Aspendos Fire of Anatolia Show from Side
Experience Fire of Anatolia (Anadolu Ateşi) at Aspendos near Side, Antalya. Enjoy a spectacular two-hour Turkish dance show with hotel pickup & drop-off. From €60.
Experience Highlights
About This Tour
Fire of Anatolia (Anadolu Ateşi) is one of Turkey’s best-known dance shows, bringing the music, rhythms and folk traditions of Anatolia to the stage through a spectacular mix of traditional dance, ballet and modern choreography. The production features a large professional dance troupe and combines influences from eastern and western Anatolia, Semah traditions, whirling dervish movements and contemporary performance.
The Fire of Anatolia show is performed at the Gloria Aspendos Arena near Aspendos, one of the most important ancient sites in Antalya. The modern open-air amphitheatre stands beside the famous Aspendos Roman Theatre, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of this historic setting while the protected ancient theatre itself remains preserved. Fire of Anatolia is also known for its Guinness World Records and its exceptionally fast choreography, with some signature sequences reaching 241 steps per minute.
For visitors staying in Side, Manavgat and the surrounding Antalya resort areas, the evening is more than just a dance performance. This guide explains how the Fire of Anatolia experience works from Side, including realistic journey times, arrival at Aspendos, the show schedule, seating, evening temperatures, what to wear, photography rules and when you can realistically expect to return to your Side hotel.
Whether you know it as Fire of Anatolia or Anadolu Ateşi, this is one of the most distinctive Turkish cultural experiences to add to an evening in Side.
What's Included
Itinerary
Evening collection from hotels in Side and the surrounding area between 18:30 and 20:00. The exact time depends on your hotel's location and is confirmed with your booking. Pickup is at the hotel's main security gate.
Air-conditioned coach to the Aspendos area. From Side centre about 35 minutes; from Gündoğdu/Çolaklı about 20; from Kızılağaç around 45; from Kızılot closer to 50. Your guide points out the route and runs through the evening plan.
Coach arrives at the arena in good time before the show. Quick ticket check at the entrance, then find your seat. Seats are not numbered — pick anywhere available. If you want a central view, get inside reasonably early.
The performance opens at 21:00. The first part moves through different regions of Anatolia — energetic folk numbers, sword and dagger pieces, Semah and dervish-inspired sequences — with laser and lighting effects building through the evening.
A 15-minute break about halfway. Food and drinks are sold near the arena, but they are not included in the ticket. Bring some cash if you plan to buy anything.
The production's most athletic and fast-paced sections fill the second part, closing with the signature high-speed sequences the group is known for.
After the final curtain, back to the coach. Drop-off runs from around 23:30, with the last hotels reached close to 00:15. Allow for a midnight arrival when planning the next day.
Good to Know
A few things are worth knowing before you go. The show is held at Gloria Aspendos Arena, not inside the ancient Aspendos Theatre. Seating is unnumbered, so arrive early for the best central spots. The stone-style steps can be hard, so a small cushion helps. Evenings can feel cool after sunset, especially in September, so bring a light jacket. Children under 7 enter free but do not get their own bus seat; book a child ticket if you need one.
Guest Reviews (5)
Easier than I expected. The bus picked us up on time, the guide handled everything, and the show itself is genuinely impressive. Definitely bring a cushion for the seats.
A beautiful evening. We arrived, found good seats early, and the second half with the fast dancing was amazing. Cold after sunset — glad we took jackets.
Great show and smooth transfer from our Side hotel. Worth knowing the seats are hard stone and food costs extra inside. Good value overall.
The kids were entranced from the first number. Returning around midnight was fine, we slept in the next morning anyway.
Fantastic dancers and the setting beside the old theatre is special. We paid for the VIP seats and that was money well spent for the view.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the show at the ancient Aspendos theatre?
No. Since the Roman theatre was closed to performances, the Fire of Anatolia show runs at the Gloria Aspendos Arena, a modern amphitheatre built beside it. You still sit within sight of the ancient theatre.
What time is pickup from Side?
It depends on your hotel. Side centre is collected around 19:00–19:30; hotels further out (Kızılot, Kızılağaç) earlier, closer areas (Gündoğdu, Çolaklı) a little later. The exact time is confirmed after booking.
Is dinner included?
Not in the standard package. The show is an evening performance, not a dinner show. Food and drinks are available to buy near the arena during the 15-minute break.
Are seats numbered?
No. Seating is free — you take any available spot. Arriving when the gates open gets you a central position with a clear view.
Is it cold at the arena?
The venue is open-air and located inland, so the temperature drops after sunset. Even in September a light jacket has been necessary on windy nights.
Are cameras allowed?
Cameras and video recording are not permitted inside the performance area. You can photograph the venue before the show starts.
Is the show suitable for children?
Yes, it is family-friendly and visually engaging for all ages. Children 0–6 attend free but sit on an adult's lap on the bus; book a child seat if you want one for them.
What time do we get back?
Return arrivals start around 23:30 and finish close to 00:15 depending on the hotel zone. Plan a lazy next morning.
What is the difference between Fire of Anatolia and Troy?
Both were created by the same team. Troy told the story of one legendary city, while Fire of Anatolia covers Turkish culture more broadly. Troy is not part of the 2026 programme — Fire of Anatolia is the show currently running.
Is VIP seating worth it?
VIP is a separate, central section closer to the stage and is booked as an upgrade. If a clear, central view matters to you, it is worth asking for; the standard seats are fine for most of the audience.