Aphrodisias at a glance
Aphrodisias lies near Geyre in the Karacasu district of Aydın province. It is not in Denizli province, which is one reason it needs a trip of its own. The World Heritage listing from 2017 covers the ancient city and the marble quarries to the northeast.
The main sights are the stadium, the Sebasteion with its carved reliefs and a museum at the entrance of the site. Prices and hours below are for 2026 and are adjusted often in Turkey, so check the posted information before you go.
The main sights
Three things to plan around.
The stadium
The excavation project describes it as about 270 by 60 meters, with room for around 30,000 spectators in antiquity.
The reliefs
The Sebasteion carried carved panels, and more than 80 reliefs have been excavated.
The museum
A museum at the entrance shows finds from the excavations. Opening hours differ between listings, see below.
Aphrodisias and Pamukkale tours
Combination day trips, guided visits and tickets around Pamukkale and Denizli, with live prices and availability.
The stadium of Aphrodisias
The excavation project describes the stadium as about 270 by 60 meters, with 30 rows of seats. In antiquity it could hold around 30,000 spectators. That is the ancient capacity and not a limit for visitors today.
A tunnel leads into the stadium. It is an open-air site, so bring water in summer.
The Sebasteion and its reliefs
The Sebasteion was a monument for the imperial cult and was decorated with reliefs. The excavation project reports that more than 80 reliefs have been excavated, and an exhibition room for the reliefs opened in 2008.
The reliefs are the reason many visitors come, so allow time for them before you move on to the stadium.
Museum and other sights
What else to plan for on site.
The museum
The museum stands at the entrance of the ancient city and shows finds from the excavations. A guide site reports that it reopened after renovation on 15 August 2026, while the state profile lists it as open. Ask at the ticket office if you want to see it.
The theatre and the portico
The site includes a theatre and the Portico of Tiberius. Give them time after the stadium and the Sebasteion.
The temple of Aphrodite
Fallen columns mark the temple area.
World Heritage and location
Where the site lies and what the listing covers.
UNESCO listed Aphrodisias in 2017. The listing includes the ancient city and the marble quarries to its northeast, so the protected area is larger than the ruins you walk through. The site lies near Geyre in the Karacasu district of Aydın province. Do not confuse it with Denizli city or Pamukkale, which are in Denizli province.
Aphrodisias and Salda Lake are both separate trips from Pamukkale. Salda is in Burdur province and has its own rules. See the Salda Lake guide if you plan both.
Tickets and opening hours
Foreign visitors, 2026.
| Item | What is listed |
|---|---|
| Entry, museum and site | €12 for foreign adults |
| Turkish citizens | MüzeKart |
| State museum page | 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., ticket office until 5 p.m., daily |
| Seasonal notice | 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from 1 April to 1 October, no year given |
The two hour listings do not match. Arrive early and plan around the earlier closing time. A guide site also shows 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. in summer, so confirm the hours when you arrive.
Aphrodisias from Pamukkale
How to plan the trip.
By tour
One operator lists a private Pamukkale and Aphrodisias day of 14 hours from $315 per person. Tours are booked by date, and the price is an advertised starting price. Check what is included, because entrances are not always in the price.
Tour options →By car or driver
Use the Geyre village as your target in a map app. The distance of about 100 km is a rough figure from an operator, not a measured route from a specific gate. Check current road conditions before you set off.
By public transport
Check the current connections before you plan around them, and have a backup plan for the return trip. For most visitors, a tour or driver is the simpler choice.
Getting there guide →Heat
In July and August the average daily high in Denizli is about 35 °C. Aphrodisias is also an open-air site, so arrive early in summer.
Weather guide →Combine it with other sights
More ancient sites in the region.
Aphrodisias: frequently asked questions
How much does Aphrodisias cost?
Foreign adults pay €12 for the museum and the site together in the central 2026 price list. Turkish citizens use the MüzeKart.
How far is Aphrodisias from Pamukkale?
One tour operator gives about 100 km. That is a rough operator figure and not a measured route from a particular entrance.
What are the opening hours of Aphrodisias?
The state museum page lists 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, with the ticket office open until 5 p.m. A seasonal notice shows 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from 1 April to 1 October. Plan around the earlier time.
Can I visit Aphrodisias and Pamukkale in one day?
It is possible on a long tour. One operator lists a 14 hour private day for both. Without a tour, plan a separate day for each place.
Are there prices for children and seniors?
Ask at the ticket office. The central price list gives €12 for foreign adults, and current child and senior rates should be confirmed on site.
Is Aphrodisias a UNESCO site?
Yes, since 2017. The listing covers the ancient city and the marble quarries to the northeast.