Side Travel Guide: Beaches, Ancient Ruins & Things to Do
Side blends Roman ruins with sandy Mediterranean beaches. Here is what to see, where to swim and how to arrive stress-free.
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Why visit Side
Side is one of the Turkish Riviera’s most charming resort towns, built around the ruins of an ancient Greco-Roman port. You can wander past columns and the old harbour straight onto golden beaches.
It suits couples, families and history lovers alike, with a walkable old town full of restaurants, shops and sea views.
Top things to do in Side
Don’t miss the seafront Temple of Apollo at sunset, the large Roman theatre, and the ancient city gates and agora. The Side Museum houses local finds in a restored Roman bath.
Nearby, the Manavgat Waterfall and a boat trip on the Manavgat River make an easy half-day excursion, while Aspendos and its famous theatre are a short drive inland.
Best beaches around Side
Side has beaches on both sides of the peninsula: the sandy west beach (Kumköy) and the eastern Sorgun and Titreyengöl stretches backed by pine forest. All offer sunbeds, water sports and shallow water for families.
Many beachfront hotels line these areas, so your transfer can drop you directly at the sand.
Getting to Side & getting around
Side is about 65 km from Antalya Airport, around an hour by private transfer. Booking a fixed-price transfer in advance is the easiest way to arrive after a flight.
Within Side the old town is pedestrian-friendly; for day trips to Manavgat, Aspendos or Alanya, a private driver or transfer saves time over public dolmuş routes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Antalya Airport to Side?
A private transfer covers the ~65 km in about an hour, door to door, for a fixed price per vehicle — the simplest option after a flight.
What is Side famous for?
Its seafront Temple of Apollo, Roman theatre and ancient ruins set right beside sandy Mediterranean beaches.
Is Side good for families?
Yes — shallow sandy beaches, family hotels and easy excursions like the Manavgat Waterfall make it very family-friendly.