Side

The main tourist destination of the region is beach-going, but it is also a great location for lovers of excursion tourism . So you just need to find and select a tour online in Side to go back in time! The city was built by the Greeks, so you can find many ancient antique ruins here.

✔️ A bit of chronology and facts

Side has witnessed many important events. Settlers from Greece founded a colony here, creating the first settlement. The next stage in the city's life was the reign of the generals of Alexander the Great. Since Side was a major trading center, it managed to maintain some autonomy from all subsequent nations that came to power here. 

But in the 13th century, the city turns into a small fishing village. Only at the end of the 19th century, a new settlement is founded near the old Side, which will later grow into the city we know. Rich history and good beaches in the 90s of the last century gave impetus to the development of tourism in this region. Now the best hotels in Side deservedly receive high reviews from tourists.

✔️ Entertainment Features

Side is a concentration of different holiday options. Beautiful beaches, developed infrastructure, incredible nature , rich history create ideal conditions for travelers. The country's authorities understand this, so the prices for holidays in Side are different, so that many can spend their vacation in such a beautiful region.   

✔️ Possible transfer options

The nearest airport is in Antalya, 75 km from Side. If you don’t want to waste time and energy on the road, you can order a private transfer from your hotel, if it provides such services. However, this will cost more. Other options are a regular minibus and a taxi.

✔️ Weather conditions

Side has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are dry and hot, winters are mild and cool. You can fly to Side for a holiday starting in May. Pleasant cloudless and warm weather continues until the end of October.

✔️ What to bring back from your trip

In the city you can arrange a real shopping tour. There are both boutiques of local brands and colorful markets . You can buy clothes, leather and fur products, jewelry, traditional sweets, spices, hookah. Also, hand-painted ceramics and carpets with national patterns will remind you of your trip to Side.

✔️ Reasons to buy a tour or a trip to Side, search and selection of tours online

Here you can have a great rest on the beach without leaving the hotel, or spend your time actively exploring the surrounding world.

▶️ Beach holidays

This is a true paradise for sunbathers. The variety of beaches is off the charts: sandy, pebbly, rocky, with rocky cliffs or wooden piers, with lush vegetation near the shore or wide open spaces around, noisy or wild.

You can buy a tour to Side and not leave its borders. There are two beaches within the city. Both of them have been awarded the Blue Flag. The western one is crowded, the sea is shallow. There is a wide range of entertainment here: snorkeling, boat and motorboat rides, water skiing and banana boat rides, feeding river turtles and much more. There are also cafes, restaurants, bars, shops at your service. The eastern beach is the complete opposite of the western one. It is quiet here, there are no noisy crowds and many tourist establishments. This place is ideal for those who like a more secluded holiday.

There are many different beaches located outside the city. 

Kumkoy is one of the main party locations in the region. There are bars and restaurants near the shore, and fun discos for young people are constantly held. The entrance to the sea is gentle, and entertainment includes snorkeling, parasailing, water skiing, and more.

The resort of Colakli has some of the best beaches in the region. Golden sand, the Blue Flag, and developed infrastructure attract many tourists here. However, you can only hide here under an umbrella, as you will not find shade from the trees. You can have fun in a small water park, ride water skis, a jet ski or a banana boat, or play beach volleyball. Colakli also has a mini zoo.

The village of Sorgun, on the contrary, boasts lush greenery. This is perhaps the greenest place in Side. Hotels and beaches are surrounded by pine forests and orange groves. This place is perfect for a holiday with children: the entrance to the sea is gentle, comfortable, there are no waves. Everyone can explore the underwater world by snorkeling or diving. Fans of wild locations will also find secluded corners with untouched nature here.

▶️ Ancient landmarks

History buffs should consider a weekend trip to Side, as it is a real portal to the past. Evidence of ancient times can be found even on the streets. For example, a modern road runs through an arched gate from the Roman Empire.

The open-air museum exhibits include elements of ancient buildings. Some objects are over 2,000 years old. In the old town, it is worth seeing the ruins of the temples of Apollo, Dionysus and Tyche, the Columned Street, the market square, the city walls, one of the largest amphitheaters in Turkey, and the Nymphaeum fountain.

Not far from Side are the ruins of the city of Seleucia. You can see the ruins of an agora, a mausoleum, a necropolis, several temples and Roman baths.

Another interesting archaeological complex is Aspendos. The city has a very well-preserved amphitheater with a beautiful stage portal.

▶️ Nature

One of the most popular and easily accessible natural attractions of Side is the Manavgat Waterfall. Its height is only about 2 m, but its width is 40 m. Beautiful surrounding landscapes, white foamy streams, emerald water of the mountain river make this location a must-see. 

In the Green Canyon, breathtaking views await you - a lake and a turquoise river, high gray cliffs covered with trees, grasses and flowers. During the cruise, you can visit a picturesque cave.

Kursunlu National Park is famous for its beautiful waterfall. Cascades fall from a height of 18 m from a cliff covered with bright green moss, and form a picturesque lake.

In the Köprülü Canyon, you can enjoy the scenery of the banks covered with pine trees, eucalyptus, cypresses, see the ancient Roman Oluk Bridge, which is still in operation, and also go rafting or fishing.

Holidays in Side can be arranged with various activities, which allows many travelers to spend their holidays here.