Side-Turkey.

Most visitors to Side stick to the famous trio: the seaside temple, Aspendos and a boat trip. That is fair enough, those places earn their crowds. But if you have already ticked them off, or you simply prefer your history without a queue, the hills and forests inland from the coast hide a handful of places that very few package tourists ever reach. Here are three of our favourites, all within day-trip reach of Side and Manavgat, and all far quieter than the headline sights.

Seleukeia (Lyrbe): a forgotten city in the pines

Tucked into pine forest in the hills above Manavgat, near the village of Bucakseyhler, lie the ruins of an ancient city that goes by two names. Older guidebooks call it Seleukeia; more recent scholarship leans towards Lyrbe, and honestly the debate is part of the charm, even the archaeologists are not fully agreed. What you will find is wonderfully intact for a site this quiet: a remarkably well-preserved agora (the old marketplace and civic heart), bath buildings, cisterns and scattered tombs, all half-swallowed by trees.

It is the atmosphere that stays with people. You can walk through a Roman marketplace with birdsong instead of loudspeakers, and often barely another soul in sight. Wear proper shoes, the ground is uneven and rooty, and bring water. For current entry arrangements and any fee, check the official site or confirm at booking.

Altinbesik Cave: a lake under the mountains

Inland from Antalya, in the Ibradi district, the Altinbesik Cave National Park protects one of the region's strangest landscapes: a large underground lake hidden inside a limestone cave. You reach it through mountain villages, the road in passes through Urunlu, and the final stretch is a genuine journey up into the Taurus. Inside, visitors board a small boat and glide across the dark, still water beneath stalactites. It is calm, cool and completely unlike the beach.

This is a longer outing because of the mountain roads, so it suits travellers who do not mind time in the car for a real payoff. Cave conditions and the boat experience can vary with the season and water level. For exact opening hours, fees and whether the lake boat is running, check the official national-park site or confirm at booking.

Selge: a Pisidian city above Koprulu Canyon

High in the mountains near Koprulu Canyon, at the village of Altinkaya (also known as Zerk), sit the ruins of Selge, an ancient Pisidian city perched among dramatic rock formations. Its great theatre is the showpiece, carved into the hillside with the canyon and peaks as a backdrop. Compared with nearby Aspendos, Selge sees a fraction of the visitors, which means you can take your time among the stones.

Many people combine Selge with the wider Koprulu Canyon area, where the Roman bridge and the gorge itself are worth the drive. The setting is rugged and high, so dress for cooler mountain air even in summer.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Varies by destination, Altinbesik in particular is a longer trip due to mountain roads; confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Transport and local guidance; full inclusions confirmed at booking.
• Excludes: Personal expenses, optional extras and any site entry fees unless stated; confirmed at booking.
• Family Friendly: Yes, though uneven ground at ruins and mountain roads suit older children best.
• Best Season: Spring and autumn are most comfortable for walking ruins and mountain trips.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with uneven, rooty paths at the ancient sites.

Related Excursions

• Tours & excursions from Side
• Things to do around Antalya
• Day trips from Alanya
• Excursions near Belek
• Tours around Kemer
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these places really near Side?

Yes, all three sit within day-trip reach of Side and Manavgat, though they are inland in the hills and mountains rather than on the coast. Altinbesik Cave is the furthest and takes the longest to reach.

Is it Seleukeia or Lyrbe?

Both names are used. Older publications called the forest city Seleukeia, while many scholars now favour Lyrbe. The debate is unresolved, which is part of its appeal.

Can I see the underground lake at Altinbesik?

The cave is known for its large underground lake, visited by small boat. Conditions can change with season and water level, so confirm the boat is running on the official national-park site or at booking.

How busy is Selge compared with Aspendos?

Selge sees far fewer visitors than Aspendos, so it is a good choice if you want ruins and mountain scenery without the crowds.

What should I wear and bring?

Sturdy closed shoes, water and sun protection. For mountain trips like Altinbesik and Selge, bring a layer, it is cooler and higher than the coast.

Are these trips suitable for children?

Older children usually enjoy them. The uneven ground at ruins and the long mountain drives mean very young children may find them tiring.

How long does each trip take?

It depends on the destination and the mountain roads involved. We will confirm the timing for your chosen route at booking.

Why book direct with you?

Booking direct with our local team removes agency and OTA commission, and you get our best-price guarantee plus honest, on-the-ground advice.

Ready to swap the crowds for something quieter? Message Murat Atalay's local team directly on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com to plan your hidden-gems day. Booking direct means no middleman, honest local advice and our best-price guarantee.