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Why Side is worth considering
Side is one of the few Turkish resorts where a beach holiday is combined with the chance to visit ancient ruins right in the city center. Here you can swim in the sea on a sandy beach in the morning, explore the Temple of Apollo during the day, and have dinner in the evening just a few steps from the ancient theater. This combination is exactly what attracts travelers who are not satisfied with the standard “hotel – beach – pool” format.
In this guide, we will look at where Side is located, who the resort suits, when it is best to visit, which beaches to choose and where to stay.
Side at a glance
Briefly about Side
Side is located on the southern coast of Turkey, in Antalya Province, about 75 km east of Antalya itself. The resort belongs to the Manavgat district. You can get here through Antalya Airport — the transfer takes about an hour.
The main feature of Side is the historic center on a small peninsula where ancient structures have survived: the theater, colonnade and Temple of Apollo. This is not a separate fenced museum, but part of a living area with restaurants, shops and hotels.
In terms of holiday style, Side is closer to calm family resorts than to noisy tourist centers.
Who Side is suitable for
Families with children
There are many hotels with children’s animation, pools and shallow-water areas. The West and East beaches in the city center have sandy surfaces.
Couples
The historic center with ruins, cozy restaurants by the sea and a calm atmosphere make Side a good choice for couples who value surroundings rather than the noise of nightclubs.
Travelers who prefer a classic beach holiday
This is an important point: unlike many other resorts in Turkey, Side and the surrounding districts are dominated by sandy beaches.
History and excursion lovers
The ancient city, museum and Temple of Apollo are all within walking distance. Manavgat Waterfall, Köprülü Canyon and Green Canyon are also relatively close.
Who Side may not suit
If you are looking for active nightlife, Alanya is a better fit. If you want the highest level of service in a large hotel complex, Belek is closer to that format. Travelers who want seclusion should consider Kemer or less promoted resorts.
When to visit Side
The resort season lasts from April to October, but conditions vary noticeably from month to month.
Beaches of Side
West Beach
Located west of the peninsula with the historic center. It is wide, with fine yellow sand. The entrance to the sea is gentle, making it convenient for holidays with children. Nearby there is a promenade with cafés, souvenir shops and a walking area. The infrastructure is well developed: sunbeds, umbrellas and showers are available. In summer the beach is busy with tourists, especially in the central part.
East Beach
Located on the other side of the peninsula. It is a little quieter than the West Beach. The surface is sandy and the entry into the water is calmer. Part of the beach belongs to specific hotels and part is open to the public. It is suitable for family holidays. There are fewer cafés and shops nearby, but more space and shade from hotel grounds.
Kumköy, Evrenseki and Çolaklı beaches
These areas are located west of Side’s historic center and stretch along the coast. The beaches here are also sandy and wide. Infrastructure is concentrated mainly around hotels: most large complexes have their own beach areas with sunbeds and umbrellas. The entrance to the sea is calm. This suits families and travelers who choose the all inclusive format without frequent trips outside the hotel. The center of Side is several kilometers away by bus or taxi.
Sorgun and Titreyengöl beaches
Sorgun is a more distant area east of Side, with a long forested coastline. The beaches here are less crowded. Nearby pine forest provides shade and a softer microclimate. The beach surface is sandy, with a comfortable entrance to the sea. Infrastructure is concentrated only in hotels.
Titreyengöl is an area with a lake of the same name next to the sea. You can relax both by the sea and near the freshwater lake. The area around the lake is relatively calm, with fewer tourists than in central Side.
Where to stay in Side
Let’s look at several popular areas with their own features, advantages and nuances.
Historic center of Side
Suitable for couples, travelers interested in history and those who want to stay within walking distance of attractions.
Pros: atmospheric location, the Temple of Apollo and the ancient theater are a few minutes’ walk away, with restaurants and cafés nearby.
Cons: few large hotels, transport access inside the peninsula is limited, and in high season there are many tourists and vendors.
The area has small boutique hotels, guest houses and apartments. There are practically no large complexes with pools. Beaches are within walking distance.
Kumköy
Suitable for families and travelers choosing all inclusive in the mid-price segment.
Pros: a wide beach, good infrastructure and a developed choice of 4- and 5-star hotels.
Cons: the historic center is several kilometers away, and part of the area is built up with similar hotel complexes.
Hotels are mostly large — 4- and 5-star formats with animation, pools and all inclusive. The distance from central Side is 3–5 km.
Evrenseki
Suitable for travelers looking for a calmer beach holiday.
Pros: less crowded than the areas closest to the center, with a long beach.
Cons: fewer options for independent walks and excursions without transport.
Hotels in the area are mostly 4-star family-style properties. The distance from the center is 5–8 km.
Çolaklı
Suitable for families who prefer large hotel complexes.
Pros: sandy beach and a wide choice of large hotels with well-developed internal infrastructure.
Cons: it is far from the historic center and main attractions.
The area has large 4- and 5-star complexes that cover the full range of all inclusive needs. The distance from the center is 8–12 km.
Sorgun
Suitable for those who want a quiet holiday surrounded by nature.
Pros: pine forest, less crowded beaches and a calm atmosphere.
Cons: far from the center of Side and the attractions, and it is difficult to get around without a car.
The area has large hotel complexes, including luxury properties. The distance from the center is about 10–15 km.
Titreyengöl
Suitable for families with children and lovers of calm holidays.
Pros: a unique lagoon lake next to the sea, a quiet setting and fewer tourists.
Cons: a limited choice of entertainment and restaurants outside hotels.
Medium and large complexes, as well as family hotels, are available in the area. The distance from the center is 10 km.
Kızılagaç and Kızılot
Suitable for travelers who value quiet surroundings and a minimal flow of vacationers.
Pros: uncrowded beaches, a calm atmosphere and a natural microclimate with pine forest.
Cons: the most remote areas from central Side, with mostly basic service infrastructure outside hotels. There are small complexes and family hotels in the area. Distance from the center: more than 15 km.
Kızılagaç
Kızılot
Hotels in Side
Side and the surrounding areas have large hotel complexes oriented toward the all inclusive system. This is typical for most zones from Kumköy to Kızılot.
All inclusive is the most common format. It includes meals, drinks, animation and access to beach infrastructure. The content of the concept differs significantly. In some hotels there are several restaurants and evening shows, while in others it only means meals. Before booking, it is worth checking what is included in the tour price.
Family hotels are well represented in Kumköy, Çolaklı and Titreyengöl. Pay attention to the presence of a children’s pool, play area, children’s menu and animation.
5-star hotels are concentrated mainly in Sorgun and nearby areas, as well as in a number of large complexes in Kumköy. They offer a higher level of service, SPA areas, several restaurants and well-equipped beach territories.
Budget options and apartments can be found in the historic center of Side and the quarters closest to it. They suit travelers who do not plan to spend all their time on the hotel grounds.
When choosing a hotel, pay attention to:
What to see in Side
Ancient city of Side
The ancient city of Side is the main historical value of the resort. The ruins are located right in the center of the modern town. Columns, fragments of walls and paved streets can be explored on foot in two or three hours.
Temple of Apollo
Partially restored columns against the backdrop of the sea. A good photo location, especially at sunset.
Ancient theater
The ancient theater is a well-preserved structure with several thousand seats. It is one of the largest theaters in the Anatolia region. Entrance is paid, and the visit takes about an hour.
Side Museum
Side Museum is located in the building of ancient baths. The museum collection includes sculptures, mosaics and artifacts found on the territory of the ancient city during excavations.
Harbor
The harbor is a picturesque place for walks, especially in the evening. Boat trips on yachts and motorboats depart from here.
Manavgat Waterfall
Manavgat Waterfall is located a few kilometers from the city. It is a wide, calm waterfall on the river of the same name. There are restaurants and souvenir shops nearby. It is a popular place for a one-day trip.
Manavgat River
The Manavgat River is suitable for boat trips. Trips along the river with stops at the market and waterfall are a common excursion format.
Köprülü Canyon
Köprülü Canyon is a nature park with suspension bridges, ruins of an ancient bridge and walking routes. It is located about an hour’s drive from the center.
Green Canyon
Green Canyon is a reservoir with a characteristic turquoise water color among forested shores. It is visited mainly as part of organized boat trips.
Excursions from Side
Manavgat
Manavgat is the nearest large city, popular thanks to its bazaar market and waterfall. It is suitable for an independent trip by bus or as part of an organized excursion.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale means cotton terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis. The distance from Side is about 250 km. It is usually visited as part of a one-day tour with an early departure.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia means hot-air balloon flights, rock churches and underground cities. The distance is about 450 km, and it is often offered as a two-day trip with an overnight stay.
Antalya
Antalya offers the historic city center Kaleiçi, the waterfront and the museum. It is about an hour’s drive from Side and is convenient for an independent day trip.
Rafting
Rafting takes place on the Köprüçay River in Köprülü Canyon. Routes have different levels of difficulty and are suitable for both beginners and experienced participants. It is one of the most popular active formats in the region.
Boat trips
Routes cover the coastline, bays and Green Canyon. The standard format is a one-day trip with meals on board and swimming stops.
Hamam
A hamam is a traditional Turkish bath. It is available both in Side itself and in the surrounding areas. It is a popular leisure option in the evening.
Diving and snorkeling
Diving and snorkeling are available at several diving centers on the coast. Water clarity and the presence of small underwater objects make the area interesting for underwater swimming enthusiasts.
Holidays in Side with children
The resort is generally adapted for family holidays. Sandy beaches with gentle entry into the water are found in Side and in the areas of Kumköy, Çolaklı and Titreyengöl. The latter is interesting because a shallow lake is located next to the sea — a safe place for the youngest children to swim.
Holiday prices in Side
The cost of a holiday package in Side depends on several factors, and the difference between options can be significant.
Advantages and nuances of Side
Advantages
Nuances
Tips for travelers
Video from Side
A video example from the original article about a checked family hotel in Side.
FAQ about Side
When is the best time to visit Side?
For a beach holiday, June and September are usually the most comfortable months: the sea is warm, the heat is milder, and the resort is less crowded than in peak summer.
Is Side suitable for families with children?
Yes. Side has sandy beaches with shallow entry, many family hotels, children’s pools, mini-clubs and animation programs.
Which beaches in Side are best?
It depends on your priorities. The West Beach is convenient because it is close to the center. Kumköy and Çolaklı have wide sandy hotel beaches. Sorgun suits travelers who want fewer people around.
Where is it better to stay in Side?
Families often choose Kumköy, Çolaklı or Titreyengöl. Couples may prefer the historic center or Kumköy. For a quieter nature-focused stay, Sorgun or Kızılot are better options.
What can you see in Side on your own?
The ancient city and the Temple of Apollo can be explored in half a day. You can also visit Manavgat Waterfall by local transport or plan a day trip to Antalya.
How is Side different from Alanya and Belek?
Alanya is livelier and noisier, with more nightlife and tourist traffic. Belek is focused on large premium hotel complexes. Side is calmer than Alanya, more accessible than Belek and has a strong historical setting.
Are there sandy beaches in Side?
Yes. Most beaches in Side and the surrounding resort areas are sandy, with a gentle entrance to the sea in many places.
How many days do you need for a holiday in Side?
For a beach holiday with a few excursions, 7–10 days is usually enough. For a wider program with Pamukkale and Cappadocia, plan 10–14 days.
Which area is best for all inclusive hotels?
Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Sorgun and Titreyengöl have many all inclusive hotels, from family-friendly 4-star options to larger 5-star resorts.
Is Side good for couples?
Yes. The historic center, sea-view restaurants, the harbor and sunset walks near the Temple of Apollo make Side a good option for couples who prefer atmosphere over loud nightlife.
How long is the transfer from Antalya Airport to Side?
The transfer from Antalya Airport to Side usually takes about one hour, depending on the exact hotel location and traffic.
Is it easy to get around Side without a car?
It is easy in the center and nearby beach areas, but remote districts such as Sorgun, Kızılagaç and Kızılot are more convenient with taxis, buses or a rented car.
