Discover the best things to do in Side

Q: Flying In and Getting Here

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Q: Where You Should Sleep

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Q: Getting Around Town

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Q: Weather and When to Show Up

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Q: Cash, Cards, and Tipping

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Discover the Best that Side has to Offer with our Curated Selection of Tours, Admission Tickets, and Activities.

Best Selling Cappadoccia Culture Tour

Book a two-day cultural tour to Cappadocia with half-board hotel and round-trip transfer from Side

Book Now

Demre, Myra & Kekova Ancient City & Cultural Tour

Book a full-day tour of Demre, Myra, and Kekova Ancient City & Cultural Tour with lunch & transfer from Side

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Land of Legends

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Boat

1K+ Booked

Side

Side Nature & Culture Tours

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Bath

600+ Booked

Side

Side Classic Turkish Bath & Spa with Full Body Massage

Two Days Cultural Tour to Cappadocia with HB Hotel

Full-Day Pamukkale Culture Trip with Entrance

Demre, Myra & Kekova Ancient City & Cultural Tour

$95.00 USD

/ PER PERSON

Side Cruise & Boat Tours

Boat

1K+ Booked

Side

Side Pirate Boat Tour

Manavgat River Boat, Bazaar & Waterfall Tour

Starcraft Yacht Tour in Alanya

Green Canyon Boat Tour

$42.00 USD

/ PER PERSON

Side Combo Tours

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Combo

600+ Booked

Side

Manavgat Rafting Tour and Quad(ATV) Safari Tour - Tripventura

Combo Tour with River Rafting & Quad Safari

River Rafting & Buggy Safari Tour

Antalya Aquarium with Entrance

Side Swimming with Dolphins with Expert Trainers

$159.50 USD

/ PER PERSON

Traveler's Toolkit

Essential Guide

Everything you need to know before you go.

Currency

TRY (Lira)

Time Zone

GMT +3

Best Season

Apr – Oct

Language

Turkish

Side isn't your average beach town. It's a literal ancient city mashed directly into a modern Mediterranean resort on a tiny peninsula. You'll be walking down a street lined with busy cafes, and suddenly you're staring at a massive Roman amphitheatre. The Temple of Apollo sits right on the edge of the harbour, dominating the skyline. It feels older, heavier, and far more real than the newer resorts up the coast.

You have two main beaches to choose from. East Beach is wide, sandy, and stretches out toward the Manavgat River. West Beach is tighter, curves around the old ruins, and gives you killer sunset views. When you get tired of sand, the Taurus Mountains are waiting right behind the town. You can raft down Köprülü Canyon or take a jeep into the high villages. The Manavgat Waterfall is just a quick 4 km drive away. Bottom line: Side gives you real history, great beaches, and plenty of loud, dusty adventures, without dealing with the insane traffic of central Antalya.

Read Full Travel Guide

You'll land at Antalya Airport (AYT). The drive to Side covers about 65 km and usually takes an hour, maybe a bit more if traffic is heavy. Skip the stress and book a private transfer ahead of time. Many hotels throw this in for free, so check your booking first. If you're coming from the nearby town of Manavgat, just hop on a local dolmuş minibus. They leave every 15 minutes and cost pennies.

Stay on the Old Town Peninsula if you want character. It's mostly small boutique spots inside old stone buildings. You can walk to the harbour, grab dinner, and hit both beaches without a taxi. If you're dragging kids along, head to the Resort Strip along East Beach. It's packed with heavy-hitting all-inclusive hotels featuring enormous pools and private sand. The old town is just a short minibus ride away when you want to explore.

The old town is incredibly tight. You can walk across it in 15 minutes, hitting the main ruins and harbour without breaking much of a sweat. Watch out for uneven stones. If you need to hit the resort strip or Manavgat, flag down a dolmuş on the main road. They run constantly. Don't bother renting a car for local trips. Taxis are cheap, metered, and everywhere.

You'll get baking hot sun from June through August, often hitting 35°C. The ocean feels like bathwater. But honestly, the smart money is on September and October. The water stays incredibly warm, but the blistering air cools down and half the tourists go home. Winter gets quiet. A lot of the boats stop running and hotels shut down for renovations between November and March.

You'll pay for almost everything with Turkish Lira. Tap your card at restaurants and bigger shops; it works everywhere. Throw a 10% tip on a dinner bill if the service didn't drag. Before you go on a boat tour, pull some cash from an ATM to tip the crew. Handing over 50 Lira at the end of a long day goes a long way.

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From iconic landmarks to offbeat adventures. Find tours, shows, museums, and hidden gems for every traveler.

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Sunset at the Temple of Apollo MUST-DO

Don't miss the Temple of Apollo when the sun drops. The remaining columns frame the western sky, and it looks incredible. Be there by 6:30 PM if you're visiting in summer, or you won't find a decent place to sit on the stones. It is completely free and you don't need a ticket. Just walk up and find a spot.
Hit the Market After the Waterfall INSIDER

The Manavgat Waterfall isn't a massive drop, but the water is loud and ice-cold. See it first thing in the morning before the buses arrive. Then walk 10 minutes over to the massive open-air market in Manavgat on a Monday or Thursday. Skip the tourist shops in Side. Buy your spices and textiles here at actual local prices.
Pick the Right Beach

If you want easy access to drinks, calm water, and a sunbed, head to East Beach. It's built for convenience and families. If you prefer a smaller, messier vibe with old ruins right on the sand, go to West Beach. Both are a quick walk from the center of town, so you don't even need a taxi.
Book Boats at the Harbour

The ancient harbour is where everything launches. You actually sail out past the old temple. Don't book boat trips through random street vendors. Walk right down to the kiosks at the harbour and talk to the guys running the boats. You'll get a better price and you can actually see the boat you're paying for.
Wait Until Dark for the Old Town INSIDER

The old town gets punishingly hot and crowded during the afternoon. Wait until 8 PM. That's when the big coach tours leave and the locals come out. The temple is lit up, the alleyways smell like grilled meat, and the whole place shifts into high gear. Find a table near the water and stay out late.

All Things to do in Side

Discover all the Tours, Activities, Attractions & Much More...

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you go.

What are the best tours to book in Side?

Side offers city tours, boat cruises, cultural day trips, and adventure activities suitable for all interests and ages. Popular tours include ancient ruins, the Temple of Apollo, and the beautiful beaches.

How much do Side day tours typically cost?

Side day tours typically range from $20 to $100+ USD per person depending on the activities. Prices may vary based on the tour type and inclusions such as meals or tickets.

Is hotel pickup included in Side tours bookings?

Many tours in Side offer free hotel pickup and drop-off. Always confirm this when booking to avoid extra transportation costs during your trip.

Which language guides are provided on Side tours?

English-speaking guides are available for most tours in Side. Some operators also offer other languages such as German and Russian for non-Turkish speakers.

Can I cancel my Side tour reservation easily?

Many tour operators allow free cancellation before departure, but cancellation policies vary. Be sure to check with the provider when booking to avoid penalties.

When is the best season for tours in Side?

The best time to visit Side is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild. Summer can be crowded, but it’s perfect for beach and boat tours.

Are Side tours suitable for families with kids?

Yes, Side offers a variety of family-friendly tours, including visits to theme parks, ancient sites, and boat tours. Many tours have kid-friendly activities to keep children entertained.

Do Side tours include entrance tickets and meals?

Some Side tours include entrance fees and meals, while others are sightseeing-only. It’s important to confirm what is included before booking to avoid extra costs during the tour.

How long do typical Side tours last?

Side tours usually last from 4 to 12 hours, depending on the itinerary and the attractions included. Full-day tours are available for visitors wanting to explore everything in one go.

What attractions are covered in Side city excursions?

Side excursions often include ancient ruins such as the Temple of Apollo, the Antique Theatre, the Side Museum, and scenic beaches. Boat tours and visits to local markets are common too.

What ancient ruins make Side a must-visit destination?

Side is home to the magnificent Temple of Apollo, a remarkably preserved Roman theatre, and an ancient agora by the sea. These ruins dating back to the 2nd century BC make Side one of Turkey's most atmospheric ancient cities.

What is the best time of year to visit Side Turkey?

May, June, and September are the ideal months to visit Side, offering warm weather without extreme summer heat. The sea remains warm for swimming throughout October, making autumn a quieter and pleasant alternative.

How far is Side from Antalya Airport for travel planning?

Side is approximately 65 km from Antalya Airport, taking about 60–75 minutes by private transfer or bus. Direct shuttles and dolmuş minibuses serve Side regularly from both the airport and Manavgat bus terminal.

Is Side beach suitable for families with young children?

Side's main beaches feature calm, shallow water and sandy shores ideal for families with young children. The eastern beach is particularly gentle and well-equipped with sunbeds, restaurants, and water activity rentals.

What local food and markets should you explore in Side?

Side's market street offers fresh produce, local spices, textiles, and handcrafted souvenirs at competitive prices. Trying fresh-caught fish at harbor-side restaurants or köfte at local eateries is a must for food enthusiasts.

Discover the best things to do in Side

Best Selling Cappadoccia Culture Tour

Demre, Myra & Kekova Ancient City & Cultural Tour