Side-Turkey.

One of the best things about Side is that you can wander through 2,000-year-old ruins in the morning and be floating in warm Mediterranean water by lunchtime. The ancient city sits on a small peninsula in the Manavgat district of Antalya, and sandy beaches wrap around it on two sides. This guide explains where to swim near the old town, what each beach is like, and how to combine a dip in the sea with a stroll past the Temple of Apollo.

The two beaches that hug the old town

Because Side sits on a peninsula, the coast splits naturally into two main stretches, usually called West Beach and East Beach. They have very different personalities, so it is worth knowing which suits your day.

West Beach

West Beach runs from the edge of the old town towards the Colakli direction. It is wide and sandy with a gentle, shallow entry, which is why families with small children tend to gravitate here. The water is generally calm through most of the summer, and there is a steady line of little cafes and restaurants set back from the sand, so you are never far from shade or a cold drink. It is also the side many people choose for sunset, since you are looking out over the water as the sky turns gold behind the Temple of Apollo.

East Beach (Side Big Beach)

On the other side of the peninsula, East Beach — often called Side Big Beach — stretches for several kilometres of fine golden sand. The water tends to be a little deeper and the atmosphere quieter, with more room to spread out. If you want space to swim properly or just to sunbathe without crowds pressing in, this is usually the calmer choice.

Sorgun and the longer coastline east of Side

Keep heading east and the sand continues towards Sorgun and on towards the Manavgat river. Sorgun Beach is part of a long stretch that has carried Blue Flag recognition, a European award for water quality and beach management. Note that many sections along here belong to or are managed by neighbouring hotels, so public access and facilities vary from spot to spot — it is worth checking locally before you commit to a particular patch of sand. For free, walkable swimming closest to the ruins, the beaches right beside the old town are the simplest option.

Swimming and visiting the ruins in one day

This is the real charm of Side: the beach and the archaeology are minutes apart on foot. A relaxed plan is to explore the open-air old town early — the colonnaded streets, the agora, the great theatre and the seafront Temple of Apollo — while it is cooler and quieter, then walk down to West or East Beach for a swim once the sun is high. The ancient ruins are largely open-air to wander, though the Side Museum and certain sites may have separate entrance fees; check the official site for current tickets and hours. The Temple of Apollo is at its most photogenic at sunset, so many visitors save it for the end of a beach day.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Side old town is open-air to walk at your own pace; if you add a guided tour, duration is confirmed at booking.
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking.
• Includes: Free open-air access to the colonnaded old town and beaches; guided options on request.
• Excludes: Side Museum and certain sites may charge separate entrance fees — check the official site.
• Family Friendly: Yes — West Beach has shallow, gentle water ideal for children.
• Best Season: Late spring through early autumn for warm, swimmable sea; early morning for the ruins.
• Difficulty: Easy, flat walking on sand and old-town lanes.

Related Excursions

• Things to do in Side
• Antalya excursions
• Alanya day trips
• Belek tours
• Kemer excursions
• More travel guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Side beach is best for families?

West Beach is the usual pick for families, thanks to its wide sand and shallow, calm entry that suits younger children.

Is there a beach right next to the ancient ruins?

Yes. Because Side sits on a peninsula, both West and East beaches are within easy walking distance of the old town and the Temple of Apollo.

Are Side's beaches free?

The public beaches beside the old town are open to walk on; some sections, especially towards Sorgun, are managed by hotels with their own facilities. Check locally for access and any sunbed charges.

Do the beaches have Blue Flag status?

Parts of the longer coastline, including Sorgun, have carried Blue Flag recognition for water quality and management. Standards are reviewed each season.

Can I swim and see the ruins in the same day?

Easily. The old town is open-air to wander and the beaches are minutes away on foot, so many visitors combine both in one relaxed day.

When is the sea warm enough to swim?

The Mediterranean here is generally warm and swimmable from late spring through early autumn. Conditions vary year to year, so check a local forecast.

Is there an entrance fee for the Temple of Apollo?

The seafront columns are part of the open-air old town and free to walk up to; the Side Museum and certain sites may charge separately. Check the official site for current details.

When is the best time for photos?

Early morning is quieter for the ruins, while the Temple of Apollo is famously photogenic at sunset — a perfect end to a beach day.

Want help planning a beach-and-ruins day in Side? Book DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or info@side-turkey.com. As a local operator you skip the agency and OTA commission, and we back it with our best-price guarantee.