn the route around: Side in the morning, Aspendos at midday and Perge in the afternoon, then back to your hotel.
Book a car with driver
Choose a package and a vehicle type. Prices are per vehicle for the whole package.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Perge, Aspendos and Side in one day?
Yes. They lie along the road east of Antalya; allow about 6–7 hours with driving and a lunch stop.
How far is Perge from Antalya?
About 15 km east of the city, in the district of Aksu.
How many people does the Aspendos theatre hold?
About 12,000. It was built in the 2nd century AD and is one of the best-preserved Roman theatres.