Side Turkey

SIDE, TURKEY: 50 FACTUAL TRAVEL QUESTIONS ANSWERED WITH REAL NUMBERS AND LOCAL DETAILS

Introduction: Where History Meets the Sea
Side is not just another beach town. Located on Turkey’s southern Mediterranean coast, it combines resort comfort with thousands of years of history. The ancient city dates back to the 7th century BCE and was once a major port during the Roman Empire. Today, Side (pronounced “see-day”) is home to just over 18,000 full-time residents, but that number can swell to over 100,000 during the summer high season. The town covers approximately 15 square kilometers, most of it walkable, with the old city center set on a small peninsula surrounded by beaches on both sides.

From ruins that are over 2,000 years old to hotel complexes with 500+ rooms, Side blends the ancient with the modern — and that’s exactly what makes it special. In this guide, you’ll find 50 real questions travelers ask, answered clearly, with specific facts, figures, and tips you can actually use.

How old is Side, really?
Side was founded around the 7th century BCE by Anatolian settlers. That makes it over 2,700 years old. Its peak was during the Roman period, between the 1st and 4th centuries CE, when the town served as a major harbor and trading post.

How many people live in Side?
As of the last census, Side has a local population of around 18,500. However, during July and August, daily tourist numbers can exceed 90,000, especially with large resort complexes operating at full capacity.

How far is Side from Antalya Airport?
Side is 65 kilometers east of Antalya Airport (AYT). By private car or transfer, the trip takes about 60 to 75 minutes depending on traffic. Shuttle buses take slightly longer, around 90 minutes.

How hot does it get in summer?
In July and August, daytime temperatures in Side average between 34°C and 38°C (93–100°F). Nighttime temperatures rarely drop below 25°C (77°F). The highest recorded temperature in the area was 44°C (111°F).

How warm is the sea in Side?
The Mediterranean Sea off Side’s coast reaches its warmest in August, at around 29°C (84°F). In June and September, water temperatures average 25–27°C (77–80°F), making swimming comfortable for most people from May to early November.

How big is the Roman theatre in Side?
The ancient theatre in Side was built in the 2nd century CE and could seat approximately 15,000 spectators. It’s the largest Roman theatre in the Pamphylia region and remains one of the best-preserved in Turkey.

How much does a boat tour cost in Side?
Prices vary, but a standard full-day boat tour with lunch included typically costs between €20 and €35 per person. Luxury options or party cruises may cost €50 or more. Tours usually run from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM and cover about 30–40 km of coastline.

How much is a typical meal in Side?
At a local Turkish restaurant, a main dish like grilled chicken or köfte costs around 450–650 TRY (approx. €10–15). A full dinner with starter, main, dessert, and a drink at a mid-range place costs around 1000–1200 TRY (€20–25) per person.

How many ruins are there in Side’s old town?
Within walking distance in the old city, you’ll find over a dozen major ruins: the Roman theatre, the Temple of Apollo, the Temple of Athena, Roman baths, a nymphaeum (monumental fountain), agora, colonnaded streets, and city gates — all within a 1.5 km² area.

How long does it take to walk through the historic center?
A complete self-guided walk of Side’s old city, including ruins, shops, and harbor, takes about 2 to 2.5 hours at a moderate pace — longer if you stop for food, museums, or photos.

Are the beaches in Side natural or man-made?
Both exist. The western beach, known as “Kumköy Beach,” is naturally wide and sandy, stretching over 8 kilometers. The eastern beach near the ancient city walls is partly natural, partly restored with sand and pebbles due to coastal erosion and preservation work around the ruins.

How long is the tourist season in Side?
The high season runs from mid-April to the end of October, roughly 200 days a year. July and August are peak months. Most resorts open in early April and close by early November, depending on bookings.

How many hotel beds are there in Side?
The greater Side-Manavgat region has approximately 120,000 registered hotel beds, with Side accounting for nearly 40,000 of them. Hotels range from 2-star family pensions to 5-star all-inclusive resorts with over 1,000 rooms.

How much does a Turkish bath (hamam) cost in Side?
A standard package (steam, scrub, foam massage) in a traditional hamam costs around 450–600 TRY (€10–15). Deluxe options with full-body oil massage and clay mask can cost 900–1500 TRY (€20–30), and sessions last 1.5 to 2 hours.

What’s the elevation of Side?
Side is mostly flat and lies at an elevation of about 5 meters (16 feet) above sea level. This makes it ideal for walking and bike tours. Some parts of the old town near the ruins rise slightly, but no steep hills exist.

Is there public transport within Side?
Yes. The local “dolmuş” (shared minibus) system runs between Side, Manavgat (5 km away), and nearby resort areas. Fare for a single ride is typically around 50–60 TRY (€1–1,5). Taxis are also available, with base fares starting around 200 TRY (€5).

How big is Manavgat Waterfall and how far is it from Side?
Manavgat Waterfall is about 4 meters high and 40 meters wide. It’s located 10 km northeast of Side and takes around 15 minutes by car or 25 minutes by dolmuş. Entry fee is around 30–40 TRY per person.

How many tourists visit Side annually?
According to TÜRSAB and local tourism boards, Side receives over 2 million international visitors per year, mainly from Germany, Russia, the UK, and Eastern Europe. That number excludes day-trippers from Antalya.

Are there any museums in Side?
Yes. The Side Museum is located in a restored Roman bath building. It exhibits statues, sarcophagi, and inscriptions found in the area. Entrance fee is around 450 TRY (€10) and it’s open daily except Mondays.

Can you see the sunset at the Temple of Apollo?
Yes — and it’s one of the most iconic views in the region. The Temple of Apollo faces the sea directly to the west. Sunset typically occurs between 7:00 PM (spring) and 8:15 PM (summer). Photographers often arrive an hour before for the best light.

Is there an entrance fee to the Temple of Apollo?
No. The Temple of Apollo is located in a public area at the end of the old town peninsula. It’s open 24/7 with no admission charge. There are no fences, but visitors are advised not to climb on the ruins for safety and preservation.

How far is Side from Manavgat town center?
Side is approximately 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) southwest of Manavgat city center. By car or taxi, it takes 10–15 minutes. Dolmuş rides take about 20 minutes, depending on stops.

What’s the Roman aqueduct in Side and can you visit it?
Side’s Roman aqueduct once stretched over 30 kilometers, transporting water from the Taurus Mountains to the city. Parts of it are still visible, especially along the D400 road toward Manavgat. Some sections are accessible by foot, though not formally restored for tourism.

How wide is the west beach in Side?
Kumköy (west) beach is over 50 meters wide in some areas and stretches uninterrupted for more than 8 kilometers. It has Blue Flag certification and gradually sloping sand, ideal for children and non-swimmers.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Side?
Yes. Most restaurants, shops, and hotels accept Visa and Mastercard. However, some smaller vendors, market stalls, and dolmuş minibuses only take cash (Turkish lira). ATMs are available in many central areas.

What’s the average hotel price per night in Side?
Prices vary widely. In low season (April or October), 3-star hotels start from around 1500 TRY (€30), while 5-star resorts range from 2,500–4,000 TRY (€75–120). In peak season, prices may increase by 30–50%.

Can you dive or snorkel in Side?
Yes, but the water is relatively shallow near shore. For proper diving, tours head toward deeper spots near Sorgun or Alanya. Diving trips cost around 1500–2000 TRY (€30–45) and include equipment and instruction.

Are there any mosques tourists can visit?
Yes. The most notable is the Side Central Mosque (Yeni Cami), located just outside the ancient city walls. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside prayer times. Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering.

What are the coordinates of Side for GPS?
Side is located at approximately 36.7767° N latitude and 31.3900° E longitude. This places it directly on Turkey’s southern Mediterranean coast, 75 km east of Antalya city.

What kind of electricity plugs are used in Side?
Turkey uses standard European plugs — type C and type F — with 220 volts and 50 Hz frequency. If you're coming from the UK or USA, you’ll need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter.

What time does the sun rise and set in Side?
In peak summer (July), the sun rises around 5:45 AM and sets around 8:15 PM. In spring and autumn, sunrise is closer to 6:30–7:00 AM and sunset around 6:30–7:00 PM. These times are ideal for planning early tours or sunset photography at the ruins.

Is Side affected by earthquakes?
Yes, Side is in a seismically active region like much of Turkey. However, major earthquakes are rare in the immediate area. The last noticeable tremor in the Side-Manavgat region occurred in 2020 and measured 4.3 on the Richter scale with no damage reported.

Are guided tours available in English?
Yes. Most historical tours, boat trips, and nature excursions offer English-speaking guides. You can also book tours in German, Russian, Polish, and French. Prices vary, but a half-day guided history tour costs around €25–30.

How many daily boat trips leave from Side harbor?
During high season, approximately 15–20 boats depart daily from the Manavgat river between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM. Most tours return by 4:00 PM. Some boats are small (20–30 passengers), while others hold up to 100 people.

How many ancient temples are in Side?
There are two major Roman temples: the Temple of Apollo and the Temple of Athena, both from the 2nd century CE. Smaller shrines and sanctuaries are scattered throughout the archaeological site, many of them still being excavated.

What’s the water quality like in Side?
The beaches of Side consistently receive Blue Flag certification, which requires high standards for cleanliness, safety, and water quality. As of 2024, both the west and east beaches meet these criteria and are regularly monitored.

What’s the nearest hospital to Side?
Side Anadolu Hastanesi (Anatolia Hospital) is the nearest full-service private hospital, located just 3 km from the town center. It offers emergency care, multilingual staff, and ambulance services. Manavgat State Hospital is 8 km away for public care.

Is Side suitable for elderly travelers?
Yes, particularly the newer parts of town with flat, paved walkways. Some uneven terrain exists near ruins, but many areas have benches, shade, and accessible facilities. Hotels often offer mobility assistance and room-level elevators.

Are there any festivals or events in Side?
Yes. The Side Culture and Art Festival is held annually in late summer, typically in August or early September. It includes concerts at the ancient theatre, art exhibitions, and cultural performances. Entry to many events is free.

How far is Side from Alanya and can you do a day trip?
Side is 63 km (about 39 miles) from Alanya. By car or bus, the trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Many travelers visit Alanya Castle, Damlataş Cave, and the Red Tower as part of day tours from Side.

What’s the air quality like in Side?
Air quality in Side is generally rated as “Good” (AQI 0–50) throughout most of the year. Thanks to sea breezes and low industrial activity, pollution is minimal. During peak tourist season, slight increases in PM10 may occur due to traffic, but levels remain safe.

How far is the Green Canyon from Side?
Green Canyon is about 30 km northeast of Side, near the Oymapınar Dam. By car or tour bus, the trip takes 45–60 minutes. Full-day boat tours on the canyon lake include lunch and cost around €35 per person.

Is Wi-Fi available in Side?
Yes. Most hotels, cafes, and even beach clubs offer free Wi-Fi. Connection speeds in Side average around 15–25 Mbps in hotels and 5–10 Mbps in public areas. Some larger resorts provide premium high-speed access for a fee.

Can I exchange currency in Side?
Yes, exchange offices (“döviz”) are found throughout the town, especially in the old center and near large hotels. As of mid-2025, the exchange rate fluctuates around 42–47 TRY per 1 EUR. Always check if commission is added before exchanging.

What’s the average daily budget for a tourist in Side?
For a mid-range traveler:

• Accommodation: €50–80

• Meals and drinks: €25–35

• Transport and minor activities: €10–15

• Tours or boat trips: €25–50
  Total: Around €100–150 per day per person.

How late do restaurants stay open?
Most restaurants stay open until 11:00 PM or midnight during summer. Beach clubs and some late-night bars may stay open until 2:00 AM. Off-season hours are shorter, typically until 10:00 PM.

How far is Aspendos from Side and is it worth visiting?
Aspendos, home to one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world, is 35 km northwest of Side. The drive takes about 35–40 minutes. Entry is around 650 TRY (€12), and the site also includes a Roman aqueduct and stadium.

Are there any caves near Side worth exploring?
Yes. Altınbeşik Cave National Park is 75 km northeast of Side and features an underground lake accessible by boat. Damlataş Cave in Alanya (63 km away) is also a popular half-day trip with its stunning stalactites and therapeutic humidity.

Can I visit local villages around Side?
Definitely. Villages like Seleukia (Lybre), Ilica, and Evrenseki offer traditional architecture, local produce markets, and rural landscapes. Seleukia has ancient ruins and pine forests, just 15 km from Side.

Where can I find a full list of activities in Side?
You can explore Side’s full range of tours, daily excursions, boat trips, safaris, and cultural experiences on this activity page. It’s a great way to plan your days and find options with hotel pickup included.

Conclusion: Why Side Is More Than Just a Beach Town

Side is not a place you simply visit — it’s a place you absorb. From the moment you walk through the ancient Roman gates, hear the echo of your footsteps in the 2,000-year-old theatre, or sit at a seaside café watching the sun dip behind the Temple of Apollo, you begin to feel what makes this place special.

It’s the kind of destination where old and new live side by side. You might start your morning with fresh Turkish tea in a local village, spend your afternoon snorkeling in turquoise waters, and then enjoy dinner next to ruins older than most countries. It’s small enough to feel personal, yet packed with stories, flavors, and views that you won’t find anywhere else on the Turkish Riviera.

For travelers who love history, it’s a walkable museum. For beach lovers, it’s 8 km of soft sand. For families, couples, and solo travelers alike, it offers safety, variety, and authenticity — all within a few square kilometers. And best of all, it’s easy to access, affordable to enjoy, and unforgettable long after you leave.

Whether you’re staying a weekend or a few weeks, Side is one of those rare destinations where you can truly choose your own adventure — or simply let the town surprise you.

To explore the full list of tours and activities available in and around Side, you can visit this curated selection of experiences on Vigo Tours.