Top Things to do in Aydin Province
The 10 Best Ancient Ruins in Aydin Province, Turkish Aegean Coast
Discover the best top things to do in Aydin Province, Turkey including Aphrodisias, Priene Antik Kenti, Miletus, Temple of Apollo, Tralles Ruins, Magnesia Antik Kenti, Alabanda Ruins, Nysa Ruins, Kadikalesi Anaia Excavations, Panionion.
Restaurants in Aydin Province
1. Aphrodisias
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 442 reviews
Once the capital of the province of Lydia, the site features well-preserved city walls, the temple of Aphrodite, the theatre, and the stadium.
Reviewed By anavaquer - Eugene, United States
I was surprised to see that this place does not receive many visitors, yet it is every bit as spectacular a site like Ephesus. This is a beautiful location where you will see the remains of Roman Baths, senatorial meeting hall, large stadium and chariot racetrack in very good condition than the Circus Maximus (though a bit smaller in size).
2. Priene Antik Kenti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 413 reviews
Once an ancient city of Ionia, Prine, with its well-preserved remains of the Temple of Athena, theater, gymnasium and many excavated houses, form one of the best examples of the grid type of town-planning.
Reviewed By oktaylin - Enfield, United Kingdom
This is the second time visiting this ancient site and yet once again blown away by the layout of this once-upin-a-time city. The this time was 10tl, increased from 5tl since my last visit. And I did mention that the site was not maintained well by the on-site management regarding rubbish, although there seems to be -some- progress now. We were upset this time as there was a recent fire that caught the lower part of the site, damaging a significant area. These areas were filled with ash and burnt trees; the firemans hose(s) were left on site. The best way to get here is by car as it is on a hilltop, just beneath a vertical mountain slope and somewhat from a relative distance from the popular tourist destinations. There are plenty parking spaces as the site is not, strangely enough, as popular as other sites like Efes (Ephesus). If you are travelling here on a -very- hot day (40ish) then be sure to take a water bottle with you as there is a lot of walking to do. Unfortunately the kiosk at the entrance did not sell water so we had to go back down to the village just below the site. Upon entering the site, you walk up the huge ancient stairs after which you will find signs directing you to the various areas pf the city. You will also come across some parts in the city that has been closed for archaeological excavation, which shows that the city may be bigger than it seems. Whilst there is no logical route of direction, I would strongly suggest you take the time to explore every possible corner of this ancient city. Be careful of the “no access” areas though, they’ve been closed as it can be dangerous to enter.
3. Miletus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 447 reviews
Reviewed By razza61 - Gatton, Australia
We visited on a shore tour from Kusadasi. Our first stop was Ephesus, then onto Miletus. A lot of driving in our day, but it was so worth it. We were unable to visit the Great Theatre at Ephesus and were disappointed, so it was great to be able to sit in the majestic ampitheatre here at Miletus. One of our fellow travellers, who was unable to climb the stairs treated us to a performance of a Scottish song his Dad use to sing to him. So yes, to truly appreciate this attraction you do need to negotiate quite a few steps. Also on site are several other ruins that highlight where the past 4 harbours of Miletus were. Incredibly to imagine this ancient city was once coastal and is now 5 miles inland. The ingenious construction of the Baths of Faustina can be found here as well.
4. Temple of Apollo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,495 reviews
Reviewed By CatherineF239 - Huddersfield, United Kingdom
An atmospheric place with unique little souvenir shops, quaint restaurants and of course the stunning Temple.
5. Tralles Ruins
6. Magnesia Antik Kenti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By JohnTGW - London, United Kingdom
Shame on me for not reading the Tripadvisor reviews in advance, but the stadium at Magnesia ended up being one of the highlights of our trip precisely because we didn't expect it. You access it up a side road just a few metres south of the car park of the main site - it's signposted but the sign is small. Drive past the pedestrian path to the theatron (400m and worth the stroll), past the theatre (not excavated so nothing to see) and park up next to the huge baths complex (fenced off - wish we could explore it as it looks fascinating!). Then stroll a couple hundred metres up the slope and - wow! The stadium is very intact and absolutely awe inspiring. Make sure you see the reliefs carved along the face (in protective cages), and if the ground is not too muddy, run some mock races while imagining being cheered on by a crowd of 30,000. The rest of Magnesia is also excellent - and free to enter - we spent an hour exploring the grounds. It's worth continuing on past the main temple to explore some of the other archeological excavations, which appear to be active (though not when we visited in Feb 2020). There are toilets at the entrance. We had the whole place to ourselves in our visit.
