Side, Turkey is a sun-soaked coastal town on the Antalya region’s south coast, where ancient ruins meet sandy beaches and colourful seaside sunsets.
Looking to chase some November sun, a friend and I booked a last-minute trip to Side — literally 15 hours before our flight left. We were after good weather, nearby beaches and attractions, cheap flights and accommodation (with a pool big enough for a swimmer girl to actually swim in). Side ticked all the boxes, and what began as a spontaneous escape from freezing Scotland became the perfect 5-day mini-adventure.
Visiting Side turned out to be the ideal introduction to Turkey, offering the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration. From wandering ancient ruins and strolling the seaside promenade to lounging by the pool or taking nearby day trips, there’s always something to enjoy.
In this Side Travel Guide, I’ll cover how to get there, where to stay, what to do, and share some day trip ideas. This will show you why Side is worth visiting and help you plan your perfect Turkish getaway.
Ready to plan your trip to Side?
✈️ Book cheap flights → Skyscanner
🏨 Find accommodation → Booking.com
🏖️ Search package deals → Expedia
🚗 Compare rental cars → DiscoverCars
📱 Stay connected with an eSIM → Yesim
🎟️ Browse tours and day trips → GetYourGuide
🗺️ Don’t forget travel insurance → SafetyWing
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How to Get to Side, Turkey
If you’re wondering how to actually get to Side, here’s everything you need to know about getting there, from your flight to Antalya Airport and onward.
Side, being a small coastal town, doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest option is Antalya Airport (AYT), a major airport and gateway to Turkey’s southern Mediterranean coast, where Side is located.
✈️ For cheap flights to Antalya, check Skyscanner – a great way to compare prices across airlines and dates.
✨ If you prefer a stress-free option, it’s worth looking at package holiday deals to Side. These often include flights, transfers, and hotels in one price, which can save time and sometimes money. This was actually the option I went with (Side was not my usual solo, budget-backpacker style trip!). Everything went so smoothly that I now fully understand why people choose package holidays. Honestly highly recommend for Side!
Distance from Antalya Airport to Side: ~65 km
Transfer time:
🚗 By car: Around 1 hour (can vary depending on traffic)
🚌 By shuttle bus: Approximately 1.5–2 hours
Most convenient transfer options:
- 🧳 Package holiday shuttle bus – Many package holidays include airport transfers, making arrival easy. Always double-check whether it’s free or comes with a small fee. 👉 Browse package holiday deals here
- 🚗 Rent a car – For the most freedom, pick up a rental car on arrival. This is ideal if you want to explore Side and nearby towns at your own pace. 👉 Check car rental options here
- 🚐 Private transfer – For a hassle-free, door-to-door ride, a private transfer is a great option. This is perfect for families or groups. 👉 Take a look at private transfer options here
- 🏨 Airport shuttle service – Many hotels offer shuttle services from Antalya Airport. Be sure to confirm ahead whether it’s free or an extra cost.
My experience with the package holiday shuttle bus service couldn’t have been better. On arrival there was a mini-bus waiting, which took around 1.5 hours to reach my hotel (we were the last stop!). For the return, it was a big coach, which did take around 2 hours as there were more pick-ups. The convenience of travel was really nice, though!
If you’re staying elsewhere on the Turkish coast, Side also works well as a day trip from cities like Antalya. There are organised tours that take care of transport and sightseeing, such as the top-rated Ancient Perge, Aspendos Theater & City of Side Tour – a stress-free way to explore the highlights if you’re short on time.
Staying Connected in Side, Turkey
Having mobile data in Turkey made our trip so much easier — from navigating the streets to staying in touch with my travel mate when I went out solo. It was such a safety net, giving peace of mind knowing I could always get online if needed. I used a Yesim eSIM, which worked seamlessly across Side and nearby day trip destinations. No need to swap physical SIMs at the airport!
Pro tip: Set up your eSIM before you go and activate it in advance. As of late, some eSIMs reportedly don’t work in Turkey if not activated beforehand. Once activated, simply turn on mobile data when you arrive — easy! I bought mine on the way to the airport, and honestly, it couldn’t have been simpler.
Where to Stay in Side, Turkey
Side has plenty of accommodation options, so you’re sure to find something that suits your style, budget, and preferred location.
⭐Featured Hotel:
Barut GOIA, Side
This is where I stayed and highly recommend if you want a luxurious, relaxing base in Side.
Best for: Relaxed luxury, great pools, and a quiet resort stay close to Side Old Town and beaches
As I was travelling with a friend on this trip (not solo, like I often do), we managed to grab an amazing last-minute deal (off-season travel win!) and live out the 5-star hotel life in Side ⭐- it was dreamy.
We stayed at Barut GOIA, which honestly felt like the ultimate treat. Visiting in November, the resort was peaceful yet lively enough – relaxed and uncrowded. I can only imagine how much livelier it must be in peak season – I was happy we had plenty of sunbed choice by the pool!
There’s a shuttle bus to the beach, and it’s also less than a 10-minute walk. Side Old Town and the beachfront promenade are around 1.5km away, making this a great base if you want a balance between chilling by the pool and exploring. I was happy to walk everywhere from the hotel, whether going solo or with my friend!
✔️ Quiet location, high-end resort
✔️ Large pool, fitness centre, entertainment, on-site stores
✔️ Easy access to beach + Old Town
✔️ Ideal for couples, families, or friends
✔️ Buffet breakfast included, with the option to add buffet dinner (we did this — such a nice way to enjoy the hotel without having to hunt for food in the dark or decide where to eat each night!), or go all-inclusive
👉 Check prices & availability for Barut GOIA
That was my experience at one of Side’s top-rated hotels. If you’re curious about other options, here’s a brief breakdown of the main areas to stay in Side.
🏛️ Old Town
Staying in or just by the Old Town gives you easy access to Side’s historic streets, cafés, and ancient ruins, while still being within easy walking distance of — and in some cases directly on — the beaches that sit either side of the Old Town. Some highly-rated options in and just by the Old Town include:
- 6 Rooms by Azumare – Boutique stay with a rooftop terrace, a private beach area, and easy Old Town access. Right by the water with views of West Beach. 👉 Check dates and rates here
- Beach House Hotel – Cozy, budget-friendly option with scenic sea views over East Beach, perfectly located right by the beach on the edge of the Old Town. 👉 View availability for your dates
- Carpe Diem Boutique Hotel – Adults-only hotel. Stylish rooms with a peaceful courtyard near historic sites, overlooking the harbour and West Beach. 👉 See prices and availability
These accommodations put you in the heart of the Old Town, perfect for exploring historic sites and soaking up the local atmosphere.
While the options above are effectively beachfront, Side also has a long beachfront promenade lined with larger resort-style hotels — let’s take a look at those next.
🏖️ Beachfront Resorts & Promenade Hotels
If you’re looking for classic beach resort accommodation, Side makes that easy. Along the beachfront promenade, you’ll find large resort-style hotels just steps from the sand, many with private beach areas and extensive facilities.
Many of these resorts are all-inclusive, so while prices tend to be higher, you won’t need to spend extra on food or drinks. They also typically feature large pools — ideal if you want a break from the beach.
For beachfront accommodation, you may wish to consider:
These are generally more luxurious resorts, so prices tend to be higher. However, staying just back from the main promenade still offers easy beach access at a more budget-friendly rate. A more affordable, highly-rated option almost on the beach is Nephos Beach Hotel – you may wish to check this out too.
What to Do in Side, Turkey
Explore Side Old Town
Side’s Old Town is the heart of the town and its most iconic area. Here’s a glimpse of what to see and do in the Ancient City.
🏛️ Ancient Ruins in Side Old Town
Exploring the ancient ruins is one of the top things to do in Side. They add a unique touch, and you’ll naturally come across many of them as you wander around. Most of the ruins are dotted in and around Side Old Town, and the best part is that they’re completely free to see. You won’t miss them!
From my accommodation, I walked towards the Old Town via the Visitor Centre, and down Liman Street – the main street leading through Side Old Town all the way to the waterfront. Heading in this way, instead of from the coastal promenade, makes for the best ancient ruins experience.
Ancient ruins line this whole street before reaching the main historical entrance to Side Old Town. Highlights along here include the Monumental Fountain (Nymphaeum), the Säulenstraßen / Column Street, and most notably, Side’s Roman Theatre.
During my visit, the Roman Theatre was undergoing major restoration works. It was impossible to miss, but unfortunately completely closed off and not so picture perfect with the construction!
Just beyond the theatre stands Vespasian’s Gate, a large Roman archway marking the ‘main entrance’ to the ancient city.
Walking further into the Old Town brings you to the most iconic sight in Side – the Temple of Apollo, with the Temple of Athena beside it. Taking prime position by the harbour, they are the most photographed ruins in Side. There are more ruins to discover around here too.
⚓ Side Harbour
At the very tip of the Old Town’s peninsula is Side Harbour, one of the most scenic spots in Side. It’s just steps from the ancient ruins, and between the waterfront walkways and the little piers stretching into the sea, it’s a lovely area to take your time and explore.
Come here to watch a colourful Side sunset, relax on one of the benches, or simply enjoy a slow stroll surrounded by sea views. You’ll also find plenty of cafés, bars, and seaside restaurants nearby if you want to stop for a drink or something to eat.
And if you’re in the mood for a bit of adventure, this is where many boat trips in Side depart – including the popular Undersea Museum Diving Tour, which takes you out to an underwater sculpture park just off the coast.
📸 Iconic Photo Spots in Side Old Town
Side Live Freely Swing
A fun little feature along the waterfront is the Live Freely Swing, overlooking the coastal promenade and a long stretch of sandy beaches.
I’m not going to lie — as much as I loved the swing and the #LiveFreely message it sends, I was definitely underwhelmed by how much it actually swings! It’s not quite the high-flying swing photo opportunity you might imagine, but it’s still a fun spot to stop and enjoy the views!
The swing is easy to spot if you’re wandering between the harbour and the Old Town streets, or if you head up to the Old Town from the coastal promenade, making it a nice little stop to add to your stroll along the waterfront.
❤️ Side Signs
Another colourful addition to Side Old Town are the big ‘Side’ signs. One is located right by the harbour, and the other — a ‘❤️ Side’ sign — sits near Luuma Restaurant & Lounge, overlooking Büyük Plaj, a popular stretch of long, sandy beach.
These colorful signs brighten up the area for anyone wandering by – you can’t miss them! They also make for a perfect photo opportunity!
🛍️ Side Old Town: Shops, Restaurants & Cafés
There’s no shortage of places to shop, eat, or grab a drink in Side Old Town.
The charming streets are lined with everything from small souvenir shops to clothing boutiques and jewellery stores, many of which stay open late into the evening. I didn’t intend to buy anything, but after watching the prettiest sunset from the harbour, I wandered into a few stores and somehow came away with a few souvenirs and some ridiculously cheap little jewellery pieces.
Food and drink options are just as easy to find — whether you’re looking for traditional Turkish restaurants, casual cafés, or seafront bars, the Old Town has something for you. While I didn’t actually eat here myself (my meals were included at the hotel), it’s easy to see there’s plenty on offer. For Mediterranean Sea views, head to the waterfront, but don’t be afraid to explore quieter streets and see what else is on offer.
★ ★ ★
Go to the Beach
Side sits right on the Mediterranean Sea and enjoys sunshine for most of the year — so the beach is always calling.
Side is essentially framed by two long stretches of sandy coastline, running either side of the Old Town peninsula: East Beach and West Beach. Within each, you’ll find smaller beach sections, but they all merge together into one continuous shoreline.
To help you get your bearings: if you’re standing by the Temple of Apollo and facing out to sea, East Beach lies to the left, while West Beach stretches out to the right.
Let’s take a closer look at the two main beach areas in Side.
🏖️ Side West Beach
Side West Beach is the most popular beach with visitors, thanks to its lively waterfront promenade lined with hotels, bars, and restaurants.
Beachfront Hotels & Private Sections
Staying at a beachfront hotel on West Beach is the easiest way to enjoy the sand – you literally step out and you’re on the beach. (If you’re looking for recommendations, this beachfront resort is a great option!)
I passed by several resorts along here, and I have to admit, I was a little envious of those prime beachfront vibes and the perfect running spot along the promenade. (Don’t worry, I still ran here, I just had to run to get here!).
Most of the hotels along West Beach even have their own private sections, with sunbeds, piers, and raised seating areas. If you’re staying in one of these resorts, you’re in for a treat! But don’t worry — there’s still plenty of space on the sand if you prefer a more casual, public spot.
How to reach West Beach
Not everyone (like me!) will be staying right by the beach, though! West Beach is easy to reach from multiple directions, wherever your accommodation be may – I’ve tried a few routes myself.
From the Old Town: Head down Yasemin Sokak toward the waterfront. The road veers along the coastline, following the long stretch of sand and leading directly onto the promenade.
From the main road: Sarmaşık Street is the quickest route, joining the promenade directly. If you’re staying further west along the main road, most streets eventually lead down to the beach as well.
Sunset Vibes on West Beach
I loved a late afternoon stroll along West Beach — down the sand and back along the promenade — and even squeezed in a sunset run one evening. You have to witness a Side Beach sunset! Being out solo, I appreciated that the promenade grew livelier as I headed back toward the Old Town, knowing that darkness was creeping in soon!
In November, the beach was surprisingly quiet later in the day, though temperatures cooled with the setting sun. The hotels dedicated piers and seating areas were empty (maybe they close early?), but the promenade was buzzing with people strolling and enjoying the sunset – a perfect mix of peaceful beach vibes and lively coastal energy.
🌊 Side East Beach
Side East Beach is backed by small sand dunes, giving it a more natural feel than West Beach – it’s the lesser-developed of the two. The beach is quite open, with plenty of room for everyone.
Beach Clubs and Liveliness
The beach is divided into smaller sections, mostly beach clubs with sunbeds, such as Full Moon Beach, Özgürhan Plaj, Sunset Beach Club, and Sunwig Beach Club. While the beach has plenty of quieter spots, these areas can be lively. Even here, there’s still space nearer the water to lay down a towel and enjoy the sand.
Walking the Beach
While I didn’t spend much time lying on the sand, I loved taking a beach walk along Side East Beach – the perfect ‘cool down’ after a run. I found that the beach gets quieter closer to the Old Town, away from the beach clubs, making it really enjoyable to stroll along the sand and watch the sea.
Getting There
During my stay at Barut GOIA, Side East Beach was the closest beach – Full Moon Beach was less than a 10-minute walk away. I always went on foot, but the hotel (like many others in the area) provides a beach shuttle service throughout the day — a nice touch if you don’t fancy walking!
The walk from the hotel, across the main road and down a more “remote” road, makes Side East Beach feel a bit set apart from the town, adding to its natural vibe. If you access the beach from the Old Town, the walk is more straightforward and scenic, following the coastline toward the dunes and beach clubs.
⚠️ Just a little warning if you’re visiting around sunset (I’m not sure if this happens often, but it’s worth being aware of) — one evening, I set out walking to the beach from the hotel and had an unexpected encounter with some stray dogs. They started chasing a car, and I was alone – I heard them first, then they appeared from the bushes! As it was going to get dark soon (I think the sun had actually already set – I just wanted to catch some pretty colours!), I bailed on walking further. 🐕
During the day, whether walking or running down here, I had no issues. Most visitors do seem to travel to the beach by car or shuttle if coming from the direction of the main road, while others make their way on foot from Side Old Town.
★ ★ ★
Relax by the Pool
Many hotels and resorts in Side feature swimming pools, and with favourable year-round temperatures, what better way to chill than by the pool? (I’m not usually a “chill on holiday” gal – more of a go-see-everything traveler – but on this trip, I fully embraced the holiday vibes!)
In November, relaxing by the pool was perfect. It was cool before the sun came out to play, and again as it began to set, but during the daytime, the temperature was ideal for sunbathing. I’m not sure how much fun it will be in the peak summer heat – you’d definitely be in and out of the pool a lot more to cool down!
I loved sunbathing, reading poolside, and swimming laps (when I say relax by the pool, I also mean proper swimming!) when I wasn’t exploring the Old Town, running along the promenade, wandering the beaches, or taking day trips around the area.
The quiet pool at Barut GOIA was a real perk of visiting in November – perfect for uninterrupted laps (it’s not a lap pool but I made it one!), lounging, or a little holiday reading. I can only imagine how much busier it must be in peak season!
Some hotels in Side have large pools, so if you’re a swimmer like me, booking one of them is worth it – just don’t expect year-round emptiness!
💡 Tip: Highly recommend booking accommodation with a pool – it definitely adds to the holiday experience and chill Side vibes!
★ ★ ★
Day Trips from Side
Side is also a great base for exploring more of Turkey’s Antalya region, with plenty of easy day trips available. Whether you want nature, culture, or something a little adventurous, there are lots of excursions that can be done in a day.
Day trips are easy to take whether you’ve hired a car for your stay — which gives you the most freedom, especially if you want to explore at your own pace — or prefer to join an organised tour for a more hassle-free experience.
🌟 For day trips in and around Side, check out GetYourGuide or Viator for tours, excursions, and experiences that fit your interests.
🌿Green Canyon
A Green Canyon day trip from Side is one of the most popular excursions in the area, and it’s the option I chose during my stay (to be honest, there were limited options when booking at 11pm the night before!). I booked this as part of an organised tour, which made it a very easy, stress-free day out.
💚 Tip: Green Canyon tours are one of the most popular day trips from Side, so if you’re visiting during peak season or have limited time, it’s worth checking availability and booking in advance.
✨ For a closer look at my Green Canyon experience, you can check out my post here.
Getting There
After a morning hotel pick-up (around 9am – times can vary depending on your hotel and the tour booked), we drove for under an hour on a coach before stopping for views over Green Lake. Again, depending on the tour you book, you might travel by coach (as I did), or by mini-bus, jeep, or another vehicle instead.
After the first pit-stop, we boarded the boat. A mini-bus from another tour soon arrived, and everyone joined the same boat – it’s large enough to fit multiple groups. Whichever tour you choose, you’ll likely be sharing the cruise with others, meaning it doesn’t really matter which company you go with (for the actual boat trip part!).
The Boat Cruise
The Green Canyon boat cruise lasted around 1.5–2 hours and was a lovely way to experience Turkey’s natural scenery, with calm water that didn’t quite live up to its “Green Lake” name at first, but became more emerald as the sun hit. Sailing through the canyon was super relaxed, you really just get to chill and enjoy the ride!
There was a swimming stop during the cruise, although on a November morning the canyon kept the boat in the shade for much of the ride (do bring warmer layers if you’re visiting outside of summer, as it’s quite cool early on!). Combined with the chilly water, only a couple of people actually got in! The tour included unlimited non-alcoholic drinks on the boat, which was perfect, as I needed some tea to warm up a little (didn’t think I’d be saying that!).
Seeing Green Canyon Without the Crowds
Visiting in November gave this trip a special touch. We were the only boat on the water. There were plenty of other boats docked, but without the crowds they simply weren’t running at this time of year. Experiencing the Green Canyon in such tranquility made it feel less touristic and more natural – almost like a hidden gem. The whole trip was incredibly peaceful and relaxed.
Lakeside Lunch & Swimming
After the boat trip, we headed to a lakeside restaurant overlooking Green Lake for lunch (included), followed by another swimming opportunity. The sun was shining, the water was so calm, and the surroundings were beautiful – I had to go in! The water was ice cold, but well worth it – an amazing place for a dip!!
Perfect for a Short Day Trip
We were back at the hotel just before 3pm, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day in Side. Overall, this is a great option if you’re looking for short travel time, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed day trip that doesn’t feel rushed.
🗺️ Other Popular Day Trips from Side
If you’re looking for more adventures from Side, here are some organised day trip options you might enjoy to see even more of Turkey:
- Alanya City, Castle & Boat Tour – Explore the city, castle, bazaar, and enjoy a swim stop. 👉 Book this tour here
- Ancient Perge and Aspendos Amphitheater – Discover Roman history and impressive ruins. 👉 Check availability here
- Rafting & Buggy, Quad Safari & Zipline Adventure – One for the thrill-seekers! 👉 View tour details here
- Adler Canyon & Selge Guided Tour – Scenic canyon hiking with a guide. 👉 See tour options here
- Pamukkale Day Trip – A long day, but see the iconic white terraces. 👉 Reserve your spot here
If you’d rather book through your accommodation, I’m sure your hotel will be happy to guide you to the best options. However, it’s best to book trips in advance if visiting during busy periods to ensure you don’t miss out!
Roundup: Is Side, Turkey Worth Visiting?
Overall, I loved my 5 day (6 night) visit to Side. I had no idea what to expect, and was so pleasantly surprised. Side is the perfect relaxed coastal destination, even allowing for pool and beach days as late in the year as November. I loved exploring the Old Town, with its ancient ruins, and hitting the promenade with my running and walking legs, as well as venturing further afield to see the Green Canyon. I only wish I had more time for another day trip or two (maybe chilled a little too hard a couple of days?)!
Hopefully this guide has helped you plan your trip! 💛
