Temple of ApolloAttraction
Temple of Apollo
A Roman temple of about AD 150 on the shore at the tip of the Side peninsula, where five columns have been re-erected.
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Things to do in Side
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Photo: HALUK COMERTEL, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
AirportsAntalya Airport (AYT), about an hour’s drive west of Side
Getting aroundWalking in the old town, dolmuş minibuses and taxis to nearby resorts and Manavgat
CurrencyTurkish lira (TRY)
Best monthsMay to October for swimming, with April and November quieter
Side in brief
Side is an ancient port town on the Mediterranean coast of Türkiye, in Antalya Province, close to the town of Manavgat. It lies on a small peninsula, and its Roman ruins stand beside the sea.
Greek settlers are thought to have founded the city in the 7th century BC. It grew into an important trading city in Roman times, and its theatre, temples and baths still stand. Today it is a popular holiday town.
Side is about 78 km from the city of Antalya. Day trips reach the Manavgat Waterfall and the Roman theatre at Aspendos.
Top attractions in Side
Tickets and guided visits for the city’s best-known sights.
Temple of Apollo
Side Ancient TheatreAttraction
Side Ancient Theatre
A large Roman theatre of the 2nd century, built over an earlier Hellenistic theatre and later used as a church.
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Side MuseumAttraction
Side Museum
A museum in a restored 2nd-century Roman bath building, with statues, sarcophagi and inscriptions from Side.
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Manavgat WaterfallAttraction
Manavgat Waterfall
A wide, low waterfall on the Manavgat River, about 3 km north of the town of Manavgat.
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Aspendos TheatreAttraction
Aspendos Theatre
A Roman theatre of AD 155 at the ancient city of Aspendos, east of Antalya, built by the architect Zenon.
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Side old town and harbourAttraction
Side old town and harbour
A small harbour and ancient streets on a peninsula, with city walls, an agora and Roman ruins beside the sea.
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Photo: Temple of Apollo — Saffron Blaze (CC BY-SA 3.0); Side Ancient Theatre — Maksym Kozlenko (CC BY-SA 4.0); Side Museum — user:bgds (CC BY-SA 3.0); Manavgat Waterfall — Demonlord1982 (CC BY-SA 4.0); Aspendos Theatre — Nedim Ardoğa (CC BY-SA 4.0); Side old town and harbour — Anton Nikiforov (CC BY 3.0) · Wikimedia Commons
Tours and day trips
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Getting there and around
Airport transfer from Antalya Airport (AYT)A pre-booked car or shuttle from arrivals to your hotel in Side or a nearby resort. The drive is about an hour, and a taxi is the other direct option.
Getting around SideThe old town is small and easy to explore on foot. Dolmuş minibuses and taxis link Side with Manavgat and with the resorts along the coast.
Car rentalA car helps for Aspendos and for the coast around Side. Parking is limited near the old town.
Flights
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Where to stay
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1
Side old town
On the peninsula beside the ruins and the harbour. Suits visitors who want to walk to the sights and the sea.
2
Kumköy
A resort area near Side with hotels along the coast. Suits beach holidays with an easy trip into the old town.
3
Evrenseki and Titreyengöl
Resort areas near Side with larger hotels. Suits families and those who want a beach and pool stay.
4
Manavgat
The nearest town, with a river, markets and local life. Suits visitors who want a quieter base away from the resorts.
Hotels in Side with live prices
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Side day by day
- Day 1: Side old townThe Temple of Apollo, the ancient theatre, the Side Museum and the harbour, with time by the sea.
- Day 2: AspendosThe Roman theatre of Aspendos in the morning, then a return to Side for the afternoon.
- Day 3: ManavgatThe Manavgat Waterfall and a boat trip on the Manavgat River.
- With a fourth dayRest on the beach, or take a day trip to the city of Antalya and its old town, Kaleiçi.
Local tips
- The ancient sites have little shade. Bring water, a hat and sun cream.
- The old town is small. Visit the Temple of Apollo near sunset, when the light is softer and it is cooler.
- Entry rules and opening times at the museum and ruins can change, so check before you go.
- Wear shoes that suit old paving stones and uneven ground.
- Confirm the transfer time from Antalya Airport with your hotel before you travel.
Before you go
Travel insuranceCover for medical costs and cancellations.
Luggage storageLeave bags near the station or the sights.
Flight delay compensationCheck whether a delayed or cancelled flight qualifies.
Everything for Side
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Travel guide
The best months are May to October for swimming, and two or three days cover the old town, Aspendos and the Manavgat Waterfall. The airport is Antalya Airport (AYT), about an hour’s drive away, so plan your transfer before you arrive.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Side?
Two or three days cover the old town, Aspendos and the Manavgat Waterfall. Many visitors stay a week for the beach.
How far is Side from Antalya Airport?
The drive takes about an hour. Confirm the time with your hotel before you book a transfer.
Is Side close to Antalya city?
Side is about 78 km from the city of Antalya, near the town of Manavgat.
Can I walk around Side?
Yes. The old town sits on a small peninsula, and its main sights are close together.
What is Side famous for?
Side is known for its ancient ruins beside the sea, including the Temple of Apollo and a large Roman theatre.