Antalya Airport to Termessos

Termessos is the most dramatically sited of the region's ancient cities — a Pisidian stronghold perched high in the Güllük Dağı (Termessos) National Park, the city whose mountain defences even Alexander the Great chose not to besiege. Its theatre, clinging to a ridge with views across the peaks, and the tumbled tombs scattered through the pine forest reward the climb to reach them.

The national park gate is around 40 minutes from Antalya Airport, west of the city, followed by a steep mountain access road. From the upper car park the ruins are reached on foot uphill, so this is a more active visit than the lowland sites; a private transfer handles the winding approach and waits while you explore.

After the park entrance fee, the road climbs to a parking area from which a steady uphill footpath leads to the ruins — allow 20–30 minutes of climbing each way over rocky ground. Proper walking shoes, water and sun protection are essential, and there are no shops at the top. The mountain setting stays cooler than the coast; plan two to three hours on site to do it justice.