Side at a glance:
- Travel time: 4hrs 15mins direct flight from London to Antalya, followed by a 1hr transfer to Side.
- Vibe: Historic, sun-drenched, magical.
- Top must-see: The Temple of Apollo that looks out over the sea.
- Best for: Families, history lovers, outdoor enthusiasts.
The ancient city of Side in Turkey is a holiday spot that really does offer a bit of everything. From glorious sunshine and really interesting history, to stunning natural beauty and a variety of food and shopping, I can’t recommend it enough! Here’s my complete guide to Side Turkey so you can plan for a fantastic holiday (oh and just so you know, it’s pronounced ‘See-day’).
Things to do in Side Turkey
See the ancient Roman Ampitheatre
One of the highlights of Side Turkey is its fascinating history. The town was founded in the 7th century BC and has been inhabited by various civilisations over the centuries, including the Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans. Built in the 2nd century AD, the Roman Ampitheatre could seat up to 15,000 people and was used for gladiatorial contests and other public events. I found it amazing how well-preserved it is, from the arches and columns, to the seating areas. This is a definite must-see.
Visit the Temple of Apollo
Another fascinating historical site in Side is the Temple of Apollo. This ancient temple was built in the 2nd century AD too, and was dedicated to Apollo, the Greek god of light and the sun. Today, visitors can see the temple’s impressive columns and the remains of its altar – set against the backdrop of the sea, it’s a stunning sight, especially at sunset.
Street of ancient columns
This street would have been the pride of Side where the wealthiest merchants had their shops. It led directly to the west gate and was 20 metres wide. Alongside rows of columns, the surface of the street would have been paved with marble, and olive trees and flowers would have bordered the road. I would love to have seen it back in its heyday.
Take a boat trip
From Side Harbour, you can join various boat tours that explore the coastline of Side, visiting hidden bays and caves. Many offer swimming stops, snorkeling opportunities, and even barbecues on board. There are dolphin-watching cruises as well, where you might get lucky and spot these beautiful creatures.
Visit Manavgat Waterfall
Located about 15 minutes from Side, the Manavgat Waterfall is stunning. It’s not high but it’s wide and powerful, and you can get very close. There are picnic areas and cafes where you can re-fuel while enjoying the view.
Relax at the beach
Personally I don’t think you can have a trip to Turkey without some time on the beach to soak up the sun. Known for its calm waters and fine sand, East Beach (Kumköy Beach) is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports. It’s popular among tourists and offers several beachfront cafes and restaurants. Quieter than East Beach, West Beach is a great spot for those looking for a more relaxed environment.
Green Canyon (Yeşil Kanyon)
Green Canyon is part of a reservoir formed by the damming of the Manavgat River. The name comes from the emerald-green colour of the water, which is a result of the mineral-rich content of the reservoir. You can drive up the mountain for a birds-eye view, as well as walk near the water or take a boat ride. It is an amazing sight!
Best places to shop in Side Turkey
Side Old Town
The narrow streets of Side Old Town are really pretty, lined with shops selling Turkish carpets, jewellery, ceramics, leather goods, and souvenirs. Don’t forget to haggle for the best prices! My favourite shop was the one pictured, down near the harbour. It is full of beautiful dreamcatchers (one of which hangs above my bed), decorative ornaments, and plenty of other knick-knacks that make great souvenirs.
Nova Mall
If you’re looking for a more modern shopping experience, head to Nova Mall. This modern shopping centre is home to a range of international and Turkish brands, as well as a cinema and food court. Whether you’re looking for fashion, electronics, or homeware, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes at Nova Mall.
Manavgat Market
Just a short drive from Side, the Manavgat Market is a bustling bazaar that takes place every Monday and Thursday. Here you’ll find a huge range of goods, from fresh produce to souvenirs and clothing. Be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds and keep a bottle of water on you as it can get very stuffy.
Places to visit near Side
Admire the Düden Waterfalls
If you enjoy visiting Manavgat Waterfall, then I’d highly recommend travelling to see the Upper Düden Waterfalls and Lower Düden Waterfalls too. They both offer something unique to see. Find out more about the Düden Waterfalls.
Take a trip to Alanya
Alanya is about an hour’s drive from Side. It is a picturesque coastal city with historic landmarks like Alanya Castle and the Red Tower. Find out more about things to do in Alanya.
Shop at Land of Legends
This is by far the most incredible looking shopping destination I have been to! Even if you don’t buy anything in the shops Land of Legends is worth visiting just to see it. There’s a theme park on-site too, just in case you fancy a rollercoaster ride before picking up a new handbag.
Turkish food you must try in Side
As you would expect from a holiday destination, there’s plenty of restaurants to eat out at. These are a few of the Turkish items I’d highly recommend.
Kebabs
Slow-cooked, seasoned meat (beef, lamb, or chicken) shaved from a vertical rotisserie or in cubes, often served in wraps or on sticks. The likelihood is you’ve had kebab at home before, but in Turkey this is the real deal.
Balon Lavas
A flatbread known for being thin, crispy, and very puffy, sprinkled with nigella seeds and served with unsalted butter. Often served as a starter before meals, and so tasty.
Köfte
Turkish meatballs made from spiced minced meat, often grilled or pan-fried and served with rice or salad.
Baklava
A sweet dessert made with layers of phyllo dough, nuts (often pistachios), and syrup or honey.
Turkish Delight (Lokum)
A soft, chewy sweet made from sugar, starch, and water. Often flavoured with ingredients such as rosewater, lemon, or orange. You may have had this at home too, but Turkish options regularly include nuts like pistachios, hazelnuts, or walnuts too.
Visiting Side, Turkey FAQs (2026)
Yes, Side is absolutely worth visiting! It offers a rare “open-air museum” experience where ancient Roman history has been seamlessly integrated with a modern resort town. It’s the perfect spot if you want a high-end Turkish Riviera holiday, but still want history and culture too.
Spring and Autumn are great times to visit as the weather is pleasant but not too hot. The Summer months are the busiest, this is when temperatures often hit 38c-40c. Make sure you are regularly topping up on sunscreen, staying hydrated, and have a hat with you whenever the sun is out.
The easiest (and recommended) way is to get a private transfer, this drive takes around an hour or so. The cost is around 1,600–2,800 Turkish Lira (£40–£70). Booking one in advance can be a bit cheaper and more reliable. Alternatively you can look into getting a shared shuttle. Getting public transport can take over 3 hours and involves multiple bus changes which is not ideal, especially in the heat.
Walking through the main ruins of the ancient city (the streets and the city walls) is free. However, you need to purchase a ticket for the Roman Theatre and the Side Archaeological Museum which is inexpensive.
The best time to get there is 30 minutes before sunset. The sun sets directly behind the columns over the Mediterranean Sea, providing an iconic photo opportunity. It can get busy at this time though! Alternatively if you’re an early riser, sunrise is also very atmospheric and there will be less tourists.
Side is very family-friendly. The beaches are sandy with shallow waters and many resorts feature massive waterparks. For a day trip, the Land of Legends Theme Park is only 30 minutes away.
Haggling in markets and tourist shops is common. It isn’t something I feel confident doing, but if you choose to give it a go, do it politely and with a smile!
Sophie is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of Britain and Beyond.
