Perge, Aspendos & Side

Perge, the Roman city

Perge lies just east of Antalya near the town of Aksu and was one of the richest cities of ancient Pamphylia. You enter past the Hellenistic gate with its two round towers, then walk down a long colonnaded street with a water channel running along its centre. Around it stand the remains of Roman baths, a large square agora, fountains and one of the best-preserved stadiums of the ancient world.

Is Perge worth visiting? For anyone curious about daily life in a Roman city, yes: the layout is easy to read and the scale is impressive. Plan about an hour to an hour and a quarter to walk the main street with our guide. The site is open and sunny, so a hat and water are essential.

Aspendos Theatre

The theatre of Aspendos, near Serik, was built in the 2nd century AD and is famous for being almost complete: its seating, arched gallery and tall stage building still stand to their full height. The acoustics are remarkable, as a word spoken on the stage carries clearly to the top rows, and the theatre still hosts concerts and an opera and ballet festival in summer.

A private Aspendos tour is not necessary to appreciate it; with our guide you will learn how the theatre was used and how it survived for so long. Allow about an hour to climb the steps, enjoy the view from the upper rows and see the remains of the Roman aqueduct on the plain nearby. The Aspendos opening hours run from morning to early evening, and the site entry fee is paid on the day with this option.

Side old town and the ancient theatre

Side sits on a small peninsula east of Antalya, where modern lanes of shops and cafés wind through ancient ruins. Its Roman theatre, built in the 2nd century AD, is the largest monument in town, and the old harbour, colonnaded avenue and city walls show how important this trading harbour was in antiquity.

After lunch you have time to explore the ancient city with our guide and then stroll through the old town at your own pace. Side is lively in the afternoon, with sea views at the end of almost every street. Wear comfortable shoes, as the paving is uneven in places, and keep your camera ready for the views along the harbour.

Temple of Apollo, Side

At the tip of the Side peninsula stand the white marble columns of the Temple of Apollo, dating from the 2nd century AD. Several columns have been raised again with part of their decorated frieze, framed by the blue Mediterranean on three sides, which makes it one of the most photographed sights on the Turkish Riviera.

The temple is free to see from the waterfront, and our guide explains its story and the neighbouring temple ruins. Late afternoon light is best for photos, as the columns glow against the sea. It is a short walk from the old town, so you can combine it with an ice cream or a tea by the water before the next stop.

Manavgat Waterfall

The final stop is the Manavgat Waterfall, a few kilometres from Side, where the broad Manavgat River pours over a low rocky ledge in a wide curtain of white water. It is not high, but its width, roar and green surroundings make it a refreshing end to a day of ancient sites.

You spend around half an hour to 45 minutes here walking the shady terraces and taking photos; the small entrance fee is paid on the day with this option. Then we drive back to Antalya, about 50 minutes to an hour away. The whole Perge and Aspendos day trip from Antalya lasts about nine hours, with plenty of history and a relaxed finish.