Side Travel Guide: Temple of Apollo, Roman Ruins & Beaches
Side is a rare thing: a modern resort built around a Roman city. The ancient harbour town sits on a small peninsula on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, about 75 km east of Antalya, and its ruins — the Temple of Apollo, a large Roman theatre, colonnaded streets and a Roman bath — are woven straight into the town and its two beaches.
It is one of the Antalya region's most popular bases: swim in the morning, walk through 2,000-year-old streets at noon, and watch the sun set behind the Temple of Apollo in the evening. Side is part of Manavgat district — see our Manavgat guide for the wider area.
| Where | Antalya province (Manavgat district), ~75 km east of Antalya |
| Known for | Temple of Apollo, Roman theatre, ancient harbour, beaches |
| Nearest airport | Antalya (AYT), about an hour by road |
| Best months | April–June and September–October |
The Ancient City
Side's ruins are easy to explore on foot. Don't miss the Temple of Apollo, re-erected on the harbour point, and the Roman theatre — the largest in the region. The Side Museum occupies the restored Roman baths and holds the city's finds.
Beaches & Where to Stay
Side has beaches on both sides of its peninsula, with quieter sand at Çolaklı and Kızılot nearby. Stays range from boutique rooms in the old town to large all-inclusive resorts — see where to stay in Side for the area-by-area breakdown.
Getting There
Most visitors arrive through Antalya Airport (AYT), about an hour away — see our Antalya airport transfer guide. Buses and dolmuş also run from Antalya and Manavgat.
Nearby
- Manavgat — waterfalls, river boat trips and the rest of the district
- Belek — golf resorts and beaches, west along the coast
- Antalya — the region's capital, with its own old town and museums
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Side?
Side is on Turkey's Mediterranean coast in Antalya province, in Manavgat district — about 75 km east of Antalya city and roughly an hour from Antalya Airport (AYT).
What is Side famous for?
Side is famous for its ancient Roman city — the Temple of Apollo on the harbour, a large Roman theatre, colonnaded streets and a Roman bath — which sits directly among the modern resort and its beaches.
Is Side good for a beach holiday?
Yes. Side has beaches on both sides of its peninsula and a wide choice of hotels, from boutique stays in the old town to all-inclusive resorts, with quieter sand at Çolaklı and Kızılot nearby.
How do I get to Side from Antalya Airport?
Antalya Airport (AYT) is about an hour away by road — by transfer, taxi or bus to Manavgat/Side. See our Antalya airport transfers guide.