Side Harbour

Harbour in Side

Side Harbour
Side Harbour
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Gottfried Hoffmann

Side Harbour is a lively waterfront promenade and marina at the southern edge of Side's old town in Türkiye, where modern boats sit alongside traces of the city's ancient seafaring past. It's the kind of place you naturally drift toward on a walk through Side: palm-lined paths, café terraces, and the open Mediterranean in front of you, with the Temple of Apollo close by at the water's edge.

What makes a visit memorable is the contrast-fishing boats and yachts bobbing in the basin while you look out to stone piers and nearby ruins. It works especially well for travelers who want an easy, low-effort stop with good views: come for a relaxed stroll, a coffee or seafood meal, or to join a coastal boat excursion. Late afternoon into evening is when the light softens and the harbor atmosphere becomes more photogenic and more social.

History and Significance of the Side Harbour

From early settlement to a working port

Side Harbour has anchored the city's life for well over two thousand years. The port developed after Greek settlement in the area and grew into a key connection point between Anatolia and the wider Mediterranean.

Roman-era trade and regional importance

Under Roman rule, Side became one of the major ports of Pamphylia. Ships arrived with goods from across the Mediterranean, helping turn the city into a prosperous crossroads where commerce and culture mixed.

From defense and fishing to today’s marina

As maritime needs changed over time, the harbor’s role shifted away from large-scale trade toward defense, then local fishing, and eventually tourism. Elements of the older harbor structure-such as stonework along the waterfront-remain part of the scene, even as the area functions as a leisure marina with restaurants and boat tours.

Things to See and Do in the Side Harbour

I'd start with a slow walk along the promenade, pausing often to watch the boats and take in the mix of sea air, café life, and ruins nearby. If you're hungry, this is one of the easiest places in Side to sit down for a waterside meal-seafood and meze are common choices-and it's also a practical place to plan a short boat trip along the coast.

For a simple highlight, I time my visit for sunset and frame the Temple of Apollo with the harbor water in the foreground. After dark, I like lingering a little longer than planned: reflections on the water, lights along the promenade, and occasional live music from nearby restaurants change the feel from daytime sightseeing to an evening stroll.

How to Get to the Side Harbour

The nearest major airport is Antalya Airport, and from there Side is typically reached by road via the coastal highway before continuing on foot into the old town to the harbor. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Side on Booking.com.

Side does not have its own train station, so train travel isn't a practical option for reaching the harbor directly; most visitors connect by road from larger hubs. 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.

By car, you can drive to Side and use parking areas on the outskirts of the historic district, then walk down through the old town to the waterfront promenade. 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.

Is the Side Harbour Worth Visiting?

Yes-Side Harbour is worth a short stop if you enjoy coastal scenery, an easy stroll, sunset photography, or the idea of dining by the water with ancient ruins nearby. It's best for travelers who want atmosphere rather than a structured “attraction,” and it pairs well with nearby sights in the old town. Skip it if you're trying to prioritize only ticketed archaeological sites or you're visiting at midday in peak heat and don't plan to eat, walk, or take a boat trip-at that point it can feel like just another marina.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (102)

Side Harbour in Side, Liman Cd., Manavgat/Antalya is a small, charming waterfront port with a pleasant seaside walkway where visitors enjoy strolling and taking in the coastal atmosphere; reviewers describe it as a must-see and highlight its beauty and charm.

Rosanita
a year ago
"Beautifully well kept area, you can spend time browsing the local shops, sit, have a drink and something to eat at the restaurants. Or take a shortboat tour on one of the many boats located in the harbour...."
paul whiteside
2 years ago
"Fantastic little jewel in the crown of side , steeped in history , lovely shopping area & Fantastic to have a meal watching the sunset ! Lots of livemusic as well..."
Berglas71
2 years ago
"There were not many boats in the main basin (there were more boats in the smaller basin but these were local fishermen's boats rather than leisureboats) when we visited, but a nice place to wander around. There are a few restaurants, shops, and a large square next to the harbour. This was early April, so out of season, it might get busier as the season goes on...."
Pedro Dias
2 years ago
"One of my favorite cities in Türkiye. Side is spectacular, a beautiful city, with history, with great places to eat/drink. This marina is wonderful,with several options for taking a boat trip, with a beautiful and relaxing view of the sea and much more. Definitely a marina to visit!..."
Ghaida Suliman
2 years ago
"A great side of beach in antalya you must visit this area there is a lot of shops and restaurants and you can take a boat tour"

Practical Tips on Visiting the Side Harbour

  • Best time to visit: Late afternoon into evening for softer light, cooler temperatures, and a livelier promenade atmosphere.
  • How long to spend: Plan 1-2 hours for a walk, photos, and a drink or meal; allow longer if you’re taking a boat excursion.
  • Accessibility: The promenade is flat and generally easy to navigate for most visitors, including those with limited mobility.
  • Facilities: Expect plenty of nearby cafés, restaurants, small shops, and public restrooms around the waterfront area.

Where to Stay Close to the Side Harbour

Base yourself in Side's Old Town (Selimiye Mahallesi) near the harbour and Temple of Apollo for the easiest walkable access to the waterfront, ruins, restaurants, and boat trips.

These hotels are practical bases within Side (Selimiye/Old Town) for reaching Side Harbour on foot or with short local transport. Trendy Side Beach Adults Only works well for a good fit if you want to be close to the Old Town/harbour area while also having straightforward beach access and an easy walk or short ride to the main sights. Sun Club Side works well for works well for travellers who want a quieter base just outside the busiest harbour lanes, with walkable access into the Old Town for sightseeing and evening dining. Side Resort Hotel works well for convenient for families or travellers who prefer a slightly set-back location with simpler pick-up/drop-off access, while still being close enough for regular trips to the harbour and ruins.

FAQs for Visiting the Side Harbour

Getting There

It’s at the southern tip of Side’s old town, right on the waterfront, close to the Temple of Apollo.
Walk south through the old town toward the sea, following the general flow of streets toward the waterfront promenade and the Temple of Apollo area.
Side doesn’t have a train station, so you’d need to arrive by road and then continue on foot into the old town to reach the harbor.
Parking is typically found on the outskirts of the historic district, and from there it’s a walk to the harbor; driving can be convenient for reaching Side, but the final approach is best done on foot.

Tickets & Entry

The harbor promenade itself is free to visit; costs generally come from optional activities like boat trips or what you spend at cafés and restaurants.
There isn’t a standard entry ticket for the harbor; any “ticket” you encounter is usually for a specific boat tour or excursion.
Not for visiting the promenade, but you may want to arrange a boat trip in advance if you have limited time or a specific departure in mind.
The waterfront area is open at all hours, and you can visit year-round; individual businesses and tour operators set their own seasonal hours.
There are no special entry rules for the promenade, but stay aware of working areas around boats and respect any roped-off or restricted sections near the waterfront and ruins.

Visiting Experience

Allow around 30-60 minutes for a quick walk, a few photos, and a short break by the water.
Yes, it fits easily into a one-day plan because it’s walkable and close to major ruins, especially if you time it for late afternoon or sunset.
Pair it with the Temple of Apollo by the water, then walk inland toward the Roman Theatre, the Side Museum, and the colonnaded street for a compact loop.
It’s mainly a fair-weather stop since the appeal is the sea views and promenade; in poor weather, it works best as a short look rather than a long linger.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, many walking tours include the harbor area because it connects naturally with the old town and nearby ruins.
It’s easy to visit independently, but a guided tour can add context if you’re combining it with Side’s archaeological highlights or a boat excursion.
Start inland at the Roman Theatre, walk down toward the colonnaded street and the museum area, then finish at the harbor and the Temple of Apollo for sea views and photos.

Photography

Yes-boats, reflections, and the nearby ruins create strong compositions, especially when the light is low.
Late afternoon and sunset are best for softer light and for capturing the Temple of Apollo with warm tones.
On the promenade there are typically no special restrictions, but be considerate around boats and any areas marked as restricted.
Try framing the Temple of Apollo with the harbor water in the foreground, ideally around sunset when the sky and reflections add depth.

Accessibility & Facilities

Yes, the main promenade is flat and generally straightforward to navigate.
Facilities such as restrooms and other conveniences are available nearby, mainly through the surrounding cafés and restaurants.
Yes-there are plenty of café terraces and seating options along the waterfront.
Yes, the flat promenade makes it manageable with strollers, and the open space is convenient for a relaxed family walk.

Food & Breaks Nearby

The harborfront promenade itself is lined with cafés and restaurants, making it easy to stop without detouring.
Small shops around the promenade often sell local crafts and souvenirs, and the most common food highlight here is a straightforward seafood meal with meze by the water.

Safety & Timing

In the evening the harbor is typically active with diners and walkers, and the lit promenade feels comfortable for a stroll.
Later in the day tends to have better light and a more atmospheric feel, while mornings are calmer if you prefer a quieter walk.

The Side Harbour appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Side!

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!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Planning Your Visit

Address: Side Harbour, Side, Liman Caddesi, Manavgat/Antalya, Türkiye
Side: 2 km

Nearby Attractions

More from this area

More from this area

Renting a Car in Türkiye
Renting a Car in Türkiye

The Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Türkiye (2026)

Türkiye is a land of contrasts-ancient ruins, coastal highways, mountain villages, and modern cities. Renting a car remains one of the best ways to experience its vast beauty. This comprehensive guide covers every aspect of renting and driving in Türkiye, from legal requirements to insurance, pricing, and route planning, with practical examples and essential driving […]

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Selcuk
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Selcuk

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Selçuk (+Maps!)

Selçuk is one of those places where the “best things to see in Selçuk” aren’t confined to a single old town core-your day naturally flows between a lively Turkish market town, a hilltop of Byzantine and Ottoman-era landmarks, and one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. This self-guided route is designed to […]

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Ephesus
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Ephesus

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Ephesus, Türkiye (+Maps)

Ephesus rewards slow travel. It’s one of those places where the “big sights” are genuinely huge, but the small details are what stay with you: worn marble thresholds, ancient graffiti, and the way the main street still seems to funnel you toward the sea that used to be here. This route is designed to help […]

I Love Kusadasi, with cruise ship in background
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Kusadasi

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Kusadasi, Türkiye (+Maps!)

Kuşadası is at its best on foot: the compact Old Town lanes, the seafront, and the harbour-front viewpoints all sit close enough that you can stitch them together into a relaxed half-day walk. This route is built around simple navigation and flexible pacing, so you can linger where the views are best and skip anything […]

Istanbul Old Town Self Guided Walk
Istanbul Old Town Self Guided Walk

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Istanbul Old Town (2026)

Few cities in the world blend time, culture, and legend quite like Istanbul. The Old Town - once the heart of Byzantine Constantinople and later the seat of the Ottoman Empire - is where empires rose, religions intertwined, and trade shaped continents. Within its ancient walls, every street corner whispers history: domes and minarets pierce […]

Walls of Constantinople
Walls of Constantinople

Self-Guided Tour of the Walls of Constantinople (2026)

The Walls of Constantinople once stood as the ultimate symbol of power and endurance, protecting the Byzantine capital for more than a thousand years. Stretching from the Sea of Marmara to the Golden Horn, they made Constantinople virtually impregnable - a marvel of engineering and determination that shaped world history. Today, as you walk along […]