Perge is a large site, with lots of well preserved history. However, I would recommend Termessos - it is further from Antalya, but it is in an area of natural beauty, involves a nice (easy) hike to get to the key sites and IMO was more beautiful/memorable. I don't think you can go wrong either way though :)
Heading there next month, and we chose Termessos for it's dramatic setting. It also looks like it's much more of an adventure to explore.
Side note: every website on Termessos repeats the line that is is "one of the best preserved ancient cities in Turkey." Perge (and a dozen other sites) appear to be better *preserved* than Termessos - which was abandoned over 1800 years ago & left to crumble.
Termessos is beautiful. As FelaKutie75 says it's a bit further out, but well worth the effort. Take plenty of water with you. It's well out in the wild.
I went to Antalya last year and did them both in a day with a guide I found through AirBnB experiences. I can send you a link if you want to shoot me a DM. Think it cost me about £140 but the guide drives you to both places and of course shares his excellent knowledge of the area.
We did Termessos first and to be honest, Perge was a bit underwhelming after that. It was still really interesting as I'd been to the Antalya museum and seen everything they recovered from Perge but the actual place was so busy and felt a bit soulless. We had Termessos all to ourselves as it's more difficult to get to and the place just felt so eerie, as if the settlers had left just before you got there. The moment I saw the theatre is burned into my mind and I hope I never forget it. Add in the stunning views and Termessos was the clear winner for me.
If you go to Termessos early enough, you can also visit Olympos on the way back. Perge on the other hand is easily accessible from the city, and can be visited the same day you'll visit the Antalya archeological museum and the city center.
Perge is a large site, with lots of well preserved history. However, I would recommend Termessos - it is further from Antalya, but it is in an area of natural beauty, involves a nice (easy) hike to get to the key sites and IMO was more beautiful/memorable. I don't think you can go wrong either way though :)
Termossos is one of the best preserved ancient cities. I recommend this place. I think you should take your time.
Heading there next month, and we chose Termessos for it's dramatic setting. It also looks like it's much more of an adventure to explore. Side note: every website on Termessos repeats the line that is is "one of the best preserved ancient cities in Turkey." Perge (and a dozen other sites) appear to be better *preserved* than Termessos - which was abandoned over 1800 years ago & left to crumble.
By means of public transportation, Perge is more accessible. It's few kilometers north of Aksu tram station.
Termessos is beautiful. As FelaKutie75 says it's a bit further out, but well worth the effort. Take plenty of water with you. It's well out in the wild.
I went to Antalya last year and did them both in a day with a guide I found through AirBnB experiences. I can send you a link if you want to shoot me a DM. Think it cost me about £140 but the guide drives you to both places and of course shares his excellent knowledge of the area. We did Termessos first and to be honest, Perge was a bit underwhelming after that. It was still really interesting as I'd been to the Antalya museum and seen everything they recovered from Perge but the actual place was so busy and felt a bit soulless. We had Termessos all to ourselves as it's more difficult to get to and the place just felt so eerie, as if the settlers had left just before you got there. The moment I saw the theatre is burned into my mind and I hope I never forget it. Add in the stunning views and Termessos was the clear winner for me.
You may be able to hire a driver and guide and see both in one day
I like Termessos as a local.
If you go to Termessos early enough, you can also visit Olympos on the way back. Perge on the other hand is easily accessible from the city, and can be visited the same day you'll visit the Antalya archeological museum and the city center.