Aphrodisias was a Greek and Roman city devoted to Aphrodite. It grew rich on nearby marble and is known for its huge stadium, marble theatre and sculpture museum.

Inscribed 2017AydınCultural

Video

Anatolia, Turkey: Aphrodisias – Rick Steves' Europe Travel Guide – Travel Bite (Rick Steves' Europe). Watch on YouTube.

Plan your visit

  • Getting there: Fly to İzmir (ADB) or Denizli Çardak (DNZ). Buses are awkward, so a hire car, taxi or tour is the realistic option. Allow about 1 hour 30 from Denizli or 2 hours 30 from İzmir. Most people stay in Pamukkale or Selçuk.
  • How long: Allow 2 to 3 hours.
  • Best time: It combines well with Pamukkale, either as an overnight stop or a long day trip.
  • Tickets and hours: Open daily 08:30 to 17:30 when we checked in November 2026. Hours change with the season. Check the current price and hours on the official page.
  • Tip: Hire a car or book a tour, and confirm your return transport before you set off.
  • Tip: The site museum reopened in August 2026 after renovation. Check it is open on your day.
  • Nearby: Pamukkale and Hierapolis, about 50 km by road.

UNESCO listingOfficial visitor pageDirections in Google Maps

Header photo: The Tetrapylon at Aphrodisias — Photo: Feridun F. Alkaya via Wikimedia Commons, CC0

More UNESCO sites in Turkey

Previous: Sardis. Next: Pamukkale and Hierapolis. See the full list of all 22 UNESCO sites in Turkey.

Inscription details checked on 8 November 2026 with UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Prices, hours and transport change, so check the official page before you go.