Some places feel like they were made for holidays — and Side is absolutely one of them.
Set on Turkey’s stunning Turquoise Coast, this laid-back seaside town is where ancient Roman ruins sit right next to golden beaches, and evenings drift between harbour sunsets, seaside dinners, and slow wandering through cobbled streets.
It’s relaxed, a little romantic, and full of history you can actually walk through. One minute you’re standing inside a 2,000-year-old theatre, the next you’re swimming in warm Mediterranean water.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Region | Antalya Province, Turkey |
| Nearest Airport | Antalya Airport (AYT) |
| Transfer Time | Around 60–75 minutes |
| Best for | Couples, families, history lovers |
| Currency | Turkish Lira (TRY) |
| Famous for | Apollo Temple, Roman ruins, beaches, harbour sunsets |
| Best time to visit | April–June & September–October |
Getting There
Side is built for easy holidays — whether you want beachfront luxury or something more chilled and traditional.
Popular package holiday options include:
Most people fly into Antalya Airport and then take a transfer to Side — it’s an easy journey and usually takes just over an hour.
You can choose:
- Shared shuttle transfers (cheapest option)
- Private taxis (fastest & most comfortable)
- Holiday package transfers (often included)
Top Hotel Picks
Royal Atlantis Icon – Big pools, beachfront location, all-inclusive comfort and proper holiday vibes.
Paloma Orenda – Modern, peaceful and great for families or couples wanting a bit of space.
TUI BLUE Sensatori Akra Sorgun – Proper luxury feel with spa days, great food and polished service.
Port River Hotel & Spa – Relaxed, family-friendly and close to Side’s main sights.
Best Things to Do in Side
There’s a nice balance here — you can go full adventure or do absolutely nothing at all.
- Relax on long sandy beaches
- Wander Roman ruins scattered through the town
- Shop in local bazaars (haggling encouraged)
- Take a sunset boat trip along the coast
- Enjoy seaside dinners in the harbour
Side is basically an open-air museum by the sea — you’ll stumble across ruins everywhere you go.
Temple of Apollo – Temple of Apollo is the postcard moment. Come at sunset — it’s one of the most photographed spots on the coast.
Side Old Town – Side Old Town is full of narrow streets, shops, cafés and Roman ruins blending into everyday life. It’s small, easy to explore, and perfect for slow wandering.
Side Amphitheatre – Side Amphitheatre is one of the largest Roman theatres in Turkey — and you can still walk right through it.
Manavgat Waterfall – Manavgat Waterfall is just a short trip away and a nice break from the beach heat — great for photos and a chilled afternoon.
Side Harbour – The harbour is where everything slows down — restaurants, boats, sunset views and long evenings by the water.
Turkish Bath & Spa Experience – Get scrubbed, steamed, and massaged in a traditional hammam. The ultimate relaxation!
Best Day Trips from Side
Side is perfectly placed for exploring more of the region.
Antalya City & Cable Car – Explore Antalya’s historic Old Town, ride a thrilling cable car, and snap pics at Düden Waterfalls!
Jeep Safari in Taurus Mountains – A bit more adventurous — off-road driving, village visits and incredible mountain views.
Altinbesik Cave & Ormana Village Tour – Explore the Taurus Mountains, visit Europe’s 3rd largest underground lake, and experience Turkish village life.
Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour – Pamukkale is famous for its bright white terraces and ancient ruins — one of Turkey’s most surreal landscapes.
Green Canyon Boat Trip – A peaceful day on emerald-green water surrounded by mountains — swim stops, sunshine and total relaxation.
Perge Ancient City– Perge is packed with ruins, columns and history — perfect for anyone who loves ancient sites without big crowds.
2-Day Cappadocia Tour – Fairy chimneys, cave hotels & hot air balloons—Cappadocia is pure magic! Stay overnight and explore its dreamy landscapes.
We recommend booking trips in advance using the following providers:
Practical Tips for Side
A few things that make your trip smoother:
💰 Currency: Turkish Lira is best, but euros/GBP are often accepted
☀️ Summer is very hot — bring suncream and stay hydrated
🚕 Taxis are easy, but agree on price or ensure the meter is on
🛍️ Haggling is expected in markets
💧 Stick to bottled water
🗣️ English is widely spoken in tourist areas
🍽️ Don’t miss Turkish kebabs, pide and baklava
🔌 Turkey uses European-style two-pin plugs
Is Side Worth Visiting?
Yes Yes Yes.
It’s one of those rare places that blends beach holiday relaxation with real, walk-through history. You’re not just looking at ruins here — you’re eating dinner next to them.
It’s calm, scenic, and incredibly easy to enjoy without needing to plan every minute.
And like most visitors, you’ll probably end up watching one last sunset at the harbour thinking… “yeah, I could do another week here.”
Hi there! What a perfect summary of Side. You nailed it with the ‘Ancient Wonders’ part! As a local team at SideKickTours, we feel lucky to work in such a historic atmosphere every day. One little tip for your readers: The harbor looks spectacular from the water at sunset. We always recommend a Side Boat Tour to get that ‘postcard view’ of the Apollo Temple. Thanks for this lovely Side guide!
Thank you for the lovely review and for the great tips!