Side-Turkey.

If you have seen one photo of Side before arriving, it was almost certainly this one: five honey-coloured marble columns standing alone at the tip of the peninsula, the Mediterranean glittering just behind them. That is the Temple of Apollo, and it is the postcard image of the whole Turkish Riviera for good reason. But there is a lot more to it than a pretty silhouette. Here is the real story behind the stones, plus honest advice on when to go so you actually get the view you came for.

A short, honest history of the temple

The Temple of Apollo was built around the middle of the 2nd century AD, during the reign of the Roman emperor Antoninus Pius. It belongs to Side's golden age, when the city was a wealthy Pamphylian port trading across the Mediterranean. The temple was dedicated to Apollo, the god of light, music and harmony, and it stood right beside a second sanctuary dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of the city and protector of its sailors and harbour.

What you see today is only a fragment of the original building, but it is a beautiful one. Five columns were re-erected during restoration work carried out between 1984 and 1990, and further conservation took place in 2017. Their position at the very edge of the old town, with open sea on two sides, is exactly why this spot is so photographed. For the confirmed history, dating and any updates, the T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı (Ministry of Culture and Tourism) is the authority to check.

Why the temple sits where it does

Side occupies a small peninsula, and the Temple of Apollo was deliberately placed at its seaward tip. For an ancient port city, putting a sanctuary by the harbour entrance was a statement: it greeted sailors arriving from across the sea and watched over those leaving. Standing there today, with waves breaking against the rocks below the columns, you get a real sense of why this corner mattered so much to the people of Side two thousand years ago.

The best time to visit

Sunset is the headline act

There is no contest: late afternoon into sunset is when the temple comes alive. The low sun turns the marble warm gold and lines up perfectly behind the columns for photographs. It is also the busiest hour, so arrive a little early to claim your spot on the rocks before the crowd builds.

Early morning for peace and quiet

If you prefer the ruins to yourself, come not long after sunrise. The light is soft, the old town is still waking up, and you can wander the colonnaded streets and agora without the midday heat or the tour-bus rush. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons; high summer is glorious but hot at midday, so plan your walking around the cooler hours.

Making the most of the wider ancient city

The temple is the star, but it is only the beginning. Side's ruins are spread right through the modern old town and are largely open-air to walk among. While you are here, look for the huge ancient theatre, one of the largest in the region, the monumental Vespasian gate, the agora and the long colonnaded streets. The Side Museum, housed in a beautifully restored Roman bath, is well worth an hour. Note that the museum and certain sites may charge a separate entrance fee, so check the official site before you go.

Quick Facts

• Duration: The old town is open-air to explore at your own pace; if a guided tour is added, 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 temple and old-town ruins; guiding included only if a guided tour is booked.
• Excludes: Side Museum and certain site entrance fees (check the official site); meals and personal spending.
• Family Friendly: Yes — easy walking, open space and sea views suit all ages.
• Best Season: Spring and autumn for comfort; sunset year-round for the view.
• Difficulty: Easy, flat walking on uneven ancient surfaces — comfortable shoes help.

Related Excursions

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the Temple of Apollo in Side?

It was built around the middle of the 2nd century AD, during the reign of the Roman emperor Antoninus Pius, so it is roughly 1,800 years old.

Was the temple dedicated to Apollo or Athena?

This temple was dedicated to Apollo. A second, neighbouring sanctuary was dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Side. The two stood side by side near the harbour.

How many columns are standing today?

Five columns were re-erected during restoration between 1984 and 1990, with further conservation work in 2017. They are the iconic group you see in every photo.

Is there an entrance fee for the temple?

The ruins in the old town are largely open-air to walk among. The Side Museum and certain specific sites may charge a separate entrance fee, so check the official site for current details.

When is the best time of day to visit?

Sunset for the famous golden light and photographs, or early morning if you want the ruins quiet and the temperatures cool.

What else is there to see nearby?

The ancient theatre, the Vespasian monumental gate, the agora, the colonnaded streets and the Side Museum in its restored Roman bath are all within easy walking distance.

Is it suitable for children and older visitors?

Yes. The walking is flat and gentle, though ancient paving can be uneven, so wear comfortable shoes.

Want a smooth, well-planned day in Side and the wider region? Book direct with the Murat Atalay team at side-turkey.com. Message us on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. Booking direct cuts out agency and OTA commissions, and we back it with our best-price guarantee.