Side, Turkey: Travel Guide to the Ancient Town on the Turkish Riviera

Few beach resorts can match Side. Its old town sits on a small peninsula scattered with Roman ruins, with long sandy beaches stretching away on either side. You can swim in the morning, explore a 2,000-year-old theatre in the afternoon and watch the sunset from a temple by the sea.

Ancient Side

1. The Temple of Apollo

The columns of this Roman temple stand right at the tip of the peninsula, facing the sea. Come at sunset, when the marble glows orange – it's the most famous view in Side.

2. The ancient theatre

Side's great theatre could seat around 15,000 people and is one of the best preserved on the Turkish coast. Climb to the top rows for views over the ruins and the sea.

3. Side Museum and the colonnaded street

A small museum in the old Roman baths displays statues and reliefs found in the city. Walk the colonnaded street and the agora between the town gate and the harbour.

4. The old town and harbour

Inside the ruins, the old village is full of restaurants, shops and cafés. In the evening the harbour fills with diners and boat trips leave from the quay during the day.

Beaches and the sea

5. Side's beaches

The West and East beaches have soft sand and shallow water. Hotels line most of the coast, but there are public sections with sunbeds to rent.

6. Boat trips along the coast

Day boats leave from Side harbour for swimming stops along the coast and the Manavgat river mouth – check what's included before you book.

Day trips

7. Manavgat waterfall and river

The wide, low Manavgat waterfall is a short drive away. Combine it with a boat trip on the green Manavgat River, which often ends at the river mouth beach. The town's Monday market is one of the biggest in the region.

8. Aspendos

The Roman theatre at Aspendos, about 40 minutes west, is the best preserved ancient theatre in the world and still hosts performances. Combine it with the ruins of Perge on the way to Antalya.

9. Köprülü Canyon

Rafting through the canyon is a popular half-day adventure for families and groups. The national park also has an old Roman bridge and good walking.

10. Antalya and Alanya

Antalya's old town Kaleiçi and Alanya's castle are both within reach on a day trip, by tour or by car.

Getting there

Side is served by Antalya Airport. The transfer takes about an hour; many hotels are spread along the coast to the east, so check your hotel's exact location when booking. Local minibuses (dolmuş) link Side with Manavgat, and the old town is easy to explore on foot.