Termessos Antalya: How to Get There and What to Expect

Termessos was a city of the Pisidians, a mountain people who built it high on the slopes of Güllük Dağı, the mountain that rises behind Antalya. Its position was so strong that Alexander the Great, who conquered most of the region, is said to have looked at it and moved on without taking it. That story, and the wild setting, are what make Termessos different from the seaside ruins of the coast.

Today the site lies inside a national park, surrounded by pine and oak forest and limestone rocks. Much of it has never been excavated, so you walk between toppled stones, half-hidden walls and tombs in the trees. If Perge and Aspendos feel like museums, Termessos feels like a discovery.

Termessos lies north-west of Antalya, off the main road heading inland towards Korkuteli. Rough distances and times:

• Antalya city centre, Kaleiçi: ≈ 35 km, ≈ 45 min.
• Konyaaltı: similar or slightly less, as you are already on the western side of the city; Konyaaltı is ≈ 24 km / ≈ 35 min from the airport, see Antalya Airport to Konyaaltı.
• Lara and Kundu: add time to cross the city.
• Belek, Kemer: a longer drive each way, so plan a morning start and a full half-day or more.

The last part is a narrow, winding road up through the national park to a car park. That is where the drive ends: from there you continue on foot. With a private car you are dropped at the car park and picked up there again, without having to drive the mountain road yourself.

The ruins are spread out along the mountainside, and the paths lead past several highlights:

• The theatre: the star of Termessos. It sits on the edge of the slope with mountains all around, one of the most dramatic theatre settings in Turkey.
• City walls and gates: remains of the fortifications that kept the city safe on its approach.
• Public buildings: walls of the council house, a temple area and other buildings near the theatre, some still standing to a good height.
• Cisterns: large underground water tanks cut into the rock, essential for a city without a river.
• Rock tombs and the necropolis: carved tombs and sarcophagi scattered among the trees, many tipped over or broken open.

Read up a little before you go, or simply wander and enjoy the atmosphere. The views from the theatre alone are worth the climb.

This is the most important thing to know before you go. From the car park the path climbs steadily uphill over stones, roots and uneven steps, and the theatre is near the top. Expect:

• A steady climb on rough paths, not a paved walkway.
• Loose stones and some steep sections, slippery when wet or dusty.
• Little shade on some stretches, although the forest helps.

For most reasonably fit adults and older children it is a rewarding outing. It is not ideal if you find steep walking hard, have knee or balance problems, or are travelling with a stroller. If that is you, the flat site of Perge is a much easier alternative, see our Perge ancient city guide.

• Season: spring and autumn are perfect. In summer it is cooler up here than on the coast, but the climb is still hot by midday, so start early.
• Time of day: morning gives the freshest air and the clearest views from the theatre.
• Shoes: trainers with good grip or walking shoes. Sandals and flip-flops are a bad idea.
• Water and snacks: carry enough for the whole visit; this is a nature site, not a shopping street.
• Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, and a light layer in spring or autumn, when the mountain air can be cooler.
• Practical details: check current visiting hours and conditions locally before you go.

Termessos fills a morning, which leaves the afternoon free for something on the way back:

• Konyaaltı beach: head down to the long pebble beach to swim and rest your legs after the climb.
• Kaleiçi: the old town of Antalya with its harbour, narrow lanes and cafés; ideal for a late lunch.
• City sights: if you are spending a few days in town, Termessos fits nicely into our 3-day Antalya city break.

For more ideas of what to see with your own car and driver, have a look at Antalya day trips by private car. Tell us your plan when booking and we will tell you what is possible.

With a winding mountain road to drive and a climb at the end, a car with driver is the easiest way to visit. You are collected at your hotel, driven up to the car park and picked up there when you come back down. When booking, agree a pick-up time and a return time, and leave yourself enough time for the walk.

The price is fixed per vehicle, not per person, and agreed before the trip. Choose a Minivan for up to 6 people, a VIP Mercedes-Benz Vito for up to 7 or a Sprinter for groups of 8 to 16. Book 24/7 via WhatsApp or the booking form and pay in the vehicle, with no prepayment.