Plan a day trip from Alanya to the Aspendos theatre, ancient Side and Manavgat Waterfall: what you will see, what to wear and why autumn is the best season.
Alanya is famous for its beaches, but just west of the town lies one of the richest historical areas on the Turkish Riviera. In a single day you can stand inside a Roman theatre that is still used for concerts, walk among ancient columns by the sea and listen to a waterfall in the shade of plane trees. Autumn, when the midday heat is gone, is the perfect time for it.
Aspendos: a theatre that survived two thousand years
The Aspendos theatre was built in the 2nd century AD and is considered one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world. The stage building still stands to its full height, and the acoustics are so good that a coin dropped on the stage can be heard in the upper rows. Take a moment to climb up the seating – the view over the plain is worth it.
Side: ruins between the sea and the old town
In Side the ancient city and today's town are woven together. You walk past the old city gate, the theatre and the agora down to the harbour, where the columns of the Temple of Apollo stand right at the water's edge. The narrow streets around it are full of small shops and cafés, ideal for a short break.
Manavgat Waterfall: a cool, green stop
The Manavgat Waterfall is not very high, but it is wide and lively, and the park around it is pleasantly shady. It is a relaxing contrast to the stones of the ancient sites, and a nice spot for photos.
Tips for the day
- Shoes: wear comfortable walking shoes – ancient paving stones are uneven and can be slippery.
- Clothing: autumn days are mild, but bring a light layer for the morning and the bus.
- Sun: there is little shade in Aspendos, so a hat and sunscreen are still useful in October and November.
- Camera: the soft autumn light is excellent for photos of the theatre and the Apollo temple.
Why join a tour?
Side is about an hour's drive from Alanya, and Aspendos lies further west, so combining all three places on your own takes careful planning. With our Aspendos, Side and Manavgat Waterfall day trip from Alanya the transport and the route are organised for you. You can see the programme, what is included and the current price on the booking page.
