Sorgun & Titreyengöl: Side's pine forest coast

Sorgun and Titreyengöl are the resort areas just east of Side old town, on the way towards Manavgat, about 70 km and 70–75 minutes from Antalya Airport. Large resorts sit in a pine forest behind a long sandy beach, and Titreyengöl takes its name from a small lake just behind the shore. The appeal is simple: shade under the trees, an easy beach, and Side's old town only a few kilometres away. The honest catch: it is mostly all-inclusive hotels, and outside them the evenings are quiet.

Where to stay in Sorgun and Titreyengöl

Hotels here are sold as Side or Manavgat. Titreyengöl is closer to the old town; Sorgun lies further east in the forest. The distance to the old town is what really differs.

Times are daytime drives from Antalya Airport; Sorgun is a few minutes more than the Side figure.

Beaches and the area

The beach

A long sandy beach runs from Side's East Beach past Titreyengöl and Sorgun. Most of it is in front of the hotels, which put out their own sunbeds; the sand is generally soft and the entry gentle, but it varies from hotel to hotel, so check photos of your hotel's shoreline if you have small children.

In the afternoon the wind often picks up and the sea gets wavy. Watch for red flags, and keep children close when the waves are up.

The pine forest

What sets Sorgun apart is the forest: the hotels stand among pines that reach almost to the sand. In July and August that shade makes a real difference, and the air is noticeably fresher than on bare concrete stretches of the coast. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance on still evenings, so bring repellent.

Titreyengöl, the small lake

Titreyengöl means roughly "the trembling lake". It is a small lake just behind the shore, ringed by reeds and hotels. It is pleasant for a short walk, but it is not a swimming spot; swim in the sea.

Things to do

Side old town

From Titreyengöl you can walk to the old town along the East Beach in roughly half an hour to 40 minutes; from Sorgun it is further, so a dolmuş or taxi of about 10 minutes is easier. Inside the walls are the Roman theatre, the Temple of Apollo on the shore, the museum and the harbour restaurants. Details in our Side guide.

Manavgat river and waterfall

Manavgat town is only a few kilometres inland. River boats run down the Manavgat river towards the sea, and the Manavgat waterfall is a short drive north of the town. On Monday and Thursday the big Manavgat market fills the side streets; many hotels run shuttles, the dolmuş is cheaper. See the Manavgat guide and market days.

Day trips

The Roman theatre of Aspendos is about 45 minutes west, and Green Canyon and the Taurus mountains are within reach inland. Boat trips leave from Side harbour. Tours bought at the hotel are convenient but usually cost more than those booked in town; compare first. More ideas under day trips.

Eating out and evenings

Almost everyone here stays all-inclusive, so evening life happens inside the hotels: buffet, show, bar. Outside the gates there are a few shops and restaurants along the road, but no real centre to stroll through.

For a change, take a dolmuş or taxi to Side old town: dinner by the harbour, a walk past the Temple of Apollo at sunset. For cheaper everyday shopping and Turkish eateries, Manavgat town is the better bet. If you want to walk out to bars and restaurants every evening, Kumköy or the old town itself suit you better.

Getting there and around

Antalya Airport is about 70 km away along the D400, around 70–75 minutes by car; Sorgun takes a few minutes more than central Side. See the Antalya Airport to Side transfer guide and all routes under airport transfers. Give the driver the hotel name, not just "Side".

Dolmuş minibuses connect Sorgun and Titreyengöl with Side and Manavgat. Taxis wait outside the larger hotels. A car is only worth it for trips inland.

When to go

The beach season runs from May to October. July and August are hot and busy, which is when the pine shade earns its keep; June and September have warm sea and lower prices. Many large resorts close or scale down in winter. See the weather by month and estimate costs with the holiday budget calculator.