Side
Side is a small peninsula town on the Turkish Riviera where a working ancient city and a modern beach resort occupy the same few hundred meters of ground. Its most striking feature is the Temple of Apollo, whose columns stand right at the water's edge and glow at sunset, alongside a well-preserved Roman theater, an agora, and city walls that visitors wander past on their way to restaurants and shops built directly among the ruins. Founded by Greek colonists and later a major Roman port, Side's archaeological layer is unusually dense for a town this size.
Around the historic core, Side has grown into one of the Antalya coast's busiest resort areas, with long sandy beaches on both sides of the peninsula and a large concentration of hotels along the surrounding coastline. It suits travelers who want beach time and nightlife alongside genuine ancient sights within walking distance, rather than a quiet archaeological visit — expect a lively, tourist-oriented atmosphere, especially in the town center during summer evenings.
Side FAQs
Side is known for the Temple of Apollo standing at the water's edge, its well-preserved Roman theater, and its long sandy beaches that make it a major resort town on the Turkish Riviera.
Yes, it's one of the more popular beach resort areas near Antalya, with extensive hotel development and beaches on both sides of the peninsula.
Yes, the temple and harbor area are in the open town center and can be viewed at any time without an entrance fee.
It's roughly an hour's drive, making it an easy and popular choice for a resort stay close to the airport.
Yes, the old town center gets quite busy with tourists in peak summer months, especially in the evenings around the shops and restaurants near the ruins.
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