From Belekapprox. 25 min
Time needed2–3 hours
Best timeMorning or late afternoon
Combine withPerge
Aspendos is the easiest and most rewarding trip from Belek. Twenty-five minutes from most golf hotels stands the best-preserved Roman theatre anywhere in the world, and it still feels almost complete.
The theatre
The theatre was built in the 2nd century AD, during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. Its stage building still rises to its full height, and the seating holds several thousand people. Climb to the top rows: from there you see how well the acoustics work and look out over the Pamphylian plain.
The theatre is still in use. In summer it hosts the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival, so you can watch a performance in a 1,800-year-old building.
Beyond the theatre
- The aqueduct: a short drive north are the long arches of the Roman aqueduct that carried water to the city.
- The acropolis: a path behind the theatre leads up to the remains of the ancient city on the hill.
- The old bridge: on the way back, the Seljuk bridge over the Köprüçay river makes a good photo stop.
Tips for golfers
- Go in the morning before a late tee time, or in the late afternoon after your round.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the stone steps are steep and can be slippery.
- Bring water and a hat in the warmer months. There is little shade inside the theatre.
- Aspendos and Perge fit easily into one morning.