Side is a beautiful place on the sunny coast of Antalya. It's known for its amazing mix of history and natural beauty. The name "Side" means "pomegranate" in the old language of Anatolia, and it truly gives visitors a taste of Turkey's rich history and stunning sights. Side has beautiful beaches, old ruins, and lively markets, making it a perfect spot for anyone wanting to explore Turkey's history and modern charm. Learn how to enjoy your visit to Side as we show you all the interesting things about this place, including its important history, natural beauty, and the friendly people you'll meet.
1. Ancient City Ruins
You'll see old ruins from a long time ago in Side, like a big old theater, a temple for Apollo, and tall marble pillars. These ruins show us how people lived a very long time ago in this place by the sea. The buildings are very old but look beautiful, and they tell stories about the people who used to live there.
To really get to know this old place, it's best to take your time and learn about what you're seeing. Start at the big open space where people used to shop and then walk to the big walls that used to protect the city. Make sure to see the Apollo temple because it's really pretty when the sun goes down, and also look at the Athena temple, which is now a mosque.
If you don't like crowds and want to see the ruins in good light, go early in the morning or later in the day. Stay away when it's very hot at midday because it's not as nice to walk around then.
2. A Day at the Beaches
Next to the old city of Side, you can go down stairs to get to Nar Beach Side. Here, you can get food and drinks. You can also rent umbrellas and chairs for the beach. The water is shallow and calm, good for families with kids. The bottom of the sea has rocks, but if you go about 10 meters in, it gets sandy. This is near old ruins, so rocks are not surprising. Nar Beach Side has changing rooms, showers, toilets, and a pier. It also has an area with fine sand.
Side Public Beach is a famous beach in the Manavgat area of Antalya. It's in the Çolaklı part of Side and has clean, shallow water for about 8 meters out. There's also a pier for diving into the sea. You'll find showers, changing rooms, and toilets here. Near the beach, there are places to buy food and drinks. Going to Side Public Beach is free.
The best times to go are during spring and fall. The weather is nice, and there are fewer people. This means you can walk along the beach or enjoy the water more easily without too many people around.
3. Side Harbour
Side's harbor is a busy place in this town by the sea. It shows the town's history of sea trade. It feels like time hasn't moved here, letting visitors see what life was like a long time ago.
Look at the shiny harbor with its small boats moving in the wind, and old stone buildings that have seen a lot of history. Be sure to go on a boat ride on a traditional wooden boat called a "gullet." It takes you along the coast so you can see Side's pretty waterside from the water.
The harbor also has some of the best places to eat in Side. Here, you can enjoy seafood that was caught that day while looking out at the sea. It's a great place for a romantic meal or a fun night out with friends, celebrating the good times you've had in Side.
4. Manavgat Waterfall
Close to Side, the Manavgat Waterfall is a powerful and beautiful natural sight. Surrounded by thick green plants, the water falls down in several steps, creating a beautiful scene that you really have to see for yourself.
The area around the waterfall shows the wild beauty of Turkey, with different animals and quiet places to have a picnic. You can also swim in the cold water, which feels great on a hot day.
The best time to see the waterfall is in the spring, when melting snow from the Taurus Mountains makes the water flow stronger. Go early to enjoy the waterfall by yourself and see the natural beauty that people have loved for thousands of years.
To learn all about what is around Manavgat Waterfall, including hotels, attractions, restaurants, how to access them, and other details, read our blog post here.
5. Day Trips to Aspendos and Perge
Side is close to two important old places, Aspendos and Perge, which makes people who like history very interested. They want to see more of what Antalya has to offer in terms of culture.
When you go to Aspendos Theater, you'll see a very old Roman theater that's still in good shape. You can feel the history there as you walk around. The theater is built in a way that makes sounds travel well, and it looks very impressive. It shows us how smart people were back then in building things and gives us a look at the city's rich history.
Perge is not far from the center of Antalya. It used to be a very successful place a long time ago. Walking there, you'll see rows of old pillars, fancy water fountains, and a big sports field. It's a way to see how grand this place was when it was full of life.
If you plan well, you can visit both Aspendos and Perge in one day. It's a good idea to eat lunch at a place that serves Turkish food on your way. You can learn a lot by talking to tour guides or listening to audio tours, which make the old stories feel real.
Planning Your Visit to Side, Antalya
Side is easy to get to from Antalya, with many ways to travel like renting a car or taking a public bus. It is only about an hour's drive from the center of Antalya, making it a great place to visit for the day if you're staying nearby.
Every season makes Side special in its own way. In the summer, it's sunny and great for going to the beach. Spring is cooler, so it's nice for walking around and seeing the city as it starts to bloom. Fall has beautiful sunsets, and winter is quiet, good for thinking.
When packing, keep it simple but don't forget important things like sunscreen, a hat, and water, especially when it's hot. When visiting old places, dress in a way that is comfortable.
Side in Antalya is a mix of old and new, where history and today blend perfectly. If you want to learn about history, enjoy nature, or spend a day at the beach, Side has it all. You can plan your visit carefully or just go with what you feel like doing. Either way, your visit to Side will be an adventure you'll love.
Go and see what Side, Antalya, has to offer and find out why this old city keeps attracting people today. Make a plan, book your place to stay and how you'll get there, and get ready to explore this special place in Turkey. Your next big adventure is waiting – start planning your trip to Side, Antalya now! Share what you did here in the comments and inspire others to travel too.
FAQ
What to do in Side?
Side is full of activities for travelers. You can see old ruins like the Apollo Temple, walk around the old town's lovely streets, or relax on pretty beaches. If you like nature, you should go see the Manavgat Waterfall. Also, the Side Museum has a lot of history for those interested in culture.
What is Side, Antalya like?
Side is a place where old history and today's life come together beautifully. People can walk around old ruins that share stories from long ago and then eat at modern restaurants that look out over the Mediterranean Sea. It's a spot where everyday busy life calms down, letting you enjoy peaceful beaches, old places, and lively markets. The kind people living there and the nice weather make it a welcoming place to visit any time of the year.
How far is Side from Antalya Airport?
Side is around 65 kilometers, or 40 miles, away from Antalya Airport. This makes it easy for travelers to get there. The drive usually takes about an hour, but this can change depending on how busy the roads are. There are different ways to travel including taxis, private cars you can book, and renting a car. These options help all travelers find a good way to reach Side.
What is the weather like in Side in April?
April in Side marks the start of spring, bringing mild and nice weather that's great for going out and exploring. During the day, the temperature is usually around 21°C (70°F), but it can get cooler in the evening, around 11°C (52°F). While most days are sunny, sometimes it might rain a little. So, it's a good idea to bring a light jacket with your spring clothes. This weather is perfect for outdoor fun without the summer's strong heat.