Side, Turkey Travel Guide
City Ancient city with Roman ruins in Turkey
Roman ruins crowd a narrow strip of sand at Side’s eastern headland: the Temple of Apollo, a sun-baked theatre, fishing boats and seaside restaurants selling grilled sea bream. Tourists come for beaches, antiquities, boat trips and Antalya-coast water sports.
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Why Visit Side, Turkey? #
Side blends sun-and-sea appeal with ancient history: visits are driven by the Roman theater, the Temple of Apollo and the compact Old Town tucked between sandy beaches. Long stretches of shore attract beachgoers, while waterfront restaurants serve meze and freshly caught fish. Daytime ruins and evening promenade life combine with nearby Antalya Province attractions to create a dual draw of archaeology and beach relaxation.
Top Things to Do in Side, Turkey
All Attractions ›
- Side Ancient Theatre - Large Roman theatre near the waterfront used for concerts and offering ocean views.
- Temple of Apollo - Seaside temple ruins at the harbor's tip with evocative columns and sunset vistas.
- Side Museum - Small archaeological museum housed in a Roman bath showcasing local antiquities and mosaics.
- Old Harbor Walk - Pleasant marina promenade lined with cafés, boat tours and fisherman stalls.
- Local Olive Oil Shops - Family-run shops offering locally produced olive oil tastings and regional preserves.
- Fishing Village Excursions - Short boat trips to small coastal villages for fresh seafood and coastal views.
- Manavgat Waterfall - Short drive to scenic falls with picnic areas and riverside cafés nearby.
- Antalya Old Town (Kaleiçi) - Historic Antalya with narrow streets, Roman harbor and museums about an hour away.
Best Time to Visit Side, Turkey #
Side is best in late spring and early summer for warm weather and fewer crowds, while peak summer delivers hot, busy beach conditions. Winters stay mild but wetter.
Best Time to Visit Side, Turkey #
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How to Get to Side, Turkey
Side is a coastal resort town on Turkey's Antalya Province and is most commonly reached via Antalya Airport (AYT). From Antalya you continue by shuttle, regional bus or private transfer along the coastal road to Side.
Antalya Airport (AYT): Antalya is the main international airport serving the Turkish Riviera and is the nearest major airport to Side. From AYT you can take an airport shuttle, Havaş service or private transfer to Side; the drive typically takes about 60-90 minutes depending on traffic and the exact location of your hotel.
Gazipaşa‑Alanya Airport (GZP): Gazipaşa offers some seasonal international flights and is an alternative if you’re combining travel with Alanya; the drive from GZP to Side is longer (around 1.5-2 hours) and services are less frequent.
Train: There is no direct long‑distance passenger rail serving Side; Antalya’s rail services are local.
Bus: Intercity buses run to Antalya’s main otogar (bus terminal), from where local and regional buses serve Side and the surrounding resort corridor. Private shuttle companies and public buses connect Antalya Otogar or the airport with Side; journey time from Antalya is roughly 1-1.5 hours.
How to Get Around Side, Turkey #
Side’s old town and beach are generally walkable, with most hotels, ruins and beaches within short distances. For exploring the surrounding area, rental cars, scooters and taxis are common and convenient. Dolmuş (shared minibuses) and regular buses connect Side with Manavgat and Antalya; fares are inexpensive. Taxis are more flexible but pricier for longer trips.
Where to Stay in Side, Turkey #
Where to Eat in Side, Turkey #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Side, Turkey's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Side, Turkey #
Side’s nightlife is busiest in the summer, with beach bars, hotel entertainment and a cluster of bars near the old town. Outside peak season the scene quiets considerably. Live music and seasonal beach parties appear during tourist months; serious clubbing is limited compared with larger resort centres.
Shopping in Side, Turkey #
Shopping in Side caters to tourists: narrow streets are lined with souvenir shops, leather and textile stalls, and jewellery stores. Nearby Manavgat hosts a larger traditional bazaar with fresh produce and household items. Expect tourist‑focused goods and local food products like olive oil, honey and spices rather than large modern malls in the town itself.
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