Çolaklı and Evrenseki: Side's all-inclusive beach

Çolaklı and Evrenseki are two villages at the western end of the Side area, about 58 km and an hour from Antalya Airport. Between them runs a long, wide sandy beach with very shallow water, backed almost entirely by large all-inclusive resorts. It is one of the easiest places on the coast for families with small children. Be clear about one thing, though: outside the hotels there is not much, and evenings away from the resort are quiet.

Where to stay in Çolaklı and Evrenseki

Booking sites often just say Side. Evrenseki is the western part, Çolaklı lies just east of it, and the beach continues through Kumköy to Side old town. Most resorts sit between the D400 and the sea, with the beach in front.

Times are daytime drives from Antalya Airport, about 58 km (Antalya Airport to Çolaklı). For the whole area see the Side guide.

Beach and sea

A wide, shallow sandy beach

The beach is long, wide and sandy, and the sea stays shallow for a good distance from the shore. Toddlers can paddle without you having to worry about a sudden drop, which is the main reason families choose this strip. See holidays with children for more family tips.

Resort beach areas

Almost every resort has its own beach section with sunbeds, umbrellas and a beach bar for guests. The shore itself is public in Türkiye, so you can walk along it for kilometres, east towards Kumköy and Side.

Wind and waves

On many summer afternoons the wind picks up and the sea gets wavy. Mornings are usually calmest for small children. Watch the flags on the beach and do not leave children alone in the water, even where it is shallow.

Things to do nearby

Side old town

Side's Roman theatre, the Temple of Apollo on the shore and the harbour restaurants are about 15 minutes away by car or dolmuş. It is the obvious evening out when resort life gets repetitive. Details in our Side guide.

Kumköy

If you want shops, restaurants and a bit of street life, Kumköy is next door to the east. Read the Kumköy guide.

Manavgat: river, waterfall and market

Manavgat town is a short drive away. River boats run down the Manavgat river to the sea, the low, wide waterfall is good for an hour with tea, and the big market is on Monday and Thursday (market days). See the Manavgat guide.

Aspendos and Köprülü Canyon

The Roman theatre of Aspendos is one of the closest major sights, west towards Serik. Rafting in Köprülü Canyon is a popular day out with older children. Hotel tour desks sell both, often with a mark-up; compare with the options on our day trips page.

Eating out and evenings

This is not a place for strolling between restaurants. In Çolaklı a short road towards the beach has supermarkets, a pharmacy, souvenir shops and a few cafés and bars; Evrenseki has even less. Most guests eat at their resort, which is why all-inclusive is the norm here.

For a meal out, Side harbour and Kumköy's main street are the nearest choices. Restaurants a few streets back from Side harbour are usually cheaper than those on the waterfront.

Getting there and around

Antalya Airport is about 58 km away, around 60 minutes by car, the shortest transfer in the Side area; see Antalya Airport to Çolaklı and all routes under airport transfers.

Dolmuş minibuses run along the main road between Çolaklı, Kumköy, Side and Manavgat in summer; ask at reception where the nearest stop is, as some resorts are a walk from the road. The hotel can call a taxi. A hire car is only worth it if you plan several trips inland on your own.

When to go

Most resorts open from April to late October. July and August are hot and fully booked; June and September offer warm sea at lower prices. In winter many resorts close and the strip is very quiet. See weather by month and the holiday budget calculator.