Antalya is often introduced through its beaches, resorts and Mediterranean climate. But the region has another defining feature: thousands of years of human history are woven into the landscape. Ancient cities, Roman monuments, Pamphylian and Lycian heritage, Seljuk structures and the historic fabric of Antalya itself can all be explored alongside the modern destination.
Anatolia is one of the world's great centres of early human settlement, and Antalya's wider region preserves an exceptional sequence of cultures and civilisations. Within the province are archaeological sites associated with the Greek and Hellenistic worlds, the Roman and Byzantine periods, the Seljuks and later periods. The result is a destination where a conference visit can easily become an opportunity to experience history without requiring a long separate holiday.
Ancient heritage close to the COP31 destination
One of the advantages of staying in Antalya for COP31 is the variety of archaeological experiences available within relatively short excursions from the main accommodation areas. Perge, for example, is close to Antalya and the Aksu area, while Aspendos and Side offer further opportunities to explore Roman-era architecture. For travellers with more time, Termessos, Phaselis and Olympos provide very different combinations of archaeology and natural landscape.
Perge — a city of monumental scale
Perge is one of the most important archaeological sites near Antalya. Located about 18 km east of Antalya, the ancient city preserves a remarkable urban layout including a theatre, stadium, agora, monumental fountains, baths and a long colonnaded street with a water channel. UNESCO lists the Archaeological Site of Perge on Türkiye's Tentative List because of its importance for classical and Hellenistic-Roman city planning. UNESCO — Archaeological Site of Perge →
Its location also makes Perge particularly practical for visitors with a limited amount of free time. A visit can be combined with other nearby experiences rather than requiring a full-day journey.
Aspendos — one of the Mediterranean's great Roman theatres
Aspendos is famous for its exceptionally well-preserved Roman theatre, which dates to the reign of Marcus Aurelius in the 2nd century AD. The theatre could accommodate approximately 15,000–20,000 spectators, and the ancient city's impressive water system remains another major attraction. Antalya Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism — Aspendos →
For COP31 visitors, Aspendos can be particularly appealing as a cultural excursion from the Belek and Serik area, and it can also be incorporated into a wider regional programme.
Antalya Old Town — history inside the city
You do not always need to leave the city to experience Antalya's history. Kaleiçi, the historic centre around the old harbour, combines Ottoman-era houses and streets with surviving Roman and Byzantine traces. Hadrian's Gate is one of the city's best-known ancient monuments and forms a natural starting point for a short cultural walk through the old city. Antalya Governorship — History of Antalya →
From archaeology to a complete destination experience
These sites are not isolated museum pieces. Their locations, surrounding landscapes and connections with the modern destination make them suitable for different types of programmes:
- Individual visitors: short cultural visits before or after conference sessions.
- Delegations: carefully timed excursions that fit around the official programme.
- Corporate and incentive groups: private cultural experiences combined with dining or other local activities.
- Small groups: flexible half-day or full-day programmes with private transportation.
- International visitors: an accessible introduction to the history of the Mediterranean and Anatolia.
The most successful cultural visits are often the simplest: a carefully selected site, realistic travel time, a knowledgeable local guide and a programme that leaves enough flexibility around conference commitments.
Responsible exploration matters
Archaeological sites are protected heritage areas, not conventional attractions. Responsible visits help preserve them for future generations. Staying on designated paths, respecting barriers and site rules, avoiding contact with fragile remains, taking nothing from the site and choosing licensed local services are simple ways to keep the footprint of a visit low.
For groups, responsible planning also means avoiding unnecessary congestion, selecting appropriate vehicle access and timing visits carefully. A local destination team can help design an itinerary that respects both the site and the participants' limited time.
Antalya's heritage is part of the experience
COP31 will bring people to Antalya for climate diplomacy and international cooperation. A short step beyond the conference environment reveals a region shaped by thousands of years of interaction between people, nature, trade and culture. That contrast — a global contemporary event surrounded by an exceptionally deep historical landscape — is one of Antalya's most distinctive qualities.
Tell us how much time you have and where your group is staying. We can help create a practical, locally informed excursion around your COP31 schedule — from a short Antalya Old Town visit to a private archaeological programme.
Sources & practical note: Information about Perge, Aspendos and Antalya's historical heritage has been cross-checked against official Turkish cultural and tourism sources and UNESCO's Tentative List. Opening arrangements, access conditions and site regulations can change; check current official information before visiting.