Termessos Ancient City Antalya
A remarkably preserved ancient Pisidian city perched high on Güllük Mountain, offering breathtaking views and a sense of adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Termessos Ancient City Antalya
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remarkably preserved ancient Pisidian city perched high on Güllük Mountain, offering breathtaking views and a sense of adventure.
"One of my top hikes of the year was in Turkey, inside an ancient theater with no one in sight."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain is steep and rocky; comfortable hiking boots are essential for exploring safely.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated! There are no shops or cafes inside the ancient city.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Theater
Upper City
A remarkably preserved theater with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Alketas' Tomb
Lower City
Discover the impressive tomb of Alketas, a testament to the city's historical significance and architectural prowess.
City Walls and Gates
Perimeter
Explore the formidable defensive structures that once protected this resilient ancient city from invaders.
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Hike
Getting There: Car is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain is steep and rocky; comfortable hiking boots are essential for exploring safely.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated! There are no shops or cafes inside the ancient city.
🚗 Rent a Car
Public transport is scarce. A rental car offers the most convenient way to reach Termessos.
🥪 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal with a view! The amphitheater is a perfect spot for a scenic picnic lunch.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain is steep and rocky; comfortable hiking boots are essential for exploring safely.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated! There are no shops or cafes inside the ancient city.
🚗 Rent a Car
Public transport is scarce. A rental car offers the most convenient way to reach Termessos.
🥪 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal with a view! The amphitheater is a perfect spot for a scenic picnic lunch.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
Give yourself at least 3-4 hours to explore the ruins and enjoy the hike.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Termessos is lauded for its stunning, well-preserved ruins and dramatic mountain setting, offering a less crowded and more adventurous experience than many other ancient sites. Visitors rave about the breathtaking views from the amphitheater and the sense of discovery. However, the challenging hike and limited public transport require careful planning and preparation.
"The place is in ruins, you will be walking through a jungle forest with large stones and pieces of column all around you. Occasionally, you’ll see a wall or an arch. There are a few exceptions to this, the most notable being the theater, which is in remarkably great shape given how the rest of the city fared, and the small temple of Artemis (not the one near the parking lot).
The setting is amazing, once you get up to the higher levels, you can see that you’re sitting in a straddle of a few shorter peaks with great views down two large valleys.
Bring hiking shoes, the town is about a Moderately steep hike up from the parking lot. It took me about 3 1/2 hours round-trip and I got to see most of what I wanted but not everything. I walked about 9000 steps and climbed 51 floors. So it’s not like many sites where you pull up to the parking lot walk a kilometer and see just about everything."
Trey Clark
"Fantastic place. A must see in Antalya. Entrance is about $2 per person. The entire path from the parking lot to the amphitheater is 3.5 km. The path to the amphitheater is constantly uphill and over rocks. It is difficult, but definitely worth it. Wear comfortable non-slip shoes."
DaVinciFX Group
"Really a fantastic place with so much history!
The gates to enter are open until 15:00, it will cost you 120 Turkish liras per person (about 3€), only in cash. They will close the park at 17:00, so you need to be out before then. The parking lot is about 9km from the gate, it is a big parking area with some picnic tables and a decent toilet. The hike to Termessos is short 15min, but quite steep. The ancient city itself is somewhat hard to access - there are some trails, but you need to feel confident to climb between the rocks to see the best parts. We enjoyed it very much, stayed there almost 3 hours, exploring and climbing. Interestingly, the 2500 year old Termessos was not destroyed by the wars, but abandoned after earthquakes and economical crisis. It was forgotten for a while, but rediscovered in the 19th century. Definitely worth to visit! 🤩"
Kaisar Travels
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach Termessos from Antalya is by renting a car, as public transport options are very limited. The drive takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Alternatively, you can take an Antalya-Korkuteli bus to the Termessos crossroads and then arrange a taxi to the ruins. +1
While technically possible to get to the general area via bus, reaching the actual ruins from the bus stop is challenging without a taxi or private vehicle. Many travelers find it impractical.
The drive involves winding mountain roads, offering scenic views as you ascend. It's a moderate drive, but be prepared for some twists and turns.
Yes, you can hire a taxi from Antalya or arrange one from the Termessos crossroads. However, ensure you agree on a price beforehand, especially for the return journey.
Yes, the road leads to a parking area near the entrance of the ancient city, from where you begin your hike.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees are typically modest. It's advisable to check the latest prices upon arrival or on official Turkish heritage websites, as they can change.
Termessos generally follows standard museum and archaeological site hours in Turkey, usually opening in the morning and closing in the late afternoon. Confirming current hours before your visit is recommended.
No, advance booking is typically not required for Termessos. Tickets can usually be purchased at the entrance.
While official guided tours might not always be readily available on-site, you can hire local guides in Antalya or research private tour operators who include Termessos in their itineraries.
Due to its mountainous location and uneven terrain, Termessos is not easily accessible for visitors with significant mobility issues. The hike to the main sites can be challenging.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike to the main parts of the ancient city, including the theater, is moderately challenging. It involves steep inclines and uneven paths, taking about 20-30 minutes from the parking area.
Don't miss the incredibly well-preserved amphitheater, the gymnasium, the cisterns, and the tomb of Alketas. The views from the upper parts are spectacular.
Plan for at least 3-4 hours to fully explore the site, including the hike up and down, and time to soak in the history and views.
Basic restroom facilities may be available near the parking area, but there are no amenities like shops or cafes within the ancient city itself.
Termessos is surprisingly less crowded than many other ancient sites in Turkey, offering a more serene and authentic experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The amphitheater offers stunning panoramic shots, especially during golden hour. The views from the upper city walls and the dramatic mountain backdrop are also highly photogenic.
Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a beautiful atmosphere.
Drone usage is generally restricted in national parks and archaeological sites in Turkey. It's best to check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and architecture. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. Comfortable shoes are more important than gear!
Photography for personal use is generally allowed. However, professional photography or filming may require special permits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the time of year; visiting during cooler months like spring or autumn will make the hike more enjoyable. Ensure everyone wears sturdy shoes. While the historical significance is immense, focus on the adventure and the stunning views to keep younger ones entertained.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Its dramatic mountain setting and well-preserved ruins offer a unique historical experience away from the typical coastal crowds. Renting a car is almost a necessity for this leg of the journey, providing the freedom to explore at your own pace and easily access the trailhead. As a day trip from Antalya, it’s a perfect escape into history and nature. Allocate at least half a day, including travel time, to fully appreciate the site. The drive itself is scenic, and the reward of exploring an ancient city that resisted Alexander the Great is well worth the effort.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Adventure Seekers
+1 The rugged terrain and the remote, dramatic setting cater to those seeking a more adventurous exploration. Be prepared for a proper hike: wear sturdy hiking boots, bring ample water, and consider trekking poles if you use them. The exploration within the ancient city also involves navigating uneven paths and inclines, so a good level of fitness is beneficial. The feeling of discovering this 'lost' city perched high in the mountains is an unforgettable experience for any adventurer.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unconquered City: History of Termessos
Archaeological findings suggest settlements dating back to the 6th century BC, with significant development during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The city's inhabitants were known for their military prowess and self-sufficiency, utilizing the mountain's resources effectively. The ruins include a well-preserved theater, an agora, temples, cisterns, and residential areas, all integrated into the rugged mountain landscape.
Exploring Termessos is an adventure, requiring a hike through its natural setting. This journey adds to the experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the city's isolation and the effort required to reach it. The lack of extensive modern development around the site preserves its ancient atmosphere, making it a truly immersive historical experience.
Navigating the Trails: Hiking at Termessos
Allow at least 20-30 minutes for the ascent to the main archaeological site. Along the way, you'll encounter natural beauty and increasingly impressive views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The path is well-trodden but can be slippery after rain, so caution is advised.
The effort is rewarded with the stunning sight of the ancient city emerging from the landscape. Once within the site, further exploration involves navigating between different structures, which also requires careful footing. It's advisable to take your time, especially when descending, and to carry plenty of water, as there are no facilities once you start the hike.
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