Side, Türkiye: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

Side Türkiye
Side Türkiye

Side, located on Türkiye's southern Mediterranean coast in the Antalya Province, is a charming seaside resort known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. The town sits on a small peninsula that offers stunning views of the turquoise sea, with long stretches of golden sand on either side. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the warm weather, and take in the blend of modern amenities with an old-town feel.

This picturesque destination combines vibrant coastal life with a sense of intimacy that makes it appealing for travelers seeking both relaxation and exploration. The compact town center is filled with cafes, shops, and restaurants, many of which overlook the sea. Side also offers opportunities for boat trips, water sports, and leisurely walks through its lively markets.

Side is one of the best places to visit in Türkiye, attracting visitors from around the world for its mix of natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're lounging by the beach or exploring its scenic surroundings, the town offers a perfect balance between coastal leisure and cultural charm, making it an unforgettable stop on any trip through the Mediterranean region.

History of Side

The History of Side

Early Origins

Side, located in the Antalya Province of modern-day Türkiye, was founded by Greek settlers from Cyme in Aeolis around the 7th century BCE. Its strategic position on the Mediterranean coast made it a key port city in ancient Pamphylia. The settlers brought their own language and culture, but Side soon developed a distinct identity, even creating its own local dialect. Over time, it became a prosperous trade hub, known for its harbor and its connection to maritime commerce.

Hellenistic and Roman Periods

During the Hellenistic era, Side came under the control of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE. After his death, it shifted between various rulers, including the Seleucids and Ptolemies. The city’s golden age arrived under Roman rule beginning in the 2nd century BCE. As part of the Roman Empire, Side flourished as a commercial center, famous for trading olive oil, wine, and slaves. Many of the city’s most impressive ruins today — including the theater, temples, and city walls — date from this prosperous Roman period.

Decline and Rediscovery

Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Side experienced invasions and natural disasters that led to its decline. Arab raids in the 7th century CE and the silting of its harbor eventually forced inhabitants to abandon the city. For centuries, it lay forgotten until rediscovered by archaeologists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the ruins of Side stand as a testament to its rich past — a place where history, culture, and the sea meet in one of Türkiye’s most captivating coastal settings.

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Visiting Side for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Side on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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12 Best places to See in Side

This complete guide to Side not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Side and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

1. Side Beach

Beaches at Side, Türkiye
Beaches at Side, Türkiye
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Сергей Марцынюк
Side Beach is Side’s main Mediterranean shoreline, where long bands of golden sand meet generally calm, clear water just steps from the old town. The coast splits into two distinct moods: West Beach is the busier stretch with a promenade feel, sunbeds and umbrellas in rows, beach bars, and water sports like parasailing and jet skis. East Beach runs quieter toward dunes, with fewer facilities, slightly stronger surf, and space for unhurried walks while the ancient walls sit in the distance. Travelers often notice the family-friendly shallows, though some mention murkier water near the river mouth, and early mornings can be especially serene as light hits the sand.
| Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free (charges apply for sunbeds and umbrellas) | Distance: 0.7km

We recommend to rent a car in Türkiye through Discover Cars, they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies. Book your rental car here.

2. Side Nymphaeum

Side Nymphaeum
Side Nymphaeum
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dosseman
Rising beside the main city gate, the Side Nymphaeum is a monumental Roman fountain that once welcomed arrivals with sheets of water spilling over marble basins. Built in the 2nd century CE and dedicated to water nymphs, its façade still shows a grand central niche framed by Corinthian columns, with traces of statues and relief carving clinging to the stone. Even in partial ruin, the scale reads instantly: a multi-tiered backdrop designed as much for spectacle as for public water supply fed by aqueducts. Come early and you’ll notice how morning shadows sharpen the textures, making it a favorite stop for photographs.
Location: Anitsal Cesme (Nymphaeum), Side, Manavgat/Antalya, Türkiye | Hours: Always accessible | Price: Free (open-air site) | Distance: 0.7km

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Side. Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

3. Colonnaded Street of Side

Side Colonnaded Street
Side Colonnaded Street
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dosseman
The Colonnaded Street of Side is the ancient city’s main Roman-era avenue, running from the Vespasian Monumental Gate through the archaeological zone toward the theatre and forum. Built around the 2nd century CE, it once carried daily commerce under marble colonnades, with water channels beneath the paving feeding fountains along the route. Today visitors notice the worn stone slabs, broken column drums scattered where they fell, and occasional traces of mosaics and shopfront outlines at ground level. Look closely for grooves that feel like the street’s old traffic marks, and for long, receding lines of columns that make strong perspective photos. Many travelers mention it’s easy to wander and often free to enter, though ticketing can vary.
Location: Säulenstraßen, Side, Manavgat/Antalya, Türkiye | Hours: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm (may vary by season) | Price: Included in the general archaeological area (around €3–€5) | Distance: 0.8km

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4. Ancient City Walls of Side

Roman City Walls of Side
Roman City Walls of Side
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dosseman
These rugged limestone fortifications from the Hellenistic era (around the 2nd century BCE), later strengthened by Roman and Byzantine hands, once formed a full defensive circuit around the peninsula against raids from sea and land. The most memorable approach is through the monumental main gate, where a broad archway and flanking towers still frame the entrance into the ancient quarter. Up close, the weathered blocks and surviving arches reveal layers of rebuilding, with parts of the gate complex incorporating the Nymphaeum and the Vespasian Monument. Walking beside the walls, you’ll notice olive trees, sea air, and pockets where modern streets press right up against ancient stone. Some sections may be fenced during preservation work.
Location: Mur miejski, Side, Manavgat/Antalya, Türkiye | Distance: 0.8km

Click here to read our blog about Best Places to Visit from Side, Türkiye (2026)

5. Side Byzantine Hospital

Side Byzantine Hospital
Side Byzantine Hospital
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Gottfried Hoffmann -…
Side Byzantine Hospital is a small Byzantine-era xenodochion ruin in Side’s archaeological zone, dating to the 5th–6th century CE when the city was a Christian administrative center. What you see today are low stone foundations, partial walls, and hints of vaulted rooms that once separated treatment spaces from living quarters, likely linked to a chapel and staffed by religious attendants. The site feels quiet and inward-looking compared with the busier classical monuments nearby, making the layout easier to read at a slow pace. Informational plaques help you picture care based on herbs, shelter, and charity for locals and travelers. Modern visitor chatter nearby is mixed, a reminder that “hospital” still carries strong emotions.
Location: Side Antik Hospital, Side, Manavgat/Antalya, Türkiye | Hours: Always open | Price: Free | Distance: 1km

Explore Side at your own pace with our self-guided walking tour! Follow our curated route to discover must-see sights and local secrets that makes Side one of the best places to visit in Türkiye.

6. Commercial Agora of Side

Side Agora
Side Agora
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dosseman
The Commercial Agora of Side is a Roman-era marketplace square beside the Roman Theatre, where the city’s trade once concentrated. Laid out in the 2nd century CE as a roughly 90‑meter-wide square, it was ringed by colonnaded walkways with rows of shops selling goods like olive oil, spices, textiles, and metals arriving by sea. Today visitors notice the worn paving stones, marble column bases, and the outlines of shopfront counters that still suggest the rhythm of buying and selling. At the center sit the remains of a small circular temple to Tyche, a reminder that fortune and commerce were closely linked here. Many travelers enjoy that you can simply wander the ruins and feel the old street grid around it.
Location: Side, Gül Sk. No:64, 07330 Manavgat/Antalya, Türkiye | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free (included within the archaeological zone) | Distance: 1.1km

Click here to read our blog about Best Things to Do in Side, Türkiye (2026)

7. Museum of Side

Side Museum Inside Halls
Side Museum Inside Halls
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dosseman
Housed inside a restored 2nd-century Roman bath complex, the Museum of Side pairs archaeology with the atmosphere of the building itself—vaulted chambers, worn stone floors, and traces of the old heating system. The collection gathers finds from local excavations and nearby ancient cities, with marble statues of gods and emperors, inscribed stones, and carved sarcophagi that feel close at hand. Several sections open to airy courtyards where sculptures stand among columns and olive trees, more garden than glass-case gallery. Visitors often remember the mix of indoor rooms and open-air spaces, plus benches for lingering, and many note it’s small but thoughtfully arranged.
Location: Side Museum, Side, Liman Caddesi, Manavgat/Antalya, Türkiye | Hours: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm (hours may vary by season) | Price: Around €2–€3 | Website | Distance: 1.1km

8. Vespasian Monumental Gate

Side Monumental Gate Vaespasian
Side Monumental Gate Vaespasian
©
The Vespasian Monumental Gate is a 1st-century CE Roman ceremonial arch built to honor Emperor Vespasian, once forming part of the city’s main fortifications and marking the start of the colonnaded street toward the theatre. Passing under its broad limestone arch, you can still spot statue niches and the disciplined symmetry of Roman stonework. It sits on a modern roadway—cars can even drive through—so the ancient and everyday collide in a way visitors remember. Just opposite, the monumental Nymphaeum’s fountain façade frames the gate for dramatic photos, especially in soft morning light. Some sections may be screened during renovation, but the scale remains striking.
Location: Vespasian Fountain, Side, Liman Caddesi, Manavgat/Antalya, Türkiye | Distance: 1.1km

9. State Agora of Side

Emperors’ Hall at State Agora
Emperors’ Hall at State Agora
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Elelicht
The State Agora is the ancient city’s formal civic square, built in the 2nd century CE as a setting for administration, court proceedings, and public ceremonies. Its rectangular courtyard is still readable today: a broad open space edged by colonnaded porticoes, with the footprints of offices and meeting rooms tucked behind them. Scattered marble fragments and occasional inscription pieces hint at the official grandeur, while the calm atmosphere contrasts with the nearby trade-focused agora. One corner likely held a small sanctuary—possibly to Athena—underscoring how politics and worship overlapped here. Wandering between broken columns, you can imagine statues of emperors and local dignitaries once presiding over debates and judgments.
Location: Side, Gül Sk. No:64, 07330 Manavgat/Antalya, Türkiye | Distance: 1.2km

10. Roman Theatre

Side Roman Theatre
Side Roman Theatre
The Roman Theatre is a vast 2nd-century CE amphitheater that once held roughly 15,000 spectators for plays, music, and even gladiatorial contests. Unlike many Roman theaters, it wasn’t carved into a hillside—its seating is carried by hefty arches and vaults that you can still walk through in the shadowy corridors. Climb the stone tiers and the view opens over the old town toward a strip of Mediterranean blue, with swallows flicking through the ruins as the light shifts. The stage area retains traces of columns and carved fragments from excavations, making the scale and engineering feel immediate rather than abstract.
Location: Side Örenyeri, Side, Liman Caddesi, Manavgat/Antalya, Türkiye | Hours: Typically 8:00 am to 7:00 pm (check locally for seasonal variations) | Price: Around €3–€5 | Distance: 1.2km

11. Temple of Apollo

Temple of Apollo, Side, Türkiye
Temple of Apollo, Side, Türkiye
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Maksym Kozlenko
The Temple of Apollo sits on the seaward edge of Side, Türkiye, where a Roman-era sanctuary once honored Apollo, patron of light and prophecy. Built in the 2nd century CE, much of it was lost to earthquakes and invasions, but five restored white marble columns and their carved capitals still stand sharply against the Mediterranean’s deep blue. At dusk, the stone turns honey-gold and the surf below catches the last light, making the ruins feel suspended between sea and sky. Evenings bring a gentle buzz—locals lingering, couples timing the sunset, and the occasional street performer—while the open-air setting lets you circle the columns and read the site through its fragments.
Location: Apollon Temple, Side, Cumhuriyet Blv., Manavgat/Antalya, Türkiye | Hours: Accessible 24 hours, though lighting is best before dusk | Price: Free (open-air site) | Distance: 1.7km

12. Side Harbour

Side Harbour
Side Harbour
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Gottfried Hoffmann
A working marina turned waterfront promenade, Side Harbour pairs bobbing yachts and fishing boats with the weathered stones of an ancient Greco-Roman port. The flat palm-lined walkway is edged with cafes, seafood restaurants, and small shops, so you can linger over Turkish coffee or browse jewelry while watching tour boats come and go. The most memorable view is at the water’s edge near the Temple of Apollo, where marble columns catch the late light and the basin glows at sunset. After dark, reflections ripple across the harbor and live music drifts from terraces, making an easy evening loop before dinner by the sea.
Location: Side Harbour, Side, Liman Caddesi, Manavgat/Antalya, Türkiye | Distance: 1.8km

Best Day Trips from Side

A day trip from Side offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Side provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Türkiye I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

1. Manavgat Waterfall

Manavgat river waterfall
Manavgat river waterfall
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Liselottediehl
Manavgat Waterfall is one of the best places to go on a day trip from Antalya or Side, offering a peaceful natural escape along the banks of the Manavgat River. Located about 80 kilometres east of Antalya and just a few kilometres from the town of Manavgat, this low yet powerful waterfall is renowned for its wide curtain of foaming…
Location: Manavgat Waterfall Sarılar istiklal caddesi no 35 07600 Manavgat/Antalya Türkiye | Hours: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm daily. | Price: Around 20 TL (subject to change). | Website | Distance: 6.4km
Visiting Manavgat Waterfall
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2. Seleukeia (Lyrbe) Ancient City

Seleukia Türkiye
Seleukia Türkiye
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Vwpolonia75
Deep in the green hills north of Manavgat lies Seleucia (Pamphylia), one of the most enchanting archaeological sites on Türkiye’s southern coast. Unlike Side’s busy seafront ruins, Seleucia sits quietly amid pine-scented forests, its crumbling temples and stone streets cloaked in nature. Walking among the moss-covered columns and fallen arches feels like discovering a lost world, where history and wilderness…
Location: Seleukeia (Lyrbe) Ancient City, Bucakşeyhler, Manavgat Cd., Manavgat/Antalya, Türkiye | Distance: 12.8km
Visiting Seleukeia (Lyrbe) Ancient City
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3. Oymapinar Bridge

Side Aquaduct Oymapinar Bridge
Side Aquaduct Oymapinar Bridge
CC BY-SA 1.0 / Fikret Okan
Nestled in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, the Oymapinar Bridge is one of the region’s most scenic historical landmarks. Spanning the Manavgat River near Oymapinar Dam, this elegant stone bridge dates back to Roman times and remains a testament to ancient engineering. With its graceful arches and breathtaking natural surroundings, it’s a peaceful retreat away from the busy beaches…
Location: Oymapınar Side Su Kemeri, Oymapınar, Manavgat/Antalya, Türkiye | Distance: 16.5km
Visiting Oymapinar Bridge

4. Green Canyon

Oymapinar Reservoir Green Canyon
Oymapinar Reservoir Green Canyon
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Antalya
Tucked away in the Taurus Mountains just north of Side, the Green Canyon is a breathtaking natural retreat where emerald-green waters wind between towering cliffs and lush forests. Created by the Oymapinar Dam, this vast reservoir has become a haven for peace, nature, and outdoor adventure. The tranquil scenery and crisp mountain air make it one of the best trips…
Location: Green Canyon, Y. Hisar, Hastane Cd., Akseki/Antalya, Türkiye | Distance: 20.2km
Visiting Green Canyon
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5. Aspendos Theater

Aspendos Theatre
Aspendos Theatre
Aspendos Theater is one of the top sights to visit from Antalya and one of the most famous ancient theaters in the world. Located near the town of Serik, about 7 kilometres northeast of Antalya’s centre, this stunning structure dates back to the 2nd century AD and showcases the grandeur of Greco-Roman design. Known for its exceptional preservation and extraordinary…
Location: Aspendos Theatre, Belkıs, Aspendos Yolu, Serik/Antalya, Türkiye | Hours: Typically open daily from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm (summer) and 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (winter). | Price: 200 TL | Website | Distance: 27km
Visiting Aspendos Theater
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6. Perge

Perge
Perge
Perge, or Perga as it was known in antiquity, is one of the top day trips to make from Antalya and among the best-preserved ancient cities on Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast. Once the capital of Pamphylia Secunda, this sprawling archaeological site lies about 15 kilometres east of Antalya. Walking through Perge feels like stepping back in time—its monumental gates, towering columns,…
Location: Perge Ancient City, Barbaros, Perge Yolu, Aksu/Antalya, Türkiye | Hours: Typically 8:30 am to 7:00 pm in summer and 8:30 am to 5:30 pm in winter. | Price: 11 Euro | Distance: 52.5km
Visiting Perge
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7. Kurşunlu Waterfalls

Kursunlu Waterfalls
Kursunlu Waterfalls
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Muhammetergun1
Kurşunlu Waterfalls offers a refreshing escape into nature just 20 kilometres northeast of the city centre. Hidden within a lush pine forest, this enchanting site features a series of cascading falls and turquoise pools that create a tranquil, fairy-tale setting. The cool mist from the waterfalls, the sound of rushing water, and the scent of pine make it one of…
Location: Kurşunlu Şelalesi Tabiat Parkı, Aksu/Antalya, Türkiye | Hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (daily). | Price: Around 20 TL (subject to change). | Website | Distance: 57km
Visiting Kurşunlu Waterfalls

8. Alanya

View overlooking Alanya
View overlooking Alanya
Alanya sits proudly on Türkiye’s southern coast, part of the Antalya Province on the country’s famed Turquoise Coast. Framed by the Taurus Mountains on one side and the glittering Mediterranean Sea on the other, it’s a destination that seems made for both relaxation and exploration. The city’s lively harbor, long sandy beaches, and dramatic clifftop fortress create a setting that’s…
Visiting Alanya

9. Antalya

Antalya Türkiye
Antalya Türkiye
Antalya sits on Türkiye’s stunning Mediterranean coast, in the region known as the **Turkish Riviera** or **Turquoise Coast**. This sun-soaked area is famous for its mix of dramatic mountain backdrops, golden beaches, and the glittering blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The city itself blends modern energy with a resort-town atmosphere, offering visitors everything from vibrant marinas and boutique-lined boulevards…
Visiting Antalya
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10. Hierapolis

Hierapolis Theatre
Hierapolis Theatre
Hierapolis is one of the best places to go on a day trip from Antalya, offering a perfect blend of ancient history and natural beauty. Perched on a plateau above the dazzling white terraces of Pamukkale, this ancient city was once a thriving spa resort where Romans came to heal in the mineral-rich thermal waters. Today, its extensive ruins and…
Location: Hierapolis, Pamukkale, Denizli, Türkiye | Hours: Typically 6:30 am to 8:00 pm (summer), 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (winter). | Price: Included in the Pamukkale site ticket (around 700 TL). Cleopatra Pool costs extra. | Website | Distance: 237.8km
Visiting Hierapolis
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11. Pamukkale

pamukkale pools
pamukkale pools
Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, is one of the best places to go on a day trip from Antalya and among the most iconic sights in Türkiye. This otherworldly landscape, formed by calcium-rich thermal waters cascading down the hillside, creates shimmering white terraces that look like frozen waterfalls. Visitors can walk barefoot along the warm pools, soak in mineral…
Location: Merkez, Pamukkale, 20190 Pamukkale/Denizli, Türkiye | Hours: Typically 6:30 am to 8:00 pm (summer), 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (winter). | Price: Around 700 TL (includes Hierapolis and the terraces). Cleopatra Pool entry extra. | Website | Distance: 238.1km
Visiting Pamukkale
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Where to Stay in Side

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Side. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Side Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Side

Visiting Side in Spring (Best)

Spring, from March to May, is one of the best times to visit Side. The weather is pleasantly warm, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities without the intense summer heat. The Mediterranean landscape is lush and vibrant, making walks around the ancient ruins and harbor especially scenic. This season also hosts several local cultural events and early summer music festivals in the Antalya region, adding a lively atmosphere without the crowds of peak season.

Visiting Side in Summer

Summer, from June to August, is the busiest time in Side, drawing visitors with long, sunny days and warm sea temperatures ideal for swimming and water sports. The beaches are full of activity, and the nightlife reaches its peak with beach parties, open-air concerts, and lively bars. However, daytime temperatures can exceed 35°C, so it’s best to plan sightseeing in the early morning or late afternoon.

Visiting Side in Autumn

Autumn, from September to November, offers a comfortable balance of warm weather and fewer tourists. The sea remains inviting, and the town takes on a calmer pace while still buzzing with life. Harvest festivals and food fairs often take place in nearby towns, celebrating local produce and wines. This is an excellent season for couples or travelers seeking a more relaxed visit while still enjoying great conditions for swimming and exploring.

Visiting Side in Winter

Winter, from December to February, is the quietest time of year in Side. Temperatures are mild, usually between 10°C and 17°C, making it suitable for peaceful walks along the coast or exploring the ruins without crowds. While swimming isn’t common and some beachside businesses close for the season, winter gives a more local, authentic feel to the town — perfect for those who prefer a calm, reflective getaway.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 14°C
  • February 15°C
  • March 17°C
  • April 21°C
  • May 25°C
  • June 28°C
  • July 30°C
  • August 30°C
  • September 29°C
  • October 25°C
  • November 21°C
  • December 16°C

How to get to Side

Getting to Side by Air

Nearest airports: The closest airport to Side is Antalya Airport (AYT), located about 65 kilometers west of the town. This major international hub connects Side with many European and Middle Eastern cities through direct flights, as well as with several domestic destinations across Türkiye. From the airport, travelers can reach Side in approximately one hour by taxi, private transfer, or airport shuttle.
Other options: Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (GZP), around 110 kilometers east of Side, also serves the region with seasonal and charter flights. It's a convenient alternative, especially for visitors coming from nearby coastal towns.
For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Side on Booking.com.

Getting to Side by Train

Side itself is not on a major railway line, and there are no direct train services to the town. The nearest major rail connection is in Burdur or Isparta, both several hours inland from the coast. Regular trains operate to these cities from larger hubs such as Izmir, Ankara, and Istanbul. However, most travelers prefer to take a train only as far as Antalya and continue the journey by bus or car to Side, as the coastal region is better connected by road than by rail.
You can use the official TCDD Taşımacılık website to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for Türkiye’s national and regional trains operated by TCDD. For a more streamlined experience (especially if you prefer an English interface or want to compare across countries), we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book train tickets across Türkiye and the rest of Europe — all in one place.

Getting to Side by Car

Driving to Side is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to visit. The D400 coastal highway runs close to the town, linking it with major cities such as Antalya to the west (about 75 minutes away) and Alanya to the east (around 1 hour and 20 minutes). Car rental services are widely available in Antalya and other nearby cities, making self-driving convenient for those who want to explore the surrounding beaches and ancient sites. Roads are well maintained and clearly signposted, with scenic views along much of the route.
If you are looking to rent a car in Türkiye I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Travelling Around Side

Within Side, most areas can be explored on foot, as the old town and beach districts are compact and pedestrian-friendly. For longer distances, local dolmuş (shared minibuses) operate regularly between Side, Manavgat, and other nearby resorts. Taxis are easy to find, and bicycles or scooters can also be rented for added flexibility while enjoying the coastal scenery.

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