Termessos
Termessos
4.5
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Approximately 34 kilometers northwest of Antalya lies Termessos and the beautiful Güllük Dagi National Park. The ancient Psidian city is built on a mountain platform, surrounded by pine woods and an abundance of rare plants. It’s one of the best preserved historical sites of Turkey and, due to its isolated location, an oasis of calm and tranquility.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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See what travellers are saying
- kishAnDoha, Qatar531 contributionsThe most amazing ancient place! (After Sigiriya, Sri Lanka)What an amazing place.. try to go there when the gate opens at 8 am.. I was allowed to go in 7.30am and had the whole place to myself till around 9 am without another soul around.. can spend the whole day hiking around.. and if you hike to the top of the mountain the views will be amazing.. If there is a more brilliant ancient defensive construction in the world it must be Sigiriya in Sri Lanka. I would have loved to see if this place is reconstructed to look like the original.. can't imagine how this place was constructed in such a location in those days. Brilliant! Best place to visit around Antalya..Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 2 June 2024
- Anna HarrisonUnited Arab Emirates24 contributionsAmazing Trip To Termessos with my friendsTermessos is a mesmerizing ancient city in Turkey, nestled amidst rugged mountains. Its well-preserved ruins, including a theater with stunning views, evoke a sense of awe and wonder. A visit here offers a unique glimpse into Turkey's rich history and natural beauty.Visited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 7 June 2024
- Richard Payne19 contributionsDefinitely go here!Absolutely breathtaking, can barely put into words how amazing this place is, I can only recommend you go! There’s so much more there than ‘just the theatre’, although I will admit the theatre is stunning. Lots of ruins, lots of buildings and obviously lots of history. Only a 30 minute drive from Antalya and then a 20 minute walk up from the carpark, with plenty of stops and benches on the way if needed. I’ve been to many an ancient city, including Rome, and this is definitely up there with the best.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 June 2024
- sarah0136Sydney, Australia34 contributionsMake the effort - it doesn’t disappoint!I came to Termessos over 25 years ago and it was one of my favourite spots in Turkey. I can back with my husband and daughter and after the build up I gave it I was a bit worried it wouldn’t live up to my hype. It is a pretty steep walk that takes about 20 minutes and is a bit slippery, but plenty of spots to catch your breathe - as long as you’ve got good shoes and plenty of water it is really worth the effort. Make sure you read the history before you go - it is reported to be one of the few places Alexander the Great couldn’t conquer!!!Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 17 June 2024
- Hannah Mc14 contributionsAn absolute MUST if you are in Antalya!Please visit this incredible site! It's not too challenging a hike. My partner and I managed the hike in the July heat because most of the walk is in the shade. We brought 3l of water with us but probably didn't need all of it. I recommend wearing shoes with good grip because much if the terrain is rocky! If you can manage it, leave via the lower necropolis to see the incredible tombs carved into the rock. The absolute highlight was the theatre (see photos). We went with a local guide, Yusuf. He works with Laledi Tours. He was brilliant! P.S. Do bring dog food and water for the resident dog on the mountain. He is super friendly but we didn't see any bowls left out for him. Our guide informed us that he relies on tourists leaving him scraps.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
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Lilian Marie
Mold, Wales, United Kingdom20 contributions
Oct 2022
This is an extraordinary site, quite unlike the order and civilisation of Aspendos or Perge, for instance; both for its ambitious, almost brutal architecture - mindboggling that people built such edifices with gigantic stone blocks and on such a steep site - and for the mayhem that an earthquake created. We'd recommend hiring a car, going with a good-quality guidebook (or downloads), and taking your time up there. The 9km route up from the entrance is tarmac and in good repair. There is a teahouse near this entrance and there are basic toilets at the top car park. Here too, in his hut, is the wonderful Bekir, who has been here for 30 years and is the most kindly and courteous man. If he has time, he can show you carvings you will never spot yourself on the nearby tombs and advise you on the best route to take, so stop by to talk to him and maybe buy a small souvenir. Don't miss the theatre (a good spot for your picnic) or the cemeteries.
Written 9 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lin64_10
Germany21 contributions
Apr 2021
Stunning landscape, view, impressing remains of the old city.
We took a taxi there and planned 2 h but 3 would have been better, even a whole day if you take along food and drinks - nothing to buy onsite!
Family outing. To enjoy all the sites there you need medium+ fitness. My 10 yr old son loved it including climbing around a little. I´m a flipflop fan but there I recommend proper sneakers.
Get to know a bit about the tracks there, the history and which corners to see otherwise you would miss them, e.g. the necropolis.
I will visit this place again next time, worth while.
We took a taxi there and planned 2 h but 3 would have been better, even a whole day if you take along food and drinks - nothing to buy onsite!
Family outing. To enjoy all the sites there you need medium+ fitness. My 10 yr old son loved it including climbing around a little. I´m a flipflop fan but there I recommend proper sneakers.
Get to know a bit about the tracks there, the history and which corners to see otherwise you would miss them, e.g. the necropolis.
I will visit this place again next time, worth while.
Written 23 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
viennagurl
Brookfield, CT3 contributions
May 2021
We drove there today. We thought it opened at 8am, but turns out it doesn't open until 10pm. I'm not sure if this is because COVID. We sat around waiting for a while until the guards came and unlocked the park. The hike is very very rocky so bring durable shoes. I almost slipped a few times. The view is amazing!
Written 30 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GurTra
Zaragoza, España225 contributions
Jul 2022
Termessos was the highlight of my Antalya stay and it didn't disappoint me.
The hike was quite intense. I like to climb all over the place and this one was no exception. In many sections, it was difficult to visualize how they were in the past because they were very destroyed, but the fact of being in contact with such old buildings made it worth it.
Details:
The ticket price is 20TL at this moment.
It opens at 10 AM, so don't go early because you'll have to wait.
It is recommended to hire a private driver because the 8 km climb from the ticket booth to the parking lot is crazy to do on foot and dangerous to hitchhike (there are many curves with poor visibility). We didn't see buses around to do it the "adventurous" way taking buses from Otogar.
Wear good shoes, water and food because there is nothing around to buy. In the parking area there are wild boars that get very close to people. Don't be afraid of them. Despite being wild, they are cared for and fed by people from the surrounding area.
There is an area of sarcophagi and tombs that is outside the main maps. It is in the parking area just behind where there are trees and a bench to sit on.
Start the walk along the path on the left. The one on the right (where you can see a door or arch that is elevated and has some cacti) is the exit. Doing the stretch in reverse will tire you a lot because it has a fairly steep ramp.
We were about 3h 30' because I stop a lot to take pictures and I like to crawl everywhere. I think that with less than 3h it would be enough to see the most interesting.
Although you have areas of great shade and breeze, the heat is very high. In the amphitheater area (the highlight of the place) there is no shade. You can go down and go all the way around it, but you'll have to figure out how to carefully climb the unstable rocks. In different sections, there are benches to sit on.
The hike was quite intense. I like to climb all over the place and this one was no exception. In many sections, it was difficult to visualize how they were in the past because they were very destroyed, but the fact of being in contact with such old buildings made it worth it.
Details:
The ticket price is 20TL at this moment.
It opens at 10 AM, so don't go early because you'll have to wait.
It is recommended to hire a private driver because the 8 km climb from the ticket booth to the parking lot is crazy to do on foot and dangerous to hitchhike (there are many curves with poor visibility). We didn't see buses around to do it the "adventurous" way taking buses from Otogar.
Wear good shoes, water and food because there is nothing around to buy. In the parking area there are wild boars that get very close to people. Don't be afraid of them. Despite being wild, they are cared for and fed by people from the surrounding area.
There is an area of sarcophagi and tombs that is outside the main maps. It is in the parking area just behind where there are trees and a bench to sit on.
Start the walk along the path on the left. The one on the right (where you can see a door or arch that is elevated and has some cacti) is the exit. Doing the stretch in reverse will tire you a lot because it has a fairly steep ramp.
We were about 3h 30' because I stop a lot to take pictures and I like to crawl everywhere. I think that with less than 3h it would be enough to see the most interesting.
Although you have areas of great shade and breeze, the heat is very high. In the amphitheater area (the highlight of the place) there is no shade. You can go down and go all the way around it, but you'll have to figure out how to carefully climb the unstable rocks. In different sections, there are benches to sit on.
Written 24 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna R
22 contributions
Jun 2023
Great place to explore ancient ruins and get in a good hike! You climb the mountain with signs along the way to tell you what ruins you are seeing. There are plenty of areas of shade along the path. You do climb on/over rocks. Not too many people either. It is 30 minutes north of the city so you would have to arrange transportation if you don't have a car.
Written 8 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
solis j
135 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Termessos is known mainly as a monument to the defeat of Alexander the Great, the only city that he failed to capture, Google will help you) Unlike other attractions of Antalya, Termessos is not very famous and popular, since it is located in a mountainous area and is difficult to get to without cars. The road to it goes through a serpentine road, beautiful, but very narrow. Drive with a navigator to see all the turns in advance. We were there on Sunday morning, there were very few people. Tickets for 4 cost 280 liras (August 2023)
The path is rocky, but quite passable, there are signs everywhere, it is hardly possible to get lost. Sneakers, baseball caps and water are required.
Termessos did not gradually decay; the earthquake destroyed the water supply system, and people immediately left the place and left it. Of course, more than 1000 years have passed, natural decay has taken place, and yet the scale and majesty of the buildings is still amazing. Just the granaries in the ground, as deep as a 3-story building, are worth it! And the theater! In the shape of a bowl, the lower part and the stage have been preserved worse than the upper part with seats, and yet it still beckons you to climb it from all sides, visit every niche, literally touch the history) It’s difficult to believe other people’s words, you have to see it with your own eyes)
From the roadway along the serpentine road to the Termessos ticket office is about 9 km, and some even walk this distance. Although I would advise you to come with your own or rent one. There is a small parking lot and a toilet near the ticket office, there are no souvenir or water stalls, so bring everything you need with you. I highly recommend setting aside half a day to visit Termessos, it’s worth it
The path is rocky, but quite passable, there are signs everywhere, it is hardly possible to get lost. Sneakers, baseball caps and water are required.
Termessos did not gradually decay; the earthquake destroyed the water supply system, and people immediately left the place and left it. Of course, more than 1000 years have passed, natural decay has taken place, and yet the scale and majesty of the buildings is still amazing. Just the granaries in the ground, as deep as a 3-story building, are worth it! And the theater! In the shape of a bowl, the lower part and the stage have been preserved worse than the upper part with seats, and yet it still beckons you to climb it from all sides, visit every niche, literally touch the history) It’s difficult to believe other people’s words, you have to see it with your own eyes)
From the roadway along the serpentine road to the Termessos ticket office is about 9 km, and some even walk this distance. Although I would advise you to come with your own or rent one. There is a small parking lot and a toilet near the ticket office, there are no souvenir or water stalls, so bring everything you need with you. I highly recommend setting aside half a day to visit Termessos, it’s worth it
Written 30 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelMan
Bagneux, France699 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
A wild site at 1000m altitude. It's sporty but worth it because among the trees and rocks are the remains of an ancient city that had the courage to refuse to open its doors to the great Alexander. Very affordable rate but must be well equipped and have enough water with you because nothing is available on site
Automatically translated
Written 19 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
arlenepowers
Brooklyn, NY43 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
We drove north from Antalya and turned into the national park, then another 8 kilometers to the unpaved lot where we could leave our car. With a bottle of water we hiked up a steep path for about an hour. The inhabitants of Termossos had built their theater in a canyon, so that when you sit on the rows you look far down the valley and up to peaks. There are no bus tours here because it is not an easy hike up to the site.
Written 6 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah Mc
14 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Please visit this incredible site!
It's not too challenging a hike. My partner and I managed the hike in the July heat because most of the walk is in the shade. We brought 3l of water with us but probably didn't need all of it. I recommend wearing shoes with good grip because much if the terrain is rocky! If you can manage it, leave via the lower necropolis to see the incredible tombs carved into the rock.
The absolute highlight was the theatre (see photos).
We went with a local guide, Yusuf. He works with Laledi Tours. He was brilliant!
P.S. Do bring dog food and water for the resident dog on the mountain. He is super friendly but we didn't see any bowls left out for him. Our guide informed us that he relies on tourists leaving him scraps.
It's not too challenging a hike. My partner and I managed the hike in the July heat because most of the walk is in the shade. We brought 3l of water with us but probably didn't need all of it. I recommend wearing shoes with good grip because much if the terrain is rocky! If you can manage it, leave via the lower necropolis to see the incredible tombs carved into the rock.
The absolute highlight was the theatre (see photos).
We went with a local guide, Yusuf. He works with Laledi Tours. He was brilliant!
P.S. Do bring dog food and water for the resident dog on the mountain. He is super friendly but we didn't see any bowls left out for him. Our guide informed us that he relies on tourists leaving him scraps.
Written 22 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kishAn
Doha, Qatar531 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
What an amazing place.. try to go there when the gate opens at 8 am.. I was allowed to go in 7.30am and had the whole place to myself till around 9 am without another soul around.. can spend the whole day hiking around.. and if you hike to the top of the mountain the views will be amazing.. If there is a more brilliant ancient defensive construction in the world it must be Sigiriya in Sri Lanka. I would have loved to see if this place is reconstructed to look like the original.. can't imagine how this place was constructed in such a location in those days. Brilliant! Best place to visit around Antalya..
Written 2 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour,
Nous prévoyons un voyage de découverte de la côté égéenne en mai en compagnie de ma belle-mère de 81 ans au mois de mai prochain. Même si elle est en très bonne forme, je m'interroge sur la difficulté d'accéder au site. Suivant les avis, je lis soit qu'il s'agit d'une montée d'une vingtaine de minutes par un sentier agréable soit que l'ascension est difficile et demande des bonnes chaussures de rando.
Avis sur le sujet de la difficulté d'accès aux ruines que pour une personnes désormais d'un certain âge bienvenus.
Un grand merci d'avance
Chambonandco
Written 17 March 2022
May I know how much did the taxi driver charge you? Thanks.
Written 27 November 2021
1iPaT
Serebryanyye Prudy, Russia
Как добраться с Анталья до туда и обратно? Есть ли общественный транспорт?
Written 23 June 2019
добраться нетрудно - от автовокзала антальи на долмуше который идет в korkuteli, говорите, тЕрмессос, и вас высадят у входа в парк. дальше либо на попутке, подбросят без проблем, либо пешком 9 км в гору, либо платно на такси (ок. 70 лир). обратно - то же самое
Written 2 July 2019
Are there any taxis readily available after the trek, or does this need to be pre booked. Any suggestion or tips welcomed.
Written 21 June 2019
There will not be taxis waiting in the immediate area. The best option would be to hire a taxi for the duration, and just have him wait for you. 25USD/150Turkish lira for 2-3 hours should cover it. Agree first, pay when you come back.
Written 30 June 2019
Is this place kids friendly? I have a 3 y old boy and want to check if it will be easy for me to take the kid. Thanks in advance
Written 8 May 2019
The path is a little steep to walk on in places. Some scrambling over rough loose rocks & stones.
Could be a little difficult with a 3 year old. If still able to fit in a child carrying backpack...then ok.
Think there is another more child friendly amphitheatre a few miles away geared for tourist.
Written 16 May 2019
Melek Kadria
Tunis, Tunisia
Bonsoir
Je désire visiter Termessos et j'aimerai connaitre s'il y'a des moyens de transport qui desservent ce site depuis le centre ville d'Antalya.
Merci
Written 6 May 2019
Bonjour
Le plus facile est de louer une voiture une journée
Autre alternative: prendre un taxi
Si vous prenez un bus ou dolmus celui-ci vous déposera vers l'entrée qui se situe à 9 km du site. Selon la saison, il y a peut-être des taxis à l'entrée qui pourrons vous emmenez sur le site (durée visite: 3 à 5h, chaussures de marche conseillées)
bonnes vacances
Written 7 May 2019
How long is the trek from the car park? For the average person and would it be suitable to take little ones on the adventure, they might slow things down.....
Written 22 September 2018
It took us 45 minutes each way with a 5 year old. Take at least one bottle of water for each hiker.
Written 22 September 2018
Эти два места совершенно несравнимые! Любителям истории нужно побывать в обоих. Но лучше сначала ехать в Перге, а потом в Термессос, так как последний более масштабнее. Мы, к сожалению, наоборот, сначала посетили Термессос, насладились его великолепием, тишиной, окружающей природой, нетронутой историей. После таких сильных эмоций Перге не был оценён нами по достоинству. Да и цена диаметрально-противоположна - за непередаваемые ощущения, которые оставил Термессос, мы заплатили всего 6 лир с человека, в Перге мы оставили по 35 лир...
Written 3 November 2018
Hey everyone. I'm staying at Liman mahallese and was wondering the best way to get to Termessos. We have little funds so the cheapest will be best. Thank you.
Written 3 February 2017
Hi, As far as I can remember there was no public transport to Termosses though taxi was not that expensive. It is worth a morning trip.
Written 4 February 2017
Hola cuanto tiempo se demora en llegar desde antalya a las ruinas???
Written 22 January 2017
komme leider erst jetzt dazu die Frage zu beantworten.
Am einfachsten kommt man mit dem Auto nach Termessos
liegt etwa 35 km von Antalya Nordost man nimmt die Straße
D 350 Antalya-Fethiye weiter über Serpentinen 8 km nach
Termessos Parkplatz dann kommt ein schmaler, steiniger Weg
zum Teil sehr steil, Höhenunterschied um die 1000 mtr. Es gibt aber viel Schatten durch Bäume und Gewächse. Bei Regen sollte man nicht aufsteigen, wird alles sehr rutschig. Besuch lohnt sich, es gibt viele Antike Sachen. Schon am Parkplatz wir man von Hadrian Tor ( NICHT VERWECHSELN MIT ANTALYA) begrüßt und so geht das weiter sehr interessant. Viel Spaß und Freude wünscht Ihnen Dr. Dieter Schuhmann
Written 29 January 2017
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