Things to do in Side
Best Things to Do in Side Turkey— Tours, Nature, Culture & Adventure
Side is one of the best holiday destinations in Turkey for travellers who want more than a traditional beach holiday. Located between the Mediterranean coast, the Taurus Mountains and several important ancient cities, Side provides easy access to nature, history, culture and outdoor adventure.
Visitors staying in Side can choose from boat trips, historical excursions, mountain safaris, cultural experiences and exciting outdoor activities. The region offers suitable options for families, couples, solo travellers and visitors who want to discover more than the hotel and beach.
For a complete overview of available excursions, explore the Side tours and daily activities guide.
Evening Shows and Night Experiences
Side offers several memorable evening experiences for visitors who want to enjoy entertainment after sunset.
Land of Legends Night Show
The Land of Legends night show is one of the most impressive evening attractions in the Antalya region. Illuminated boats, music, live performances and colourful visual effects create a spectacular atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
Fire of Anatolia Dance Performance
Visitors interested in Turkish culture can experience the Fire of Anatolia dance performance, a famous stage production combining traditional Anatolian folk dances with modern choreography, music and dramatic costumes.
Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival
During the summer season, the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival welcomes international artists to the ancient Roman theatre of Aspendos. The historic atmosphere and remarkable acoustics make each performance a unique cultural experience.
Nature and Adventure Tours
The forests, mountain roads and countryside surrounding Side create excellent conditions for outdoor adventure.
Horse Riding
Horse riding tours offer a peaceful way to explore sandy beaches, forest paths and scenic countryside. These experiences are usually suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
Quad Safari
A quad safari in Side takes visitors across dusty trails, forest roads and rugged off-road tracks. It is an exciting option for travellers who want action and adventure away from the coast.
Buggy Safari
Buggy safari tours provide a fun off-road driving experience through muddy paths, mountain tracks and natural landscapes around Side.
Jeep Safari
A jeep safari in Side offers the opportunity to explore the Taurus Mountains, traditional villages, scenic viewpoints and rural areas that are difficult to reach with regular vehicles.
Boat Trips and Water Experiences
Boat trips are among the most popular activities for visitors staying in Side. Options range from relaxing lake cruises to adventurous river experiences and Mediterranean coastal tours.
Köprülü Canyon Rafting
One of the most exciting outdoor activities is rafting in Köprülü Canyon. Travellers navigate white-water rapids while surrounded by pine forests, dramatic canyon walls and mountain scenery.
Green Canyon Boat Cruise
The Green Canyon boat cruise offers a peaceful journey across a beautiful mountain reservoir. The tour normally includes swimming breaks, lunch and time to enjoy the quiet natural surroundings.
Manavgat River Boat Trip
The Manavgat river boat trip combines a relaxing river cruise with swimming opportunities and visits to popular local attractions. Many programmes also include the Manavgat waterfall and the lively Manavgat bazaar.
Dolphin Island Boat Tour
Families and couples often choose the Dolphin Island boat tour, which includes swimming stops, coastal views and a relaxing cruise along the Mediterranean coastline.
Sunset Cruise
A sunset cruise allows visitors to enjoy the Side coastline during the most atmospheric part of the day. The changing colours of the sky and the peaceful sea create a romantic evening experience.
Private Boat Charter
Couples, families and small groups looking for more privacy can choose a private boat charter. The itinerary, swimming stops and time on board can usually be arranged according to the group’s preferences.
Cultural and Historical Day Trips
Side’s central location makes it possible to visit some of Turkey’s most famous historical and natural attractions on organised day trips.
Pamukkale
The Pamukkale day trip from Side takes visitors to the famous white travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis. The combination of thermal waters, natural formations and Roman ruins makes Pamukkale one of Turkey’s most recognisable destinations.
Cappadocia
A Cappadocia tour from Side introduces travellers to fairy chimneys, underground cities, cave dwellings and unique volcanic landscapes. Depending on the programme, the excursion may be organised as a multi-day tour.
Kekova Sunken City
The Kekova sunken city boat excursion offers the opportunity to view ancient ruins beneath the clear Mediterranean water. The area is also known for its quiet bays, historic villages and coastal scenery.
City Tours and Local Experiences
Nearby cities offer additional opportunities to discover regional history, architecture, shopping and everyday Turkish culture.
Antalya City Tour
The Antalya city tour from Side usually includes waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints and free time in Kaleiçi, Antalya’s historic old town. Visitors can explore narrow streets, traditional houses, shops and the old harbour.
Alanya City Tour
The Alanya city tour introduces visitors to the famous castle, coastal viewpoints, sea caves and the lively centre of Alanya.
Turkish Family Dinner
Travellers interested in local culture can join an authentic Turkish family dinner experience. This type of activity provides an opportunity to taste traditional food and learn more about Turkish hospitality and family life.
Special Activities
Side also offers several distinctive activities for travellers searching for experiences beyond traditional sightseeing tours.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving tours allow beginners and experienced divers to explore the underwater world of the Mediterranean Sea. Introductory programmes normally include professional instruction and supervised dives.
Paragliding
Paragliding experiences provide spectacular aerial views of the coastline, mountains and surrounding landscapes. Most flights take place with an experienced tandem pilot.
Big Game Fishing
Fishing enthusiasts can join big game fishing tours in the Mediterranean with experienced crews and professional equipment. Private fishing charters are also available for families and small groups.
Hidden Natural Destinations
Some of the most memorable excursions from Side lead to quieter natural areas, traditional villages and lesser-known coastal destinations.
Suluada Island
The Suluada boat trip from Side takes visitors to an island famous for its clear turquoise water, rocky coastline and small white beaches. Suluada is often described as the Turkish Maldives because of its bright water and natural scenery.
Taurus Mountains Highland Tour
A Taurus Mountains highland tour allows visitors to discover cooler mountain landscapes, traditional settlements and panoramic views away from the busy coastal resorts.
Ormana Village
The Ormana village cultural excursion introduces travellers to historic stone houses, village traditions and the natural landscapes of the Taurus Mountains.
Discover More Activities in Side
Side offers far more than beaches and resort hotels. From rafting, safaris and boat tours to historical discoveries, cultural performances and mountain excursions, the region provides countless opportunities to create memorable holiday experiences.
Travellers can compare available programmes, departure days and tour options in the Side tours and daily activities guide.
For a comfortable journey from the airport, visitors can also book a private transfer from Antalya Airport to Side hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions About Activities in Side
1. What kinds of tours and activities are available in Side?
Visitors staying in Side can choose from more than 6 main experience categories: boat tours, historical excursions, cultural trips, mountain safaris, nature adventures, water activities and city sightseeing tours.
Popular options include Green Canyon boat cruises, Manavgat River trips, jeep safaris, quad safaris, rafting, scuba diving, horse riding, paragliding and visits to ancient cities.
Tour programmes are generally organised in 4 different formats — short activities lasting 2–3 hours, half-day tours lasting 4–5 hours, full-day excursions lasting 7–12 hours and multi-day programmes lasting 2 days or longer.
2. Are there day trips from Side to famous attractions?
Yes. Side has a convenient location for visiting many of Turkey’s best-known natural, historical and cultural attractions.
Travellers can visit Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Antalya Old Town, Alanya Castle, Köprülü Canyon, Green Canyon, Ormana Village, Aspendos Ancient Theatre and several other destinations in the Antalya region.
Nearby destinations can usually be visited in 1 day. Longer-distance destinations such as Cappadocia generally require a 2-day or multi-day programme.
Tours to distant locations often begin between 04:00 and 06:00 because of the travelling distance. Local tours around Side, Manavgat and Antalya usually begin later in the morning.
3. Are boat tours popular in Side?
Yes. Boat tours are among the most popular activities in Side and Manavgat, especially during the warmer months.
Visitors can choose from at least 6 main boat experiences — Green Canyon cruises, Manavgat River tours, Dolphin Island trips, Mediterranean coastal cruises, sunset tours and private boat charters.
Most full-day boat trips last between 6 and 8 hours. A standard programme may include 2–4 swimming breaks, lunch on board, coastal sightseeing and hotel transportation.
Boat tours are especially popular between May and October, when the weather is warm and swimming conditions are generally suitable.
4. Are there activities suitable for families with children?
Yes. Side offers many activities suitable for families travelling with children.
Popular family-friendly choices include boat cruises, Green Canyon tours, Manavgat River trips, Antalya city tours, Dolphin Island excursions, Land of Legends evening shows and cultural village tours.
Many relaxing tours are suitable for children aged 4 years and over. However, the exact age requirement depends on the activity and the tour provider.
Adventure activities such as rafting, quad safari, buggy safari, scuba diving and paragliding may have minimum age, height or weight restrictions.
Before booking, families should check 3 important details — the minimum age requirement, the total tour duration and whether meals, transportation and equipment are included.
5. Is Side a good destination for adventure activities?
Yes. Side is one of the strongest destinations on the Antalya coast for outdoor activities and adventure tours.
Visitors can choose from more than 8 popular experiences, including rafting, quad safari, buggy safari, jeep safari, scuba diving, horse riding, paragliding and mountain excursions.
Köprülü Canyon is one of the most popular rafting areas in the region. The Taurus Mountains provide excellent routes for jeep safaris, quad tours and buggy adventures.
Most adventure activities last between 2 and 8 hours. Depending on the programme, safety equipment, professional instruction, insurance and hotel transportation may be included.
6. How long do tours from Side usually take?
Tour duration depends on the type of activity, the distance to the destination and the programme.
Short activities usually last 2–3 hours. Half-day programmes generally last 4–5 hours. Full-day tours normally take between 7 and 12 hours. Evening shows often last 4–7 hours, including transportation.
Long-distance tours may last between 1 and 3 days. Cappadocia and similar destinations often include 1 or 2 overnight stays.
Activities such as horse riding, quad safari and introductory scuba diving are usually shorter. Boat tours, rafting trips and city excursions generally require most of the day.
7. Do tours include hotel pickup from Side?
Many organised excursions include pickup and return transportation from hotels in Side and the surrounding holiday areas.
Pickup service is commonly available from Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Sorgun, Titreyengöl and Manavgat.
Some tours provide direct pickup from the hotel entrance. Other programmes may require guests to walk to a nearby meeting point, especially when the hotel is located on a narrow road or inside an area inaccessible to large vehicles.
Before booking, travellers should confirm the exact pickup location, pickup time, expected return time, transportation conditions and whether an additional transfer fee applies.
Pickup information is generally provided 1 day before the tour or after the reservation is confirmed.
8. What is usually included in the tour price?
The services included in the price depend on the selected tour.
A typical excursion may include hotel pickup, return transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, lunch or dinner, safety equipment, activity fees and basic insurance.
Some tours also include entrance tickets, boat transportation or selected drinks.
Additional expenses may include beverages, personal purchases, photographs, optional activities, souvenirs and attraction entrance fees not specifically listed in the programme.
Travellers should always check the “included” and “not included” sections before completing a reservation.
9. When is the best time to book activities in Side?
The main tourism season in Side generally runs for approximately 7 months, from April until the end of October.
During July and August, popular tours may become fully booked 1–3 days before departure. Private boat tours, fishing charters, small-group activities and special evening shows may require earlier booking.
Regular group tours can usually be booked 1–2 days in advance. Private tours should preferably be reserved 3–7 days in advance. During peak periods, booking as early as possible is recommended.
Weather-dependent tours should be checked approximately 24 hours before departure, especially during spring, autumn or periods of strong wind.
10. What should visitors bring on a tour?
The items required depend on the activity, but most travellers should bring at least 8 useful essentials — comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, drinking water and some cash.
For rafting, boat trips and water activities, dry clothes and waterproof protection for phones and valuables are recommended.
For mountain excursions and evening tours, a light jacket may be useful because temperatures can be 5–10°C cooler than in coastal areas.
Guests joining adventure tours should avoid carrying unnecessary valuables and should wear clothing suitable for dust, mud or water.
11. Are private tours available from Side?
Yes. Private tours are available for couples, families, groups of friends and travellers who prefer a more flexible experience.
Popular private options include boat charters, airport transfers, city tours, cultural excursions, fishing trips and customised day tours.
A private tour usually allows greater flexibility with departure time, route, activity duration, swimming stops and meal arrangements.
Private tours can be especially comfortable for families with small children, groups of 4–8 people or travellers who do not want to join a large group.
Prices usually depend on the number of participants, vehicle type, programme duration and selected services.
12. Where can travellers find more tours in Side?
Travellers can explore boat trips, historical excursions, cultural experiences, nature tours, adventure activities and city tours in the Side tours and daily activities guide.
The guide allows visitors to compare tour durations, pickup areas, programme details, included services, departure days and booking conditions.
Checking these details before booking makes it easier to choose the most suitable experience according to budget, available time, age group and travel preferences.