Discover Side
Ancient Harbor on the Mediterranean. Explore the Temple of Apollo, Roman theatre, Manavgat Waterfall, and find the best beach hotels with our complete guide.
Ancient Harbor of the Mediterranean
Side is a charming ancient harbor town on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, where Greco-Roman ruins mingle with modern beach resorts. Once a major port city of ancient Pamphylia, Side today is a popular holiday destination known for its beautiful sandy beaches, remarkably preserved ancient theater, and the iconic Temple of Apollo standing dramatically by the sea.
The town's most photographed landmark is the Temple of Apollo — the ruins of a 2nd-century Roman temple with five standing columns perched right on the edge of the Mediterranean. Especially beautiful at sunset when the columns are silhouetted against the golden sky, it's one of the most iconic images of the Turkish Riviera.
Side's Roman theatre is another highlight — one of the best-preserved in Turkey with seating for 15,000 spectators. It still hosts concerts and festivals during the summer months. The ancient city includes the ruins of an agora, a Roman bath complex, a museum inside the ancient baths, and long stretches of colonnaded streets that you can still walk along today.
Beyond the ancient ruins, Side has excellent sandy beaches that stretch for miles in both directions. The nearby Manavgat Waterfall is a popular day trip, as is the Aspendos Theatre — widely considered the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world. With its perfect combination of history, beaches, and relaxed resort atmosphere, Side has something for every type of traveler.
Must-See Places in Side
Discover the unmissable sights and experiences that make Side special.
Temple of Apollo
The iconic ruins of a 2nd-century Roman temple with five standing columns right on the Mediterranean. One of the most photographed ancient sites in Turkey — especially beautiful at sunset.
Side Theatre
A beautifully preserved Roman theater seating 15,000 spectators. Still used for summer concerts and festivals — imagine watching a performance in a 2,000-year-old theater by the sea.
Side Museum
Housed in the ancient Roman baths of Side, this museum displays artifacts from the ancient city including statues, sarcophagi, coins, and everyday objects from Roman times.
Manavgat Waterfall
A beautiful wide waterfall on the Manavgat River, surrounded by shady trees and picnic areas. Combine with a visit to the bustling Manavgat market for a full day trip.
Aspendos Ancient Theatre
Widely considered the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world, with stunning acoustics. A short drive from Side and absolutely essential for history lovers.
Side Beach
Long sandy beaches stretching east and west of the ancient harbor. Calm, clear water and plenty of beach bars and sun loungers make it a popular family-friendly destination.
Taste of Side
Indulge in the local flavors and culinary specialties of the region.
Fresh Fish
Side's harbor and location on the Mediterranean means excellent fresh fish. Try grilled sea bream, sea bass, or red mullet at a waterfront restaurant — it doesn't get any fresher.
Grilled Calamari
Crispy fried or grilled calamari — a Mediterranean classic and a popular starter at every seafood restaurant in Side. Served with tzatziki or lemon.
Citrus Salad
Fresh and refreshing salads made with the region's delicious citrus fruits — oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines combined with greens, herbs, and olive oil.
Turkish Ice Cream
Dondurma — the famous stretchy Turkish ice cream made with salep and mastic. Try it in Maraş style, often served with a playful performance by the ice cream vendor.
Dining Tips & Where to Eat
For seafood, go to the harbor area where you'll find restaurants with fresh fish displays — pick your fish and have it cooked to order. Doner kebab and pide shops offer budget-friendly meals. For a special evening, dine at a restaurant with a view of the illuminated Temple of Apollo at night. The Manavgat area is known for its delicious river trout.
Plan Your Side Visit
Choose your trip length and explore our recommended day-by-day itinerary.
- Morning exploration of Side's main attractions
- Visit the most iconic landmark and surrounding area
- Local lunch at a traditional restaurant
- Afternoon museum visit and cultural exploration
- Sunset at the best viewpoint in Side
- Dinner with local specialties
- Full-day exploration of nearby historical sites
- Visit archaeological ruins and ancient monuments
- Traditional lunch at a local village
- Afternoon nature excursion to nearby natural wonders
- Sunset hike or scenic drive
- Dinner featuring regional cuisine
- Leisurely morning with Turkish breakfast
- Browse local bazaar for souvenirs and handicrafts
- Visit a hidden gem you missed on day one
- Final lunch with all your favorite local dishes
- Relax with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee
- Departure or onward travel to next destination
Top Hotel Recommendations
Handpicked accommodation for every budget — book your perfect stay on Trip.com.
Side Royal Palace Hotel
Luxury all-inclusive beach resort in Side with private beach, multiple pools, spa, kids' club, and several restaurants — perfect for a luxury beach holiday.
Side Beach Resort
Popular beachfront resort with all-inclusive options, swimming pools, entertainment, and direct beach access — great value for families.
Ancient Side Hotel
Boutique hotel in the heart of old Side with elegant rooms, a pool, and walking distance to the ancient sites and beach.
Side Budget Hotel
Clean and affordable hotel just a short walk from the beach and town center — good value for budget-conscious travelers.
Know Before You Go
Essential details to help you plan a smooth Side trip.
Getting There
Antalya Airport (AYT) is about 1 hour east of Side. Airport shuttles, transfers, and taxis connect to Side. Most visitors arrive by tour bus, rental car, or bus from Antalya or Alanya.
Local Transport
Side is compact and walkable. Dolmuses run between Side, Antalya, and Manavgat. Taxis are available. Rental cars or scooters are great for exploring the surrounding area and nearby beaches.
Best Time to Visit
May to October for beach weather. April, May, and October are the best months for sightseeing with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is hot and peak season.
Budget Guide
Budget: $30-60/day (budget hotels, local food, buses). Mid-range: $70-160/day (all-inclusive resort, restaurants, activities). Side is very affordable overall.
Side Travel Questions
Answers to the most common questions about visiting Side.
The best time to visit Side is from May to October for beach weather and swimming. For sightseeing, spring (April-May) and autumn (October) are ideal with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Peak season is July and August when the weather is hottest and the beaches are busiest. The sea stays warm enough for swimming well into October.
Side is about 65 km east of Antalya. The easiest and most popular way is by tour bus or private transfer. Local buses and dolmuses also run regularly from Antalya bus station — the journey takes about 1.5 hours. If you rent a car, the drive along the coast is beautiful and takes about an hour. Taxis are also available but more expensive.
Yes, Side is an excellent family destination! The beaches are sandy and the water is calm and shallow — perfect for children. There are plenty of all-inclusive resorts with kids' clubs and pools. The ancient ruins are fascinating for kids who love history and exploration. The town has a relaxed, safe atmosphere and plenty of family-friendly restaurants. Nearby water parks add extra fun for kids.
Popular day trips from Side include: Aspendos (best-preserved Roman theatre in the world), Manavgat Waterfall and market, Perge ancient city, Antalya city center, a boat trip along the coast, white water rafting in the Taurus Mountains, and the ancient city of Seleucia. You can also take a day trip to Alanya to see the castle and Red Tower.
Yes, Side has excellent beaches for swimming. The main Side Beach has fine sand and clear, calm Mediterranean water. The beaches east and west of Side are also great. The water is warm from May through October. Beach clubs and hotels offer sun loungers and umbrellas. Always check local beach flags for swimming safety information.
Plan for 2 to 3 days in Side. With 2 days, you can explore the ancient city (Temple of Apollo, theatre, museum), relax on the beach, and take a day trip to Aspendos and Manavgat Waterfall. With 3 days, add more beach time, a boat trip, and perhaps a day trip further afield. Many visitors stay longer as part of a beach holiday package.