Side-Turkey.

If you are planning a honeymoon on the Turkish Riviera, Side and the wider Antalya coast give you something rare: warm Mediterranean light, ancient ruins that still feel alive, and quiet corners where it can feel like the two of you have the place to yourselves. This guide is built only on real, verifiable spots that suit couples, anniversaries and honeymoons, so you can plan with confidence and let us handle the logistics.

Romantic Side, where ruins meet the sea

Side sits on a small peninsula, and its most famous sight is the seafront Temple of Apollo. Its tall columns stand right at the water's edge, and at sunset they glow gold over the Mediterranean — one of the most photographed romantic moments on the coast, and a favourite gathering point for couples as the light fades. The temple area is open to wander, so an evening stroll here costs nothing but time.

After sunset, the old town's narrow lanes open up. Candle-lit restaurants sit tucked among the ancient stones, and quiet beach walks are easy to find once the day-trippers leave. It is an unhurried, intimate setting — exactly what most newlyweds are looking for in their first evenings together.

The wider Antalya coast for couples

Antalya — Kaleici and clifftop views

An easy trip from Side, Antalya's Kaleici old town is a maze of lantern-lit lanes leading down to the old harbour. Clifftop terraces give you wide sea views, and the Duden Waterfalls add a refreshing natural pause. It is the kind of place to wander hand in hand with no fixed plan.

Alanya — castle sunsets and a river valley

In Alanya, the hilltop castle rewards you with sweeping sunset views over the bay. The Dim River (Dim Cayi) valley is a different mood entirely: restaurants built right over the cool, clear water, with tables almost touching the stream. Cleopatra Beach is close by for a slow morning swim.

Kemer — pine coves, a mountain summit and eternal flames

Kemer is for couples who like a little adventure with their romance. Phaselis is an ancient harbour town where you can swim in sheltered coves among the pines. Mount Tahtali, reached by the Olympos cable car, gives panoramic views from high above the coast. And near Cirali, the Yanartas (Chimaera) flames glow naturally from the rock after dark — methane gas that has burned here for millennia, magical to see in the evening.

Private cruises and secluded swims

For a pure honeymoon moment, a boat trip or private gulet cruise lets you reach swim stops that are hard to get to by road. Drifting between quiet coves, swimming in clear water and watching the coast slide past is about as romantic as the region gets. A private charter means the day is yours alone.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Varies by experience (evening strolls, half-day visits or full cruise days), confirmed at booking
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking
• Includes: Hotel transfers and guiding as per the chosen experience; cruise details confirmed at booking
• Excludes: Personal spending, meals unless stated, optional extras — confirmed at booking
• Family Friendly: Couple- and family-friendly; relaxed pace
• Best Season: Spring through autumn for warm, calm coastal weather
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate; some sites involve walking on uneven ancient stone

Related Excursions

• Romantic Side & the Temple of Apollo
• Antalya & Kaleici old town
• Alanya castle & Dim River valley
• Kemer, Phaselis & the Chimaera flames
• Belek beaches & nearby escapes
• More honeymoon & couples guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Side a good honeymoon destination?

Yes. Side combines the seafront Temple of Apollo at sunset, candle-lit old-town restaurants among the ruins and quiet beach walks, all in a compact, walkable setting that suits couples.

What is the most romantic thing to do in Side?

Watching the sun set behind the Temple of Apollo's columns over the sea is the classic choice, followed by dinner in the lantern-lit old town.

Can we combine Side with the rest of the Antalya coast?

Absolutely. Antalya's Kaleici, Alanya's castle and Dim River, and Kemer's Phaselis and Chimaera flames all make excellent day trips with hotel pick-up arranged for you.

Are the Yanartas (Chimaera) flames real?

Yes. They are natural flames fed by gas escaping from the rock near Cirali, and they have burned here for a very long time. They are best seen after dark.

Is a private boat cruise worth it for a honeymoon?

For couples wanting privacy and secluded swim stops, a private gulet cruise is one of the most romantic ways to experience the coast. Details are confirmed at booking.

When is the best time to visit for a honeymoon?

Spring through autumn offers warm, calm weather ideal for coastal walks, swimming and sunset views.

How do we get the best price?

Book direct with us. As a local operator we remove agency and OTA commission, and we back it with a best-price guarantee.

Ready to plan your honeymoon? Book direct with the Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or info@side-turkey.com. Booking direct removes agency and OTA commission and comes with our best-price guarantee — let us tailor a romantic itinerary across Side and the Antalya coast just for the two of you.