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Side or Alanya: which should you choose?
Side and Alanya are an hour apart on the eastern Riviera. Side is a compact resort town around Roman ruins; Alanya is a real city around a castle rock, livelier, cheaper and much further from Antalya Airport.
| Side | Alanya | |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer from Antalya Airport | 1 h 10 min · 65 km | 2 h 10 min · 125 km |
| 4★ all-inclusive resort, high season, per night | €170–260 | €140–220 |
| Beaches | Sandy and shallow, family-friendly | Cleopatra Beach: fine sand below the castle; pebble-and-sand further east |
| Character | Small town and big resorts around a Roman peninsula | Busy city with a harbour, castle, markets and expat districts |
| Nightlife | Relaxed bars and harbour restaurants | One of the liveliest on the coast: harbour bars, clubs, boat parties |
| History | Temple of Apollo, theatre and city walls on the doorstep | Seljuk castle, Red Tower and shipyard |
| Winter | Many resorts close from November to March | Warm, open all year, popular for long winter stays |
| Airports | Antalya only | Antalya, or the much closer Gazipaşa (GZP) with fewer flights |
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 Side if…
- You want history and calm evenings
- You prefer a shorter transfer from Antalya
- You are a family looking for shallow sandy water
Choose Alanya if…
- You want nightlife and city life
- You are on a tighter budget
- You travel in winter or for a long stay
Also consider
Somewhere in between: Manavgat and the Kızılağaç resorts, or quiet Gazipaşa beyond Alanya.
Frequently asked questions
Is Side or Alanya better for nightlife?
Alanya, clearly. Side has pleasant bars but closes earlier; Alanya has clubs, harbour bars and boat parties in summer.
Which is closer to Antalya Airport, Side or Alanya?
Side, at about 70 minutes. Alanya is around 2 hours 10 minutes from Antalya, or about 45 minutes from Gazipaşa airport.
Is Alanya cheaper than Side?
Generally yes, for hotels, apartments and eating out. Alanya is the best-value major resort on the coast.