Side

Side on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey combines sandy beaches, ancient ruins right by the sea, and a large hotel area stretching along the shore. The resort is often chosen by those who not only want to swim but also enjoy evening walks in the old town, watch the Temple of Apollo at sunset, and go on short excursions without long transfers.

Vacationing in Side is well-suited for families with children, couples, and tourists who enjoy the classic Turkish coast format with "all-inclusive" hotels. At the same time, it's important to choose the right district: the western beach is more convenient for children and a calm sea, the eastern coast is quieter and less urban, and neighboring areas like Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, or Sorgun noticeably differ in atmosphere, beaches, and hotel formats.

About Side

Side is located in southern Turkey, between Antalya and Alanya, on the Mediterranean coast. The resort occupies a small peninsula with a historic center and a long coastal strip with hotels, beaches, and tourist areas. Tourists most often arrive via Antalya, and Side itself is considered a calmer alternative to large city resorts.

The climate in Side is typical of the Turkish Riviera: dry, hot summers, warm springs, and a long velvet season in the fall. For beach vacations, the most comfortable months are usually considered the end of May, June, September, and October, when the sea is already or still warm, and the daytime heat is easier to bear. In July and August, the sun is particularly strong, so families with small children should pay extra attention to choosing a hotel with shade on the grounds and convenient beach access.

The main feature of the resort is the difference between the western and eastern coasts of Side. The western beach, towards Kumkoy, Evrenseki, and Colakli, is known for its gentle sea entrance, wide sandy stretches, and a large number of family hotels. There is more active tourist life, more beach infrastructure, and it's more convenient for a first trip to Turkey.

The eastern beach in Side is calmer, less developed in places, and closer to a natural vacation format. Towards Sorgun and Titreyengol, people who want more peace, greenery, and a sense of distance from city noise often go. The sea here is also suitable for swimming, but on some days, the waves can be stronger than on the western side.

Kumkoy is suitable for those who want to be closer to shops, cafes, and more active nightlife without giving up the beach format. Evrenseki and Colakli are usually chosen by families for the spacious beaches and more measured vacation pace. Sorgun is appreciated for its pine areas, green spaces, and hotels where the resort feels less urbanized.

5 Reasons to Visit Side

1. The sandy beaches of Side are one of the main reasons to choose this resort. The western part of the coast with the districts of Kumkoy and Evrenseki is especially convenient for family vacations due to the gentle sea entrance.

2. Ancient landmarks here are not set aside for separate excursions but are essentially integrated into the vacation. In the old part of Side, you can see the ancient theater, the ruins of the agora, and the Temple of Apollo by the sea in one evening.

3. The resort is convenient for those who like to combine hotel relaxation with short outings. From Side, it's easy to plan excursions to Manavgat, Manavgat Waterfall, Koprulu Canyon, and the ancient city of Aspendos.

4. The districts of Side offer a choice between different vacation formats without the need to change regions. For a more active vacation, the center and Kumkoy are more suitable, while for a quieter one, Sorgun, Titreyengol, or Colakli are better.

5. Tours to Side are often chosen due to the large number of "all-inclusive" hotels on the first or nearby line to the sea. This is a practical option for families, couples, and those who want to minimize time spent on daily logistics.

Attractions in Side

The most famous place at the resort is the ancient city of Side, which can be explored independently during a walk through the historic center. Here you can find the ancient theater, city walls, ruins of the agora, columns of ancient streets, and the Temple of Apollo, which has become one of the main photo locations on the coast. If you want not just to walk through but to better understand the city's history, it's worth taking a guided tour.

Near the resort, the popular Manavgat Waterfall is not a large mountain location but rather a pleasant short trip for half a day. It's often combined with a walk through the city of Manavgat and visiting the local market. This option is convenient for those who want to diversify their beach vacation without a strenuous route.

From historical outing locations, Aspendos with its famous Roman theater, and also the ruins of Perge are often chosen. These are good excursions for tourists interested in antiquity who do not want to limit themselves to just the center of Side. For a self-guided trip, such places are less convenient, so an organized tour is often more practical.

Among natural locations, Koprulu Canyon stands out, where people go not only for the views but also for rafting. If an active day is needed instead of another beach day, this excursion usually provides the greatest contrast to the resort's calm rhythm.

Transport

Most tourists reach Side via Antalya airport and then travel by group or individual transfer to the hotel. When booking a tour, the transfer is usually already included or easily added separately, which is especially convenient for families with luggage and children. Independent travelers should check private transfer options or car rental in advance.

Between the districts of Side, Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, Sorgun, and Manavgat, tourists often travel by dolmus, taxi, or hotel shuttles, if available. For an evening trip to the old town, a taxi is convenient, and for excursions to the canyon, Aspendos, or rafting, it's more practical to take an organized outing. If many independent trips are planned along the coast, renting a car may offer more freedom, but for a standard beach tour, transfers and local transport are usually sufficient.

Shopping in Side

For souvenirs, ceramics, Turkish sweets, tea, spices, and beach trinkets, tourists most often go to the old town of Side. Here there are many shopping streets where you can conveniently combine an evening walk with shopping, but it's worth remembering that prices in the tourist zone may be higher. In this part of the resort, people usually buy magnets, lamps, textiles, jewelry, and gifts with local color.

Shopping in Manavgat is more practical and less "postcard-like." There, tourists often look for textiles, clothing, spices, tea, sweets, olive soap, and everyday goods. If you want not just souvenirs but also regular purchases for yourself, a trip to Manavgat often proves more useful than shops near the hotels.

In the districts of Kumkoy and around large hotel zones, there are also shops, pharmacies, jewelry salons, and stores with leather and accessories. This is convenient for quick purchases without a trip to the center, but for greater variety, it's better to head either to the historic part of Side or to Manavgat. Before buying textiles, leather goods, or jewelry, it's worth comparing a few places rather than taking the first option near the hotel.

Best Hotels in Side

Barut Hemera is often considered by tourists who value a comfortable beach vacation not far from the center of Side. It is usually chosen by couples and families who want to combine a hotel vacation format with the opportunity to go on walks in the old town. For booking, it's worth checking the current room types and seasonal occupancy.

Acanthus Cennet Barut Collection is known as an option for a more peaceful and neat vacation on the Side coast. It is often considered by couples and adult tourists who value a stylish atmosphere and proximity to walking areas. This is a good format for a romantic tour without focusing on maximum active animation.

Arum Barut Collection in Side often ranks among the popular hotels for a comfortable vacation by the sea. It may be considered by tourists who want quality service and a convenient base for a longer vacation. As with any hotel at the resort, it's worth clarifying which building and type of accommodation suits you before booking.

Ali Bey Resort Side is well-known among those seeking a resort format with a large territory and a distinctive vacation concept. Such hotels are often liked by families and tourists who plan to spend most of their time on the grounds. For a trip in peak season, this option is best booked in advance.

If the main criterion is the beach and convenience for children, it's worth looking not just at the hotel name but also at the district. In Colakli and Evrenseki, people often look for large family complexes with wide sandy beaches, while in Sorgun, greener and quieter options are sought. For a first trip to Side, the logic of choice is simple: for families—west coast, for couples—center or quiet hotels closer to Sorgun, for active tourists—accommodation with easy access to the old town.

Excursions in Side

The most popular excursion without a long transfer is a walk through old Side with ancient landmarks. It can be done independently, but with a guide, the route becomes more meaningful: it's easier to understand how the ancient city was arranged, where the theater, trading areas, and port were. This is a convenient format for half a day or evening.

A trip to Manavgat and Manavgat Waterfall is usually suitable for those who want a change of scenery without a exhausting full-day excursion. It's often combined with a river walk or visiting the bazaar. The format is light and well-suited for families.

Rafting in Koprulu Canyon is one of the most popular active outings from Side. It's a day excursion for those who want to add movement, mountain views, and not just sit by the pool or on the beach all the time. Usually chosen by younger tourists, groups of friends, and families with older children.

Among historical routes, Aspendos, Perge, and sometimes combined excursions from several ancient locations are often booked. They are more appealing to those interested in the ancient history of Asia Minor than those looking solely for entertainment. If a marine format is desired, attention should be paid to yacht trips along the coast—this is a softer and more relaxing day scenario.

Entertainment in Side

The main entertainment at the resort is beach relaxation, but it feels different in various areas. On the western beach, there are more water activities, sun loungers, organized zones, and families with children. The eastern shore is more suitable for those who enjoy long walks along the sea and a calmer atmosphere without dense tourist development.

In the old town of Side, it's pleasant to walk along the promenade in the evening, look at the sea near the Temple of Apollo, and combine the walk with coffee, desserts, or shopping. This is not a resort with loud city nightlife on the level of large metropolises, but for an evening outing, there are enough cafes, bars, and tourist streets. The center of Side is usually the most interesting for couples and those who don't want to spend all evenings only in the hotel.

For family vacations, hotel entertainment, pools, kids' clubs, and a wide beach with a gentle sea entrance play an important role. Therefore, families often find Colakli, Evrenseki, and part of Kumkoy more suitable, where the vacation format is more resort-like and predictable. If peace is desired, it's better to look towards Sorgun or hotels further from the center.

Active tourists often combine sea relaxation with water sports, boat trips, parasailing, or day outings for rafting. Side is not considered the main diving center of Turkey, but sea trips and short water activities are quite accessible here. For this, the resort is suitable for those who want a balanced vacation with the sea, history, and short adventures, not an extreme one.

Tours in Side

Tours to Side should be selected primarily by district and then by hotel star rating. If calm sea, sandy entrance, and family format are needed, it makes sense to look at Colakli, Evrenseki, and part of Kumkoy. If walks, the ancient center, and the ability to leave the hotel in the evening are important, it's better to consider Side itself or accommodation closer to the old town.

For couples, hotels closer to the center or quieter options in Sorgun are often suitable, and for a long family vacation—large complexes on the western coast with the "all-inclusive" format. When booking, it's important to consider the season: in the height of summer, it's especially important to look at shade on the grounds, distance to the beach, and the family's habits regarding heat. May, June, September, and October often offer the most comfortable balance between air and sea temperatures.

With Farvater Travel, it's convenient to select tours to Side tailored to a specific vacation scenario: beach, family, romantic, or with an emphasis on excursions. To make the right choice, it's worth immediately determining priorities—district, type of beach, dining format, desired trip duration, and budget. Then a vacation in Side will be not just a hotel booking by the sea, but a tour precisely tailored to your rhythm and expectations.