Side-Turkey.

Few corners of the Turkish Riviera feel as effortlessly romantic as Side. The town sits on a small peninsula where ancient ruins meet the sea, so an evening here moves from sun-warmed stone to lantern light without you ever needing a car. If you are planning a honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a few days alone together, here are the genuinely romantic things to do in Side, all built on real places worth your time.

Sunset at the Temple of Apollo

This is the moment couples remember most. The seafront Temple of Apollo stands right at the tip of the old town, and as the sun drops its surviving Corinthian columns glow gold against the water. The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism specifically recommends seeing the temples of Apollo and Athena at sunset, and it lives up to that. Arrive a little before the light softens, find a spot on the rocks or the low wall nearby, and simply watch. It is free, it is open-air, and it is the easiest romantic ritual in town.

A quiet beach walk after

Once the colour fades, the long sandy stretches just outside the old town empty out. A barefoot walk along the shore, with the temple lit behind you, is the kind of slow, unhurried thing that makes a trip feel like a honeymoon rather than a holiday.

Candle-lit dinner among the ruins

Side's old town is a maze of narrow lanes threading between marble fragments and Roman columns, and many of its restaurants set their tables right in the middle of it. Dining by candlelight with ancient stone on either side and the sea a few steps away is the heart of a romantic evening here. We will not quote menus or prices, those are confirmed at booking and vary by venue, but the atmosphere is the genuine article: warm light, sea breeze, and history all around you.

A couples' boat trip with secluded swim stops

For a different kind of romance, the water itself delivers. Boat trips and private gulet cruises along this coast pull into quiet coves where you can swim away from the crowds, share a swim stop just for the two of you, and watch the shoreline drift by. A private cruise is especially suited to honeymoons and anniversaries when you want the deck, the view, and the time to yourselves. Inclusions and timing are confirmed at booking.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Boat trips and private gulet cruises vary; sunset and old-town walks are flexible and self-paced, confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Hotel transfers and guiding where applicable; cruise inclusions confirmed at booking.
• Excludes: Personal spending, restaurant meals and site entry fees unless stated; confirmed at booking.
• Family Friendly: Yes, though these experiences are tailored for couples; private options available.
• Best Season: Late spring through autumn for warm evenings and swimming.
• Difficulty: Easy, gentle walking on cobbled lanes and beaches.

Related Excursions

• Side tours & excursions
• Antalya & romantic Kaleici old town
• Alanya castle sunset & Dim River valley
• Kemer, Phaselis coves & Mount Tahtali
• Belek getaways
• More travel ideas on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Side good for couples and honeymoons?

Yes. Its compact old town, seafront temple and quiet beaches put romantic moments within easy walking distance, which suits honeymoons and anniversaries especially well.

Where is the best sunset spot in Side?

The seafront Temple of Apollo at the tip of the old town is the classic choice, its columns catch the last gold light over the sea. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism recommends it specifically.

Can we dine among the ruins?

Yes. Many old-town restaurants set tables among the marble fragments and columns. Menus, prices and opening hours are confirmed at booking and vary by venue.

Do you offer private boat trips for couples?

Yes. Private gulet cruises with secluded swim stops can be arranged, ideal for couples who want the deck and the view to themselves. Inclusions and timing are confirmed at booking.

What should we wear for the old town?

Comfortable flat shoes for the cobbled lanes, plus a light layer for breezy seafront evenings.

Is it expensive to visit the Temple of Apollo at sunset?

Watching from the rocks and seafront nearby is open-air and free. Any formal site entry details should be checked on the official museum site.

Why book direct with you instead of an agency?

We are a local operator, so booking direct removes agency and OTA commission. You deal with our team straight away and get our best-price guarantee.

Can you combine Side with day trips elsewhere?

Yes. We can pair romantic evenings in Side with trips to Antalya's Kaleici, Alanya or Kemer, all confirmed at booking.

Ready to plan your romantic escape? Book DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or info@side-turkey.com. As a local operator we cut out agency and OTA commission and back every booking with our best-price guarantee, so your time in Side is all about the two of you.