
Ariassos Ancient City Antalya
Discover Ariassos, an ancient Lycian and Roman city in Antalya, famed for its stunning theatre and aqueducts. Experience history without the crowds.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

Ariassos Ancient City Antalya
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Ariassos, an ancient Lycian and Roman city in Antalya, famed for its stunning theatre and aqueducts. Experience history without the crowds.
"A hidden gem with a remarkably preserved Roman theatre and impressive aqueducts, offering an authentic historical escape."

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The ancient paths are uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring Ariassos safely. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Antalya can get hot! Carry plenty of water, especially during summer months. Shade is scarce. :droplet:

Quick Facts
Rating
4.4 · 225 reviews
Type
Historical Place
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Roman Theatre
Main archaeological site
A remarkably preserved Roman theatre, a testament to ancient engineering and a stunning visual spectacle.

Impressive Aqueducts
Surrounding the city
Explore the remnants of sophisticated aqueducts, showcasing the advanced water management systems of the era.

Panoramic Views
Higher points of the site
Ascend to higher vantage points for breathtaking panoramic views of the ancient city and surrounding landscapes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Ariassos
Comfortable Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The ancient paths are uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring Ariassos safely. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Antalya can get hot! Carry plenty of water, especially during summer months. Shade is scarce. :droplet:
Nereleri görmeli, gezmeli?
Merhaba arkadaşlar. Antalya'ya geleli iki ay oldu, çalışma düzenini kurdum. Yavaş yavaş Antalya'yı keşfe başlamak istiyorum. Ben Lara bölgesinde kalıyorum ve çalışıyorum. Sizlerin önerdiği güzel, farklı mekanlar olabilir, Antalya'nın muhakkak görmelisin dediğiniz yerleri…
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are vital. The sun is strong, and there's limited shade at the site. :sunwithface:
📸 Capture the History
Bring your camera! The well-preserved ruins and scenic views offer fantastic photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
Advice to travel for a day trip from Antalya to Termessos
Merhabalar, I hope this is the correct place to post this. After years of wanting to visit Antalya long enough to fit a day trip to Termessos, I can finally do so the coming month! However I do need some guidance. For context, I have been living in Turkiye for 6 years so I…
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The ancient paths are uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring Ariassos safely. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Antalya can get hot! Carry plenty of water, especially during summer months. Shade is scarce. :droplet:
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are vital. The sun is strong, and there's limited shade at the site. :sunwithface:
📸 Capture the History
Bring your camera! The well-preserved ruins and scenic views offer fantastic photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ariassos Ancient City for its remarkably preserved Roman theatre and impressive aqueducts, offering a less crowded and more authentic historical experience. While facilities are minimal and access requires some effort, the site's historical significance and scenic beauty are highly appreciated by those who make the journey.
"The somewhat complete piece still standing is the triple arch entry. Everything else we saw was a bit of a wall here and there - not much else. Google maps show two positions - the ruins are at the first position - closest to the highway. If you go on toward Dağbeli all you fınd are goats and no ruins."
Russ
"Epic ruins, 2 minutes from highway"
GCU Just Read The Instructions
"Wonderful. Free of charge. Small hiking included. I liked it a lot"
WM Mager
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ariassos Ancient City is located near the village of Yakaköy, about 35 km from Antalya city center. The most convenient way to reach it is by car or taxi. Public transport options are limited, so renting a car or hiring a taxi is recommended for ease of access.
While it's not as signposted as some major attractions, following GPS to 'Ariassos Ancient City' or the nearby village of Yakaköy will guide you. The final approach might involve some unpaved roads.
Yes, it's possible as a day trip, but it will be a long day. It's more feasible if you have your own transport. Factor in travel time from Side (approx. 1.5-2 hours) or Alanya (approx. 2.5-3 hours).
Hiring a private driver or joining a guided tour that includes Ariassos is your best bet. Some local tour operators might offer excursions that combine Ariassos with other nearby sites.
Dedicated shuttle services are uncommon. Your best options are private transfers, taxis, or rental cars. Check with your accommodation for any local tour recommendations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees for Ariassos Ancient City are generally quite affordable, often around 10-20 Turkish Lira. It's advisable to check the latest prices upon arrival or through official Turkish tourism websites.
The ancient city is typically open from morning until sunset, similar to other archaeological sites in Turkey. Exact hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to confirm closer to your visit.
Advance booking is usually not required for Ariassos Ancient City, as it's a less crowded site. You can typically purchase tickets at the entrance.
Official guided tours might not be readily available on-site. However, many private tour operators include Ariassos in their itineraries. You can also hire a local guide if available.
Discounts for students, seniors, and children are often available at Turkish historical sites. Be sure to have your ID ready to present at the ticket counter.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Ariassos boasts a well-preserved Roman theatre, remnants of an acropolis, cisterns, and impressive aqueducts. The site offers a glimpse into Lycian and Roman life.
Allocate at least 2-3 hours to explore Ariassos thoroughly. This allows time to wander through the ruins, appreciate the theatre, and enjoy the views without rushing.
Children can enjoy exploring the ruins, but supervision is essential due to uneven terrain. The open spaces might be fun for them to run around, but it's not a playground.
Facilities are very limited. You might find basic restrooms, but don't expect cafes or shops. It's best to bring your own snacks and drinks.
The Roman theatre, the aqueducts, and the higher points offering panoramic views are prime photo spots. The textures of the ancient stones also make for great close-up shots.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours – early morning and late afternoon – offer the most beautiful light for photography at Ariassos, casting long shadows and highlighting the textures of the ruins.
Drone usage is generally restricted at archaeological sites in Turkey. It's best to check with local authorities or the site management before flying a drone to avoid penalties.
Architectural photography of the theatre and aqueducts, landscape shots of the surrounding area, and detail shots of the ancient stonework are all excellent subjects.
Tripods are usually permitted, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both wide shots and details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the theatre, and a telephoto can help isolate architectural elements.









Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit