Last update February 12, 2026
Perge is an ancient town located in Antalya Province, in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. It lies near the modern city of Antalya and is part of the historical Pamphylia region on the southern coast of Turkey. The site is primarily known as an archaeological destination featuring extensive Roman ruins. Perge is situated approximately 17 kilometers east of Antalya along the Turkish Riviera coast.
The optimal visiting period for Perge is from April through October. During these months, the climate is warm and dry, suitable for outdoor exploration of ruins. July and August can be hot with temperatures exceeding 30°C, whereas spring and autumn provide milder weather. Tourist crowd levels peak in summer, especially in July and August, with fewer visitors in spring and autumn.
| Season | Months | Weather | Visitor Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | April – June | Mild, 15-25°C, low rainfall | Moderate |
| Summer | July – September | Hot, 28-35°C, dry | High |
| Autumn | October | Cooler, 18-25°C, occasional rain | Low |
| Winter | November – March | Cool, 10-15°C, higher rainfall | Very Low |
Perge is accessible from the city center of Antalya by road. The nearest major city is Antalya, which is served by an international airport. Travelers can reach Perge via car, taxi, or local bus from Antalya. The site is approximately a 20-25 minute drive east of Antalya.
A large ancient open-air theater dating to the Roman period, with capacity for around 15,000 spectators. This ruins site is classified as historical and usually requires about 20-30 minutes to visit.
A well-preserved Roman stadium used for athletic competitions. It measures 250 meters in length and is a key archaeological structure. Typical visit duration is 15-20 minutes.
Remains of fortification walls and city gates that surrounded the ancient town. The gates show Roman architectural techniques. Visiting these sites takes about 10-15 minutes.
Ancient Roman thermal baths with notable mosaic floors and heating systems. It is an open-air ruin attraction requiring about 15-20 minutes to explore.
The central public square used for markets and social activities during Roman times. The ruins include columns and foundations and take approximately 15 minutes to visit.
Most visitors spend between 2 to 4 hours exploring Perge’s archaeological ruins. A half-day visit is generally sufficient to cover major attractions thoroughly. An extended day trip can include additional nearby sites in Antalya Province, though Perge itself does not require more than half a day.
| Climate | Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters |
|---|---|
| Seasonality Notes | Spring to autumn is peak visiting season; winter has less favorable weather and fewer tourists |
| Crowd Levels | High in summer months (July-August); moderate in spring and autumn; low in winter |
| Constraints or Limitations | Site is outdoors; little shade; can be hot in summer; limited public transport options from Antalya; entrance fee applies |
Perge attracts cultural travelers, history enthusiasts, and educational groups focused on ancient Roman architecture. Visitors typically have interest in archaeology and historical ruins rather than recreational tourism.
Most visitors allocate 2 to 4 hours, equivalent to a half-day visit. This timeframe is sufficient to see all major ruins. Full-day itineraries can include nearby archaeological sites in Antalya Province but are not necessary for Perge alone.
Perge is generally safe for visitors with well-maintained public access paths. Precautions should be taken when walking on uneven archaeological terrain. There are no specific safety risks beyond usual outdoor site visit considerations.
The best time to visit is between April and October when the weather is dry and warm. Peak crowds are during July and August. Visiting in spring or autumn offers milder temperatures and fewer tourists.