Side is a small resort town located 75 km east of Antalya. Side is one of Turkey's most cherished resort towns, blending national heritage with modern tourism. It is considered one of the popular tourist destinations on the Mediterranean coast, attracting visitors from around the world. The holiday season there lasts from May to September, the weather during this period of time is warm and dry. Beaches in Side are sandy, with a gentle entry into the water; many of them have been given the award “Blue Flag” - a sign of quality for resorts. The main attraction of the city is a huge archaeological complex with artefacts of ancient Greek and Roman periods. Side is also interesting owing to its nightlife. At the same time, it remains a quiet town, which is especially noticeable in winter. The cost of living there is about the same as in Antalya. Real estate is represented mainly by low-rise buildings, but villas and apartments side with direct views of the sea are a rarity.
Location and climate. The resort town of Side is located 75 km east of Antalya. Throughout the holiday season, from May to September, dominant is warm cloudless and windless weather without precipitation.
The sea and the beach. The gentle convenient entry into the water and fine golden sand are to the liking of many vacationers, especially with children. Side is famous for its sandy beaches, which are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. For the purity of the territory and water, many beaches of Side were awarded “Blue Flag” - a sign of quality for resorts.
Transport accessibility. If you are traveling by car, then the road from Antalya Airport to Side will take about one hour. It is convenient to go to Side by bus too. The city is located near federal highway D400, on which buses run regularly from Antalya with the sign Side (Manavgat). The main road through Side provides easy access to major historic sites and the town centre.
Sights. Directly in the city, on an impressively big land plot, there is an ancient archaeological complex Side. It includes extant artefacts of ancient Greek and Roman periods: ancient tombs, pedestals, sarcophagi, statues, ruins of temples and an ancient amphitheater. Many of Side's key attractions are located in or near the town centre, which serves as the focal point for exploration. The centre of Side is home to both ancient ruins and modern establishments, offering a blend of history and contemporary amenities. In 7 km from Side, in the town of Manavgat, there is a famous waterfall, to which, for a small fee, you can get by a channel on a beautiful wooden boat. In Manavgat area there are several farms for growing trout, which can be enjoyed in many restaurants. Several resorts in Side feature on-site aqua parks, making them especially appealing for families with children. The Temple of Apollo is a popular spot to watch the sunset over the Mediterranean. Visitors can enjoy a walk through the ancient ruins and the old town, immersing themselves in Side's rich history. Walking along the waterfront and through the archaeological sites is a favorite activity for many tourists.
Safety. As in many resort towns in Turkey, safety in Side is paid special attention. They do everything there to ensure for tourists from all over the world a peaceful stay in daytime and at night.
Education. The nearby town of Manavgat has both private and public schools with teaching in the Turkish language. The nearest schools with teaching in a foreign language are in Alanya and Antalya.
Culture and traditions. The city has everything for the lovers of nightlife. Many clubs, bars and discos open their doors for the summer season. Numerous restaurants and cafes offer a wide selection of meals of the traditional Turkish cuisine, there are also specialty restaurants of the British and French cuisine. The variety and quality of food available in Side, including both local and international cuisine, is sure to satisfy every taste.
Cost of living. In Side and Manavgat the level of prices is not higher than in Antalya. On market days you can buy fruits and vegetables for the entire week at low prices. And the level of prices for things and services is no different from that in Antalya. The official currency in Side is the Turkish lira, which visitors will use for most transactions.
Advantages of a small town. Side lives actively only in the summer season. For the winter period many of the hotels are closed, and the number of tourists and staff is drastically reduced. The population of Side increases significantly during the summer months due to tourism. The best times for visiting Side are during the shoulder seasons, when you can avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. Those who visit during peak summer months might miss the quieter, more authentic side of the town.
Real estate. Most real estate buyers in Side are the British, Belgians and other Europeans. Focusing on foreign buyers, developers are building apartments and villas Side with high quality exterior and interior trim. The area is dominated by low-rise buildings: 2-3-storey residential complexes and villas. This affects the price of real estate, which is on average higher than in Antalya. Since the first line from the sea is virtually completely given to hotels and boarding houses, apartments and villas with direct sea views are very rare. Many luxury resorts offer direct access to a private beach or a private stretch of coastline for guests. Accommodations in Side often feature spacious rooms with modern amenities.
Introduction to Side
Side, pronounced "SEE-deh," stands as an exceptional resort destination on Turkey's magnificent Mediterranean coastline in Antalya Province—and we can confidently say that this ancient city represents one of the finest examples of how historical significance and modern comfort unite to create something truly extraordinary. With our deep understanding of this remarkable region, we know that visitors discover in Side not just beautiful beaches and ancient ruins, but a destination where every element has been carefully preserved to offer the most authentic and enriching experience possible.
The meticulously maintained amphitheatre, Roman baths, and impressive city gate serve as profound testimonies to Side's storied heritage, while the charming old town—with its thoughtfully preserved narrow streets and traditional Turkish architecture—creates an atmosphere where modern amenities blend seamlessly with historical authenticity. We've observed that whether families seek the perfect balance of relaxation and cultural enrichment, or couples desire a romantic retreat steeped in history, Side delivers an unparalleled combination of seaside beauty, cultural depth, and genuine Turkish hospitality that consistently exceeds expectations and creates lasting memories for every visitor who experiences its unique character.
Geography and Climate
We understand that when you dream of the perfect Mediterranean destination, you're seeking something truly extraordinary—and Side delivers exactly that magic we know you're looking for. Gracefully positioned on a breathtaking peninsula with the azure Mediterranean Sea embracing it on three sides, this remarkable destination offers the kind of stunning natural setting that speaks directly to the soul of every discerning traveler. The magnificent Taurus Mountains rise majestically in the distance, creating a picture-perfect frame that enhances the town's already captivating scenic appeal—we've witnessed countless clients fall in love with this very view. This strategic location has been the foundation of Side's profound historical significance as a vibrant trade and cultural hub, something we deeply appreciate and share with every visitor.
The climate here embodies everything you could wish for in a Mediterranean paradise: delightfully hot, sun-drenched summers and pleasantly mild, refreshing winters—precisely what those seeking unforgettable, sun-soaked holidays deserve. We take special pride in Side's exceptional beaches, including the beloved East Beach, West Beach, and Kumkoy Beach, each offering ideal conditions for swimming, sunbathing, and exhilarating water sports in the warm, welcoming Mediterranean waters. This extraordinary combination of pristine coastline and inviting weather makes Side an absolutely perfect choice for summer vacations—and we're here to ensure your experience exceeds every expectation.
History and Landmarks
With a remarkable heritage stretching back to the 7th century BC, Side stands as one of Turkey's most captivating and treasured ancient cities — a place where we, as passionate travel experts, take immense pride in sharing with our valued visitors. Originally settled by Anatolian tribes who understood the strategic beauty of this coastal location, the town later flourished magnificently under Greek and Roman influence, ultimately becoming an integral part of the Roman Empire in 25 BC — a transformation that speaks to the enduring appeal we witness in our clients today. During this golden era, Side emerged as a vibrant, bustling center of trade and culture, much like the dynamic destination we help travelers discover now.
Today, our visitors can explore truly remarkable ancient landmarks that we've come to know intimately through years of expertise — such as the iconic Temple of Apollo, which stands majestically on a peninsula overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and is renowned for its absolutely breathtaking sunsets that leave our guests speechless. The ancient city theatre, once accommodating up to 20,000 spectators with the same grandeur we ensure for our clients' experiences, hosted dramatic performances and gladiatorial contests that rival any modern entertainment. The Roman baths, with their sophisticated hot and cold pools, elegant dressing rooms, and well-designed exercise areas, offer our visitors an authentic glimpse into the rich social life of the past — experiences we're honored to facilitate and explain in detail. These exceptionally well-preserved sites make Side an absolute treasure trove for history enthusiasts, and we take great satisfaction in ensuring that every moment of discovery exceeds expectations.
Beaches and Attractions
Side's golden beaches represent not just stunning coastline, but the very essence of what makes this ancient destination truly extraordinary — drawing countless visitors who discover that these aren't merely beaches, but carefully curated experiences that cater to every dream and desire. East Beach stands as the town's magnificent centerpiece — a vibrant, pulsating stretch where restaurants, bars, and shops create an atmosphere so alive and welcoming that families and groups find themselves immersed in exactly the kind of authentic Turkish coastal experience they've been yearning for, where every moment feels both exciting and perfectly safe. For those souls seeking something deeper, something more intimate — West Beach offers a sanctuary of tranquility, a secluded haven where visitors can truly disconnect from the world's chaos and reconnect with themselves, away from crowds, where the only sounds are gentle waves and whispered conversations of contentment.
Kumkoy Beach emerges as another jewel in Side's crown — beloved not just for its impossibly soft sandy shores, but for water sports facilities so exceptional that enthusiasts return year after year, knowing they'll find equipment, instruction, and experiences that exceed every expectation. Beyond these coastal treasures, Side's ancient ruins — including the breathtaking Temple of Apollo and the imposing city gate that has witnessed centuries of history — don't simply invite visitors to observe the past, but to actually step through time itself, to feel the weight of antiquity and understand how civilizations built legacies that still inspire us today. The harbour area pulses with an energy that's both sophisticated and genuinely welcoming — where lively bars, exceptional restaurants, and charming shops create not just a place to unwind after exploration, but a destination in itself where every evening becomes a celebration of life, culture, and the profound satisfaction that comes from discovering a place that truly understands what visitors seek.
Whether your passion lies in historical discovery, the pure joy of sunbathing on world-class beaches, or vibrant nightlife that captures the spirit of the Mediterranean — Side's attractions don't simply cater to every taste, they elevate every experience, ensuring that each visitor leaves with memories that will draw them back again and again.
