Aspendos: Day Trips and Tours from Antalya

The ancient city of Aspendos is one of the most visited sites in Turkey’s Antalya region. Originally founded by the Greeks around 500 B.C., Aspendos was also ruled and developed further by the Romans.

Booking an Aspendos day trip from Antalya provides the perfect way to explore the Turkish countryside and learn more about the region’s fascinating history.

Despite enduring a variety of natural disasters, many of the ruins of Aspendos are still very much intact. When strolling through the ancient city, it's very easy to imagine what life may have been like here thousands of years ago!

Here's all you need to know about Aspendos, one of the most exciting day trips from Antalya.

How to get to Aspendos from Antalya?

Aspendos is located in the ancient Pamphylia region in southern Turkey, roughly 50 kilometers east of Antalya.

From Antalya to Aspendos by car

Driving from Antalya to Aspendos should take less than an hour and is a great option if you’re able to rent a car. Simply make your way onto the D400 and drive in an easterly direction toward Serik.

A few kilometers after Serik, you’ll take the turnoff toward Aspendos and follow the signs until you reach the ancient city. There is parking available near the Aspendos Theater.

From Antalya to Aspendos by bus

Taking the bus to Serik is affordable and convenient as buses depart from Antalya every 30 minutes. You’ll need to get off at the Serik bus station and then get a taxi from Serik to Aspendos as there isn’t a bus stop in Aspendos. The entire journey shouldn’t take you more than an hour.

Guided tour to Aspendos from Antalya

Guided tours to Aspendos from Antalya provide an enjoyable way to experience the ancient city. Your tour guide will take care of all the travel arrangements and you’ll enjoy complimentary hotel transfers.

The tour usually lasts around 8 hours, including travel time, as other nearby attractions are typically also visited during the excursion.

How much does the entrance ticket to the Aspendos Theater cost?

If you’d like to enter the Aspendos Theater and the nearby ruins, you’ll need to purchase a ticket, which costs TRY200 (US$10) per person.

What is the typical itinerary?

Begin your Aspendos day trip with a complimentary pickup service from your hotel. Enjoy the scenery of the beautiful Turkish countryside as you make your way toward the ancient city of Aspendos.

Once you arrive in Aspendos, your guide will show you around the ancient ruins and provide you with fascinating information about the theater, acropolis and aqueducts that the city is famous for.

Before you head back to your hotel in Antalya, you’ll most likely make a few stops at other nearby attractions, such as Side, Perge and the Manavgat Waterfalls.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Aspendos?

As there is so much to see in Turkey’s Antalya region, most Aspendos day trips are combination tours, which are either group tours or private excursions.

Guided day trip to Aspendos plus Side and Perge from Antalya

Experience some of the region’s most remarkable historical sites, including Aspendos, Side and Perge on this day trip from Antalya. These group tours allow you to meet new people and enjoy a fun-filled and interesting day in the Turkish countryside, led by a professional local guide.

Guided day trip to Aspendos plus Kursunulu Waterfalls, Perge and Side from Antalya

Make the most of your time in the Antalya region by choosing a tour that visits five of the area's most popular attractions, including Side, the Temple of Apollo, Perge, Aspendos and the Kursunulu Waterfalls. All travel arrangements will be taken care of by your tour guide, allowing you to fully enjoy the landmarks and attractions.

Private day tour to Aspendos plus Perge from Antalya

Private day tours to Aspendos and Perge provide the ideal way to explore these iconic locales. You’ll enjoy a personalized experience that caters to the needs of you and your travel companions, as well as hotel transfers, custom itineraries and more.

How much does a day trip to Aspendos from Antalya cost?

Group tours to Aspendos and other nearby attractions, including Perge and Side, typically cost around US$60 per person. These tours are inclusive of hotel transfers and lunch.

Tours that visit five of the Antalya region's main attractions, including Aspendos, Side, Perge and the Kursunulu Waterfalls, usually cost around US$100 per person for a group excursion, including hotel transfers and lunch.

Private Aspendos day trips, which also visit Perge and possibly one or two other sites, generally cost upwards of US$200 per person. The price per person will depend on how many people there are on the tour.

What will you see and do?

Aspendos Theater

Because of its beautiful architecture and grand scale, the Aspendos Theater is undoubtedly the most popular attraction in the ancient city of Aspendos. Despite being nearly 2,000 years old the amphitheater is still in near-perfect condition.

The theater was built during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius between 160 and 180 AD and was designed to seat well over 7,000 spectators. Walking through the theater provides a feeling of grandeur and an appreciation for Ancient Roman engineering.

Aspendos acropolis

The acropolis is located in the upper city and since archeological excavations have not yet been done, little is known about this ancient temple. The air of mystery and intrigue surrounding the ruins adds to its appeal.

There are various other ruins surrounding the acropolis, including a fountain, a market hall and a basilica. From this upper part of the city, you can enjoy incredible views over the Turkish countryside and take advantage of the photo opportunities on offer.

Aspendos aqueduct

Famous for its well-preserved Roman siphon system, the aqueducts at Aspendos are well worth the visit. You’ll need to walk in a northerly direction past the upper city and the archway to reach the aqueducts.

The incredible aqueducts are 15 meters high and 1 kilometer long and were used to transport water from the mountains to the city of Aspendos throughout the 2nd and 3rd centuries.

What are the opening times?

The ancient city of Aspendos is open between 8 AM and 8 PM during the warmer, summer months, and between 10 AM and 4 PM during the cooler winter months.

When is the best time to visit Aspendos?

The best time to visit Aspendos is during spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November). During the summer, temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius and Aspendos is bustling with tourists.

In spring, temperatures can still reach up to 30 degrees Celsius, while autumn offers more mild temperatures. You'll miss the crowds of the high tourist season during either of these periods, creating a much more enjoyable experience.

To also avoid the heat of midday, it's best to plan your visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Are there any tours to Aspendos from other cities in Turkey?

Yes, there are tours departing from another city in Turkey:

• Day trips to Aspendos from Alanya

Travel tips

• Be sure to bring enough water, especially in the late spring and summer months as it can get quite hot and dry.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Also wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be exploring archaeological sites.
• Remember, Aspendos is a site of significant historical value. Stick to the rules and do not touch anything fragile or venture off the given paths.
• Don't forget to bring a camera. The ancient ruins of Aspendos offer many stunning photo opportunities!