Why This Tour Is Worth Choosing

• Amazing Nature sights
• A Great History
• Unique living culture
• Interesting local life of Taurus Mountains
• Stunning views of Taurus Mountains

What to Expect

Selge Ancient City Tour from Side — Full Day Nature, History and Local Life Experience

Full Day Tour from Side to Selge in the Taurus Mountains

Discover one of the most impressive ancient hill cities of Anatolia — a full day Selge Ancient City tour from Side that takes you deep into the Taurus Mountains. This experience brings together untouched nature, dramatic mountain scenery and more than 2,000 years of history — designed for travelers who want to explore beyond the coastline.

Why Visit Selge from Side?

An Important City of Ancient Pisidia

Selge is one of the major hill cities of ancient Pisidia — located on the southern slopes of the Taurus Mountains at an altitude of approximately 1,250 meters above sea level. Its remote mountain position helped preserve both its ruins and its authentic atmosphere.

A Scenic Mountain Journey

The journey itself is a highlight — winding roads, pine forests, deep valleys and wide panoramas accompany you throughout the day. This route offers one of the most scenic full day excursions available from Side.

History of Selge Ancient City

Economy and Independence

In antiquity, Selge was known for olive oil production, wine making and medicinal plants — forming the basis of a strong local economy. When the Kingdom of Galatia was established in 25 BC, Selge temporarily lost its independence — later securing favorable relations with Roman administration.

Roman Period Prosperity

Coins and archaeological evidence show that Selge remained economically strong until the 3rd century AD — during the Roman period it functioned as a prosperous and influential city. Its importance continued until at least the 2nd century AD.

What You Will See in Selge

Ancient Ruins Within a Living Village

Selge is located in today’s Altınkaya village — where ancient ruins exist alongside daily village life. During the visit you will explore:

— The ancient theater with sweeping mountain views
— City walls and defensive structures
— Sacred areas and religious ruins
— Burial sites and ancient pathways

Authentic Rural Life

Selge is not an abandoned archaeological site — it is a living village. Local residents, especially village women, are often happy to show visitors the location of the theater ruins. This creates a rare opportunity to observe authentic Turkish rural life in the mountains.

Nature Experience in the Taurus Mountains

Fresh Mountain Climate

At 1,250 meters altitude, Selge offers cooler temperatures and clean mountain air — a refreshing change from the Mediterranean coast. Pine forests, rocky terrain and untouched landscapes dominate the surroundings.

Contrast With Side

The calm mountain village atmosphere of Selge contrasts beautifully with the modern seaside resorts of Side — making this tour ideal for travelers who want diversity within a single holiday.

Who This Tour Is For

— Nature lovers seeking mountain landscapes
— History enthusiasts interested in ancient Pisidia
— Travelers curious about rural Turkish life
— Visitors looking for a full day escape from the coast

Full Day Experience From Side

This tour combines history, nature and culture into a single full day journey — offering a deeper understanding of the region beyond beaches and hotels. Selge provides a rare blend of archaeological heritage and living village culture within the Taurus Mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Selge Ancient City tour from Side?

The tour lasts a full day — including transportation, sightseeing and time spent in the village and ancient ruins.

Is Selge suitable for all ages?

Yes — however, walking on uneven terrain is required, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

What makes Selge different from other ancient cities?

Selge combines well preserved ruins with an active village community — offering both historical exploration and authentic local life.

What should I wear for the tour?

Comfortable walking shoes, seasonal clothing and sun protection are recommended — mountain weather can be cooler than the coast.

Is this tour suitable for nature lovers?

Absolutely — the Taurus Mountains scenery and fresh air make this tour especially appealing for nature and landscape enthusiasts.

What’s Included in the Price

Pickup Information

Meeting Point

Important Information Before You Go

Daily tour from Side to the ancient city of Selge, located in the attractive high Taurus mountains

The altitude of Selge is about 1300 meters from sea level.

Visitor tips: 
The entrance to the ruins of Selge ancient city is free of charge and the ruins are not being guarded or fenced off, so it is possible for visiting them at any time of the day.

As Selge ancient ruins stand in the center of Altınkaya village, many of the modern buildings of village were erected with the material obtained from ancient structures. The village itself is so small and, despite its relative closeness to the touristic hub of Turkish Riviera, appears to be quite poor. Its inhabitants of the village work as goat shepherds, and visit by tourists to the village is seen as an opportunity for some additional income by villagers. You can buy from them local handicrafts, scarves, napkins, tablecloths and some other items at favorable prices, much lower than on the cities, and, at the same time help their low budget.

In the village there are some small grocery stores and a local tea & coffee shop that opens occasionally. If you go there by your own the best idea is to bring your own lunch for this trip, because these facilities may be closed. Also the villagers are being very happy to serve some of their food for visitors.

Tour Program & Schedule

Tour program for Selge ancient city tour from Side,
Full day tour of the stunning Taurus Mountains from Side

Pick up and departure place: All the hotels in Side

• Picking up from Hotels from 08:30
• Bus transfer (with air-conditioned tour bus) through the Köprülü Canyon and Antalya National park
• Panorama breaks on the way for amazing views
• Visiting Selge (Altinyaka) village
• Visiting the ancient Selge theater
• Lunch in the mountain village (included)
• End of the tour and Back to the Hotels 16:30

Prices & Availability