Side

The peninsula of Side is a living open-air museum where history is present at every turn. The city's most iconic sight is the columns of the Temple of Apollo and Athena, which offer an unforgettable view, especially at sunset. The ancient theater, which once held thousands of spectators, remains a monumental witness to the past, and the road into the city passes through original Roman gates and colonnades. In addition to its cultural heritage, Side is known for its long, shallow sandy beaches that are good for families. The pedestrian streets in the modern city center are lined with shops, cozy cafes, and restaurants where visitors can taste traditional Turkish dishes. The nearby Manavgat Waterfall is a popular excursion destination, offering cool riverside parks for relaxation. Antalya Airport is about an hour's drive away, with regular bus services available. Side is especially recommended from April to June and in September and October, when the weather is pleasant for exploring the ruins, but the sea is already warm enough for swimming.

Nearby cities

Antalya

Antalya is a tourism hub on the Turkish Riviera, receiving over 13 million visitors in 2019.

Alanya

A dynamic city on the Turkish Riviera featuring a majestic castle, the famous Cleopatra Beach, and a vibrant harbor area.

Belek

The golf capital of Turkey, renowned for its luxurious all-inclusive resorts, world-class golf courses, and expansive sandy beaches.

Gazipaşa

A hidden paradise east of Alanya, known for its airport, banana plantations, and pristine bays.

Kemer

A modern resort at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, where pine forests meet the turquoise sea, offering dramatic mountain panoramas.

Eğirdir

Eğirdir is a stunning lakeside town on Lake Eğirdir, offering a peaceful retreat with historic islands and fresh lake fish.

Finike

A charming coastal town on the Lycian coast, world-famous for its oranges and ancient ruins.

Kaş

A charming, bohemian town known as a diving center, blending ancient Lycian rock tombs with cozy, flower-lined streets.

Kalkan

A picturesque harbor town set on steep hillsides, featuring whitewashed houses and world-class dining with stunning Mediterranean views.

Patara

Ancient capital of the Lycian League, home to an 18km long pristine sandy beach.

Çıralı

Idyllic eco-village featuring a pristine pebble beach and the eternal flames of the Chimaera.

Saklıkent Gorge

Saklıkent Gorge is a dramatic 18km-long canyon offering ice-cold waters, towering cliffs, and thrilling river walking adventures.

History & landmarks

Aspendos Theater

One of the best-preserved ancient Roman theaters in the world, still used for performances today.

Olympos

Mystical ancient ruins hidden in a lush river valley, famous for treehouse hotels and a bohemian vibe.

Nature

Turkish Riviera

A spectacular stretch of coastline on the Mediterranean, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and hidden bays.

More places

Aspendos

Aspendos is an ancient city known for its exceptionally well-preserved Roman theater.

Köprülü Canyon National Park

A breathtaking river valley in the Taurus Mountains, known for whitewater rafting and Roman stone bridges.

Köprülü Canyon

An impressive canyon in the Taurus Mountains through which a wild river flows with ice-cold, emerald green water.

Antalya Aquarium

One of the largest aquariums in the world, delighting visitors with a massive underwater tunnel and themed areas like Snow World.

Termessos

Termessos is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Turkey, dramatically located in a steep valley.

Taurus Mountains

This impressive mountain range separates the Mediterranean coast from the Anatolian plateau and shapes the region's climate.

Myra

Myra was a major Lycian city and is known for its rock-cut tombs and ancient theater.