Day Trip Overview
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time | Best For | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Düden Waterfalls | 12 km | 20 min | Easy half-day, families | Easy |
| Perge | 18 km | 25 min | Roman ruins, history | Easy |
| Aspendos | 47 km | 50 min | Best Roman theater | Easy |
| Termessos | 35 km | 45 min | Mountain ruins, hiking | Moderate–hard |
| Side | 75 km | 1.5 hrs | Beach + ruins combo | Easy |
| Olympos / Çıralı | 80 km | 1.5 hrs | Beach, ruins, Chimera | Easy–moderate |
| Phaselis | 60 km | 1 hr | Beach + Lycian ruins | Easy |
| Kekova (sunken city) | 190 km | 3 hrs | Boat trip, unique | Easy on boat |
Top Day Trips
1. Aspendos — The Best Roman Theater
The theater at Aspendos is the best-preserved Roman theater in the world — still used for performances today. Built in the 2nd century AD, it seats 15,000 and the acoustics are extraordinary. Stand at the top row and hear a coin drop on stage.
- Getting there: 47 km east of Antalya, off the D400
- Time needed: 1–2 hours (theater + aqueduct)
- Ticket: $6–$8
- Combine with: Perge (on the way back) for a half-day ruins itinerary
2. Perge — Impressive Roman City
A large, well-excavated Roman city with a colonnaded main street, stadium, baths, and an agora. Less dramatic than Ephesus but less crowded too, and the Antalya Archaeological Museum has many of its best statues.
- Getting there: 18 km northeast of Antalya
- Time needed: 1.5–2 hours
- Ticket: $6–$8
- Combine with: Aspendos (30 min further east)
3. Termessos — Mountain-Top Ruins
One of Turkey's most spectacular archaeological sites — a Pisidian city built at 1,000+ meters elevation in Güllük Mountain National Park. Alexander the Great besieged it but never took it. The theater, perched on a cliff edge with mountain panoramas, is unforgettable.
- Getting there: 35 km northwest of Antalya
- Time needed: 3–4 hours (including hiking)
- Ticket: National park entrance fee
- Note: Involves significant uphill walking on rough paths. Not suitable for those with mobility issues. Bring sturdy shoes, water, and sun protection.
4. Düden Waterfalls
Two waterfall sites — Upper Düden (park setting, walk behind the falls) and Lower Düden (a dramatic 40-meter cascade directly into the Mediterranean from a cliff).
- Getting there: 12 km from Antalya center
- Time needed: 1–2 hours each
- Ticket: Upper Düden has a small park fee; Lower Düden is free to view from the park above
- Best for: Families, easy half-day trip, photography
5. Side — Beach Town Meets Ancient Ruins
A unique town where ancient Roman ruins sit among modern beach hotels. The Temple of Apollo at sunset (right on the waterfront) is one of the coast's most iconic images.
- Getting there: 75 km east of Antalya
- Time needed: Half day to full day (with beach time)
- Highlights: Temple of Apollo, Roman theater, ancient streets, long sandy beach
- Vibe: More resort-town than archaeological site, but the ruins are genuinely impressive
6. Phaselis
Three small beaches surrounded by Lycian and Roman ruins in a forested setting along the coast road. Less visited than the big sites, making it a peaceful combination of history and swimming.
- Getting there: 60 km south of Antalya
- Time needed: 2–3 hours
- Best for: Combining beach swimming with ancient ruins
How to Visit
- Rental car: Most flexible option. All day trips are on good roads.
- Organized tours: Hotels and agencies in Antalya run day trips to all these sites. Group tours typically cost $10–$20 per person including lunch.
- Public transport: Dolmuş reach Perge and Side. Aspendos and Termessos are harder without a car.
