Side

SideSide is a resort town on Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast that seamlessly blends Greco-Roman antiquity with beachside luxury. Built on a small peninsula, its vibrant modern streets, shops, and restaurants wrap directly around world-class ancient ruins and golden beaches.

Essential Snapshot

Top Sights & Experiences

·      Temple of Apollo & Athena: Iconic white marble columns standing at the edge of the harbor, famous for magnificent sunset views over the sea.

·      Ancient Theater of Side: A massive 2nd-century Roman amphitheater that once seated up to 15,000 spectators for theatrical performances and gladiator fights.

·      Side Museum: Housed inside a restored 5th-century Roman bathhouse, featuring intricate statues, sarcophagi, and regional artifacts.

·      Sandy Beaches: The West Beach features shallow, calm waters lined with beach clubs and resorts, while the East Beach is quieter with historic ruins scattered near the dunes.

·      Manavgat Waterfall: Located just 8 km inland, offering shaded tea gardens and cool mountain river waters.

Food & Nightlife

·      Dining: Waterfront dining overlooking ancient harbour walls, serving fresh Mediterranean sea bass, mezes, and traditional Turkish grills.

·      Nightlife: Sophisticated cocktail lounges near the harbour, chic beach club parties, and open-air venues setting music against an illuminated ancient backdrop.

This 3-day itinerary combines Side’s remarkable ancient Roman history with relaxed Mediterranean beach time and local nature excursions.

Day 1: Ancient History & Harbor Sunset

Morning: Roman Ruins & Amphitheater

·      Walk through the Monumental Gate into Ancient Side.

·      Explore the Ancient Theater of Side, admiring its well-preserved tiers built into the hillside.

·      Visit the Side Museum, housed in a restored Roman bathhouse, to see statues, sarcophagi, and coins discovered locally.

Afternoon: Old Town Walk & West Beach

·      Stroll down the pedestrian-only Colonnaded Street lined with boutique shops, cafes, and glass-floored walkways revealing ancient ruins beneath your feet.

·      Head to West Beach for lunch at a beachfront restaurant and spend the afternoon relaxing by the calm, shallow waters.

Evening: Sunset at Temple of Apollo

·      Walk to the edge of the peninsula to watch the sunset behind the iconic white marble pillars of the Temple of Apollo & Athena.

·      Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at a waterfront restaurant overlooking the harbor.

Day 2: Waterfalls, Markets & Canyon Cruise

Morning: Manavgat Waterfall & Market

·      Take a 15-minute dolmuş (minibus) ride inland to Manavgat Waterfall. Enjoy morning tea under the shaded tree canopy next to the rushing river.

·      Head into Manavgat town center to browse the bustling Manavgat Grand Bazaar for spices, textiles, and local produce.

Afternoon: Green Canyon Boat Trip

·      Take a short drive to Green Canyon (Oymapınar Dam) for a boat tour across a emerald-green mountain lake surrounded by steep canyon walls.

·      Enjoy a peaceful lunch at a lakeside restaurant with time for swimming and kayaking in the clear, fresh water.

Evening: Old Town Stroll & Cocktail Hour

·      Return to Side in the late afternoon to freshen up.

·      Spend the evening wandering the illuminated streets of the historic peninsula, stopping at a harbor cocktail bar.

Day 3: Coastal Cruise & East Beach Relaxation

Morning to Afternoon: Boat Tour Around Side Peninsula

·      Board a boat excursion from Side Harbor to cruise along the peninsula's coast.

·      Enjoy swimming stops in turquoise coves, scenic views of coastal ruins, and lunch served on board. Keep an eye out for sea turtles (Caretta caretta).

Late Afternoon: East Beach Sand Dunes

·      Spend your final afternoon at East Beach, known for its wider sandy stretches, gentle dunes, and quieter beach club atmosphere.

Evening: Farewell Ottoman Dinner

·      Celebrate your final night with traditional Ottoman-style dishes such as Testi Kebabı (meat cooked in a sealed clay pot) at a garden restaurant in the heart of Old Town.

Travel Tips for Side