Best Day Trips from Antalya – Aspendos
The largest of Turkey’s Mediterranean coastal resorts makes a strategic starting point for exploring the Turkish Riviera and whether you want to try white water rafting or marvel over the fabled Pamphylian cities, there are plenty of choices for day trips from Antalya. Here are some of the best.
1. Perge and Aspendos
The ancient Pamphylian cities of Perge and Aspendos rank among Turkey’s most impressively preserved Roman ruins and both are easily visited on a day trip from Antalya. First up is the sprawling citadel of Perge, which dates back as early as 1000 BC, and includes highlights like a 12,000-seat stadium, a theatre, a grand Hellenistic Gate and a 300m-long colonnaded street. A further 30km east of Perge, the magnificent theatre of Aspendos dates from 200BC and is renowned as one of the best-preserved in Asia, still hosting events today, especially during the summer Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival.
2. Side
With its evocative oceanfront ruins scattered around a thriving beach resort, Side remains one of Turkey’s most striking ancient cities. The ruins, dating from 200BC, include the photogenic temples of Apollo and Athena, a theater and Roman baths, but equally of interest are the long sandy beaches, lively seafront restaurants and nearby Manavgat Waterfalls.
3. Termessos
Don your hikers and head off-the-beaten-track to the ancient city of Termessos, dramatically situated on the slopes of a 1,000-meter hill. The view from the hilltop theatre is the star attraction, but more adventurous travellers will find ample opportunities to explore away from the main route, visiting the ruins of the Agora, the Hereon tomb, the Corinth Temple and the Cistern.
4. Koprulu Canyon National Park
Stretching for 14km along the Kopru River, with tree-lined cliffs towering up to 400m overhead and azure blue waters, the Koprulu Canyon forms the awe-inspiring centerpiece of the eponymous national park and it’s the ideal place to escape the summer heat. Hiking, climbing and fishing are all popular pastimes in the park, but the most thrilling activity is rafting through the Koprulu Canyon.
5. Kekova, Demre and Myra
Sail out to discover the unique sunken city of Kekova on a Kekova, Demre and Myra day tour from Antalya, cruising along the Mediterranean in glass-bottomed boat and spot the now underwater ruins of the ancient Lycian city. After a swimming break, you’ll tour the ancient city of Myra, famed for its Lycian tombs etched into the cliff-face, and visit the much-revered Church of Saint Nicholas in Demre, home to the original tomb of St. Nicholas.
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