Side is one of those rare places where you can buy an ice cream, turn a corner, and find yourself standing between 2,000-year-old marble columns. It is an ancient Greco-Roman city and a relaxed beach resort rolled into one, sitting on a little peninsula about an hour east of Antalya. We drive guests here all season long, so think of this as your friendly, no-rush guide to the best things to do in Side.
Why Side feels different
Most resort towns keep their history behind a fence. Side wears it out in the open — the old town is literally built around and among the ruins, so Roman gateways, column stumps and ancient streets sit right next to cafés, boutiques and gelato stands. Add a long sandy coastline and a harbour that turns gold at sunset, and you get a place that works whether you want culture, beach days, or a bit of both.
The Temple of Apollo — Side's golden-hour icon
If you have seen one photo of Side, it was probably this one: a row of white marble columns standing at the very tip of the peninsula, right where the land meets the sea. The Temple of Apollo dates from the 2nd century AD, and at sunset it is pure magic — the columns glow amber and the whole harbour stops to watch. Come in the early evening, bring your camera, and do not rush off.
Wander the ancient city — it's free, and it's everywhere
You do not need a ticket to feel the history here. Side's ancient city is an open-air site woven right through the modern town, and you can stroll most of it for free. Take your time over these highlights:
- The colonnaded street and agora — the old marketplace and main avenue, lined with column bases and worn marble.
- The monumental Vespasian gate and city walls — the grand Roman entrance that still frames the road into town.
- The Roman bath complex — now the Side Museum, but striking even from the outside.
- The harbour temples — Apollo and Athena, standing side by side at the water's edge.
Side Ancient Theatre
Side's Roman theatre is one of the largest on the whole coast, built to seat somewhere around 15,000–20,000 spectators. Even today it is a jaw-dropping piece of engineering — tier after tier of stone seating with the sea breeze drifting through. It is a short, worthwhile stop and a brilliant spot to picture the town at its 2nd-century peak.
Side Museum — small but mighty
Housed in a restored Roman bathhouse, the Side Museum is compact and easy to enjoy in under an hour. Inside you will find beautifully preserved statues, sarcophagi and everyday objects pulled from the ruins all around you. It is air-conditioned too, which makes it a smart midday escape from the summer heat.
The old town & harbour
Side's old town is made for slow wandering — cobbled lanes, bougainvillea spilling over walls, little shops selling leather, jewellery, spices and Turkish delight, and restaurants with tables almost in the water. The harbour is the heart of it: grab a fresh fish dinner, watch the boats come in, and stay for that famous sunset. Evenings here are warm, lively and completely walkable.
Side's beaches — west for sunsets, east for space
Side sits on a peninsula, so it has beaches on both sides — and they each have their own character:
- West Beach — the long, sandy stretch on the sunset side, closest to the old town and lined with sunbeds and beach cafés.
- East Beach (towards Sorgun and Kumköy) — wider, calmer and backed by pine forest, home to the big all-inclusive resorts.
- Sorgun's pine-shaded sands — a little quieter and shadier, lovely if you are travelling with kids or just want a break from the sun.
Manavgat Waterfall & river
Just a short hop inland, the Manavgat Waterfall (Manavgat Şelalesi) is low but wide, tumbling over a broad ledge into a green river setting with shady tea gardens all around. It is an easy, refreshing half-hour visit, and it pairs perfectly with a riverside lunch. The Manavgat River itself is the launch point for some of the area's best boat trips.
The best day trips from Side
Side is a brilliant base for exploring, and several of the region's headline sights are within easy reach. If you only pick one, make it Aspendos:
- Aspendos — the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world, about 40 minutes away and genuinely breathtaking. (See our Side vs Aspendos guide.)
- Green Canyon — a dazzling emerald reservoir near the Oymapınar dam, explored by a relaxed boat cruise.
- Köprülü Canyon — pine gorges and Türkiye's most popular white-water rafting, great for active families.
- Seleukeia (Lyrbe) — a quiet, half-forgotten ancient city hidden in the forest, for travellers who like ruins without the crowds.
- Manavgat market — the big weekly bazaar for spices, textiles, fruit and a proper dose of local life.
Boat trips from Side harbour
A day boat trip is one of Side's simplest pleasures: cruise along the coast, swim in clear bays, eat lunch on deck and watch the town's skyline of columns slide past from the water. There are gentle family boats and livelier party boats — just ask which is which before you board. River cruises on the Manavgat are calmer, and lovely to combine with the waterfall.
Where to eat & what to try
Side eats well, from harbour fish restaurants to tucked-away family spots in the back lanes. A few things worth ordering:
- Fresh grilled fish at the harbour — sea bass or sea bream, with the sunset thrown in for free.
- Gözleme — thin, hand-rolled Turkish flatbread, usually made right in front of you.
- A proper Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) — cheeses, olives, eggs, honey and endless tea, best taken slowly.
- Künefe and Turkish ice cream — the sweet, stretchy finish to any Side evening.
Sunsets, evenings & a little nightlife
Side's evenings are its secret weapon. The day cools, the ruins empty out, and the old town starts to glow. Most nights are about a long dinner, a stroll past the floodlit columns and a drink by the harbour — relaxed rather than wild. If you want more buzz, the beach clubs and bars towards Kumköy and Sorgun pick up the pace in high summer.
When to visit Side
Side is a proper sun destination, busiest and hottest from June to early September. For the best mix of warm sea and comfortable sightseeing, aim for late April–June or September–October, when the ruins are pleasant to walk and the crowds thin out. Even in peak summer, save the ancient city for early morning or evening — midday marble gets fierce.
Getting to Side & getting around
Side sits about 65 km east of Antalya Airport (AYT) — roughly a 65–80 minute drive, mostly on the motorway. Once you are here, the old town is small and best explored on foot, but the day trips (Aspendos, Green Canyon, Manavgat) really call for a car or a private driver, since public transport between them is slow and patchy. That is where we come in — door-to-door, on your schedule, at a fixed price.
Frequently asked questions
Is Side worth visiting?
Absolutely. Few places let you mix world-class Roman ruins, a charming old town and long sandy beaches in one walkable spot — and the seafront Temple of Apollo at sunset alone is worth the trip.
How many days do you need in Side?
Two to three days covers Side itself comfortably — the ruins, museum, beaches and harbour. Add a day or two if you want to fit in Aspendos, the Green Canyon and a boat trip.
Is the Temple of Apollo free to visit?
Yes — it stands in the open-air part of the old town, so you can walk right up to it for free, at any time of day. Sunset is the moment everyone waits for.
How far is Side from Antalya Airport?
About 65 km, or a 65–80 minute drive door-to-door, mostly motorway. See our Antalya Airport transfer times guide for every resort.
Is Side good for families?
Very. Gentle beaches, shallow swimming, boat trips kids love, and ruins you can explore without tickets or fences. The Sorgun and Kumköy resort beaches are especially family-friendly.