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Everything you need to know at a glance
Many visitors come to Aspendos expecting only a dance show, but the venue itself is often what people remember first. Long before the performance begins, spectators gradually fill the large stone seating area while the evening light fades over the surrounding countryside. Unlike a modern theatre, Aspendos has a sense of scale that immediately reminds visitors they are sitting in a place connected to nearly two thousand years of history.
Fire of Anatolia has been associated with Aspendos for many years. The size of the venue allows large groups of dancers to perform on a stage that would be difficult to recreate in a conventional theatre. The open-air setting also changes the atmosphere of the performance. Instead of entering a dark auditorium, audiences watch the show beneath the night sky in one of the most recognizable historical locations in southern Turkey.
Although Fire of Anatolia is usually described as a dance show, it is closer to a stage production built around movement, rhythm, and cultural themes. Different sections draw inspiration from various regions of Anatolia, each bringing its own style of music, costume, and choreography.
The performance does not attempt to present history in a chronological way. Instead, it combines symbols, traditions, and stories that have shaped Anatolia over centuries. Some scenes are energetic and fast-paced, while others focus on ritual, spirituality, and collective movement.
Among the quieter moments of the production is the inclusion of Semah, a ceremonial dance associated with the Alevi-Bektashi tradition. Rather than being presented as a historical reenactment, it appears as part of a wider narrative about cultural identity and shared heritage.
Visitors often notice that the show moves between very different styles of dance. Certain sections reflect traditions from eastern Anatolia and the Caucasus, while others incorporate rhythms and movements familiar from western and central parts of Turkey. This variety is one of the reasons the production has remained popular for many years.
For many years, visitors to Antalya could choose between Fire of Anatolia and the Troy Dance Show. Both productions were developed by the same artistic team and shared a similar approach to large-scale choreography and storytelling.
While Troy focused on a single legendary narrative, Fire of Anatolia explores a much broader range of cultural themes. Today, Fire of Anatolia continues to be performed, while Troy is no longer part of the regular performance programme.
Visitors staying in Side often choose an evening visit to Aspendos because it offers a different experience from the coast, beaches, and archaeological sites usually included in a holiday itinerary. The journey inland takes spectators away from the resort atmosphere and into one of the region's best-known cultural venues.
For many guests, the combination of a historic setting, live performance, and the evening atmosphere of Aspendos is what makes the experience memorable rather than any single part of the show itself.
Aspendos has become closely associated with large-scale cultural performances because of its size and historical atmosphere. The venue can accommodate large audiences and provides a unique setting that differs significantly from a modern theatre.
Not exactly. Unlike productions that focus on a single historical event or character, Fire of Anatolia draws inspiration from different periods, traditions, and cultures that have influenced Anatolia throughout history.
No. Although both productions were created by the same artistic team, they are different shows. Troy was built around the story of the ancient city of Troy, while Fire of Anatolia explores a broader range of cultural themes and dance traditions.
The Troy Dance Show is not currently part of the regular performance programme. Visitors looking for a similar large-scale dance production in the Antalya region generally attend Fire of Anatolia instead.
For many people, the combination of live performance and the setting of Aspendos is what makes the experience interesting. The show itself is only one part of the evening; the venue and atmosphere also play an important role.
Yes. The production incorporates dance styles and musical influences from different regions of Turkey. Traditional elements are adapted for the stage while retaining their cultural origins.
Semah is a ceremonial dance associated with the Alevi-Bektashi tradition. Within the production, it represents one aspect of Anatolia's cultural and spiritual heritage.
Many visitors attend because of the historical setting of Aspendos as much as the performance itself. The show combines music, visual presentation, and cultural themes, making it accessible even for those who do not normally watch dance productions.
Fire of Anatolia was first staged in the early 2000s and has since been presented in many countries. It remains one of the best-known Turkish cultural productions.
Most evening entertainment in the region takes place in hotels, restaurants, or modern venues. Fire of Anatolia is performed in a historic setting associated with centuries of cultural activity, which creates a different atmosphere from conventional entertainment events.
Both the Fire of Anatolia and Troy dance shows are performed by the same professional dance group, and both have previously been staged at the ancient Aspendos Theatre.
However, for the 2026 season, the Troy dance show is not included in the program. Instead, the Fire of Anatolia show will continue throughout the season every Tuesday and Friday at the ancient Aspendos Theatre.
Therefore, there will be no Troy dance show in the 2026 season. Guests who would like to experience this world-famous dance group can attend the Fire of Anatolia performance at Aspendos.
Round-trip transportation from Side hotels is included. Guests are picked up from their hotels and transferred to Aspendos before the performance. After the show, the same vehicles return guests to their hotels.
Yes. The entrance ticket is included and arranged in advance, so there is no need to purchase a separate ticket at the venue.
The performance takes place at Aspendos, one of the best-known historical venues in the Antalya region. The theatre has hosted concerts, festivals, and cultural performances for many years.
Pick-up times vary depending on the hotel location. Guests are collected in the evening and arrive at Aspendos before the performance begins.
No. Seating is not numbered. Guests may choose from the available seats upon arrival.
The total duration depends on transfer times and the performance schedule. The show itself lasts approximately two hours, including a short intermission.
Free cancellation is available up to 48 hours before the scheduled tour date.
Comfortable clothing is recommended. Since the performance takes place outdoors, a light jacket may be useful during spring or autumn evenings.
Yes. The performance is generally suitable for families and children. Music, dance, costumes, and visual effects appeal to visitors of different ages.
The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from Side, transportation to Aspendos, and admission to the Fire of Anatolia performance.
Hotel pick-up from Side and nearby areas begins from approximately 18:30. The exact time depends on the location of your hotel.
The journey from Side to Aspendos Arena takes around 40 minutes.
Guests generally arrive at Aspendos Arena at approximately 20:30, allowing enough time to enter the venue and find a seat before the performance begins.
No. Seating is not numbered. Guests may take any available seat within the designated seating areas.
The performance starts at 21:00.
The show lasts approximately two hours, including a short intermission.
Following the performance, the return transfer departs from Aspendos Arena. Arrival at Side hotels is usually around 23:30.
Validity period
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult 12 > | ₺ 3132.31 |
| Child 06 > 11 | ₺ 1327.25 |
| Option | Total | Prepayment | Max per order |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIP Seating | ₺ 2176.69 | ₺ 637.08 | 20 |
Reviews from our guests
Frequently asked questions about this tour
Dzień dobry,
Dziękujemy za wiadomość dotyczącą wycieczki Fire of Anatolia Dance Show from Side.
Podczas dokonywania rezerwacji dostępne jest odpowiednie pole do wpisania nazwy hotelu.
Pozdrawiamy,
Vigo Tours Team
Dzień dobry,
Dziękujemy za wiadomość dotyczącą wycieczki Fire of Anatolia Dance Show from Side.
Godzina odbioru zależy od lokalizacji hotelu i może się różnić w zależności od regionu oraz trasy transferu. Dla każdej rezerwacji dokładny czas ustalany jest indywidualnie, aby zapewnić sprawny i punktualny transport.
Aby sprawdzić dokładną godzinę odbioru dla tej wycieczki, prosimy o podanie nazwy hotelu. Po otrzymaniu tej informacji przekażemy Państwu szczegółowe dane dotyczące odbioru.
Pozdrawiamy serdecznie,
Vigo Tours Team
Continue exploring
Watch the Fire of Anatolia Dance Show at Aspendos, blending traditional Turkish dance with modern choreography in a stunning open-air venue under the stars.
