Looking for the best things to do in Side, Turkey? A Roman amphitheatre, Temple of Apollo, Mediterranean beaches and Taurus Mountains — all within walking distance of each other. Side packs more into one place than almost any resort in Turkey.
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Activities
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Side Dolphin Park (Dolphin Show & Swim)
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Side Quad Bike Safari (Half Day)
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Side Jeep Safari with Water Fight & Boat Trip
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Side Buggy Safari (Half Day)
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Side Rafting Tour on Manavgat River
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Side Turkish Bath (Traditional Hamam)
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Side Full Day Scuba Diving Two Dives
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Aquarium, Waterfall & Antalya Old Town Tour
Boat Trips
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Side Green Canyon Boat Trip with Lunch & Soft Drinks
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Side Manavgat Boat Trip with Lunch and Soft Drinks
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Side Dolphin Island Boat Trip with Lunch & Soft Drinks
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Side Big Kral Sunset Pirate Boat Trip (All Inclusive)
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Side Big Kral Pirate Boat Trip (All Inclusive)
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Side Big Kral Pirate Boat Trip (Soft Drinks)
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Side Boat Trip with Lunch and Soft Drinks
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Side Fishing Tour with Breakfast
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Side Legend Big Kral Night Party Boat Tour (16+)
Airport Transfer
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from/to Antalya Airport
Transfer from Antalya to Gundogdu (van 5 seat)
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from/to Antalya Airport
Transfer from Antalya to Kizilot (van 5 seat)
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from/to Antalya Airport
Transfer from Antalya to Side (van 5 seat)
Side is unusual among Turkish resorts — it has a genuine ancient city sitting right in the middle of it. The Temple of Apollo at the water's edge, the Roman amphitheatre that once seated 15,000 people, the colonnaded streets that tourists now walk where toga-clad crowds once chattered. Most resorts have history nearby. Side has it in the streets.
Beyond the ruins, the setting does a lot of the work. The town sits on a narrow peninsula between two long sandy beaches, with the Taurus Mountains clearly visible to the north and the Mediterranean stretching south. Few resorts in Turkey offer this combination — ancient history, mountain scenery and a serious coastline all within a few kilometres of each other.
Side works well for almost every kind of traveller. Families find it easy to navigate, with calm beaches and plenty of shade in the old town. History lovers can spend days in the ruins without repeating themselves. Those who want to get away from the resort entirely will find that the surrounding region is as diverse as anywhere on the Turkish coast. And in the evenings, the atmosphere in the old town — particularly around the Temple of Apollo at sunset — is genuinely hard to match.
Browse the categories below to plan your Side holiday.
Things To Do in Side: FAQs
What is Side Turkey famous for?
Side is best known for its remarkably well-preserved ancient ruins situated right in the town centre — particularly the Temple of Apollo, the Roman amphitheatre and the Vespasian Gate. Combined with two long sandy beaches and a lively harbour, it's one of the most distinctive resorts on Turkey's Mediterranean coast.
When is the best time to visit Side Turkey?
May, June, September and early October offer the best combination of warm weather, calm sea and manageable crowds. July and August are the hottest and busiest months — ideal for beach holidays but less comfortable for sightseeing. The ancient ruins are worth visiting in any season, as they're far quieter outside summer.
How far is Side from Antalya Airport?
Side is approximately 65–70 km from Antalya Airport, around a 60–75 minute drive depending on traffic. A private transfer is the most direct option, going straight to your hotel without any stops.
Is Side suitable for families with children?
Yes — Side is an excellent family destination. The beaches on both sides of the peninsula are sandy and relatively shallow, making them safe for younger children. The ancient ruins are engaging for older kids, and the surrounding region offers plenty of family-friendly activities.
What ancient sites can I visit in Side?
Side itself contains several significant Roman and Hellenistic ruins including the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Theatre, the Vespasian Gate, the Nymphaeum and the old city walls. The nearby ancient cities of Perge and Aspendos are also within easy reach for a day visit.
How many days do I need in Side?
Three to four days is enough to explore the town itself comfortably — the beaches, the old town, the ruins and the harbour. If you plan to take day trips to the surrounding region, five to seven days gives you more flexibility without feeling rushed.
