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Side is an ancient harbour town on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, 75 km east of Antalya. Founded by Greek colonists in the 7th century BCE and later a major Roman port, it sits on a small peninsula where the Manavgat River meets the sea. The old town occupies the original Greco-Roman city, with cobbled streets running between an intact Roman theatre, the seafront Temple of Apollo, and ruined city walls.
Modern Side blends ancient sites with all-inclusive resort hotels stretching east toward Manavgat and west toward Kumkoy. The town centre is mostly pedestrianised inside the Roman gate. Antalya Airport (AYT) is the main entry point, 65 km away, with private transfers and the HAVAS bus serving the resort area.
Country
Turkey
Region
Antalya Province, Turkish Mediterranean Coast
Population
~14,000 (town), ~88,000 (Manavgat district)
Elevation
Sea level
Time Zone
TRT (UTC+3)
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
Language
Turkish (English, German common)
Nearest Airport
Antalya (AYT)
Airport to City Centre
65 km, 60-75 min by taxi or HAVAS shuttle
Typical Cost Level
Budget to Mid-range
Transport Pass
Local dolmus to Manavgat (~TRY 30)
Spring (Mar-May)
13-24°C, water 17-21°C
Summer (Jun-Aug)
23-35°C, water 25-28°C
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
16-30°C, water 23-26°C
Winter (Dec-Feb)
8-17°C, water 17-19°C
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Entry rules, stay length and passport validity by nationality.
May, June, September, and early October are ideal. Daytime temperatures hover around 26-30°C with the Mediterranean at 23-26°C, perfect for beaches and ruins exploration. July and August are very hot and crowded with European package tourists.
The most efficient option is a private transfer or shared shuttle. Antalya Airport (AYT) is 65 km from Side, taking 60-75 minutes. Shared shuttles run EUR 12-18 per person; private transfers cost EUR 50-70 for the car. The HAVAS bus to Manavgat with onward dolmus is the cheapest at around EUR 8 total.
Three to five days suits most visitors. One day for the old town and Roman ruins, one for Manavgat Falls and the river boat trip, one for Aspendos and Perge ruins, and beach days in between. Add a day for Koprulu Canyon rafting or a longer Antalya excursion.
Walk in the old town and use dolmus minibuses for nearby trips. Side's old town is fully pedestrianised inside the ancient gate. Dolmuses connect to Manavgat (TRY 30, 15 min) where you can switch for buses to Antalya and Alanya. Day tours cover the harder-to-reach sites like Aspendos and Koprulu Canyon.
The Roman gates, agora ruins, and most of the old town's archaeological remains are free and accessible 24/7. The Side Ancient Theatre and the Side Museum charge admission (TRY 200-400 each in 2026). The seaside Temple of Apollo is free and best at sunset.
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