Side travel guide: where to stay and what to do
Side is a Roman harbour town on a small peninsula, surrounded by long sandy beaches and some of the biggest family resorts on the Turkish Riviera. It is easy to reach, about 70 minutes from Antalya Airport, and good for both a lazy beach week and history.
Where to stay in Side
“Side” on a booking can mean anywhere along 25 km of coast. The choice comes down to one question: do you want to walk to restaurants and the ruins in the evening, or stay inside a large resort? The old town and Sorgun suit the first; Çolaklı, Evrenseki and Kızılağaç the second.
| Area | Character | Beach | Best for | From AYT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side old town | Roman ruins, harbour restaurants, small hotels and pensions; car-free and lively in the evening | East and West beaches, sandy, a short walk | Couples, history lovers, people who want to walk out to dinner | 1 h 10 min |
| Sorgun & Titreyengöl | Large resorts in pine forest just east of the old town, next to a small lake | Long sandy beach backed by pines | Families who want shade and quick access to the old town | – |
| Kumköy | Mixed hotels and apartments west of the old town, plenty of shops and bars on the main street | Sandy, gently sloping | Mid-range budgets, first-time visitors | 1 h 5 min |
| Çolaklı & Evrenseki | A strip of big all-inclusive resorts with little outside the hotels | Wide sandy beach, shallow water | Families with young children who stay on site | 1 h |
| Kızılağaç & Kızılot | Quieter resorts east of Manavgat, more space, fewer shops | Long sand and shingle beaches | Peace and quiet, longer stays | 1 h 30 min |
Times from Antalya Airport are typical daytime driving times. Click a time for the transfer guide to that area.
Things to do in Side
Side ancient city
The ruins are not fenced off in a park: the modern town is built among them. Walk from the car park through the Hellenistic city gate, past the colonnaded street and the Vespasian monument to the theatre, which seated around 15,000. Continue to the harbour and the Temple of Apollo at the tip of the peninsula, best at sunset. The theatre and the small museum in a restored Roman bath charge entry; the rest is free.
Beaches
The East Beach starts right below the ancient walls and is quieter. The West Beach runs for kilometres towards Kumköy and Çolaklı, with water sports and beach bars. Sorgun’s beach is backed by pine forest, which gives welcome shade in July and August.
Manavgat waterfall, river and market
Manavgat is 7 km away. Boat trips go down the Manavgat river to the sea and back, usually with a swim stop. The waterfall is low and wide, pleasant for an hour with tea. Monday and Thursday are market days, the largest in the region, good for spices, textiles and fruit.
Aspendos and other day trips
The Roman theatre of Aspendos is 35 minutes away and the most rewarding half-day trip from Side. Green Canyon, a reservoir in the Taurus mountains with boat tours, and Köprülü Canyon for rafting are both about an hour. See all options in our day trips guide.
Getting there and around
Antalya Airport is 65 km away; see the Antalya Airport to Side transfer guide for times and prices. Dolmuş minibuses run along the main road between Side, Kumköy, Çolaklı and Manavgat every few minutes in summer and cost little; pay the driver in cash. The old town is car-free; a small road train shuttles visitors from the car park.
When to go
The sea is warm enough for most swimmers from late May to the end of October. For heat-free sightseeing choose May or October. Check the Antalya weather and sea temperature guide for month-by-month figures.
Frequently asked questions
Is Side good for families?
Very. The beaches are sandy with shallow water, the resorts in Çolaklı, Evrenseki and Sorgun are built around families, and the transfer from Antalya Airport is just over an hour. The old town is car-free, so children can walk around safely in the evening.
Can you swim at Side old town?
Yes. The East Beach and West Beach start right at the edge of the old town. The East Beach is quieter and closer to the Temple of Apollo; the West Beach is longer and has more sunbeds and cafés.
How many days do you need in Side?
One evening is enough for the old town itself. A week lets you add Aspendos, the Manavgat waterfall and market, a Manavgat river boat trip and a day in Antalya.
Is Side expensive?
Restaurants in the old town harbour charge tourist prices, especially for fish. Prices drop noticeably a few streets back and in Kumköy and Manavgat. All-inclusive resorts are the norm and are usually better value than half board.
When is the best time to visit Side?
June and September for beach holidays, May and October for sightseeing in pleasant temperatures. July and August are very hot (34°C average highs) and the busiest months.