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Belek or Side: which is better for you?
Belek and Side are the two big family-resort areas east of Antalya, 40 minutes apart. Both have long sandy beaches and huge all-inclusive hotels, but they feel very different: Belek is a purpose-built strip of luxury resorts and golf courses, Side a real town built among Roman ruins.
| Belek | Side | |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer from Antalya Airport | 35 min · 35 km | 1 h 10 min · 65 km |
| 4★ all-inclusive resort, high season, per night | €210–330 | €170–260 |
| Beaches | Long sandy beaches in front of each resort, a protected turtle nesting area | Sandy and shallow; East and West beaches start at the edge of the old town |
| Character | Purpose-built resort strip in pine forest; little life outside the hotels | Real town on a peninsula with Roman ruins, harbour restaurants and bars |
| Golf | 12 championship courses within 15 minutes | None; Belek courses are about 45 minutes away |
| Sightseeing | Aspendos 25 min, Perge 30 min | Ruins on the doorstep; Aspendos 35 min, Manavgat 10 min |
| Evenings | Mostly inside the resort; The Land of Legends show in Kadriye | Stroll to the Temple of Apollo at sunset, dinner in the harbour |
| Families | Very large resorts with kids’ clubs and a theme park nearby | Family resorts in Sorgun and Çolaklı, shallow sandy water |
Transfer times and prices come from the same data as our transfer guides and budget calculator; prices are typical ranges per room or villa in June–September, not quotes.
Choose Belek if…
- You play golf, or want the most upmarket all-inclusive resorts
- You want the shortest transfer of the two (about 35 minutes)
- You are happy to spend most of your time in the resort
Choose Side if…
- You want to walk to ruins, shops and restaurants in the evening
- You like a mix of resort days and town life
- You want slightly lower prices for the same hotel standard
Also consider
Want an even shorter transfer with the city nearby? Consider Lara & Kundu, 20–25 minutes from the airport.
Frequently asked questions
Is Belek or Side better for families?
Both are excellent. Belek has the biggest resorts and The Land of Legends theme park; Side has shallow sandy beaches and a car-free old town that children enjoy in the evening.
Is Side cheaper than Belek?
Usually yes. Comparable all-inclusive hotels in Side tend to cost around 20% less than in Belek, which is the most expensive area on the coast.
How far is Belek from Side?
About 35–40 km along the D400, roughly 40 minutes by car. A day trip between them is easy.