Recent excavations in Side Old Town have brought new life to the ancient site, revealing a 2nd-century BC mosaic floor depicting Kalliope, the muse of epic poetry, along with colorful wall frescoes nearby. In 2023, archaeologists focused on restoring Street B, the grand colonnaded street, replacing missing paving stones so visitors can now walk its entire length. The 2024 plans include transforming two ancient houses into a Roman-style home exhibit, rebuilding columns in front of old shops, and reviving them with traditional crafts such as olive oil, leather, textiles, and metalwork. Thanks to the new nighttime lighting project, the Temple of Apollo and surrounding areas now glow beautifully after sunset, offering visitors a unique chance to walk through Side’s ancient city after dark. Travelers can also enjoy nearby Belek water activities, including river cruises, parasailing
The Aspendos Amphitheater ( Aspendos Theatre) is one of Turkey’s most remarkable ancient monuments. It was built in the 2nd century AD, during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, by the architect Zenon, and is considered among the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world. Today the theatre is still in use for concerts, plays, opera and ballet festivals, especially during summer months, making it a living monument as well as an archaeological wonder. It lies near the village of Belkız in Antalya Province, about 47 km east of Antalya city. Visitors can also join Belek family tours, which combine cultural visits with relaxing stops and fun activities
Perge lies about 16 km east of Antalya in the Aksu district. It was originally settled in the late Bronze Age or early Iron Age, with continuous occupation through Hellenistic and Roman periods. In early Christian times, Perge became an important center. The apostle Paul passed through Perge in 46 AD during his missionary journeys. At its height under Roman rule, Perge became a major urban and commercial center in Pamphylia. It’s also known for being the birthplace of Apollonius of Perge, a famous mathematician and geometer who worked on conic sections (circles, ellipses, parabolas). Some of the main features you can see today:
✓ A long colonnaded main street with water channels running down its center, flanked by tall columns, reflecting the city’s grandeur.
✓ The South Gate and Hellenistic Gate, well preserved in parts, giving visitors a sense of the city’s layout and defensive structure.
✓ A large stadium and theater, which are still visible among the ruins, showing how public life and entertainment were important in its time.
✓ Remnants of baths, agoras, nymphaea, basilicas, and a sophisticated water system / aqueducts.
Side Antique City built on a peninsula about 1 km long and 400 m wide. Its history dates back to the 8th century BC, and over time it was controlled by Lydians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans. In today’s Side Antique City, you’ll see a mix of ancient and modern: narrow streets lined with restored old houses now serving as shops, cafés, and restaurants. Among its key sites:
✓ The Side Ancient City with Roman-style structures (theater, agoras, baths)
✓ The Temple of Apollo, built circa 150 AD, whose columns along the harbor are a favorite photo spot
✓ Glass-floor plaques in the pedestrian alleys that reveal uncovered ruins beneath the streets
✓ A coastline promenade where you can stroll in the evening under soft lighting, stopping in cafés or by the sea
✓ Two beaches flanking the old town, one on the east, one on the west, both accessible right from the ancient peninsula
✓ The Side Archaeological Museum, housed in a partly restored Roman bath structure, displaying artifacts from local excavations
Roman aqueduct is stretched some 30 km in its full route, including 22 bridges and 16 tunnels, owing to the small elevation difference between water source and city.
The Temple of Apollo in Side was built around 150 AD during the Roman Peace era. The temple was dedicated to Apollo, the god of light, music, poetry, and healing. Originally it had 11 columns on each long side and 6 columns on each shorter side. Today only a few of those columns stand, some of which were re-erected in restoration works in the 1980s. The surviving remains, particularly the columns facing the sea, are especially beautiful at sunset, making the temple one of the most romantic and photographed sites in Side. Travelers can also enjoy Belek yacht rentals departing from the harbor of old Side, offering a perfect chance to combine history and relaxation
Tour includes round-trip transfer by comfortable air-conditioned buses, lunch, insurance, entrance tickets, and professional guide service.
✓ Local agency in Belek with trusted Google reviews
✓ No prepayment — pay on the tour day
✓ Comfortable buses with hotel transfer included
✓ Professional licensed guide
✓ Tickets, lunch, and insurance already in the price
✓ Family-friendly service with child discounts
✓ Easy online booking via WhatsApp or website
Bogazkent – Perge – Aspendos – Side Tour: History and Nature in One Day This full-day cultural tour from Bogazkent runs every day and includes hotel transfers, e
A Journey Through Time — From Kadriye to Side Morning light touches Kadriye’s hotels as your bus heads 26 km east toward Perge, where stone streets and Roman baths whi
Serik – Perge – Aspendos – Side Tour – Best Ancient Cities of Türkiye Looking for the best historical day trip near Serik? Join the Serik –Perge
Side Ruins rise on a narrow Mediterranean peninsula, where layers of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine history meet the modern seaside town. Visitors can walk among the remains of colonnaded streets, public baths, a monumental nymphaeum, ancient markets, city gates, and complex water systems that once supplied the city. The impressive Roman-style theater once held thousands of spectators and later served as an open-air sanctuary during Byzantine times. Along the coast.
Aspendos Amphitheatre Entrance Fee?
The entrance ticket to Aspendos costs around €15 per adult. Children under 8 years old usually enter free of charge. The ticket allows access to the ancient Roman theater, the remains of the city’s aqueduct, and the surrounding ruins. In our tour, the entrance fee is already included in the total price.
What Can I See in Side?
In Side, visitors can see ancient ruins mixed with the modern seaside town. The highlights include the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Theater, the Nymphaeum (fountain), city walls, and colonnaded streets. You can also enjoy cafés, souvenir shops, and a picturesque marina. The area is compact and walkable, perfect for one to two hours of sightseeing and relaxing by the sea.
What Does “Side” Mean?
The word Side comes from the old Anatolian language and means pomegranate, a symbol of fertility and abundance in ancient Pamphylia. The fruit is still used as a local emblem, and you can find it on souvenirs and restaurant signs throughout the town.
How to Get to Aspendos from Belek?
Aspendos is located about 18 km northeast of Belek, roughly a 25 minute drive. You can reach it by:
✓ Joining to our guided tour that includes transportation and entrance tickets
✓ Taking a taxi or private transfer from your hotel
✓ Driving yourself via the D400 highway toward Serik and following the signs for Aspendos. There’s free parking near the site entrance.
Perge Ancient City Entrance Fee?
The entrance ticket to Perge costs around €11 per adult. Children under 8 usually enter free. The ticket includes the entire archaeological site: stadium, Roman baths, theater, agora, gates, and towers. In our tour, the entrance fee is already included in the total price
How to Get to Perge from Belek?
Perge lies about 30 km west of Belek, near the Aksu. The drive takes about 45 min. You can get there by:
✓ Joining to our daily excursion with hotel transfer
✓ Taking a taxi or private car
✓ Using public buses to Antalya and transferring to a local line toward Aksu
Guided tour is the easiest option since Perge is combined with Aspendos and Side in one day.
What Is Perge?
Perge was one of the most important cities of ancient Pamphylia, dating back to the Bronze Age. It became a major Roman city with wide colonnaded streets, thermal baths, and temples. It was also visited by Saint Paul during his missionary journeys. Today, visitors can walk among the well-preserved stadium, theater, gates, and agora, making it one of the most impressive archaeological sites in southern Türkiye.
History of Aspendos Theatre?
The Aspendos Theatre was built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Designed by the architect Zeno, it could seat up to 15,000 spectators and remains one of the best preserved Roman theaters in the world. Its exceptional acoustics are so good that it is still used today for concerts and cultural performances, such as the “Fire of Anatolia” dance show.
History of Perge?
Perge’s origins date back to around 1000 BC. It grew into a wealthy city during the Hellenistic and Roman periods thanks to its strategic location and fertile lands. The city was famous for its monumental stadium, temples, and public baths, and was the hometown of Apollonius of Perge, a noted mathematician. During the Byzantine era, Perge became an early Christian center before slowly declining after Arab invasions.
How Long Does the Tour Last?
The Perge–Aspendos–Side tour typically lasts about 12 hours. Pick-up from Belek hotels is usually around 08:00–08:30, and return time is between 18:00–19:00, depending on traffic and group size. Each site visit lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, plus a lunch break by the river.
Can We Walk Inside the Ruins?
Yes, you can freely walk among the ruins in Perge, Aspendos, and Side. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the ancient stone paths can be uneven. Some areas, such as the top of the Aspendos Theatre or parts of the Perge stadium, involve short climbs but are generally safe and well-maintained.
How Is Payment for the Tour Made?
You don’t need to pay in advance. Reservations can be made online or via WhatsApp, and payment is collected on the tour day in cash (GBP, EUR, USD, or TL). All bookings include insurance, hotel transfer, and guide service, and you’ll receive confirmation via message or email.
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Miss Hollie Nolan DDS
Adil was fantastic! He kept the day fun and informative. Loved every stop, especially the ancient amphitheater. The pace was perfect and the bus comfy. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a historical day out!
Monroe Treutel
Mehmet explained everything so well, had us laughing and interested all day. Some parts were rushed but overall really enjoyable. The sites were impressive and the guide made it come alive! Would do again for sure
Nikita Hintz
Okan knows SO much and was super friendly. I learned a lot and the places we visited were impressive. One of the best ways to spend a day. Just wish we had a tiny bit more time at the last place. Great job overall!
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