East of Antalya, in the Manavgat district, Side is one of the rare holiday towns where ancient ruins meet the sea. Built on a small peninsula, the ancient city has the columns of the Temple of Apollo rising right at the water’s edge, while on either side of the peninsula long sandy beaches and all-inclusive resorts stretch for miles. Side is not a single place, though: it is made up of several areas with very different characters. The answer to where to stay in Side depends on the kind of holiday you want. This guide compares each area in turn.
Side at a glance
Side is about 65–75 kilometres from Antalya Airport, roughly an hour’s drive depending on traffic. Its beaches are shallow and sandy, which makes it especially attractive to families with young children. The season runs from April to the end of October; the summer months are hot and busy, while spring and autumn are milder and quieter. Most of Side’s large hotels run on an all-inclusive or ultra all-inclusive basis.
For travellers from the UK, Side has long been a familiar name, and many guests return year after year. Part of the appeal is the variety: within a short drive you can choose between a lively resort strip, a historic old town with restaurants, and quiet pine-forest hotels, all sharing the same warm sea.
Side area by area
The old town
The old town on the peninsula is full of restaurants, boutique hotels, guesthouses and shops set among ruins such as the ancient theatre, the agora, the Monument of Vespasian and the Temple of Apollo. In the evening the harbour comes alive, and watching the sea between the temple columns at sunset is one of Side’s finest moments. This is the place for couples and travellers who want to explore on foot and eat somewhere different every night. Large resort hotels with big pools are rare here; smaller, more intimate hotels are the norm.
Kumköy
Just west of the old town, Kumköy is Side’s liveliest resort area. Large hotels line the shore within walking distance of the beach, and the main street has restaurants, bars and shops. You can reach the old town on foot or with a short dolmuş ride. It is a good balance if you want to enjoy hotel facilities but also go out in the evenings.
Kızılağaç, Kızılot and Çolaklı
West of Side, these areas are known for large all-inclusive resorts with extensive gardens, aquaparks and kids’ clubs. The beaches are long and sandy, and the hotels have almost everything you could need on site. They are the best areas for families who want to relax without leaving the resort much. Because they are further from the centre, guests who want to go out in the evening will need a taxi or the hotel shuttle.
Sorgun and Titreyengöl
East of Side, Sorgun is a green area where a pine forest runs down to the sea and hotels are spread out among the trees. Next door, Titreyengöl is known for the small lake that gives it its name and for its calm beaches. Both suit couples and families looking for a quieter holiday close to nature. They are also close to Manavgat town and the Manavgat River.
Evrenseki and Gündoğdu
At the western end of Side, Evrenseki and Gündoğdu stand out for newer, spacious resorts opened in recent years. The beaches are wide and peaceful, and the area is slightly closer to the airport than the eastern parts of Side.
Which area suits whom?
- Families with young children: the all-inclusive resorts with aquaparks in Kızılağaç, Kızılot, Çolaklı and Evrenseki.
- Couples and honeymooners: boutique hotels around the old town or the forest hotels of Sorgun.
- Active travellers who like to explore: Kumköy, close to the beach, the old town and the shops.
- Anyone seeking peace and nature: Sorgun and Titreyengöl.
To compare every hotel in the area for your dates, use our Side hotels page. If you are weighing Side against other resorts on the coast, our guide to the best family hotels in Antalya is a useful companion.
Things to see around Side
- The ancient theatre: one of the most impressive structures in the region, with seating for around 15,000.
- The temples of Apollo and Athena: unmissable at sunset.
- Side Museum: housed in a Roman bath, with statues and sarcophagi.
- Manavgat Waterfall and river cruise: a boat trip down the Manavgat River to the sea.
- Aspendos: one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, between Side and Antalya.
- Green Canyon: a boat trip on the emerald waters of the Oymapınar reservoir.
Getting from the airport to Side
Public transport from Antalya Airport to Side involves changes and takes a long time, so most holidaymakers choose a transfer. With a pre-booked transfer you go straight from arrivals to your hotel door with your luggage. See vehicle types and journey times on the Antalya Airport to Side transfer page. For all transfer options around Antalya, read our Antalya Airport transfer guide.
When to go
June to September brings reliable sunshine but also the highest temperatures and the busiest beaches. May and October are often the sweet spot: the sea is warm enough for swimming, the ruins are pleasant to explore in the softer heat, and the resorts are calmer. Some smaller hotels close in winter, while many of the larger resorts keep a shorter season, so check opening dates if you plan to travel outside the main months.
Conclusion
Side is one of the few places that combines history with a classic beach holiday. Stay in the old town or Kumköy if you want evening walks among the ruins, in Kızılağaç or Çolaklı if you want to relax without leaving the resort, and in Sorgun if you are looking for nature and peace. Choose the right area and your holiday in Side will be exactly what you hoped for.
