Side in Turkey is a Mediterranean gem that dates back to the 7th century BCE. Ancient marble remains and 2 kilometers of untouched beach coastline make this car-free seaside town an enchanted destination where treasures of the past combine with nature's beauty.
The town's Roman theater is a reflection of the engineering prowess of the ancient world. Built in the 2nd century AD, this massive structure could hold up to 20,000 spectators. Some of the most important attractions of the town are the Temple of Apollo, State Agora, City Gate, and Episcopal Palace and Basilica. Despite its modest population of 14,527 (as of 2022), Side houses an extraordinary collection of well-preserved Hellenistic and Roman ruins.
Local dolmuş (mini-busses) are the ideal ways to get around the town. Side's highly historic border offers visitors the chance to feel ancient history, beautiful beaches, and untainted Turkish culture through hundreds of exciting activities.
People who visit Side Turkey will love how natural beauty and ancient wonders sit right next to each other.
The beautiful Temple of Apollo is situated at the tip of the peninsula and provides one of Turkey's most photographed views. This partially preserved temple dating to the 2nd century AD has five restored columns that add a dramatic silhouette against the Mediterranean sky. The best pictures are taken at sunset as golden light rests upon the marble columns. Photographers come back year after year to capture this magical moment. You may visit at any time of day at the temple grounds without admission fees.
A leisurely walk from the harbor brings you to the stunning Roman Theater, which was built during the 2nd century AD to accommodate 15,000-20,000 people. The majority of the original decoration still exists in this beautifully preserved structure that gives you a panoramic view of the region. The ancient Agora is nearby. Once a busy marketplace, this was Side's commercial and social hub. Today during your Turkey vacation you can walk along its ruins and colonnaded avenues.
Manavgat Waterfall is 12km from Side and gives you a cool break from the beach sun. The waterfall is only 2 meters high, but it is broad and has an intense flow, which makes it a stunning sight. Tourists tend to visit the waterfall as part of a serene boat trip on the Manavgat River. The boat tours enable you to view some local flora and fauna. You can swim at the stops and enjoy lunch aboard the boat.
The Side Museum is located in a restored Roman bath complex and has amazing artifacts of the city in history. You will see statues, sarcophagi, and beautifully carved mosaics that tell Side's history. The museum further adds to the experience with its original architecture preserved beautifully.
The harbor area has a beautiful promenade where restaurants and cafés blend with ancient ruins. You can eat your meal surrounded by history while watching boats in the harbor. The location is at its best during the evening hours as individuals all throng to experience the sea breeze.
Side has three main beaches, each with its unique charm:
All but one of these beaches have sun loungers, umbrellas, and places to grab refreshments. They're perfect spots to relax between exploring the sights.
Side,Turkey stands apart from other ancient sites that remain cut off from modern life. This remarkable archeological site lets history and daily life exist side by side. Ancient ruins reach toward the sky throughout the town and create an amazing experience that takes you back in time with each step.
Side's most unique feature shows how ancient ruins blend smoothly with everyday life. The archeological complex has surviving artifacts from Greek and Roman periods scattered across inhabited areas. Visitors walking the main streets find ancient tombs, pedestals, sarcophagi, and statues next to shops and restaurants. The whole peninsula serves as an open-air museum where people can literally stumble upon history. This amazing preservation started when Turkish refugees from Crete made their homes among the ruins in 1895, making Side different from other archeological sites.
Side's historical preservation features an innovative glass walkway system throughout the old town. Restored areas where archeologists completed their work now have transparent panels that let visitors see ancient elements right under their feet. These glass floors light up at night and create a magical atmosphere as people walk above the ancient world. Recent upgrades revealed even more ancient ruins that lay hidden before, now displayed through these protective clear surfaces.
Side's heart showcases a beautiful mix of old and new architectural elements. Modern cafes and restaurants sit next to ancient columns, while new buildings use design elements that match their historic neighbors. The town offers both direct and distant ways to experience history. This architectural balance lets visitors enjoy modern comforts while staying connected to the site's amazing history. Narrow cobbled streets lined with boutiques and restaurants create a lively atmosphere that honors the past while embracing today's world.
Side, Turkey amazes visitors with more than just its ancient monuments. The local culture and natural beauty shine through various activities. Bustling markets and scenic dining spots make any visit to this Mediterranean gem complete.
The lively Side Bazaar welcomes visitors every Saturday from morning until sunset. Beach goods and Turkish souvenirs fill the stalls. The authentic Manavgat Bazaar runs on Mondays and Thursdays. This market stretches almost three times bigger than Side's. Textiles, leather accessories, and traditional crafts line the streets.
The Old Town Market offers daily shopping along a limestone trading path. A glass-covered section of the walkway reveals ancient excavations below. Friendly bargaining is part of the experience. Prices often drop by half through pleasant negotiations.
Restaurants dot Side's beautiful coastline where guests savor meals with Mediterranean views. Q Beach Restaurant and Calypso treat diners to spectacular sunsets. Many venues pair fresh seafood with breathtaking ocean vistas. Restaurant Moonlight serves delicious seafood right by the water. This creates a magical dining atmosphere where ancient history blends with excellent cuisine.
Manavgat town sits just 15 minutes from Side and leads to natural wonders. Regular busses connect Side to this charming town. Visitors can catch boat rides to the beautiful Manavgat waterfalls.
Double-deck catamarans cruise Oymapinar Lake during the 7-hour Green Canyon boat tour. A 45-minute drive from Side hotels starts the adventure. Guests enjoy panoramic views, swimming stops, and an open buffet lunch. Free drinks flow as boats glide through the 14-kilometer canyon. Emerald waters and dense forests create a peaceful retreat from the coast.
Your trip to Side in Turkey needs the right timing and ground knowledge to make the most of your visit. Let's look at what you need to know about seasons and transportation around this historical peninsula.
The best time to visit Side runs from May to October. The weather stays comfortable with minimal rainfall during these months, making them perfect to learn about the area. Beach lovers will find June through August ideal with sea temperatures reaching 27°C and perfect swimming conditions. The summer heat peaks at around 34°C.
Many travelers prefer the calmer months of May and October. Temperatures stay between 20°C and 28°C during these months. You'll see fewer tourists while enjoying great sightseeing weather. Winter months from November to February bring cooler temperatures between 15°C to 20°C with some rain. The relaxed atmosphere lets you explore landmarks comfortably without summer's intense heat.
Side sits about 55 kilometers from Antalya. Regular buses take roughly 1 hour and 26 minutes. Travelers from Alanya face a 65-kilometer trip. Regular bus services connect both locations, and dolmuş minibusses leave throughout the day. These minibusses run often until midnight in summer months with fewer services in winter. They connect you to all major attractions, beaches, and shopping areas.
Side is a resort town on the southern coast of Turkey, located in the Antalya Province along the Mediterranean Sea. It lies about 75 km east of Antalya city and is famous for its ancient ruins and sandy beaches.
Absolutely! There are plenty of things to do in Side, including exploring the Temple of Apollo, visiting the ancient theater, and enjoying water sports on its stunning beaches.
Yes, Side, Turkey offers vibrant nightlife with beach bars, cozy restaurants, and a few lively clubs, perfect for a fun evening by the sea.
Definitely! Side is worth visiting for its mix of history, beautiful beaches, and authentic Turkish charm, offering something for both history lovers and beachgoers.
The nearest airport to Side, Turkey is Antalya Airport (AYT), which provides easy access to the town.