Fire of Anatolia

Book your tickets for Fire of Anatolia in advance, taking advantage of packages that include hotel pickup and round-trip transport from Antalya or nearby cities. Although the show is held at the modern Gloria Aspendos Arena, some tours include a visit to the ancient Aspendos theater nearby. You might choose to combine a Fire of Anatolia show with a sightseeing tour of Antalya or a day trip to the ancient cities of Perge and Side.

• The show lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes, including an interval.

• Seats are unallocated, and the plastic seating can be uncomfortable—consider bringing a cushion.

• The open-air arena can be cool at night, so bring a light sweater in summer and something warmer in winter.

• There are restrooms and a snack bar on site.

• The Gloria Aspendos Arena is wheelchair accessible.

The Fire of Anatolia Show is held in the Gloria Aspendos Arena, close to the ruins of the original Aspendos Theater, which is about a 45-minute drive east of Antalya or about 30 miles (47 kilometers). Most show tickets include shuttle service to and from the arena, but it’s also possible to organize a private transfer.

The show is held throughout the year, with performances typically on Tuesdays and Fridays from May to October, and weekly in the low season. Performances start late in the evening, with hotel pickups from around 7pm.

The Fire of Anatolia is often dubbed the Turkish Riverdance, and it’s a fitting nickname. The highly skilled dancers perform traditional dance styles from all around Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye)—from the Black Sea coast, to the Anatolian Highlands, to the Balkans. The dance group formed in 2001 under the direction of choreographer Mustafa Erdoğan and has since performed in more than 40 countries. The award-winning troop also hold a world record for performing the most dance steps in one minute—241.