Located on a natural plateau 1,050m (3,445 ft.) above sea level, the impregnable mountaintop city of Termessos was the only settlement not conquered by Alexander the Great. Alex likened it to an eagle's nest; you'll think so, too, after the steep climb up. The best approach from the plateau parking area is up the main path to the city and theater for access to the lion's share of the ruins. Rather than backtracking at the end of your visit, follow the sign toward the tombs, which follows a narrow and sometimes rocky footpath past a series of rock-cut tombs and free-standing sarcophagi, a path that ends about 20 minutes later in the parking lot. Although the path is shady most of the way up, be sure to carry enough bottled water, as there is no concession on-site, and it can get pretty hot. The visit on foot takes as little as 2 hours (if you're well hydrated and it's early) to as much as 4 to 5 hours, if you're sluggish and really into seeing every nook and cranny.
The most impressive of the ruins is the Greek theater, cut into the rock with celestial views of Antalya visible through the clouds. The ability of the city's inhabitants to withstand prolonged attacks was in no small part due to the exceptional engineering of its cisterns: five tanks fed by a duct cut into the rock. Admission to the archaeological site is 8TL per person, plus 7TL to drive your car into the national park (don't even think about walking from the ticket gate, a hefty 9km/5 1/2 miles downhill from the plateau parking). If you're going by car, follow the Antalya-Burdur highway north and follow signs for the park. Tours run only about 40TL and generally include a stopover at the Düden Waterfall.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
