Two of the greatest Roman sites in the world sit right on Belek’s doorstep, and you can see both in a single day. Aspendos has what many archaeologists call the best-preserved Roman theatre anywhere — so intact it still hosts opera and ballet — while nearby Perge is a sprawling ancient city you can wander for hours, from its monumental gate to its colonnaded main street. If you have even a passing interest in history, this is the day trip to make from Belek. Here’s a local guide to what to see, what it costs in 2026, and the easiest way to visit.
Aspendos: the world’s finest Roman theatre
Aspendos is, quite simply, breathtaking. Built in the 2nd century AD by the architect Zenon during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, its theatre survives almost completely intact — the stage building, the towering seating for up to around 15,000 spectators, the entrances, all still standing after nearly 1,900 years. It’s so well preserved that it’s still used today for the summer opera and ballet festival, and its acoustics are legendary: a coin dropped on the stage can be heard from the highest row. Climb to the top tier for the full sense of its scale. Beyond the theatre, the upper city holds the remains of an aqueduct, basilica and agora. Aspendos lies near Belkıs village, about 18 km (25 minutes) from Belek.
Perge: a vast ancient city to explore
Where Aspendos is one perfect monument, Perge is a whole city to roam. With origins reaching back over 3,000 years and its golden age under Greek and Roman rule, Perge spreads across a huge site you can lose yourself in. Highlights include the dramatic round-towered Hellenistic gate, the long colonnaded main street with its central water channel, a large stadium and theatre, the Roman baths, the agora and a monumental nymphaeum (fountain). Perge was also home to Plancia Magna, the powerful Roman-era noblewoman who adorned the city with statues and inscriptions — many of Perge’s finest sculptures are normally displayed in the Antalya Museum (currently being redeveloped). Perge is near Aksu, just a short drive from Belek.
| 2026 info | Aspendos | Perge |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Belek | ~18 km (25 min) | ~30 km (35 min) |
| Entrance fee | ~€15 | ~€11 |
| MüzeKart valid? | Yes | Yes |
| Time needed | ~1.5–2 hours | ~2 hours |
| Hours (summer) | ~08:00–20:00 | ~08:00–20:00 |
Winter hours are shorter (to ~17:30) and the box office closes about 30 minutes early. Prices change seasonally — check muze.gov.tr for the latest.
How to visit Aspendos & Perge from Belek
Both sites are close to Belek, but there’s no easy public transport, so you’ve got two practical options. With a rental car or taxi you can do both in a morning, paying entrance at each gate (MüzeKart accepted). The simpler choice for most visitors is a guided day tour with hotel pickup — it handles the driving, the tickets and the history, and usually combines Aspendos and Perge with the seaside ruins of Side and a stop at Kurşunlu Waterfall, often with lunch. See all the options in our guide to the best excursions from Belek.
See the Perge, Aspendos & Side Tour →
What to combine it with
Because both sites are compact (around two hours each), they pair beautifully with other stops. The classic full-day route from Belek is Perge → Aspendos → Side → Kurşunlu Waterfall, mixing two ancient cities with a seaside old town and a forest waterfall. If you’re driving yourself and love ruins, the lesser-visited city of Sillyon is another nearby option. Either way, you get a rich, varied day without long drives.
Tips for visiting
Go early in the morning or in the last couple of hours before closing — midday in summer is fierce, and there’s little shade among the ruins (especially in Perge’s open expanses and Aspendos’s upper city). Wear comfortable shoes for the uneven stone, bring water and sun protection, and allow about two hours per site. At Aspendos, check whether a concert or festival rehearsal is on — it can affect access, but catching the theatre set up for a performance is a magical bonus. A MüzeKart pays for itself fast if you’re visiting several sites.
Best time to visit
Both sites are open year-round, but spring and autumn are ideal — comfortable temperatures and softer light for photos. In summer, stick to early morning or late afternoon. If you can time it with the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival (usually in late summer), seeing a performance in a 1,900-year-old Roman theatre is an unforgettable experience.
FAQ
Is Aspendos worth visiting?
Absolutely — it’s one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, and standing inside it is genuinely awe-inspiring.
How far are Aspendos and Perge from Belek?
Aspendos is about 18 km (25 minutes) and Perge around 30 km (35 minutes) — both very close.
How much are the entrance fees?
Roughly €15 for Aspendos and €11 for Perge in 2026, with the MüzeKart accepted. Check muze.gov.tr for current prices.
Can you visit both in one day?
Easily — they’re close together, and most guided tours combine them, often with Side and Kurşunlu Waterfall too.
How do you get there from Belek?
By rental car or taxi, or (easiest) on a guided day tour with hotel pickup, which includes tickets and a guide.
Planning your Belek trip? See the best excursions from Belek, our things to do in Belek guide, the Land of Legends guide, and the best hotels in Belek.