Side-Turkey.

Few places on the Turkish Riviera let you walk through two thousand years of history with the Mediterranean glittering beside you. Side does exactly that. Set on a small peninsula southwest of Manavgat in Antalya province, this ancient Greek and Roman port city wraps its ruins around modern cafes, harbour-front restaurants and a working seaside town. You can stand inside a Roman theatre, wander a marble agora, and finish the day watching the sun drop behind the famous Temple of Apollo right at the water's edge. Here is why Side belongs near the top of your list.

An ancient harbour city that never left the sea

Side was one of the most important ports of ancient Pamphylia, and its location on a peninsula means the sea is never far in any direction. That setting is what makes it so different from inland ruins. As you walk the old colonnaded streets you cross from shaded stonework into open views of the bay, then back into the lanes of the modern village built right among the columns. It is rare to find an archaeological site that is also a living town, and Side gives you both at once.

The Temple of Apollo

The signature image of Side is the Temple of Apollo, whose surviving marble columns stand on the tip of the peninsula directly above the waves. Apollo was one of the city's principal deities, honoured as a god of light and art, and the temple dates from the Roman era. At golden hour the white columns glow against the blue water, which is why this is the single most photographed spot in town. For exact opening details of the surrounding site, check the official museum site.

The Roman theatre, agora and museum

Beyond the temple, Side keeps surprising you. The large Roman theatre is one of the most impressive structures in the region, built to seat a vast audience, and its scale still stops people in their tracks. Nearby lies the agora, the old marketplace and civic heart of the city, where you can read the outline of daily Roman life in the paving and column bases. To put it all in context, the Side Museum occupies a restored Roman bath building and displays statues, sarcophagi and inscriptions found across the site. Seeing the artefacts indoors, then the buildings they came from outdoors, makes the whole city click into place.

The old town and harbour

Modern Side is woven straight through the ruins. Narrow lanes lined with shops and family-run restaurants lead down to a small harbour, and you are rarely more than a few minutes from a beach or a sea view. It is genuinely walkable, which makes Side ideal for travellers who want history and a relaxed coastal afternoon in the same trip.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Confirmed at booking
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking
• Includes: Hotel transfer and guiding as listed; details confirmed at booking
• Excludes: Site entrance/museum fees, food and drinks, and personal spending unless stated; check at booking
• Family Friendly: Yes — easy walking among the ruins suits most ages
• Best Season: Spring and autumn for mild weather; summer is hot, so bring water, a hat and sun protection
• Difficulty: Easy — flat walking on stone and gravel surfaces

Related Excursions

• Tours & things to do in Side
• Antalya excursions & old town
• Alanya castle & beach tours
• Belek day trips
• Kemer coast excursions
• More Turkish Riviera travel guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Side?

Side sits on a peninsula southwest of Manavgat, in Antalya province on Turkey's Mediterranean coast.

What is Side famous for?

It is best known for the seafront Temple of Apollo, a large Roman theatre, the ancient agora and the Side Museum, all within a living seaside town.

Is the Temple of Apollo really right on the sea?

Yes. Its marble columns stand at the very tip of the peninsula above the water, which is why it is so popular at sunset.

Can I combine ruins and the beach in one visit?

Absolutely. Side is compact and walkable, so history, the harbour and the shoreline are all close together.

Is Side suitable for families?

Yes. The walking is mostly flat and the open-air ruins are easy for children and older travellers to enjoy.

How much are entrance fees?

Fees and opening hours can change, so please check the official museum site or confirm with us at booking.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are most comfortable; summer is hot and bright, so plan for sun protection and water.

Why book directly with you?

Booking direct with our local team removes agency and OTA commission, and we back it with a best-price guarantee.

Ready to explore Side? Book directly with the Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. As a local operator we cut out agency and OTA commission and stand behind our best-price guarantee — message us today.